Venturing north of the border and finding similarities between the Triangle and Toronto

Bill Church
·3 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Dinosaurs and sea creatures hang out on the second floor of the Royal Ontario Museum, so be prepared for spontaneous wailing and toddler-infused screams. Both are reminders to appreciate —and pity — early stage parenthood.

This is why we’re taking the elevator to the fourth floor, where centuries-old furniture and detailed exhibits of knights in armor offer reflection … and quiet. The fourth floor of ROM — the museum’s T-shirt friendly nickname — is a world-class depository that turns 16th century tables and chairs into a walk through centuries of family life.

Surprisingly, it’s the shiny armor that transports us back to the now.

Encased in glass, two muscular mannequins face off wearing … hockey gear. The exhibit information (in English and French) smartly runs the gauntlet, showing the similarities between Bauer and Nike hockey gear and what knights wore in battle.

From swords to sticks, sabatons to skates, Hockey Night in Canada is Every Day.

Granted, this column will feel more like a travel log than a recitation on local news. There are reasons News & Observer subscribers should stick with today’s rendition of What The Editor Did on His Birthday Weekend.

Reason No. 1: Triangle tourism in Toronto

My wife and I took a day tour to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. We were the only Americans on the tour and the bus driver’s wife is from Fayetteville. But that didn’t stop him from explaining how Canadian bravery overcame American insolence after we invaded their borders in 1812. That he cranked up the volume and continuously played Celine Dion songs makes me wonder if I’ll ever love again (group tours, that is.)

Canada won the battle over which country gets the best view of the falls. Otherwise, Triangle residents should feel at peace, especially in Toronto.

There is the Carolinian Forest display in the Royal Ontario Museum. This forest region starts in our state and ventures to Toronto. It’s considered a small but species-rich vegetation and wildlife area. We love our oaks; they love maples. All is good, tree lovers.

The Hockey Hall of Fame is a must-visit. Caniacs will appreciate that their favorite National Hockey League team is showcased. Let’s agree the Hurricanes’ black jersey is museum worthy.

Bill Church, Executive Editor of The News & Observer
Bill Church, Executive Editor of The News & Observer

Reason No. 2: It’s easy to get to Canada

Air Canada is your nonstop choice from RDU to Toronto or Montreal. Three travel tips:

  • Despite travel sites that indicate it’s OK to cross the border with a valid driver’s license, you’ll use your passport often at RDU and Toronto Pearson airports.

  • Air Canada’s smallish plane is perfect if you like aisle or window seats. The flight attendants give instructions in both English and French, so it feels special compared with flying to Nashville, y’all.

  • Take the UP (Union-Pearson) Express train from the airport to downtown’s Union Station. We stayed in the financial district and found it easy to walk around or take the subway. We felt safe, and the trains were copiously clean.

Reason No. 3: There’s always hockey

So many similarities. Toronto. The Triangle.

Vibrant, diverse cities filled with young professionals and college students.

Cities with government workers and business entrepreneurs.

Communities for foodies, families and sports fans.

The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto showcases each NHL team, including the Carolina Hurricanes, left, and The Royal Ontario Museum has a fourth-floor exhibit that shows how centuries-old battles fought in armor are similar to the gear worn by hockey players.
The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto showcases each NHL team, including the Carolina Hurricanes, left, and The Royal Ontario Museum has a fourth-floor exhibit that shows how centuries-old battles fought in armor are similar to the gear worn by hockey players.

Maybe we are bonded by more than daily nonstop flights. I mean, doesn’t every family have an 1812 skirmish they’d like to forget?

Time will tell, and it could get testy.

The Carolina Hurricanes last won the Stanley Cup in 2006. The Toronto Maple Leafs’s last Cup came in 1967.

The Canes and Leafs could meet in a few weeks with the winner advancing to the Cup finals.

All that international goodwill evaporating — like ye olde armored gladiators of the Royal Ontario Museum exhibit — into an icy showdown.

I envision that tour bus driver cranking up the volume on future visitors from North Carolina.

Oh, Celine. Can our hockey hearts go on?

Bill Church is executive editor of The News & Observer. He recommends the peameal bacon sandwich at Paddington’s in Toronto. And any Tim Hortons.