Double Take: Two Ways to Experience Toronto, Canada

Including the Greater Toronto Area and Niagara.

Toronto, the largest city in Canada, is a vibrant metropolis known for its diverse culture, dynamic arts scene, and stunning architecture. Toronto and its surrounding area have a rich history shaped by Indigenous peoples who first inhabited the region. European settlement began in the late 18th century with the establishment of York, later renamed Toronto. The War of 1812 brought destruction to the city, but it was rebuilt and grew rapidly as a trading hub and provincial capital. Industrialization and immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries transformed Toronto into Canada’s largest city and a global center for finance, culture, and commerce. Today, Toronto and its suburbs like Mississauga and Brampton continue to thrive as a diverse metropolitan area, blending historical landmarks with modern developments.

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is a sprawling metropolitan region in Ontario, Canada, encompassing Toronto and its surrounding municipalities. It’s the largest metropolitan area in Canada and a major economic and cultural hub. The GTA is known for its diverse population, vibrant arts and entertainment scene, world-class dining, and numerous recreational opportunities.

Regions

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is a populous metropolitan region in Ontario, Canada, encompassing Toronto and its surrounding municipalities. The GTA includes the City of Toronto and four regional municipalities:

Peel (with major cities like Mississauga and Brampton)
York (with cities such as Vaughan, Markham, and Richmond Hill)
Durham (including cities like Oshawa, Whitby, and Ajax)
Halton (featuring cities like Oakville, Burlington, and Milton)

The Same

Both the Dinks and the Family have visited the Greater Toronto Area several times though mainly revisiting the same areas. Growing up with family in the Toronto area, we would occasionally visit. When we were exploring colleges in Buffalo, we had the chance to visit Niagara Falls with our dad. As adults, both of us have returned, although not as frequently as we’d prefer.

Toronto

Toronto, the capital city of Ontario, Canada, is a dynamic metropolis known for its diverse culture, vibrant arts scene, and bustling urban life. Situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is Canada’s largest city and a major financial and cultural hub. It boasts iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower, diverse neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy, and a thriving culinary scene showcasing global cuisines. Toronto is also home to world-class museums, theaters, and sports teams, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike seeking entertainment, history, and multicultural experiences.

The PATH Underground Shopping Mall: The PATH Underground Shopping Mall is a vast network of interconnected shopping complexes located beneath downtown Toronto, Canada. Spanning over 30 kilometers (19 miles) in total, it’s recognized as the world’s largest underground shopping complex by the Guinness World Records. The PATH provides convenient access to various office towers, hotels, and attractions, offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, and services. It’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking sheltered shopping and dining experiences throughout Toronto’s diverse weather conditions. As a teen this was one of our favorite places to go when visiting family.

Local Cusine:

Toronto, Canada, is a culinary melting pot that offers a rich and diverse array of local and international cuisine. Here are some highlights of local cuisine in Toronto:

The peameal bacon sandwich is a classic dish featuring Canadian bacon rolled in cornmeal and served on a bun. The iconic St. Lawrence Market is the best place to sample this local favorite.
Butter tarts are a quintessentially Canadian dessert, and Toronto boasts some of the best. These sweet treats consist of a flaky pastry shell filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs.
Poutine: While originally from Quebec, poutine is widely loved in Toronto. This comforting dish consists of french fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy.
Caribbean Cuisine: Toronto’s diverse population is reflected in its vibrant Caribbean food scene. From jerk chicken to roti and doubles, you can find authentic Caribbean flavors, especially in neighborhoods like Little Jamaica.
Dim Sum: With a large Chinese community, Toronto offers some of the best dim sum outside of Asia. Head to Chinatown or Markham for a delicious selection of steamed dumplings, buns, and other small dishes.
Kensington Market is a food lover’s paradise, offering an eclectic mix of global cuisines. From Latin American empanadas to Middle Eastern falafel and everything in between, this vibrant neighborhood is perfect for a culinary adventure.
Maple Syrup Delicacies: As a Canadian staple, maple syrup finds its way into many Toronto dishes, from breakfast pancakes and waffles to more inventive uses like maple-glazed meats and desserts.
Tim Hortons is a famous Canadian multinational fast food restaurant known for its coffee and doughnuts. It was founded by Canadian hockey player Tim Horton and Montréal businessman Jim Charade in 1964. Tim Hortons has grown to become Canada’s largest quick-service restaurant chain, with locations across the country and internationally. It is beloved for its Timbits (doughnut holes), Tim Hortons coffee, and a variety of baked goods, sandwiches, and soups. The brand has become a cultural icon in Canada and is deeply ingrained in Canadian identity, often referred to simply as “Tim’s” by locals. We always make sure we stop by for breakfast at least once.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, located on the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA, is one of the most famous natural attractions in the world. It consists of three massive waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls (also known as the Canadian Falls), the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. These falls collectively form the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America. Visitors to Niagara Falls can experience the breathtaking views from various vantage points, including from the Niagara Falls State Park in New York and Queen Victoria Park in Ontario. Boat tours such as the Maid of the Mist take visitors up close to the base of the falls, providing an exhilarating and wet experience.

Niagara Falls State Park: Niagara Falls State Park, located in New York, is home to The Cave of the Winds attraction, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience near the base of Bridal Veil Falls. This iconic attraction allows guests to journey down wooden walkways to the Hurricane Deck, where they can feel the power of the falls up close as they’re surrounded by rushing waters and mist. The park itself offers stunning views of both the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls, with plenty of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas to enjoy the natural beauty of Niagara Falls.

The Family

Having visited this area since childhood, we’ve continued the tradition with several long weekend trips over the years. Each visit is a blend of exploring new spots and returning to beloved favorites. Join us as we uncover the beauty and delights of this familiar yet ever-changing destination.

Maid of the Mist

The Maid of the Mist is a world-renowned boat tour that takes visitors on a thrilling journey to the base of Niagara Falls. Operating since 1846, the Maid of the Mist offers an iconic experience, allowing passengers to feel the mist and hear the roar of the falls up close. Departing from both the American and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls, the boat tour provides panoramic views of the Horseshoe Falls (Canadian Falls), American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. It’s a must-do attraction for those seeking a memorable and immersive encounter with this natural wonder of the world.

Marineland Canada

Marineland Canada, located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a popular theme park and zoo known for its marine and land animal exhibits. The park features thrilling rides, including the famous Dragon Mountain roller coaster and the Sky Screamer tower ride, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Marineland is home to a variety of marine life, including beluga whales, dolphins, sea lions, and walruses, with entertaining shows and interactive experiences that delight visitors of all ages. The park also includes a large section dedicated to land animals, such as black bears, bison, and deer. With its mix of exciting attractions and animal encounters, Marineland Canada offers a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

Niagara Falls Aquarium

The Niagara Falls Aquarium is a popular attraction located near Niagara Falls State Park in New York. It features a variety of marine exhibits showcasing aquatic life from around the world. Visitors can explore interactive displays that highlight different ecosystems, from freshwater streams to coral reefs. The aquarium is known for its diverse collection of fish, sharks, sea turtles, and even penguins. It offers educational programs and feeding sessions that appeal to both children and adults, making it a great complement to a visit to Niagara Falls State Park and other nearby attractions.

The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark

The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is a vibrant aquatic playground located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, offering year-round fun for visitors of all ages. Situated within the Falls Avenue Resort, adjacent to Niagara Falls and many other attractions, the waterpark boasts thrilling water slides, a massive wave pool, relaxing hot tubs, and a children’s play area. With its tropical-themed atmosphere and direct views of the falls through large windows, the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark provides a unique and exciting experience for families and water enthusiasts visiting the Niagara region.

Rainforest Cafe

Located near Niagara Falls State Park, it’s a popular spot for families and visitors exploring the area. The restaurant features animatronic wildlife, lush vegetation, and themed decor that transports diners into a simulated rainforest environment. Guests can enjoy a diverse menu of American cuisine, including burgers, seafood, and tropical-themed cocktails, all while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest. When they were younger the kids loved it.

Where to Stay:

The Sheraton Fallsview Hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a well-known hotel offering breathtaking views of Niagara Falls. Located in the heart of the Fallsview tourist district, it provides easy access to Niagara Falls State Park and other attractions. The hotel features comfortable accommodations with many rooms offering stunning views of the falls, excellent dining options, including a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, and amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and spa services. It’s a popular choice for visitors looking to experience the beauty of Niagara Falls up close while enjoying luxurious accommodations.
The Hyatt Place Niagara Falls: The Hyatt Place Niagara Falls is a modern hotel offering comfortable accommodations with breathtaking views of Niagara Falls. Located close to the falls on the American side, it provides convenient access to popular attractions such as Niagara Falls State Park. The hotel features spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. With its prime location and stunning vistas, the Hyatt Place Niagara Falls is an ideal choice for travelers looking to enjoy the natural beauty and excitement of Niagara Falls. We were able to transfer credit card points to Hyatt and cover our stay with points making this trip more affordable.

Summary

It’s clear that both the DINKs and the Family have cherished their experiences in Toronto and Niagara Falls, each bringing their own perspectives and memories to these iconic destinations. Their diverse experiences reflect the richness and variety these destinations offer, catering to both urban explorers and nature enthusiasts alike. Ultimately, who did it better comes down to personal preferences and what each traveler values most in their journey—from cityscape vistas to natural wonders and family-friendly attractions.

Doubletake Travel