Perrin arrived in Canada again this time she came to visit Toronto, Ontario. She arrived on a grey but warm day in June. As grey as it was, Perrin was so happy that it was warmer than her last visit north.
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A little history on Toronto from Wikipedia; Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the provincial capital of Ontario. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. The history of Toronto began in the late 18th century when the British Crown purchased its land from the Mississaugas of the New Credit. The British established a settlement there, called the Town of York, which its lieutenant governor, John Graves Simcoe, designated as the capital of Upper Canada. The city was ransacked in the Battle of York during the War of 1812. In 1834, York was incorporated as a city and renamed Toronto. It was damaged in two huge fires, in 1849 and 1904. Over the years, Toronto has several times expanded its borders through amalgamation with surrounding municipalities, most recently in 1998.
The city has 2.6 million residents, according to the 2011 Census. Based on these census figures, it is currently the fifth most populous city in North America. The census metropolitan area (CMA) had a population of 5,583,064,[2] and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) had a population of 6,054,191 in the 2011 Census.[3] Toronto is at the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, and of the densely populated region in Southern Ontario known as the Golden Horseshoe. Its cosmopolitan and international population[4] reflects its role as an important destination for immigrants to Canada.[5] Toronto is one of the world's most diverse cities by percentage of non-native-born residents, with about 49% of the population born outside Canada.[4][5][6] As Canada's commercial capital, it is home to the Toronto Stock Exchange and some of the nation's largest banks.[7]Toronto will host the 2015 Pan American Games.[8]
CN Tower Toronto's Landmark
All the ladies at the Franklin household were so excited to finally meet their long lost traveling cousin and had
gathered together dressed up to the nines to welcome her.
Canadian cousins excitedly waiting to meet Perrin
Perrin was both pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed to to meet everyone after her long journey. The girls quickly got her dressed in an appropriate Canada dress so she'd feel right at home.
Meeting her Canadian Cousins
Honorary Canadian
Holding on tight to the liquid gold
Perrin wasted no time finding one of Canada's best known secrets... ICEWINE.
Though Icewine's roots can be traced to centuries old German winemakers, there is nothing like Canadian liquid gold (as it is sometimes known). To make Icewine, grapes are left on the vine well into the winter months to concentrate and intensify the flavours, as water content freezes, thaws and dehydrates in each precious Icewine grape. What is left is an amazing dessert wine.
The next day it was time to get legal. Perrin packed up her passport and we headed out to Lester B. Pearson International Airport (Toronto's main international airport) to get her passport stamped by Canada Border Services Agency. The Agent was so nice to include a little message too!
We took a walk around the tarmac.
Air Canada plane
Perrin wanted to get closer to the planes but the chain link fence was as close as she could get.
Looking out onto the tarmac Perrin contemplated on her journeys past, present and future.
The final adventure on this trip was a visit to Canada's Wonderland. Perrin was in awe of the fabulous fake mountain and huge flower made Canadian flag.
Canada's Wonderland
Staring at the flower flag
The water is so clean and blue
One final wish for a safe journey made in the fountain and it was time to start packing for the next adventure.
Making a wish
Alas it was time to say good bye. We had a great time showing Perrin around. Leif came out of the closet to wish Perrin goodbye and a safe journey. Moosie decided he would keep Perrin company on her trip to remind her of the true north strong and free.
