Sometimes, last minute travels are the most rewarding. With no time to stress over details, the spontaneity of jumping on a plane without any real plan is liberating.
Last weekend, I was able to go on one of these adventures to Toronto for art and architecture, as well as to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. My mom had made plans to go visit relatives, and asked me if I wanted to come along at the last minute.
It was a lovely few days. One of the most wonderful things about Canada, I think, is its vastness and diversity, and this trip showed me an entirely new region of the country. I will focus on Toronto in this post, and up next, talk about my visit to Niagara!
An interesting mix of architecture on a busy Toronto corner.
I started my trip by spending an afternoon in Toronto. It was my first time in the city, and I can say that it caught me off guard. I am used to big, busy cities, but this felt like a concrete jungle! Still, there were many interesting architectural details and a unique mix of old and new buildings that lent the city both grit and charm.
We stopped by at the Art Gallery of Ontario before dinner. There was the most wonderful sculpture outside.
A very cool sculpture outside the entrance of AGO.
The gallery had an impressive, extensive collection, and I would definitely recommend setting aside a day to tour it if you have the chance. There are a range of exhibitions; cultural and historical exhibits, classic Canadian group of seven collections, modern photography, and even model ships.
Sadly, we only had an hour, but I was able to check out a photographic exhibit of Patti Smith’s polaroid collection, as well as a photographic portrait collection. I was a bit disappointed with Patti Smith’s work, as it seemed to rest on her “star status” more than photographic proficiency. Still, it was interesting.
The portrait collection was impressive though! The exhibit juxtaposed modern portrait photography with early photographs, and it was presented in an interesting, thought provoking way. Unfortunately, no photography was allowed in either exhibit. However, I did manage to snap a picture of this unique architectural detail in the main entrance which was designed by Frank Gehry, a famous Canadian architect who oversaw the redesign of the AGO.
A grand room in the AGO as designed by Frank Gehry.
That was all for my brief stay in Toronto, but it was the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Up next, my visit to Niagara!
The Wanderfull Traveler says
I was able to visit Toronto and Niagara in May. I enjoyed Toronto and was able to visit AGO – the Renaissance exhibit they featured was amazing and it was such a rewarding experience to see all the Group of 7 paintings that I studied and wrote many essays on in University.
Can’t say I enjoyed Niagara Falls too much but Niagara-on-the-Lake was very lovely – lots of antique shops all around.
Murissa
Erica Hargreave says
Always enjoy perusing the work of the Group of 7 Murissa.
And while your sentiments on Niagara echo my own, I have been told recently by Mariellen Ward that I must do the walk behind the Falls. Apparently it is quite an impressive experience.
Cam says
is that a cat sculpture?
Erica Hargreave says
I don’t think so. Which one are you referring to?
joseph says
beautiful article, makes me want to put Toronto on my next destination line. i do a lot of random trips and they are very enjoyable.
Empire says
I love Toronto!!!
Stuart Wright says
very nice i`d love to visit Toronto one day 🙂 it has some beautiful and modern architecture
Abe says
I love the sculpture outside of the AGO. I would love to incorporate something like this in my abstract art coming out soon!