Exploring Ontario: Toronto, Niagara, and Hamilton Adventures
Four Nights in Toronto
Toronto welcomed us with its lively atmosphere and endless things to see and do. Our base here at Novotel Toronto Centre gave us the chance to enjoy some of the city’s most famous attractions:
Blue Jays Game – Experiencing a baseball game at the Rogers Centre was a highlight. The atmosphere was fun, and it felt very much like stepping into the heart of Canadian sports culture.
CN Tower – No trip to Toronto is complete without visiting the CN Tower. Standing at the top, looking out over the city skyline and Lake Ontario, was unforgettable.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Harbour Cruise – These were perfect ways to see the city from both land and water. The harbour cruise in particular offered amazing views back toward the Toronto skyline.
Toronto Islands – A short ferry ride took us to the Toronto Islands, where we enjoyed a peaceful break from the buzz of downtown and had fun riding our bikes around the island...even though it was raining!
Food – Toronto’s food scene impressed us at every turn. From casual bites to sit-down dinners, the city truly celebrates its diversity through cuisine. We had a couple of fantastic Italian meals as well as sampling Canadas famous Beavertails.
The Magic of Niagara Falls
From Toronto, we hired a car and made our way to Niagara Falls, where we stayed in a hotel room overlooking the falls themselves. Seeing the falls lit up at night and watching the fireworks from our room was something special.
Highlights included:
Behind the Falls Tour – Standing so close to the roaring water was an awe-inspiring experience. You could feel the sheer power of nature all around you.
Boat Ride to the Falls – Getting up close on the water, with mist spraying everywhere, was exhilarating and gave us a true appreciation of the falls’ scale. Top tip - stand on the bottom deck of the boat, on the right hand side at the front to get the best view....that's if you don't mind getting very wet!
Niagara-on-the-Lake – Just a short drive away, this picturesque town was full of charm with its boutique shops, wineries, and historic streets. Stop off on the way at The Living Water Wayside Chapel (the smallest chapel in the world!) where you can also pick up some fantastic freshly picked fruit and vegetables at the farm shop, along with lots of other homemade treats.
Discovering Hamilton and Beyond
The next part of our journey took us to Hamilton, where my daughter is spending a year at university. It was special to see where she’ll be living and studying, and the city surprised me with its natural beauty.
Waterfalls – Hamilton is known as the "Waterfall Capital of the World," and we got to visit a few of them. Each one had its own character, tucked away in lovely natural settings.
Outlet Shopping – A bit of retail therapy was also on the agenda, with some great deals to be found.
Burlington – Just a short drive from Hamilton, Burlington was a gem. Its waterfront promenade made for a lovely walk, and the town had plenty of great restaurants where we enjoyed delicious meals. Greek cuisine seems to be a favourite in this area, which we loved!
This trip had everything: big city excitement, world-famous natural wonders and small-town charm. From cheering at a Blue Jays game to standing in awe of Niagara Falls, to discovering the waterfalls around Hamilton, each experience added to a journey we'll always treasure.
Canada left a lasting impression on us, and we know it won’t be our last visit.
