On the way to the Hall of Fame, we found an ice skating rink
The Hockey hall of fame
The hockey hall of fame is a very large exhibition which would take a whole day to see everything. We sat through a very informative history of the game and the origins of the NHL, which for people who do not have hockey as a sport in their country, is saying something.
We follow the Maple Leafs, coincidentally Toronto's franchise in the NHL, and we have been here before for a game, which they lost. It didn't matter, I was staggered by the energy and enthusiasm both the players and the fans put into making it a memorable experience.
I'm hoping for a repeat experience.
St Lawrence Market
We walked 1.8 km to the market and it was closed which is about right for us as we have a knack for turning up and the place is closed, for instance, the Canadian club distillery in Windsor, Canada.
Perhaps tomorrow, before or after the game.
Red Lobster
Ok, we've been here before and it was beyond any expectations anyone could have for a restaurant chain.
This was no different from the last.
What more could you want, scallops, shrimp, and a fired lobster tail all drowned in a superb garlic butter sauce.
Add a side of mash potatoes, and a 20oz glass of beer, and there is the definition of heaven on a plate.
St Lawrence Market, again
Snowing, but not heavily
St Lawrence market, everything is very expensive, crab legs 120 per kg, lobster, 50 to 80 per kg. Oddly everything is quoted per pound, and it's a good thing that we can convert lbs to kg.
It is, to say the least, a disappointment.
Ice Hockey at the Scotiabank Arena
There was a definite buzz in the air, and heading towards the stadium was both us, and many other Toronto supporters. Blue Maple Leaf jerseys were in abundance.
We've been before, and the last time the Leafs lost.
What else is new?
They have had a very good season so far, and are second on the ladder overall, so it was not without expectation that they might win this one.
Never have an expectation.
They lost.
But...
It was an incredible game that was none stop action. It seems to me that you require a lot by of skill and skating talent to play this game. I certainly couldn't, and freely admit that I'd probably last about five minutes.
The score didn't reflect the play, but in the end, the Leafs lost 4 - 3, at the end of the three periods.
Souvenir hunting and other stuff
Woke tired and exhausted, not looking forward to walking around Toronto.
Got up early to do the walking.
Oh, did I tell you, this hotel has a laundry and it is the bugbear of staying in major hotels, not being able to wash clothes?
Breakfast is included, but it is the main meal of the day so we feast. The selection is incredible.
We had to go back to the maple leafs franchise shop to exchange a Maple Leafs Jersey, which was no trouble.
So near to the CN tower, we go in to shop for souvenirs, of which there were plenty. I like the mooses and beavers.
We've been up the tower so it's back to the Union Station and a short stay at upstairs, a little bar overlooking the Toronto Pearson train line.
Time for tasting some Canadian ales, the first a Mill St tank house ale, the second a Mill St hopped and confused. Seriously, that's what they were called.
The drinking mood music was old hits like Queen, and a little bit of country and western.
A good view of the trains, too.
Union Station
Like all main stations very large very tall ceilings and openings that lead to the tracks of which there are about 24, and an underground system
Much the same as all large railway terminals and probably far busier in times gone by.
Dining, but not necessarily dinner
Not far from the station, opposite clock tower belonging to the old city hall was a restaurant called Bannock.
There I had a Moosehead cracked canoe lager, a light ale, and a house special since 1929, a chicken pot pie, and it was very good.
