Today June 26, 2016 is the fortieth anniversary of the CN Tower. When completed in 1976 it was the world’s tallest free-standing structure. It has since been usurped from this number one position from various structures including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE.

CN is derived from Canadian National Railway and the Tower is built at railway central in downtown Toronto. Commuter trains and cross-country trains regularly pass by the Tower.

CN Tower 40th Anniversary

Toronto is Canada’s largest city. It is located in the province of Ontario, the most populous of the country. This multicultural city is vibrant with year-round festivals and also serves as the country’s financial centre. With so much to see and do it’s hard for a tourist to get a sense of the city as a local would experience it. Here’s just a taste of quintessential Toronto:

24 hours and $25 in the ‘Six/Tdot/TO/Trona/Hogtown’ aka Toronto

• Grab a double-double at Tim Horton’s. This iconic coffee shop is everywhere and just about everyone has had a Tim Horton’s moment in their lifetime. For a sense of its popularity, go during the early morning and wait in line with the locals. Approximate cost: $1.50 for a small coffee.
• Stop by the NFB (National Film Board of Canada) on 150 John Street downtown where digital viewing stations are free. The NFB has an extensive collection of documentaries and films that speak to the diverse cultural landscape of Canada. *A great rainy day OR too ‘hot-and-humid-to be-outside’ day kind of activity. Approximate cost: free
• Visit Kensington Market, also downtown and a 15 minute walk from the NFB. This multicultural marketplace is a microcosm of the various people who call Toronto home. Browse the awesome second-hand clothing shops, smell your way through the various pastry, coffee and chocolate shops and eat your way through the restaurants. This place was also the inspiration for a popular Canadian t.v. series in the late 1970’s called King of Kensington. Approximate cost: $10 for a substantial snack, sandwich or bakery buy.
• Ride the rocket. The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) is how a significant number of Torontonians navigate the city without a car. For the full meal-deal experience, take the streetcar, transfer to the subway and then take a bus during rush hour! It doesn’t matter where you go because you can always get back to where you started in a reasonable amount of time. Though locals may complain about the TTC it is quite efficient and reliable as far as big city mass transit goes. Approximate cost: $3.25 for a one-way adult ticket.
  
• Take pictures of the CN Tower, the building that distinguishes Toronto’s skyline. Though there is a charge to actually go to the top of it ($33 general admission for adults), you’ll get the best view and photos of the Tower from the outside. Or simply buy a postcard of the Tower from the gift shop. Approximate cost: $3
• Hang out at Harbourfront Centre. During the summer there are a number of events, workshops and shows often free of charge! Buy some French fries from one of the many chip trucks on Front street, then have a seat by the water and watch the boats and tourists go by. Approximate cost:$5