Toronto / Niagara Falls, Canada – October 2023

September 28 – October 4, 2023

A week exploring Toronto, Canada & Niagara Falls!

Link to Trip Photos

Day 1-3 & 6 – Toronto – Ontario, Canada –

Transportation – We flew from Atlanta to the Toronto International Airport and quickly cleared customs. Customs was all self-service kiosks, but we were able to get our passports stamped when we asked. We took the UP Express train from the airport to Union Station in Downtown Toronto. If you are staying in the downtown area, it’s very convenient. Anytime we take public transit, we try to pack light and bring bags that we can carry vs. roll.
Hyatt Regency Toronto – We stayed in the entertainment district, a very walkable area. The hotel was dated, but clean and in a great location. We’re getting used to prices being in Canadian $ (CAD). The exchange rate is currently .74 CAD = 1 USD.
Chinatown, Graffiti Alley, Kensington Market – We took a stroll before dinner though several unique neighborhoods near the hotel.
Toronto Blue Jays – We watched the Blue Jays play the NY Yankees at Rogers Centre stadium. They sell standing room only tickets and there are lots of entertainment areas around the stadium with great views of the game.
PAI Northern Thai Kitchen – A hip Thai restaurant with a big following. There is typically a wait at all times, so we went for a very early dinner to try and beat the crowd. – so we went right as they opened for dinner. I highly recommend the Khao Soi – a coconut milk curry with egg noodles.
Hop on Hop off Bus – While I was in meetings, Peter rode around the city on the tourist bus. It’s a great way to get an overview of the city when you have limited time.
Nathan Phillips Square/Toronto Sign – Great photo op of the XL Toronto sign.
Berczy Park Dog Fountain – A whimsical fountain dedicated to our four legged friends in a public square.
St Lawrence Market – Love food? This stop is for you! A historic market with all types of delicious food options. Peter tried the famous Peameal Bacon Sandwich.
Distillery District – A pedestrian area in an old distillery district with shops and restaurants.
Tim Hortons – We have a new found love for Timmies! It’s an affordably priced fast food chain – with great coffee and pastries, and located on almost every street corner.

Day 4 – Niagara Falls, Canada & USA

Transportation – GO Trains operate in the Toronto area and we were able to find all-day pass deals on their website ($10-15 CAD per person). You buy the passes online and activate them before you get on the train. The train from Union Station to Niagara Falls is 2.5 hours. Once you get to the Niagara Falls station – the crowd will all go to hop on the WEGO buses to take them to the tourist area near the falls. It can be crowded so we choose to walk ~30 mins down a greenway trail to get to our hotel. The Niagara Parks website has Go train + WEGO bus combo pass deals too.
Canadian Side – The Canadian side is the more lively of the two sides – with lots of hotels and amusement attractions. We stayed close to Clifton Hill – which is where all the carnival-style attractions are – it’s an absolute zoo with people everywhere. You get the best view of the falls from the Canadian side and both the American and Canadian falls are lit up with a light show at night.
Niagara City Cruises – We took the Canadian side boat on a 20 minute venture closer to the falls. They run an efficient operation shuttling lots people on and off the boats – but we really enjoyed the whole experience!
Rainbow Bridge – You can walk across the Rainbow Bridge to cross back into America – don’t forget to take your passport. There is a small exit fee on the Canadian side ($1 in either currency).
American Side – The American side is slower-paced, with a small downtown strip and a beautiful state park to explore along the edge of the falls.

Day 5 – Niagara On The Lake, Ontario

Transportation – We took the WEGO bus extension up to Niagara On The Lake. Round trip NOTL tickets are sold at either the botanical garden or flower clock depending on the time of year. Just ask the bus driver and they can direct you.
The Shaw Club – We stayed the night at The Shaw Club hotel – a short walk away from where the bus drops off by the fort.
Stratus Vineyards – A beautiful winery in a relaxing setting. We enjoyed a flight of wine and some snacks after a long walk (learn from our mistake and take a Lyft here!).
Silversmith Brewing (Virgil, Ontario) – We visited several breweries as we explored, but enjoyed our time at Silversmith brewing the most. It’s located in a converted church building in a town nearby Niagara on the Lake.