Touring Toronto

I previously made a quick mention about our week-end get away to Toronto.  Adam and I had rented a car so that we could make the seven hour trek across provincial borders with our pup.  To be honest, I wasn't particularly looking forward to the long drive, so Adam took the first shift out of Montreal.  But once I got behind the wheel after a quick rest stop, I realized how much I miss driving.  I had such a great time cruising around in our little rental car, I wouldn't let Adam have the wheel back until we were halfway home to Montreal.

While we toured Toronto, Rook stayed behind with his new buddy Nicholas, who took excellent care of him.  Adam and I headed downtown with two goals. One: See the castle!  Two: Eat at Chipotle!  We successfully achieved both.

I have been wanting to visit Casa Loma since our first trip to Toronto in January.  It was originally built to be the private residence of Sir Henry Pellatt in the early 1900's.  In addition to it's 98 rooms, secret passage ways, and underground tunnels, the property has five acres of beautiful gardens to explore.  Financial difficulties during the Depression, led to Pellatt auctioning off most of his possessions and leaving the castle having lived in it for less than ten years.  Casa Loma was briefly a luxury hotel and a popular nightspot in the late 1920's.  The city of Toronto eventually seized the property due to back taxes, but the Kiwanis Club saved it from demolition and opened it up to the public as a tourist attraction in 1937.  It's other claims to fame include housing sonar research during World War II and being featured in countless movies including Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, X-Men, and Chicago.  Adam and I spent our morning taking in the extravagant rooms, wandering through the rambling gardens, and briefly getting stuck in the tower.  Spending several hours in a house with a Spanish name definitely prepared us for our long awaited burritos.

Exploring the beautiful terraces
and gardens of Casa Loma.

I don't think Chipotle needs much of an explanation, other than to note we lack such luxuries in Montreal.  After doing an online search, we found the closest location is only two hours away in Burlington, Vermont.  But since I cannot leave the Great White North until I obtain residency, we opted for the one in Toronto.  At any rate, our lunch was incredibly delicious.  After filling up on ginormous burritos and tasty chips, our bellies confirmed it was well worth the journey.

Given the successful combination of a Toronto tourist attraction and a chain restaurant we miss from the United States, Adam and I have decided that our next trip to Toronto will include a visit to the CN Tower and Panera.  :)