A Journey Through Ontario: Celebrating 20 Years of Love

Words by Richard Jones

A lot can happen in 20 years—and even more in 12,000. As my wife Rachel and I sat down to commemorate our China wedding anniversary, our conversation drifted from our big day two decades ago to the breathtaking Canadian Horseshoe Falls, which were formed at the end of the last Ice Age. Ontario offers a marriage of stunning natural landscapes, like Niagara Falls, and vibrant city attractions that make it an ideal destination for couples looking to celebrate milestones like ours.

Toronto: A City of Wonders

Upon arriving in Toronto from Manchester on an Air Transat flight, we hopped on the Union-Pearson (UP) Express Train, which whisked us from the airport to the city’s heart—Union Station. With time of the essence, we were eager to reach Rogers Stadium, where we had secured tickets to see the legendary band Oasis, whose music has accompanied us through much of our journey together.

After checking in at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, we rode an Uber directly to the concert, arriving just in time to hear the opening track, “Hello.” The excitement of the evening and the energy of the crowd made it worth the seven-hour flight and late-night festivities in the Oasis fan zone.

The next morning, we headed to the hotel’s 43rd floor, indulging in a complimentary breakfast buffet accompanied by sweeping views of downtown Toronto. The staff quickly memorized our drink order—two English breakfast teas—setting the tone for a friendly and warm stay.

Exploring Toronto: Attractions and Adventures

Before setting foot in Toronto, I had downloaded the CityPASS app. Coupled with a VIP pass from Destination Ontario, this allowed Rachel and me to curate our itinerary and maximize our time exploring the city.

Casa Loma was our first stop. This Gothic Revival mansion, complete with tunnels and hidden rooms, is not only a stunning architectural feat but also a popular filming location, with movies like X-Men and Goosebumps having been shot there.

From Casa Loma, we strolled to the Royal Ontario Museum, immersing ourselves in its latest exhibitions that explored the prehistoric and natural world. We made a quick detour to the Eaton Centre, Toronto’s premier shopping mall, before winding our way back to the hotel.

The following day, our adventures continued as we headed south toward Lake Ontario. We visited the CN Tower, an iconic structure that was once the tallest building in the world, and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, which showcases an astonishing array of marine life. Our explorations also took us past sports arenas like Rogers Centre, and we capped off our day with a scenic boat ride around the harbor and Toronto Islands, courtesy of City Cruises.

Culinary Delights: Savoring Toronto’s Food Scene

Toronto is an incredibly walkable city, allowing us to easily dive into its culinary scene. While wandering through Kensington Market and the Distillery Historic District, we discovered Steam Whistle Pilsner, the city’s flagship beer.

Throughout our stay, we indulged in diverse culinary experiences. We savored a Friday Night Special taster menu at Linny’s, a cozy steakhouse with a unique blend of Eastern European and Jewish deli influences. Another delightful experience was at Waterworks Food Hall, a beautifully restored 1932 Art Deco building bustling with artisanal eateries. We enjoyed delicious butter chicken at its Indian outlet, complete with poppadoms and pickles.

Niagara-on-the-Lake: A Taste of Tranquility

While we spent much of our Ontario adventure in Toronto, we craved a taste of the countryside. We picked up a vehicle from Budget Car Rental at Brookfield Place and set off down the Queen Elizabeth Expressway to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Along the way, we stopped at the Premium Outlets, stocking up on a few great bargains.

Our home for the night was 124 Queen Hotel and Spa, a serene retreat located in the heart of the quaint village’s bustling Old Town. After settling in, we took a leisurely stroll around the golf course and Fort George National Historic Site, making our way to the lakefront where we could see the distant Toronto skyline. We ended our evening with a drink at 11th Post on Queen Restaurant, enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

Peller Estates: A Culinary Experience

The next day, we were treated to a special experience at the family-owned Peller Estates Winery. Our complimentary shuttle driver, Cindy, escorted us to this beautiful winery, where we started with a tasting tour through the vineyards and cellars, including the renowned 10 Below ice wine tasting room.

After our exploration, we dined at Peller Estates Restaurant, indulging in a stunning four-course taster menu thoughtfully paired with exquisite wines, courtesy of executive chef Jason Parsons.

Breakfast the following morning was equally charming, complete with magic tricks and jokes from our friendly server at Treadwell. With full hearts and bellies, we hopped back in the car, setting our sights on a destination long on our bucket list.

Niagara Falls: Nature’s Grandeur

No trip to Ontario would be complete without experiencing Niagara Falls. Known for its breathtaking beauty, the city offers numerous attractions. Rachel was initially hesitant about riding Wildplay’s Zipline to the Falls, but she was relieved once we were soaring above the scenery.

Donning rain ponchos, we braved the thunderous force of water during the Journey Behind the Falls and took the steep glass-panelled elevator down to the Niagara Parks Power Station, immersing ourselves in the raw power of nature.

We also enjoyed the contemporary entertainment of the Niagara Takes Flight simulator, which offered a breathtaking aerial view of the Niagara River corridor, extending from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie.

To wrap up our Niagara experience, we had lunch at Table Rock House Restaurant, sitting as close as possible to Horseshoe Falls. This romantic setting was the perfect conclusion to a thrilling trip celebrating our 20th anniversary while simultaneously falling in love all over again with Ontario.

Factbox

Richard Jones and his wife Rachel were guests of Destination Ontario, Destination Toronto, and Niagara Parks Commission.

They stayed at Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, with rooms starting at £170/$317CAD per night, and 124 Queen Hotel and Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, starting at £139/$259CAD.

Priced at £69/$129.96CAD + tax for adults, the Toronto CityPASS provides admission to five of the city’s top attractions. Visit citypass.com/toronto for more information.

Air Transat offers direct flights to Toronto, Canada, from as little as £375pp return, with services from Manchester six times per week.

Manchester Airport offers car parking and lounge options to suit every budget. For parking, Fast Track tickets and access to the Escape Lounge, with complimentary food and drinks, visit manchesterairport.co.uk.