Celebrating Two Decades of Love in Ontario: A Journey Through Toronto and Niagara Falls

A lot can happen in 20 years—and even more in 12,000. As we celebrated our wedding anniversary, the conversation flowed seamlessly between reminiscing about our big day two decades ago and the awe-inspiring Canadian Horseshoe Falls, a natural wonder formed at the end of the last Ice Age. Whether you’re drawn to breathtaking natural landscapes like Niagara Falls or the vibrant energy of urban attractions in Toronto, Ontario offers the best of both worlds.

Arrival in Toronto

Our adventure began with an Air Transat flight from Manchester to Toronto. Upon arrival, we hopped on the Union-Pearson (UP) Express Train, which whisked us from the airport to Union Station in the heart of the city, avoiding the notorious traffic. Time was of the essence; I had secured tickets to see Oasis, a band that many consider the greatest of our time, at Rogers Stadium.

After checking in at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, we took an Uber to the venue, arriving just in time to hear the opening notes of "Hello." Following a late night filled with music and excitement, the deluxe guest room at the Sheraton provided the perfect sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation.

Exploring Toronto

The next morning, we ventured to the hotel’s 43rd floor for a complimentary breakfast buffet, enjoying sweeping views of downtown Toronto. The attentive staff quickly learned our drink order—two English breakfast teas—making us feel right at home.

Before our trip, I had downloaded the CityPASS app, which, combined with a VIP pass from Destination Ontario, allowed us to streamline our itinerary. Our first stop was Casa Loma, a stunning Gothic Revival castle known for its secret tunnels and hidden rooms. It’s no surprise that this picturesque property has served as a filming location for popular movies and TV shows like X-Men and Goosebumps.

Next, we made our way to the Royal Ontario Museum, where we marveled at the latest exhibitions on prehistoric life and the natural world. On our way back to the hotel, we couldn’t resist a visit to the Eaton Centre, Toronto’s premier shopping mall.

The following day, we strolled towards Lake Ontario, taking an elevator up the iconic CN Tower, once the tallest building in the world. We also explored Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and visited the sports venues of Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena. To cap off our day, we embarked on a boat trip around the harbor and Toronto Islands with City Cruises.

Culinary Delights

Toronto is a highly walkable city, and between our sightseeing adventures, we enjoyed exploring its diverse culinary scene. We wandered through Kensington Market and the Distillery Historic District, where we sampled the city’s flagship beer, Steam Whistle pilsner.

Our dining experiences were as varied as they were delightful. We savored a Friday Night Special taster menu at Linny’s, a cozy steakhouse with Eastern European Jewish deli influences on Ossington Avenue. We also visited Waterworks Food Hall, a beautifully restored 1932 Art Deco building in King West, where we indulged in butter chicken at its Indian outlet.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

While we spent most of our time in Toronto, we were eager to explore more of Ontario. After picking up a rental car from Budget at Brookfield Place, we drove past the Beach Neighbourhood and down the Queen Elizabeth Expressway to Niagara-on-the-Lake, stopping at the Premium Outlets for some shopping along the way.

Our accommodation for the night was the 124 Queen Hotel and Spa, a tranquil retreat in the heart of the charming village. After checking in, we took a leisurely walk around the golf course and Fort George National Historic Site, eventually reaching the lakefront where we enjoyed a drink at 11th Post on Queen Restaurant, with the Toronto skyline visible in the distance.

A Night at Peller Estates

The next day, we were treated to a special evening at Peller Estates Winery, just a short drive away. Our experience began with a group tasting tour of the vineyards and cellars, including a visit to the unique 10 Below ice wine tasting room. Afterward, we enjoyed a four-course taster menu with wine pairings at the winery’s restaurant, crafted by executive chef Jason Parsons.

Breakfast the following morning was a delightful affair, complete with jokes and magic tricks from our friendly server at Treadwell restaurant, adjacent to our hotel. After a hearty meal, we set off for a destination that had long been on our bucket list.

The Majesty of Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is not just home to the iconic natural wonder but also boasts a variety of attractions that rival any tourist hotspot. Initially hesitant, Rachel eventually agreed to ride Wildplay’s Zipline to the Falls at Grand View Marketplace, and she was relieved she did. We donned rain ponchos to experience the thunderous roar of the millions of gallons of water cascading over Horseshoe Falls during the Journey Behind the Falls. We also explored the 2,200-foot-long tunnel and descended 180 feet in a glass-panelled elevator at the Niagara Parks Power Station.

One of the highlights was trying out the new immersive simulator, Niagara Takes Flight, which offers a breathtaking aerial adventure along the Niagara River corridor from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie.

Before heading back to Toronto, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Table Rock House Restaurant, where our table was as close as possible to the Horseshoe Falls. It was a fittingly romantic way to conclude our exhilarating trip, marking our 20th anniversary in a place that had captured our hearts.

Conclusion

Our journey through Ontario was a beautiful blend of natural wonders and urban excitement, making it a perfect way to celebrate two decades of love. From the vibrant streets of Toronto to the majestic beauty of Niagara Falls, we left with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for this remarkable province.