I’ve been either blessed or cursed with the “get up early” gene, and the 5:30 wake up had Ms Lumsden and I on the Harbourfront Walkway in the early hours. It almost feels like the time of day when this very busy slice of earth catches its breath ☺️. As such, we made use of the relative quiet and pace to meander the promenade through joggers and dog walkers to Cafe Locale… selected for solid reviews and early opening. ☕️
Shortly after 9:00AM we hit the streets as a group and moseyed to St Lawrence Market (just shy of 20 minutes). The colors and smells of a working market are always a fun stop. Folks grabbed a round of breakfast sandwiches, coffees and some pasteis de nata for some hearty nourishment and a relaxed sit down. Super mug up… and although group discussion worked hard to “disprove” that I walked back the longest route from last night’s Jays game, it fell short! 😄
We changed pace and caught the noonish ferry to Centre Island to collect some breeze and enjoy the ferry ride. It was all about leisure as we meandered the paths and especially enjoyed the lookout view of the Toronto skyline. It’s indeed a credit to the city’s founding fathers to have been able to preserve this space, which seemed to be used by all color & creed for the purpose of connecting with nature. Such a contrast to views across this part of Lake Ontario!
The bonus with this type of attraction is the boat ride! We rarely miss the opportunity for a fresh breeze off the water and great views… and all for the cost of a transit ticket. Although lines were busy (can’t imagine what a holiday weekend might look like) we embarked and returned without issue. Lineups can be circumvented some via online purchasing so it’s worth a look on a busy day. We spent a couple of hours either on the ferry or on the island, and it was well worth the $10 return ticket. 👍
All hands returned for a moments reprieve… except Janie & Brad who were on a mission to replenish the larder for the return trip home. Big score there 👍! After regrouping we headed out for a mid afternoon reservation at WVRST. First recommended by our travel tipster Mike Hinchey, this restaurant has since opened a new location amid a group of eateries in Union Station, and we were giving it a go! Another culinary excursion for our group, as we took a mountain hike through a Bavaria of sausage / schnitzel / cheese washed down with German bevvies!
So here’s the scoop on WVRST! We had visited before at the Front St location and enjoyed the ambience, but weren’t really experimental enough with the menu. Today Janie lead the charge and went for it. Based around a centre of table cheese fondue that everyone shared, we sampled mains from porchetta to smash burger, schnitzel to sausage. JP noted it was one of the best burgers he’d ever had! I enjoyed a dark beer with a sausage sampler that included elk, rabbit and even “kangaroo” (a real first for me)! The sides, sauces and salads simply spot on 👍. Once again… a really flavourful supper that I really didn’t expect to land in the heart of Union Station.
With our Jays gear already on we did the 15 minute walk to Rogers for the second leg of the series with the Cubs. Some batting practice, merch shake down and ball park vibe and we were into the anthems! Of note, the roof was slammed shut with a pouring rain and a potential thunderstorm warning outside. We settled in for what had the makings of a legit pitching duel with Gausman vs Horton taking the mound. Unlike Tuesday, the Cubs returned the favor and handed the Blue Jays loss number 51 of the season. Regardless, so much fun being at the park and sharing with 43,120 of our closest friends.
We had an excellent walk home and evening, accomplishing a short photo shoot, a raucous elevator ride and Happy Birthday celebration for Laura! As the day fizzled, we managed some Thursday “travel day” prep as well, sorting through morning check out requirements and departure time. Heading east tomorrow!