Toronto

When my friend asked if I wanted to accompany her and her son on a weekend trip to Toronto, I didn’t hesitate for a second, I was all in. We landed at 6 a.m., grabbed our bags, and went straight to breakfast since check-in was still hours away. Toronto in March is cold, but not unbearable during the day. Once the sun sets though, it gets downright frigid, and I quickly realized I hadn’t packed enough layers to stay warm at night.

Even though we were only there for the weekend, we managed to see a lot and eat even more. Our goal was to hit some of the city’s main attractions while also exploring Toronto’s food scene, and I think we did a pretty good job of both. One of the best parts is that if you are staying downtown, the city is surprisingly walkable. We strolled from spot to spot, soaking in the energy of each neighborhood, and only hopped in an Uber once to visit Casa Loma since it was a bit further out. Between the mix of towering skyscrapers, historic architecture, and all the food we discovered, Toronto gave us plenty to pack into a short trip.

That said, I know I have only scratched the surface of what Toronto has to offer. I can already tell that visiting in the spring or summer would bring a whole new vibe with warmer nights, more time outdoors, and the chance to enjoy everything along the waterfront. Somehow, I managed to leave without trying the famous Canadian poutine, which just gives me the perfect excuse to come back. Toronto is definitely a city I’d love to return to and experience in a whole new season.

📍 Places I Visited

CN Tower: Take in panoramic city views from one of the tallest towers in the world (and try the EdgeWalk if you’re feeling brave!).
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: Wander through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and colorful fish.
Casa Loma: Step inside a fairytale castle with secret passages and gorgeous gardens.
Distillery District: Explore cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, boutiques, and cozy cafes.
Kensington Market: Not my favorite, but a bohemian neighborhood full of vintage shops, street art, and diverse eats.
Hockey Hall of Fame: A fun stop for sports fans to celebrate Canada’s national obsession.
Eaton Centre: Go shopping in one of the city’s busiest malls, right in the heart of downtown.

🏨 Where I Stayed

Airbnb – 4.9/5 ⭐️
- Couldn’t have been in a better location, right across from the CN Tower and aquarium. The building felt secure, and the unit itself was spacious with a full kitchen, washer, and dryer, everything we needed for a comfortable stay.

🇨🇦 Travel Tips

Layer up in March: The days can be manageable, but once the sun sets it gets frigid. Bring extra layers, hats, and gloves if you’re visiting in early spring.
Walking-friendly city: If you’re staying downtown, most attractions are within walking distance. Save money on rideshares and enjoy exploring on foot.
Consider rideshares for farther attractions: Places like Casa Loma aren’t as walkable, so a quick rideshare might be the way to go.
Plan meals ahead: Toronto’s food scene is huge and diverse, so make a short list of must-try spots to avoid decision fatigue.
CN Tower tip: Try to go on a clear day for the best views of the city and Lake Ontario.
Currency: Canada uses the Canadian dollar, so make sure your cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Pack comfy shoes: With so much walking, you’ll be glad you did.
Don’t skip dessert: Toronto is known for creative dessert shops, from Asian-inspired pastries to local ice cream spots.