A-to-Z across Toronto: First Half

Note: This is my first day of crossing Toronto on foot. Sept. 11, 2026 . Start with the pre-walk background here and read what happened on the second day here. It’s the first day of my walk across the entire width of Toronto. I leave the apartment at 8:15am to a waiting taxi downstairs. It’ll take me to the starting point at Pearson International Airport. We go through a set of mid-sized city streets and onto Highway 401 which bisects the North end of the city from East to West. The ride takes 45 minutes which is enough to get me ruminating. Will I be able to complete this cross-city walk? I keep thinking that “it takes two”: my crossing of the city also depends on whether the city wants it to happen. My thoughts drift to how this is a solitary heroic quest. Except, in preparation, my wife bought me a nut mix to keep me energized. And she’ll take care of the kids. And she’d made plans to call throughout the day to make sure I’m safe. No matter what my lyin’ brain says: I am not doing…