A mini adventure in Toronto and Niagara

When the chance came up for a short trip to Toronto and Niagara – and with partners allowed – we jumped at it. By happy coincidence, it was also my husband’s birthday that weekend, so it felt like the stars had aligned.

We flew from Manchester direct to Toronto – just seven and a half hours – and once we’d cleared immigration, we hopped on the UP Express train from the airport to Union Station. Super easy and only 25 minutes into the city centre. Although we could’ve walked to our hotel with just cabin luggage, we took a cab to the Chelsea Hotel – Canada’s largest hotel, complete with an indoor waterslide. It had recently had a big refurb, and its location is spot on for exploring downtown.

After unpacking and recharging our phones, we walked down to C’est What? – a microbrewery and bar I’d found near the waterfront. It was a great first evening. Fab food, and the ales were a taste sensation – so different to home! As dusk fell, the CN Tower lit up the sky and we knew we were in for a brilliant few days.

The city’s laid out in a grid, which makes it easy to navigate – once you’re on Yonge Street (formerly the longest street in the world), you can’t go too far wrong. Next morning, we grabbed coffee and croissants at Tim Hortons (obviously), then headed off on the City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off bus.

We saw so much – the CN Tower, Harbourfront, Distillery District, Kensington Market, Royal Ontario Museum... and the commentary gave us loads of local insight. We hopped off to visit the Steam Whistle Brewery, opposite the CN Tower, where we sat outside with views of the tower and ordered a round of poutine (because when in Canada!). We even got caught up in a Canadian stag party – the dad of the groom decided we were a calmer alternative to the tutu-wearing chaos going on inside. It was top entertainment.

We’d pre-booked a boat trip around the Toronto Islands – just 13 minutes from the harbour. You can get off and explore, but we just sat back and enjoyed the views. A bit of a mini cruise while lunch settled. Afterwards, we finally headed up the CN Tower. We paid extra to visit the Skypod – the highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere – and although the wind was picking up, the views were incredible. You can see right across to the Toronto Islands, Billy Bishop Airport, and the Rogers Stadium – the Blue Jays were playing, and from that height, they looked like ants darting around. I’d considered doing the EdgeWalk… but with clouds rolling in, I bottled it (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it). That evening we stumbled across a Mexican cultural event in Nathan Phillips Square, with street food and dancers – a brilliant surprise. We ended the night at a Korean restaurant after a pint at the Queen & Beaver.

The next day – hubby’s birthday – was our Niagara day trip.

After breakfast at a local diner, we boarded our coach, led by Brian the guide, who didn’t stop talking the whole way (full of facts… and dad jokes). We stopped at a winery en route for tastings (including Canada’s famous ice wine), then arrived at the falls. They’re as jaw-dropping in real life as you‘d imagine.

We had lunch with falls views at Queen Victoria Place before boarding the Hornblower Cruise. Oh. My. Word. We thought we were prepared – ponchos, flip flops, waterproof phone cover. And yet… nothing could prepare us for the sheer force of that spray! We couldn’t see a thing and just laughed the whole way through. Safe to say, we were better dressed than the poor souls in jeans and trainers.

Back on dry land, we made a quick dash for the helicopter pad – Brian had managed to squeeze it in before the storm hit. The ride over the falls was unforgettable, even with the grey skies, and when we landed... we realised the coach had left! Turns out they’d gone to get snacks!

We finished the day in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a picture-perfect town filled with charm. Most people headed to the Christmas shop. We found a microbrewery instead (naturally). Our final evening was a relaxed Thai meal near the hotel, then a good night’s sleep before our last day exploring the waterfront and grabbing lunch at Yonge Street Food Market – too much choice! Then it was back on the metro to Union Station and the UP Express back to the airport.

It was only a few days, but we packed in so much – brilliant food (still dreaming about the poutine and the Korean), proper belly laughs, a good soaking and unforgettable views. A mini adventure that felt like a proper escape.