Somewhere over the Rainbow in Toronto

counter space, comfortable beds, a huge gym (more than adequate for a good workout), and a  pool on the 16th-story roof with to-die-for 360-degree views of the city. Just don't order a name-brand martini, which will set you back $20 CDN. Opt for a regular mixed drink, wine, or beer. The burgers, and other bar-food snacks, are delicious and reasonably priced. (Photo, right: A gorgeous lesbian couple enjoying Thompson roof-deck hospitality.)

Story and images by Ed Salvato; above: as seen from the gorgeous, recently opened Thompson Hotel, a full rainbow stretching over midtown Toronto with 1,800-foot CN Tower to the right

Canada is like New York operated by the Swiss. Peter Ustinov

It's so close but, in a way so far. Canada is a vast country sharing the longest international border on the planet with the United States. Most Americans haven't been there and don't know much about it. In 2012, Canada will mark the 200th anniversary of the ill-fated war of 1812 during which 200 American soldiers lost their lives at the battle of Fort York in Toronto.

We lost that war and, as a result, lost the residence of our president in Washington, D.C. which was burned to the ground by vengeful Canadians from York, Canada and later re-built and painted white, becoming the White House.

Toronto, Canada's largest city, long considered a nicer version of New York, is starting to come into its own as a cosmopolitan destination worthy of a visit. With a huge amount of construction and towers of condos springing up left and right along the shore line of lake Ontario, Toronto is a Great Lakes version of Miami in during its '90s building boom.

In this crop of new construction you'll find the stunning new Thompson Hotel, built in the west end, near the  up-and-coming (and seemingly gay-named) West Queen West section of town.  The Thompson is a short walk (yes, walk!) from the downtown city airport into which Porter Airlines flies. Porter delivers an old-school version of airline service with complimentary wine served in glassware and flight attendants sporting chic pillbox hats.

The hotel's pluses include a friendly, incredibly good-looking staff, large rooms with ample storage and 
counter space, comfortable beds, a huge gym (more than adequate for a good workout), and a  pool on the 16th-story roof with to-die-for 360-degree views of the city. Just don't order a name-brand martini, which will set you back $20 CDN. Opt for a regular mixed drink, wine, or beer. The burgers, and other bar-food snacks, are delicious and reasonably priced. (Photo, right: A gorgeous lesbian couple enjoying Thompson roof-deck hospitality.)