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This weekend, some of our EEC students went on a trip to New York City! Unfortunately, not everyone was able to go, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t have fun! The students who remained in Toronto did a variety of great activities with their leader. We had a meal at the famous Rainforest Cafe at Yorkdale, and indulged in a volcano dessert. We also spent some time at the beach, and went to high park where we met new friends who taught us how to slackline (like walking on a tightrope)!

Sunday was an extremely hot day in Toronto when students headed to St. Clair Ave. West for the Salsa Street Festival. At the festival, we heard fantastic music, watched amazing dancers (and did a little dancing ourselves!) and sampled the incredible Latin American food that was available.

On Saturday students woke up early in order to catch buses down to Niagara Falls. Everyone was impressed by the famous 53m high water falls, and some people were surprised to learn that we were separated from the USA by only a small bridge! (But no one went across the border for a visit). Students enjoyed getting up close and personal with the falls (not to mention very wet) on the Maid of the Mist boat ride. Then students used their free time to explore the city of Niagara Falls which is home to many tourist attractions and shops in addition to its natural wonders. It was a hot, sunny day, so instead of shopping, some students chose to relax in the shade of the trees in the beautiful green space by the falls.

On Friday, all the students were excited to go to Laser Quest for some Laser Tag competitions. We got off to a rough start as our buses had mechanical and navigational difficulties, but once everyone arrived, it was on!

Today, students went to Vaughan Mills, a relatively new shopping centre north of Toronto. Students were free to go shopping wherever they wanted in the mall, and purchases were made from H&M, Nike, AeroPostale, Tommy Hilfiger, and more!

Today we went to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), one of the largest museums in North America, and Canada’s largest museum of World Culture and Natural History. Besides its impressive and extensive collections of artifacts, the ROM is also famous for its recent architectural addition: the Michael-Lee Chin Crystal. Students enjoyed seeing dinosaur fossils, and artifacts from various times and places in history.

Today, some more of our Brazilian groups visited Toronto’s most famous landmark, the CN Tower! Students went up to the Observation level of the tallest free-standing tower in the Western hemisphere, and had a chance to stand on the glass floor 342 metres above the ground. And of course, they got lots of time to explore the souvenir shop!

The Hard Rock Cafe at Toronto’s buzzing Yonge-Dundas Square was the place to be on Wednesday Night, as students spent the evening dancing and meeting other students. Not only did everyone look fantastic (and incredibly fashionable) but we also had a lot of fun! Our Brazilian students were in especially high spirits due to their win in the big soccer game. What a great way to celebrate!

On Tuesday, students went to Bulk Barn to load up on cheap candy and treats, and then headed to the cinema to watch a movie. Students chose between The Great Gatsby, The East, and Now You See Me. There were mixed reviews from the students, but everyone appreciated having a relaxing day after dealing with the flood on Monday.