Brigantine Cove

Stepping off the streetcar it was evident we were in the right place from the number of uniforms in sight, and number of pipe and drum bands that could be heard practising. As the parade was in the same place as the Canadian National Exhibition, which began yesterday, we were unsure where the Warriors Day parade would be. In asking the very helpful desk, we were presented with free tickets. This turned out to be an incredibly nice gesture as it saved us the cost of entry to the whole exhibition, which we didn't realise at the time.

We seated up for the parade and watched a huge, hour long procession of cars, tanks, veterans and bands from all over Canada and the US too. The number of pipe and drum bands was unbelieveable, with more bagpipes on display than I've ever seen in Scotland!

Afterwards, we explored the rest of the CNE - it was like a county show but on a much bigger scale. Stalls, displays, livestock and fairground rides all spread over a huge exhibition area. We watched a 'superdogs' show of dogs and trainers, and then hoped to watch some acrobatics but it was sadly full. There was stall after stall selling goods from almost every country around the world, from first aid supplies to hot tubs and boats.

Being back in Toronto, we were reacquainted with the blinding heat - dry, but inescapable - and by mid afternoon we'd exhausted the show and headed out for food. Being mercifully back in the land of Tim Horton's (and away from Dunkin' Donuts!) a frozen lemonade was in order.

Dinner was a pleasant find. We went to Blaze Pizza which gave us an opportunity to 'build your own' pizza - think of a Subway counter but for pizza toppings. As many as you wanted for just $10.45 - more fun than it should have been and a cracking dinner.

Now to pack and prepare for a week of canoeing in Algonquin.Read more