Yes, this city had an insane mayor, but maybe we should know a few other things about it.

Well, this is chilly Toronto, Ontario. About 3 million people call the metropolitan area home, and that population is steadily on the rise. Believe it or not, it’s also a multicultural hub. Over half of the residents were born somewhere else.
In fact, over 180 languages are spoken here.

Along with a vast array of languages, Toronto has an eclectic mix of architectural styles, ranging from the 19th century to the 21st. The streets are littered with handcrafted details.
Scroll down for proof.

Exploring Toronto, Canada / for the love of nike
Exploring Toronto, Canada / for the love of nike
Exploring Toronto, Canada / for the love of nike

I love cities that mesh the old and the new. For example, The L Tower (that doesn’t look much like an L at all) sticks out like a thumb of glass.

Exploring Toronto, Canada / for the love of nike

The CN Tower (pictured below on the right) held the record for the world’s tallest free standing structure for 32 years. Today, it’s only the 9th tallest.

The fresh new kicks I wore in Toronto were more suited to the location that’s to follow. Toronto was just a jumping off point for an adventure into lands I’ve never visited. Although, I will say these little retro babes held up pretty well in the chilly temps.

Exploring Toronto, Canada / for the love of nike
Yes, this place is a jungle of steel beams and concrete,
but it’s estimated that Toronto has over 10 million trees.

Roundhouse Park, located downtown, has a huge collection of historic trains.

Into good beer? So are the locals. It’s a great city for a brewery crawl.
Just bring comfy shoes and a really warm jacket.

Exploring Toronto, Canada / for the love of nike
Exploring Toronto, Canada / for the love of nike

As evident in these images, Toronto is COLD. The chilliest recorded temperature was in 1943, logging in at a shocking -31.3°C (without windchill)! Despite the low temps, it’s a pretty sunny spot. Each year, residents enjoy about 300 days of sunshine.

The Audience by Michael Snow

The Woodpecker Column by artist duo Fastwürms

Exploring Toronto, Canada / for the love of nike
Exploring Toronto, Canada / for the love of nike

The city also claims the largest public transit system in all of North America.

Exploring Toronto, Canada / for the love of nike

Are you even in Canada if you don’t go to a hockey game?

Exploring Toronto, Canada / for the love of nike

Or at least put on ice skates?

In fact, Toronto is home to 52 outdoor skating rinks.

Exploring Toronto, Canada / for the love of nike

Can you guess where I’m headed next?
Hint: it’s on a continent I’d never been to before.