Arizona Girl Goes To Canada

Stacy J
Jun 21, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Oct 9

Special Travel Post

I was asked to go on a birthday trip with family to Toronto, Canada about 2 months ago. With pure excitement I accepted and started looking up things to do. After all other group members decided to cancel their trip, I decided it might be a great meditation retreat or place to explore, I also wanted to use my updated passport. So, I decided to take this out of country adventure alone, my first trip out of the country since 2019, when I took my kids to Paris.

I arrived in Canada June 16th at 6:30am, got my rental car and drove around like I knew where I was going. Looking at scenery and trying to find a place to eat. After driving about 2 hours I found a place called The School Restaurant, a cool theme, a chic eatery with industrial decor, it was in a cool building. I wasn’t pleased with the camp set up of transients across the street from the restaurant, but I was hungry so I went in. I loved the decor, I ordered my food and when it came out it looked great, however; the waffles were hard, the chicken didn’t seem like chicken and had no taste, but the tea was good. I asked to get potatoes because I wasn’t pleased with the food and the waiter said I wish I would’ve known sooner. I just looked at her. I got I was in another country, but when someone doesn’t like food, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out they don’t want to pay for it. I got the potatoes for free, but still paid for the chicken & waffles, but I was longing for something better so I just paid and left.

I called my hotel to see how early I could check in and they told me 2pm, I looked at my time and it was 11am so I decided to visit Casa Loma. Upon arriving I was so glad that I did. It was a magnificent building. I was in awww as I parked and walked up to start taking photos. I toured the Casa Loma in 3 hours. Museum doesn’t describe this place, it was a castle. There were two towers to go up, multiple bedrooms, 4 stories with a tunnel that took you to a wax museum of actors that had done a movie, music or something in Canada. There was a car stable that housed 5 old early 1900 vehicles, a grand pool outside and so much more. If ever in Toronto you have to visit Casa Loma.

After getting only 3 hours sleep since leaving on my redeye flight I headed to the hotel to check in. Along the way, I grabbed Subway, stopped at a convenience store for snacks. I arrived at Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel, by now it was about 5pm.

The next day I got up excited for a new adventure. I jumped in my rental and headed to Niagara Falls. I planned to spend the entire day there. If you don’t know Niagara Falls is on the Canadian/American Border. It was an hour and twenty minutes from my hotel. There were so many people from all over. I heard so many languages, seen so many cultures it was magical. I hadn’t eaten so I was hungry. I went into Queen Victorias Restaurant and I don’t know if it was intentional, but I felt disrespected. I walked to the door and told the host table for 1, she smirked and said only one. I shook my head and she called on her walkie. I walked upstairs and the host escorted me to a table in the shade that had a perfect view of the falls. I sat there for 15-20 minutes watching waiters, managers and guests walk past me. Not one person said one word to me. It was like I wasn’t there. I got angry and thought I should say something, but instead I decided I wouldn’t even waste my time or money, so I got up and walked out. I walked up the trail and found Margaritaville. The service there was good.

Afterwards, I walked back down to the falls and spend the remainder of the day watching the water and taking photos. I started feeling sick at Margarittaville, but I thought it was just because I was hungry, nope…..I kept going to the bathroom every 30 minutes and couldn’t keep anything in. I wanted to stay, but my body wasn’t allowing it. I sat on a bench watching the water thinking I am actually in another country, I am actually at Niagara Falls. The weather was amazing. I pictured the falls to be a lot taller than they were. I didn’t realize you could get so close. It was a true wonder and as the water kept falling and I felt the sprinkles of mist on my face I knew I had to leave earlier than I wanted.

The last day in Toronto I decided to do some shopping. I went to Marshalls to find some summer dresses and then a place called Winners (I’d never heard of them) it was just like a Marshalls. I walked the plaza enjoyed some shopping then headed to Nathan Phillips Square, where the big Toronto sign is. I took a few photos walked around a bit then headed back to the hotel. By my hotel there was a place called Scaddabush, an Italian restaurant. Praying to finally get a good meal in Canada my hopes were high, unfortunately, I was disappointed again. Although the food wasn’t good it was the best service I had in Canada. The staff was excellent. I headed back to my hotel and relaxed. I finally took time to mediate.

Overall, my trip to Canada could’ve been better if I hadn’t gotten sick and the food was better, but two things for sure I enjoyed was Casa Loma and Niagara Falls. If you ever visit Canada those are two things you must put on your list. Here are places I visited and my ratings.

Casa Loma: 10/10 great price @ $40 entry beautiful grounds, excellent source of history and lots to see.

The School Restaurant: 5/10 good service, food not so good, prices high for what they offer and not in a great area.

Tim Thortons: 7/10 service okay, food okay, decent prices for what they serve.

Queen Victoria’s Restaurant: 1/10 horrible service, never got to taste the food, but it was high for what they served, great location and nice building.

Niagara Falls: 10/10 pay to park but free to see, unless you want to take a boat cruise or go behind the falls. Weather is amazing. Lots of people so be prepared to be there a while.

Scaddabush Italian Restaurant & Bar: 8/10 beautiful place, great service, food okay just no seasoning, tried this basil soda that was good.

Nathan Phillips Square: 6/10 if you want to walk around and shop or explore other place nearby its very crowded and hard to find a place to park. The Toronto sign is nice. Lots of food trucks to choose from, but in the day there isn’t much going on there without walking in the mist of a lot of people. It felt like I was coming out of a concert.

If you live outside of Canada tell me about your experience there. What were places you visited and if you went to places I’ve seen what were your experiences? Stay safe, stay focused and stay traveling. Happy Travels.