Julie in Canada

Julie flew from Heathrow with Canadian Affair to Toronto in October 2025

"We stayed at Chelsea Hotel Toronto in an ideal central location. It's close to everything and the largest hotel in Toronto with a wonderful roof terrace. We visited CN Tower on Bremner Boulevard and saw the Main Observation Level at 346m, with its glass floor and outdoor terrace.

'Destination Toronto' is a pass for access to many different attractions. Taking advantage of the outstanding weather in glorious 28°C sunshine, we opted for a harbour cruise on Lake Ontario and visited Hockey Hall of Fame. Lunch was at Amsterdam BrewHouse for lakeside dining with Canadian craft brews where we had great food and beers in a lively atmosphere.

You could also visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada with 10 galleries featuring over 20,000 marine animals, or Little Canada to see miniature replicas of Canada’s iconic landmarks. Dinner is at Taverna Mercatto for Italian-inspired cuisine in a contemporary downtown setting.

Tuesday: We walked via the St. Lawrence food market to the Distillery District full of charming, colourful, quirky shops or you can catch the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. Depart from Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) Use your bus pass to ride to the Distillery Historic District, a pedestrian-only area filled with Victorian-era architecture, art galleries, boutiques, and cafés.

Next up is a Guided Segway Tour of the Distillery District with Go Tours Canada. It's a really fun and informative tour. I loved it - it's a great way to explore and you may surprise yourself how good you are on it! Learn about the district’s rich history while gliding through cobblestone streets. Lunch was at El Catrin - Vibrant Mexican cuisine with a stunning patio atmosphere - the food was amazing, with the best freshly-made guacamole ever.

For shopping - you can explore Toronto’s top retail districts: there are fabulous indoor shops at underground Eaton Centre for major brands, Queen Street West has indie boutiques and local fashion, and Yorkville has upscale designer stores and luxury shopping. Dinner is at The Sheraton Toronto, inspired cuisine in a contemporary downtown setting - our final evening to reflect, connect, and celebrate the trip so far.

Wednesday Early start for our journey to Niagara Falls using the Niagara Airbus. We left luggage at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel while we went off to explore the wonders of Niagara. We took the 'Voyage to the Falls' boat tour with Niagara City Cruises. Get ready to be wet! Ponchos were provided for this thrilling ride to the base of the Horseshoe Falls.

Lunch is at Table Rock House Restaurant then a walk along Niagara Parkway to enjoy iconic views of the Falls. At Table Rock Centre, 'Niagara Takes Flight' is Niagara Parks’ newest immersive attraction—an excellent soaring cinematic adventure. On 'Journey Behind the Falls' we descend through tunnels to stand directly behind the thundering curtain of water!

You could also explore vibrant arcades, mini golf, shops, and the Niagara SkyWheel at Clifton Hill. Tonight's dinner was at Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant in Sheraton Fallsview Hotel for authentic Italian cuisine with panoramic views of the illuminated Falls.

Thursday Breakfast has stunning morning views over the Falls. We were excited to take the Niagara Helicopters Flight Tour for a breathtaking aerial view of the Falls.

You could extend your stay by staying in the beautiful town Niagara-on-the-Lake. Fall is a great time to go and see all the gorgeous vibrant colours.

Book a Wine Country Tour to enjoy tastings, scenic vineyards, or go for lunch and shopping in the charming town with quaint shops in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

I was really impressed with Toronto and think it is underrated. I would definitely recommend a trip. With it’s vibrant mix of culture food and attractions along with its diverse neighbourhoods and quirky food scenes, Toronto is a perfect choice for a Short break, stay a little longer and top it off with a stay or visit to Niagara falls and Niagara on the lake to extend your short break to a longer one!!!

Julie Gooding

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with Holland America Line to the heart of Canada and Alaska. Sail into adventure with a Canadian Affair Cruise.

For more info or to book, contact Abbotts Travel on 020 8989 9445 or email info@abbottstravel.com