Cheese Boutique - Toronto's Culinary Wonderland

                  The Cheese Boutique is an example of a successful family business that was passed down for 3 generations! The boutique opened its doors in 1970 and since then has delivered every imaginable cheese under the sun from all over the world.  These guys really know their stuff.  Even if you are vague in your description of what you like, you know " its kind of crumbly and tangy,..." well you get the idea, the staff are all knowledgeable and they have to be! They serve local chefs who apparently come here for their ingredients, such as proscuito, foie gras? , truffles and of course.. cheese!! :P

It's also way more than just cheese here, they have prepared foods from all over the world, lavender bread..(which I've never tried, but sounds so inviting!) Who doesn't love the smell of lavender? White asparagus? There are fresh produce and candied flavoured strawberries from the local farmers.  There are tarts, pies, meat pizzas (oh so delicious!), expresso to go and just in time I noticed from the wrap around counter, the deli meat that hangs above the busy employees and not one of them are standing still for a moment!  

There's a cheese cave too! Oh did I mention, there is cheese here? No touching in here, but the staff are happy to let you in to take a peak.  Within seconds you smell the aromas of cheese filling your nostrils in every unimaginable shape and size.  It's perfect.  When you come out you will find spices, and condiments from every part of the world, and a whole section just dedicated to chocolate truffles!  

What I love about this place is the stacks of toothpicks for all of your sampling desires! Every where you turn there is a sample or two to nibble on.  There are often demos which will offer tastes of local wine and crackers to go with any kind of cheese you love.
 
I never spent a dime, but was so overwhelmed to take pictures that I couldn't decide anyways on what I wanted, and for some time I felt like a tourist in my own city!  Next time, I'll do my homework, so I'll be more prepared to take home more than just pictures :)

Cheese Boutique – Toronto’s Culinary Wonderland
Toronto’s famous Cheese Boutique isn’t just a store, it’s a foodie destination. Home to over 500 varieties of cheese, imported delicacies, cured meats, baked goods, and fine wines, it’s worth planning a visit.

Hours: Open daily, usually 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Sundays slightly shorter; check before you go).

Parking: Free on-site parking is available, but weekends can be busy. Arrive earlier in the day for easier access.

Best Photo Spots: Snap a shot by the iconic cheese vault, the beautifully stacked aging rooms, or the European-style displays of hanging prosciutto. The colourful produce section also makes for a vibrant backdrop.

Tips:

• Try the samples—staff are friendly and love sharing their knowledge.

• Don’t miss the upstairs section with specialty goods and the café.

• Bring a cooler bag if you’re traveling far—cheese and charcuterie are too tempting to pass up!

Discovering Milne Dam: A Hidden Gem in Markham

 After lunch on my day off - we decided to explore Milne Dam in Markham and hopefully check out some autumn colours! Just minutes away from residential neighborhoods, the park feels like a complete escape into nature. The moment you step onto the trails, you’d never guess how close you are to busy roads and suburban life. It honestly feels like you’ve been transported to the middle of nowhere.

The lake views are serene, especially framed by the fall colors. There’s something calming about the open water, with its glassy surface reflecting the sky and trees. What really stood out to me, though, were the suspension bridges that guide you toward the dam. 

Walking across them felt like an adventure in itself—there’s a playful sway as you step, and the views from the middle are stunning.

I did bring my DSLR along, hoping to capture the beauty of the dam and the flowing water. Unfortunately, it’s been a while since I’ve played with my camera settings, so instead of the silky soft-water effect I had in mind, the photos came out with water resembling snow! Don’t be fooled, though—it was definitely autumn, and the scene in person was spectacular.

One note for fellow explorers: the end of the route near Markham Road was blocked off due to erosion repair. It didn’t take away from the experience, though—it just means I’ll have to come back when it’s reopened.

If you’re looking for a quick escape into nature, Milne Dam is a beautiful spot for a peaceful walk, a little photography, or just to recharge by the water. It’s proof that you don’t have to go far from home to feel like you’ve left the city behind.

I also caught a few people with their fishing lines in the water, didn't think this was legal but apparently it is of course with a license.  Sadly I saw a duck washed on shore, which I think could have been from the fishing line, but I have no idea we couldn't get close enough to tell.

On a brighter note, here's are some tips if you are planning to travel here.

If You Go: Travel Tips for Visiting Milne Dam

• Location: Milne Dam Conservation Park is at 8251 McCowan Road, Markham, just south of Highway 7.

• Parking: There’s a large parking lot near the main entrance. Fees apply during peak seasons, so bring a credit or debit card.

• Trails: The main loop offers about 2 km of walking, with easy, family-friendly paths. Perfect for a casual stroll or light cycling.

• 
  Best Views: The suspension bridges and dam lookout are must-sees. If you’re a photographer, bring a tripod for those dreamy long-exposure shots of the water.

• 
  Wildlife: Keep an eye out for ducks, geese, and even the occasional heron along the shorelines.

• Facilities: Washrooms are available near the main entrance, and there are picnic areas if you want to make a day of it.

• Seasons: Autumn is gorgeous for foliage, but spring brings blooming wildflowers and fresh greenery.

Historic Distillery District

I preferred this one when I put it on B&W :)

If you ever travel to Toronto, you must visit the Historical Distillery District. It has been widely photographed by novice and professional photographers.  It features exhibits from camera pros around the world is a national Historic Site. 

While at the Distillery, you have many photo opportunities to take of historical cars, the old Mill Street Brewery, the famous Gooderham and Worts Distillery was founded in 1832 (World’s largest).  In fact you’ll find 13 acres of 40 historical buildings, 10 streets, and the largest collection of Industrial architecture form the Victorian era (my favorite) found anywhere in the world.  I took plenty of pictures, and created my first black and white album from this site.  You’ll enjoy the art galleries, and boutiques and coffee houses.  It’s a beautiful piece of history preserved here that I wanted to add it to a list of many things to do in Toronto.

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Toronto Distillery District at Xmas time
Once home to the Gooderham & Worts Distillery, this cobblestone pedestrian village has transformed into one of Toronto’s most charming destinations for art, dining, and shopping. Stroll among beautifully preserved Victorian-era industrial buildings filled with galleries, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants—all framed by twinkle lights and brick-lined streets that feel straight out of Europe.

Hours: The district is open daily, generally from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (restaurants and bars often stay open later). Special events—like the Winter Village or Artfest—may extend hours.

Parking: Several paid lots and underground garages surround the district. Street parking is limited, so consider arriving early or using transit—the King Streetcar and Parliament bus stop nearby.

Pricing & Deals: Entry to the district itself is free. Watch for weekday lunch specials, happy-hour deals, and gallery discounts during seasonal festivals.

Best Photo Spots:

• The LOVE and LOCK installations for romantic shots.

• The Gooderham & Worts sign—a Toronto classic.

• The brick-lined courtyards at sunset for warm, golden tones.

• The holiday light displays in winter for a magical glow.

Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes—those cobblestones are charming but uneven!

• Visit early morning or weekday afternoons for fewer crowds.

• Stop by SOMA Chocolate or Spirit of York Distillery for local treats.

• Check the Distillery District’s website for event schedules—there’s always something happening.

🍷 Your Turn! Have you explored the Distillery District? Tell us your favourite shop, photo spot, or hidden gem in the comments below—I’d love to hear what makes this Toronto landmark special for you!

Exploring the Toronto Zoo

I've decided to take a break from the freedom of the trails to get a different perspective.  What is the opposite of freedom? Well that depends on who you ask and how you define 'freedom'.

The opposite of freedom can mean freedom from the chains that bind you, captivity, imprisonment, confinement or freedom from fear and constraints.  

One can argue that a lot of these animals outside of these bars and chains would never survive for as long as they have here.  That they are given food and nourishment and routine check ups.  They are loved and cared for by their keepers better than anything that can be found in the wild.  But that brings me back to the word freedom.

The Toronto Zoo opened in 1974 and is situated in the Rouge River Valley.  Encompassing over 287 hectares (714 acres), it is the biggest zoo in Canada. 

There are over 5,000 animals (including invertebrates and fish) representing over 450 species.  

When I looked at the animals I sometimes felt their loneliness, and in some cases their loss of freedom.    

We started coming in to the park and came upon a long line up before getting our admission and maybe for a split second we were going to turn around and hit the trails instead (Rouge Valley Conversation Trail), but we decided to pay the animals a visit, literally.  

After entering the park, you are almost immediately barricaded by the traditional tourist taunts.  Like colourful, shiny and mirrored horses on a merry-go-round; A square-paned glass gift shop called "The Green-House" ; an enchanting arched bridge which carried you into the entrance of the animals.

First up  Red River Hogs from South Africa, Wild Boars from the South America and Tapir from Southeast India. I found the Tapir very interesting.  It has a nose that it can use to pick up small objects.  

It can also breath underwater through their nose by using the same method as we do with the snorkel!  They are fairly gentle animals and their defenses are pretty much their keen sense of smell, and their ability to use camoflague effectively.  The babies curl up with their black and white outer shell making them look like tiny watermelons, doing undetected.  

The adults will lay still in the shade of the forest in the night like a large rock that is bathing in moonlight.  They also have a thick skin at the back of their necks also important to their survival.  

 

The zoo is divided into seven geographical regions: the Indo-Malaya, where you experience the humidity of the rain forest, and witness butterflies flying about your head and Orangutans hanging off of tree limbs.  

India, where you'll see the Rhinoceros and the Long-tailed Macaque.   Africa, where you'll see the white lion, speedy cheetahs, the long elephant, the hippos, the antelopes, meerkats, giraffes and baboons.   

The Canadian Domain has raccoons, cougars, a bald eagle, grizzlies, meese (mooses?), bison and of course the ferocious chipmunk.

The birds were everywhere in all parts of the zoo.  Found in the rain-forested walk-through which was surrounded by lovely water falls and dense forestry, such as the South American Blue Jay, the Macaws and the Pink Flamingos of the Americas.   

Throughout the day, I was constantly reminded of all of the great times my husband and I had taking the kids to the zoo when they were young.  It's funny but as soon as it is close to 6:00 in the afternoon, all the kids starts getting restless, tired and cranky as do the parents by this time.  

It comes to mind that perhaps freedom to any of these animals is like nothing left to lose.  I mean they have been chosen in a sense, and though it may have been against their will or their best interest, I really don't see the harm in saving an animal from extinction or from the wild.   


The Zoological society of Toronto has a commitment to saving those species that are injured or in danger like 3 polar bears from the wild in 2011 and over 120 animals in 2012.


All in all visiting these critters, both large and small gave a new hope to having boundaries that are safe. Being safe is just as important as possessing total freedom in an unsafe planet.  This place is like an animals paradise.

Stretching across 700 acres in Toronto’s Rouge Valley, the Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world and a must-visit for animal lovers of all ages. Wander through immersive zones—from the African Savanna and Indo-Malayan rainforest to the Tundra Trek—and discover more than 3,000 animals from every corner of the planet.

Hours: Open daily year-round, typically 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in fall/winter, with extended hours in summer. Last entry is one hour before closing.

Parking: Large paid lots near the main entrance (around $15–$20 per vehicle). Arrive early on weekends for the best spots.

Pricing & Deals: Save by purchasing tickets online in advance—discounts often apply for students, seniors, and families. Annual memberships pay off quickly if you plan multiple visits, offering unlimited access and special event perks.

Best Photo Spots:

• The Tundra Trek for polar bears against icy backdrops.

• The African Savanna for giraffes, rhinos, and zebras in natural-looking plains.

• The Indo-Malayan Pavilion for lush rainforest shots.

• The Rouge Valley Overlook for a panoramic view of the forested landscape.

Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes—the zoo is vast and hilly.

• Bring reusable water bottles; refill stations are available.

• Hop on the seasonal Zoomobile to cover more ground.

• Check the zoo’s app for feeding times, baby animal news, and daily talks.

🐾 Your Turn! Have you been to the Toronto Zoo recently? Share your favourite exhibit, photo spot, or insider tip in the comments below—I’d love to hear what made your visit unforgettable!