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Published: August 16th 2016
Day One Niagara Falls has been high on my bucket list for quite some time so I decide to stop off in nearby Toronto before heading down to South America after discovering that the cost of my plane tickets were massively cheaper flying indirectly. However, this meant I could only spend two nights in Toronto to achieve best price with minimal stops to South America. I scratched my head at the thought of two whole days in Toronto knowing it wasn't enough time to see everything.
Before setting off on my journey, I looked at a guidebook (Eyewitness Top 10) and thought hard about what I really wanted to see and planned my itinerary carefully.
Luckily my flight was early leaving the UK and with Canada being 5 hours behind I had arrived in Toronto by late morning. The taxi from the airport to Downtown was just under the hour in traffic and bang I was in the heart of Toronto by midday. My precious time in Canada is ticking, but everything going to plan.
I found hotels in Toronto to be pricey, but I discovered this cute little B&B called McGill down a side street in
Downton. After all, I just wanted somewhere to sleep. With early check-in and flexibility of the B&B, I could start my adventure of exploring this clean, modern city.
Not far from where I was staying was the Eaton Shopping Centre. This big, busy and boisterous mall opened in 1979 and was named after Canadian retail legend Timothy Eaton. I don't spend long in the mall, but good to soak up the atmosphere.
After a spot of lunch or technically dinner, I headed over to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Ice hockey is one of Canada's favourite sports and this beautiful former bank building contains the most comprehensive collection of hockey artefacts and memorabilia in the world, including the original Stanley Cup. I'm not really into ice hockey, but found this place interesting and definitely worth a visit.
Next, I headed over to the CN Tower. This building is the tallest in the western hemisphere and was built by the Canadian National Railway. The queue for the ticket and to get to the very top of the building took an hour. The queue was worth it as the views of this modern city are truly stunning. I even
managed to stand on the glass floor, but just long enough for a quick photo to prove I did it!
Afterwards, I stroll towards the harbour passing the Toronto Railway museum on the way. The harbourfront packed and lively, plenty of locals soaking up the hot glorious sunshine. My walk long and I could feel my legs starting to ache, but finally get to the harbourfront ferry terminal. I had been awake for 20 hours and, as much as I wanted to give up, I knew I had to keep going. After all, my time in Toronto precious and this day was going to be the only opportunity to see the Toronto skyline at dusk. The weather conditions perfect, too.
The ferry service is very frequent and during the summer the last boat leaves the island for Toronto at around 11pm. Once on the island, I just carried on strolling, enjoying the nice views of the island and watching a beautiful sunset. Everyone on the island in a good mood and having a good time. It didn't matter that I was tired anymore. After walking around for an hour, I decide to find a good spot and wait
patiently for the sun to go down as the buildings of Toronto skyline start to light up. Gnats trying to bite me... but I hang in there taking beautiful shots, surprisingly the photos better on my iPhone than my Samsung camera.
Everything had gone to plan, time to head back to the B&B for some well deserved sleep. After all, I had been awake for 24 hours. I check my Fitbit and astonished to learn that I had walked nearly 40,000 steps.
Day two The great thing about travelling is you meet wonderful like-minded people as yourself who love to travel and want to see the world. Two years ago I went to Costa Rica and met Kate, we travelled together, and she was from Toronto. The perfect opportunity to catch up and Kate was available to meet.
Before I meet Kate, I stop by to see the old and new town hall. The old town hall is open to the public and offers free tours. The tour inside this building should not be missed as the architecture is stunning. I discover that the town hall was built in 1899 and took 20 years to complete.
The original budget was CAD 600k, but ended up costing CAD 2.5m.
Meeting with Kate was like seeing a friend who I hadn't seen in a while, there was no awkwardness. We meet at a coffee shop, have coffee and then visit an area where Kate used to live. We stroll around a nice park with good views of the CN Tower in the background. Its always good to learn about a place and see it from a locals perspective. I think that makes travelling so unique when you get to share these experiences with people you know from around the world.
Time to head back to the B&B in Downton, as a tour company is due to pick me up for Niagara Falls. I get back to the B&B in good time, decide to wait outside 10 minutes earlier than pickup time. I wait and wait, no sign. I start to worry a little as I like things to go to plan. I read the printed ticket and it says to expect delays with pickup times due to construction works in the city. Half an hour goes by, so I decide to call the number of the
tour company. I'm shocked to discover the tour company could not locate the B&B so left without me. The man on the phone says "we can take you tomorrow." I am like "no, I leave tomorrow. Today is my only day to see the falls" I'm gutted as the main reason to stop off in Canada is to see the falls. I ask the man if he can think of another solution for me to get to the falls. The man says "Find a taxi ASAP to take you to the bus terminal on Bays Street and get a coach to Niagara Falls, once at the falls, make contact with me again and I'll get the tour bus to take you back" I didn't need to think twice about it, I immediately find a taxi, get to the bus terminal and wait for the next coach to Niagara Falls.
The coach fairly slow as it makes several stop offs on the way. Finally I arrive at Niagara Falls' bus terminal, I walk around frantically trying to find the falls. I ask for directions and discover I have a 25 minute walk... I was so close to seeing the falls.
Once I arrive at the falls, I could not believe to have made it. I had wanted to see the falls for such a long time and nearly thought I wouldn't make it but true determination got me to the falls. The clock was ticking due to arriving late afternoon so I immediately purchase my ticket for the Hornblower. The Hornblower is an incredible experience. I couldn't believe how close you get to the falls and you literally get soaked. But all good fun!
After the Hornblower ride, I enjoy strolling around the falls. Some of the attractions start to close so happy to have dinner. As it starts to get dark, the spotlights shine on the falls in lots of different colours. Every Friday and Sunday there is a firework display at 10pm, so I had picked one of the best days to visit. Watching the fireworks over the falls just magnificent!
I manage to find the tour company and they take me back to Toronto. Good job they found me this time otherwise Id have got stuck at Niagara Falls for the night!
Day three Luckily my flight to Peru is late afternoon so
I have the whole of the morning to see some more sights of Toronto. I decide to visit Casa Loma. This beautiful Edwardian-style castle was built in 1914 and cost a staggering CAD 3.5M. Casa Loma (Hill House in Spanish) Is built on a hill and overlooks Downton. Over the years it's been famous for filming and a popular wedding venue. I can understand why it's so popular as the architecture of this building is unique and it houses the most beautiful antique furniture.
Finally I couldn't leave Canada without having a Mcdonalds. That's now 18 different countries I've tried a Mcdonalds in!
Next stop; Lima, Peru
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Dancing Dave
David Hooper
Excited
Fantastic to see you are on your way to Peru, Alan. The planning about to be reality! Great you could stop over in Toronto on the way (our son Simon lives there), and Niagara Falls with fireworks...fantastic. Impressed you did not winge the tour company did not collect you...bodes well for any curve balls you may meet in Peru. Curve balls are for catching and running with in my book!