CANADA - WOW WOW WOW !!
Intro
In October 2025, I had the opportunity to visit Canada for the very first time. My destination was the Ontario area taking in Niagara Falls, Toronto, Kingston and Ottawa. I did not know what to expect but was wowed. I flew from London Heathrow to Toronto with Air Canada and have to say that flying in economy was very comfortable and the 7 hours 30 mins flight went quick with the choice of films to watch.
Toronto
On arrival in Toronto and once luggage collected we were then met and transferred on a private charter with Niagara Airbus to Niagara Falls which took approximately 1hour 40 minutes.
First stop : Marriott on the Falls for 02 nights - The 32 Storey hotel is the ideal place to stay as the hotel serves as a gateway to all of Niagara. The wide range of amenities at the hotel include an indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness centre, Starbucks and Milestones Grill & Bar, which offers a globally inspired menu and amazing views of Niagara Falls from the restaurant. I was very fortunate to have a Falls view guest room on the 26th Floor and I have to say walking into the room and seeing the falls certainly took my breath away. Dinner that evening was taken at the Contemporary Prime Steakhouse - located in the Crown Plaza, featuring premium steaks, exceptional service and the stunning view of Niagara Falls and the bridge that you could take to cross into the USA.
Breakfast the next morning was taken at the Old Stone Inn Boutique hotel, an exquisite three-star property that blends classic historic character with elegance and well though design, completely different to Marriott on the Falls. On talking to a few guests, they all raved about the food, and I have to say it was my favourite breakfast throughout my stay.
The Niagara region
Next a short walk to Niagara Takes Flight : A Soaring Adventure - This fully immersive flying theatre ride takes you to the skies for a breathtaking journey along the Niagara River Corridor. I soared across 56 kms of parkland, swirling rapids, steep rock faces and pass lush forests and through dramatic battles before getting closer to the thundering Horseshoe Falls.
After Lunch at the Table Rock House Restaurant, it was a visit to the Niagara Parks Power Station & Tunnel - The first major power plant on the Canadian side of the Niagara River with immersive exhibits, restored artifacts and interactive storytelling. Uncover a new underground experience from 180 feet beneath the halls of the power station and walk this 2,200-foot-long tunnel which will bring you out at a new observation deck at the river's edge.
From there it was a Flight seeing - Helicopter Tour over the Falls - For someone like me who fears heights, all I can say is that I did it and got the photo and the view was amazing but all my fellow travelling companions were certainly wowed.
It was then a quick 30-minute transfer to Niagara on the Lake - A quaint tree lined old town that features 19th century buildings, mainly along Queen Street and the Christmas Shop is a must. Whilst here dinner was taken at the Queens Landing, A Vintage Hotel property - a luxurious mansion located right on the water.
The Following morning and a different way of seeing the falls was had by taking voyage to the falls boat tour - taking in the stunning views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, and come face to face with the famous Canadian horseshoe falls. Prepared to get a shower from the mist ( a protective recyclable poncho is provided).
Chelsea Hotel
Second Stop : Chelsea Hotel Toronto for 02 Nights - A 27 Storey Urban hotel with 1590 rooms located in the heart of Toronto. The hotel features separate adult and family recreations areas. Children can enjoy the playground and an indoor playroom, as well as a family pool area with a 130 foot waterslide. Deck 27 provides an adult pool with a patio on the 27th floor. The hotel offers the Market Garden Self-Serve Cafe for breakfast and dinner, as well as the Elm Street Bar and Lounge.
We then engaged in a private customised sightseeing tour to give us an overview and orientation to highlight both the icons and hidden treasures of Toronto. Dinner that evening was taken at the Hot House Restaurant & Bar - one of the busiest restaurants in Toronto. The reason: great food and hospitality.
Ontario
Following morning a guided tour of the Art Gallery of Ontario, one of the largest museums in North America, the collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting edge contemporary art to significant works of Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces.
Kensington Market & Chinatown
This was then followed by Kensington Market & Chinatown Walking Tour - this involved exploring the atmosphere of Kensington with its vintage shops, diverse food, and street art and then moving to the more traditional and vibrant streets of Chinatown known for its authentic Chinese cuisine and cultural landmarks.
Little Canada
Then onto Little Canada - voted Ontario's #1 indoor attraction. Explore Canada's Landscapes and Landmarks in miniature - Little Niagara, Little Toronto, Little Ottawa, Little Golden Horseshoe, Petit Quebec, Little East Coast and Little West Coast. Dinner that Evening was taken at the 360 restaurants at CN Tower - high above the City, 360 completes a full rotation every 72 minutes, giving a stunning view of the city whilst dining with unforgettable food and wine.
Kingston
The following morning it was a train journey from Toronto to Kingston with VIA Rail, I was very lucky to travel in Business Class, seats were very comfortable and roomy and meals and beverages are included. Third Stop : Kingston Marriott for 01 Night - Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Kingston - offers a gateway to the city's rich heritage and vibrant culture. Activities here included Kinston Trolley Tour, Bellevue House, Kingston Pen Tours, Fort Henry, Military Communications and Electronics Musuem and a Haunted Walk. (Happy to go in more detail on each activity if you wish to contact me direct)
Thousand Islands
On leaving Kingston the following morning on our way to Ottawa - we stopped for a Helicopter Ride through the 1000 Islands, then followed by Rockport 1000 Island Cruises - The 1000 Islands are a group of more than 1800 Islands in the St Lawrence River straddling the border of the US and Canada. (Be prepared for your Mobile telephone to keep beeping to say one minute in US next Canada back to US). Highlight Boldt Castle.
Ottawa
Fourth Stop : Lord Elgin Hotel Ottawa for 02 Nights - Iconic Hotel in Canada's Capital - Steps from the Rideau Canal and directly across from the National Arts centre. Activities her included A Bus Tour of Ottawa, Canadian Museum of History, Guided Tour of the Royal Mint, National Galley of Canada, Food Tour in the ByWard Market, a Haunted Walk, and a site visit to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. (Happy again to go in more details on each activity if you wish to contact me direct)
Flight home from Ottawa back with Air Canada only took 6 Hours.
