“City Skies & Thundering Falls: A Week in Toronto & Niagara”
Toronto Skyline
For one week, I explored the heart of Toronto — its towering landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, hidden walkways — and capped it off with the breathtaking power of Niagara Falls. Staying at the Hyatt Regency put me within walking distance of some of the city’s most iconic sights.
Wendy’s restaurant with V Architecture above the restaurant
A glimpse of the CN Tower from downtown Toronto
I started the trip with Toronto’s most famous skyline duo — the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre. The view from the top of the tower stretched from Lake Ontario to the city’s edge.
CN Tower
Looking North up to Hamilton and Niagara Falls
Rogers Center
Just steps from the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium was a vibrant world of marine life. The underwater tunnel was a highlight — watching sharks and rays glide silently overhead.
Ripley’s Aquarium
a school of fish swimming in the aquarium
Shark swimming alongside fish in the aquarium
St. Lawrence Market was a sensory overload — fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, local meats, and the energy of vendors calling out to customers.
Saint Lawrence Market
People enjoying a nice day outside Saint Lawrence Market
People walking the aisles of Saint Lawrence Market
A ferry ride away, the Toronto Islands offered calm walking paths, sandy beaches, and postcard views of the skyline.
The view of the Toronto from the Ward’s Island
The Toronto Skyline from Centre Island
A ferry about to dock on Ward’s Island
The Royal Ontario Museum was an architectural statement outside and a treasure trove inside — from dinosaur skeletons to ancient artifacts.
The Royal Museum of Ontario rotunda
One of many statues inside the Royal Museum of Ontario
Another beautiful artifact located at the Royal Museum of Ontario
Toronto’s PATH system — the city’s underground walkway — was a network of shops, food courts, and tunnels that connected much of downtown. It was an entirely different way to explore the city.
People walking along in the Toronto PATH system.
One of the PATH exit leads to the Eaton Centre Mall
To finish the trip, I visited Niagara Falls. The sheer scale of the Horseshoe Falls, the mist in the air, and the rainbow breaking through sunlight was a perfect grand finale.
Water falling from the top of the Horseshoe Falls
a view of the falls from below
A tour boat enters the Horseshoe falls
From the skyscrapers of downtown Toronto to the Hockey Hall of Fame to the roaring waters of Niagara Falls, this week was a journey of contrasts — city and nature, energy and calm. I left with memory cards full and a heart ready to return.
Hockey Hall of Fame Locker Room
Lord Stanley Cup - given to the NHL Hockey Champion each year
Saint James Park
The TORONTO sign