Wednesday’s departure really started on Tuesday, after a raucous gig with O’Hanlon and a stay in Alma with the Greencorn’s (thnx so much to Troy & Jen). We enjoyed more of a “nap” than a sleep, with a 5:00 AM departure from Alma to Halifax Stanfield. Travelling was smooth, having a quick trip into the airport and a quiet security screening with everything through (except for an errant tube of sunscreen). Quick Tim’s stop for a mug up and a short wait for take off ✈️.
Our 8:00 AM departure with Porter left right on time. Always love when that first couple of pieces of business go well. Small plane today, just four across, prop engines and a “windowless” Row 11 🫣. Flight time from Halifax Stanfield (YHZ) to Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) was an estimated 2:47 minutes and we used the opportunity to rest the eyes, munch an in-flight snack and do a little pre-arrival planning. An absolutely clean flight… although the landing gets a 6.5 from the Russian judge!
This was my first ever arrival at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). Kind of thankful to avoid the Pearson monstrosity this go round. As the name suggests one finds his/herself plopped into the heart of the city. Planes land on an island in Toronto Harbour while enjoying the pace of a smaller airport. Of note… at Billy Bishop we couldn’t believe the calm and orderliness as all passengers remained seated and didn’t get up until the previous row had departed! WOW! After the calm exit, we waltzed by checked baggage (having only carry-on) and pointed ourselves toward the city.
We’d done some research and seen video that walks through arrival and puts a visual on the way from Airport to Union Station. Access to the mainland can be made via ferry or tunnel. We chose the tunnel… it’s all escalator and pedway! Brings one directly to the free shuttle to Union Station (well signed) and we waited 15 minutes for pickup. Mid-week morning streets… so busy, in fact that we got recognized! Yep… heard the yell “Chris” outta the crowd. What are the odds of stumbling into Andrew & Lori in front of Union Station! Wow… a quick photo… and barely a hello! What are those odds?
After a quick baggage check on University Avenue, we made our way to the Hockey Hall of Fame (just a couple blocks walk). This stop worked out well… it was an easy walk, fun visit and lots of “cool air”! We took in the intro video, watched kids play some of the interactive games, nestled up to the Stanley Cup, and viewed many of the uniform laden showcases with both old and new exhibits. A veritable swarm of hockey memorabilia and something for all ages.
After a solid break, we hailed an Uber and headed west 8-10 blocks for a special treat… lunch at Rodney’s Oyster House. With a reservation for 2:00 PM, we made our second visit in as many years with family to enjoy some of the best seafood you’ll find anywhere. Rodney’s is a TO institution, and known throughout for its relaxed groove, great service and spot on menu. Kelly Peck, a special family friend and long time employee of Rodney’s, came in on his day off to dine with us and show us the ropes in regard to navigating the menu! An awesome couple of hour visit with Kelly, super casual dining experience, and a WOW meal! Lord… good food and company. What an event 👍!
By 4:30 we had ourselves checked in to our digs, a 30th floor 300 Front St W Airbnb. While Buzz & Emily caught a quick kink, Janie and I hustled to retrieve stored bags and get things sorted for the main event, Red Sox vs Jays game. Devices (and our gang) got the batteries recharged and settled for a solid rest. Great space… all the amenities and the CN Tower looming large from the balcony windows. 🤓
We departed before 6:00 PM and made our way to Roger’s Centre. Janie had nailed awesome seats (Section 123) and all hands settled in for the game. The Jays have had a tough 2026 campaign… lots of injuries, struggling at the plate and some disappointing showings by big names! That being said… the team is trending upwards and came to the plate winning 10 of their last 15 games!
This game didn’t lack drama! After Toronto took an early lead the Red Sox came back to even the score leaving the game tied in the top of the 8th inning. A lead off single by Vladdy rolled into a series of hits that blew the game wide open, with the Jays notching five runs and taking complete control of the game. The Sox went down swinging, getting three back in the ninth to make things close. It wasn’t until Varland finally shut things down that the Jays claimed a 6-4 win. An excellent game!
All hands were spent by the time we did our post-game stumble through the door, after what had become a long but successful day 👍. Ms Janie took off and did a “snack” run and all were quickly to the bunks after a really fun day on the ground in Toronto!
What an awesome day one! So fun to quickly cross paths with Andrew and Lori too, and to get another visit in at Rodney’s! Glad everyone enjoyed the game and that you were able to sneak in a few other attractions!
Thanks for the note Monica! We are up and at it looking at Day Two… we’ve got lots on the list, but only really worried about the Jays Game! Big day for all involved. Right now everyone is still moving, with bellies full and lots of chatter… 🤓
Oh my gosh!!! I’m so happy for your parents!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I love those pictures!!!! Everyone looks so happy!!!! The Stanley Cup!!!! And Rodney’s Oyster House!!!! And a Jays game that was so exciting!!! I like your sportscast btw!!!! 😃❤️
Yes… we are doing some of the same attractions / eateries that we did last August Laura! Were roaming the aquarium this morning and hanging out at the shark tank… like watching water from the wharf where I grew up in Canso! Hello to Brad and the gang ❤️. Thnx so much for the note!
I hope someone makes a FB post when you guys get back and shares all the great pictures with some captions! Holy the smiles say it all….and what odds that you’d see Andrew and Lori in TO?? Small world in the big city lol Loving the blog!
We’ll do our best to gather pics… Janie has surely been the official photographer for this occasion. It’s been a great run and we’re so glad to have planned for this now, during such a busy summer! Bumping the Graham’s was just plain irony… I knew they had been in the city but by no means did I think we’d collide in front of Union Station! A wonderful surprise!