JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF CANADA

CN TOWER , TORONTO

Dubbed "Canada's Wonder of the World", the CN (Canadian National) Tower has long been a source of pride for Canadians in and around Toronto and has been a favorite tourist attraction for those visiting this enticing Canadian city.

At 553 meter (1,815 feet) in height, the CN Tower was technically the world's tallest building (if you include communications towers and not just habitable space) from its completion in 1976 until 2009.

The Toronto Tourist Board estimates that approximately 2 million visitors annually head to the tower, which was built between 1973 and 1976 by Canadian National in hopes of demonstrating "the strength of Canadian industry by building a tower taller than any other in the world".

However, the CN Tower was actually built for more practical reasons as well. A Canadian construction boom in the 1960s transformed the downtown area into a region of skyscrapers, causing a major telecommunications problem throughout the city of Toronto. With its microwave receptors located at 338m (1,109 ft.) and 553m (1,815 ft), the CN Tower quickly solved the communication problems for the city, which had become a major concern for both businesses and residents.

If you're not afraid of heights, visiting the CN Tower is one of the greatest experiences you'll enjoy in Toronto. Soar up to 342 m (1,122 feet) and you'll arrive at the outdoor observation deck where, on a clear day, you'll be treated to amazing views of the city. There's also an "elephant-proof" glass floor located indoors where you can look straight down to the street level. No one's ever fallen through it and never will, but taking that first step onto the glass floor is, nonetheless, a little scary!

Ascend another 14 feet and you'll hit the Indoor Observation Deck (great for cold weather days) as well as the Horizons Café, where you can grab a light meal with a great view. Hop on the elevator again and you'll reach 360, the CN Tower's restaurant, which rotates once every 72 minutes, providing visitors with a complete and unobstructed view of the city.

CASA LOMA, TORONTO

Toronto's very own castle is a joy to tour and gives visitors a look at the opulence of early Toronto.

History of the Castle

Sir Henry Pellatt was a visionary.Founder of the Toronto Electric Light Company in 1883 and chairman of 21 companies by the turn of the 20th century, Pellatt built the first hydro-generating plant at Niagara Falls. By 1911, he had amassed about $17 million.

He soon hired E.J. Lennox to build his dream house; a house on the hill, or "Casa Loma". It took three years and $3.5 million to build the home, which was bigger than any home in North America at the time of its completion. Pellatt gathered artwork from around the world to decorate Casa Loma. Large rooms accommodated the Pellatt's busy social calendar and grand parties.

Head to the third floor and you can climb one of two towers: the Norman Tower, an open air area that provides stunning views of Toronto; and the Scottish Tower, the highest point in the castle, which is enclosed. Underneath the house, visitors can traverse the 800 foot / 240m secret tunnel, running 18 feet underground and leading to the stables, which were constructed from mahogany and feature Spanish tile floors.

Sitting on five acres, the architecture of Casa Loma is indicative of the opulence of the Edwardian era and is reminiscent of the castles of old.

Walk in through the main entrance and you'll find the Grand Hall with its magnificent 60 foot (18m) ceilings and sculpted figures adorning the pillars. The floor of the beautiful Conservatory, also on the first floor, is made of Italian marble and the walls of Ontario marble. The library boasts a lovely herringbone patterned oak floor and the Pellatt coat-of-arms is emblazoned on the ceiling.

Sources  :

                        www.wikipedia.org

                        www.traveleye.com