A long line of lucky fans snaked through a downtown Toronto bookstore, one by one having the chance to shake hands with Bill Clinton.

Clinton arrived at the store shortly before noon ET, almost an hour later than expected.

Fans, some of whom began lining up a day before the former president's visit, each had a few seconds to greet Clinton and have him sign their copy of his hefty 900-plus-page memoir, My Life. 

"I'm excited about the turnout," an obviously pleased Indigo CEO Heather Reisman beamed. "We expected a lot of people, but we didn't think they would camp out overnight."

Several female attendees asked for -- and received -- hugs from the former leader. Some even planted kisses on the leader.

"I've never done this before and I don't think I'd ever do it again," confessed fan Cori Ferguson.

"How many chances do you get to meet a president?" asked Paul Masson, clutching his book.

While about 2,000 people lined up around the block of the Indigo store at Toronto's Bay and Bloor intersection, only about 1,000 people were actually allowed in. But on his way out, Clinton stopped for several minutes to greet the throngs of people who has gathered on the sidewalk outside the store.

Security was tight for Clinton's visit, complete with secret service agents and an inspection tent set up outside the store. Those entering were required to surrender their cell phones, cameras and all bags.

Customers could only bring their wallets and a copy of the book into the store. They were also not allowed to hand anything to the former president.

Indigo hired 30 extra security personnel for the signing. The RCMP and the Toronto Police Service will also be involved. As an ex-president, Clinton has protection from a U.S. Secret Service detail.

Later Thursday, Clinton spoke to an exclusive crowd at a golf tournament in Wallace, Nova Scotia, hosted by former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna.

Before the former president left Toronto, he sat down for a one-on-one interview with Canada AM's Seamus O'Regan. Among things discussed was Clinton's relationship with Conservative MP Belinda Stronach.

"She's a friend of mine and her father is a friend of mine and they have supported my foundation work in AIDS in Africa and the Caribbean," Clinton said.

"But during the time she was running, she didn't talk to me. I think that was partly because of my long friendship with (former) prime minister Chretien and partly because it was her own career, you know. What do I know about Canadian politics?"