Canada Photobook

“My idea of freedom is that we should protect the rights of people to believe what their conscience dictates, but fight equally hard to protect people from having the beliefs of others imposed upon them.” – Justin Trudeau (Canadian Prime Minister)

My desire to travel to Canada started young. While I technically have French Canadian roots, it’s not significant enough to cause heritage exploration desires. At the end of the day, I have no clue why I desperately wanted to travel to this land…I just did.

Last year was a big year for me. Not only did I fulfill my dream of visiting Canada, but I also purchased my first DSLR camera. Let’s just say I have a new-found love of photography, and I cannot wait until I have the funds to expand/enhance my hobby. With a new camera in tow, I headed north to the land of Tim Horton’s and Maple Syrup.

The trip: drive from Connecticut to Niagara Falls, then from Niagara to Toronto. In retrospect, this was a horrible idea – instant regret of not seeing Toronto before Niagara because the ride home was the longest journey ever. My main thought during the car rides: New York feels like the state that never ends. Hours go by and somehow you are still in the same state.

This trip was my first ever leaving the country (excluding a day boat trip to the Bahamas). It was exciting to go across the boarder, although I wish they stamped my passport! One day I will have stamps in that dang thing!

Niagara is definitely deceiving. When you look at a map, everything seems farther than it actually is – a lot of that is because everything is on a giant hill (or I should say mountain). I was very relieved when I realized I could walk anywhere I wanted. 

Where I Stayed: Sterling Inn & Spa
Where to Exchange Currency (for good rates): Casino
Great Place to Grab Drinks in the Main Area: Niagara Brewing Company
Favorite Things: Waking up early, grabbing a Tim Horton’s and observing the falls

I could easily spend a week a Niagara if I had a small fortune and stayed in a hotel room overlooking the falls. It is beyond peaceful, a much needed relaxing getaway. I stayed 3 days/2 nights this trip and that was perfect for being in the main bit of it all. I personally really loved the Sterling Inn & Spa. It is not on the direct strip and is about a 5 minute walk from everything, but this all equals up to better hotel rates. The workers at the Inn were lovely and attentive. There is complimentary breakfast that’s delivered to your door and its restaurant is one of the best in the area. It was so nice to get dressed up an have a fancy dinner on evening!

The one drawback from staying near the tourist area is that it is a tourist area. Food choices (that aren’t chain restaurants) are slim. We ended up living at the Niagara Brewing Company. The beer flights are well worth it, and the atmosphere was a delight.

My favorite part of Niagara was simple: waking up as everything was opening, grabbing a coffee and viewing the falls. If you want your gorgeous shots, wake up early. The crowds are non-existent and you get to appreciate the beauty of the nature. If I close my eyes, I can bring myself back to those mornings: hearing the crashing of the waves, holding a warm drink in my hand, and feeling the breeze as it sweeps up my hair. This was one experience I did not anticipate, and I am so grateful it happened..and that I am a morning person.

After a few days in Niagara, the journey was made to Toronto. Riding alongside Lake Ontario was breathtaking. The vastness of the water, and its limitless illusion, consume you. The one thing I wasn’t prepared for was the city. I am so thankful I didn’t have to drive because no way could I have handled it. There was no bigger feeling of relief then when we gave the keys to the hotel attendant, payed the $50/day fee, and relinquished the car. It was a giant weight off the shoulders. And yes…$50 per day. Extortion and treacherous, but no way was I looking to find a cheaper lot under that stress. Thank you Omni King Edwards for the most amazing hotel experience! Every part of it was lovely, and I would book again in a heartbeat!

In Toronto, there was tons of walking. Most of our time there was just exploring around the area. I couldn’t have been more happy. It was in those moments when I truly crave city life. City architecture, the blending of historic and new, always makes my heart melt.

While in Toronto, I couldn’t pass up the chance to visit the St. Lawrence Market, which was amazing. I’d imagine it must be incredible when you utilize the market to buy groceries, meat, fish etc.. Since I was just a passerby, I took advantage of the coffee, pastries and other snacks.

Speaking of coffee, anytime I go into a city coffee is an entire goal of mine. I never want to just go to one place. I always try to strategically hit multiple places (I even did my research before traveling). Fahrenheit Coffee and Rooster Coffee were two of my favorites in walking distance.

One last food favorite was the Beerbistro. Located across the street of the Omni, we found this gem out of desperation. I was starving, not loving anything I’ve read thus far, and we saw this place. Let me tell you something: it was flawless. It was a 100% local vibe – with most people in their work dress, enjoying happy hour. These are the kind of places I aspire to visit. Obviously a place called “Beerbistro” would have a killer beer list. I selected an Oatmeal Stout…I’m a dark beer kind of gal. For food, I got the notorious fries and a pizza. Oh and it is well worth the mention that the waiter was gorgeous, as well as amazingly kind.

Beyond the realm of food, there was also some exploring that happened. Besides the obvious browsing of stores/brands not readily available in the US, I also walked around Kensington Market and Chinatown. I had the most amazing sandwich at the Blackbird Baking Company.

I also needed to get a little cultured and insisted on doing the Royal Ontario Museum. I fell in love, and was so happy to finally culture up. The ROM is such a gem, and the outside of the building in a modern architecture dream.

Unfortunately, due to out limited time there, I couldn’t see everything I wanted. There is so much in Toronto! Thankfully, I did at least get to see the CN Tower as I left!

I had been wanting to do this Canada Photobook for so long now, and I am glad I did. Hopefully, my journey can be a good help to you planning yours! If you have made the trip, let me know what were your favorite moments! Also, let me know if there are any places I should go back and visit!

With love, Stephie