• Toronto (October 5 - 8, 2022)
• Niagara Falls (October 7, 2022)
Globetrotters: Philip Zaharie, Ariana Mîndru, Bianca Faur
5th October 2022 - From Timișoara to Toronto
As the clock nudged 2 am, our hometown of Timișoara, lay still under the cloak of night. Though it felt like the world was silent, our excitement was loud and clear. We set out on a journey, a road trip that would take us to Budapest again, for our early morning Lufthansa flight LH1343 bound for Frankfurt.
The flight to Toronto on AC841, however, was the real transition. We journeyed across the vast Atlantic, retracing, in a way, the paths of many explorers before us. By the time we touched down in Toronto at 1 pm, we felt the weight of history, as well as the jet lag, though the latter was a more pressing concern.
Toronto Island / Toronto Island Park
Toronto, a mosaic of cultures and Canada's largest city, welcomed us with open arms. Known for its towering skyline dominated by the iconic CN Tower, it's a place where the old and new coalesce. Yet, despite the allure of the city’s skyscrapers, we decided on something more soothing for our first outing: Toronto Island Park. Accessible by ferry, this cluster of small islands offers spectacular views of the city skyline. As we walked its paths, the whisper of the maple leaves overhead reminded us of Canada's vast natural beauty, making us anticipate the adventures ahead.
Toronto by night
CN Tower
Our first day concluded in a cozy apartment in the heart of the city. While Toronto's bustle continued outside, inside, we reflected on the vast distance covered, both in miles and history.
View from our apartment
6th October 2022 - Toronto's Timeless Treasures
The crisp morning in Toronto ushered us into a new day of exploration. The city was alive with energy, yet there was an underlying calm that made it perfect for wandering its streets.
We started our day at St. James Park, right next to our apartment - a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling urban landscape. With its manicured gardens and intricate Victorian fountain, the park stands as a testament to Toronto’s commitment to preserving green spaces. The singing of the birds and the soft rustle of leaves created a serene ambiance, drawing us into nature's embrace.
Our next stop was the iconic City Hall, an architectural marvel of the 20th century. Its twin curved towers, with their distinctively modern design, are symbolic of the city's progressive spirit. This structure isn't just an administrative building; it's a landmark that has witnessed many of Toronto's significant historical moments.
From there, we headed to Union Station, a grand structure dating back to 1927. With its magnificent Beaux-Arts architecture, it is more than just a transport hub; it's a monument to the era of grand rail travel. The high vaulted ceilings, detailed stonework, and the soft echo of footsteps on the marble floor transported us back in time.
Next on our itinerary was HTO Park. Overlooking Lake Ontario, this urban beach with its golden sands and wave-deck offers a quiet respite from city life. The sound of water lapping against the shoreline, combined with distant city noises, was a soothing melody to our ears.
As evening approached, we were in for an exhilarating experience. The CN Tower, one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world, awaited us. We took on the "Edge Walk," not just a mere observation deck visit but a daring, outdoor walk on the circumference of the tower's roof! At a heart-stopping 356 meters above ground, we were treated to a bird's eye view of Toronto, with the city’s skyline stretching out beneath us. The price of 195 CAD per person seemed minuscule compared to the priceless memories we forged.
After a day filled with both serenity and thrills, we retreated to our apartment, reflecting on the rich tapestry of experiences that Toronto had offered us. The city seamlessly weaves its modern vibe with historical depth, making every moment spent here memorable.
7h October 2022 - Torrents and Towers: An Adventure from Toronto to Niagara
Our day began with the hum of a train, as we set off from Union Station at the brisk hour of 8 am. The comforting rhythmic clatter of wheels on tracks signalled the start of our two-hour journey to the remarkable Niagara Falls. As the urban landscape of Toronto receded, we were soon flanked by scenic vistas of Ontario's countryside.
Emerging from the train, the distant roar of the Niagara Falls greeted us. The sheer power of the cascading waters took our breath away, a formidable force of nature painting an entrancing dance of white against the deep blue of the river.
Not content to merely gaze at this natural wonder from afar, we opted for the Journey Behind the Falls. Venturing deep into the bedrock, we found ourselves standing directly behind the falls. The deafening roar of the waters, the fine mist that painted our faces, and the surreal view of water crashing down just a few feet away made the experience utterly captivating.
Adding a dash of thrill to our day, we couldn't resist the Zipline to the Falls. Suspended from a harness, soaring over the river towards the great misty curtains of the falls was nothing short of exhilarating. While the cascading falls beneath the afternoon sun were indeed a thrilling sight, the expenditure of 83 CAD per person seemed a bit excessive.
Seeking a panoramic view, we next visited the Skylon Tower. Rising majestically 160 meters above the Niagara River, the tower offered us a bird's-eye perspective of the falls, the winding river, and the picturesque towns on either side of the border.
With the sun beginning its descent, we boarded our train back to Toronto. The journey was one of reflection, the day's adventures replaying in our minds.
However, Toronto wasn't done impressing us. As the night came, the silhouette of the CN Tower stood tall against the evening sky. We decided to witness the city under the cloak of night from its dizzying heights. The city lights twinkled below, like countless stars, a tranquil end to a day pulsating with adventure and awe.
8th October 2022 - Toronto to Munich
Casa Loma:
Our day started with a visit to Toronto’s Gothic Revival style mansion - Casa Loma. This castle-like structure, once the grandiose abode of Sir Henry Pellatt, a Canadian financier, is enveloped in rich history. As we wandered through its lavish rooms, secret passageways, and verdant gardens, we couldn't help but feel like we'd stepped back into a bygone era. It's remarkable how this architectural marvel, sitting on a hill overlooking downtown Toronto, has withstood the test of time.
We explored its detailed stained-glass windows and marveled at the intricate woodwork and artistry throughout. Casa Loma, with its towers and turrets, truly offered us a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of its previous inhabitants.
As dusk approached, our sights shifted from the grandeur of Toronto to the skies above Munich. We boarded the overnight Lufthansa flight LH495, leaving behind the contemporary hustle of Toronto and setting our hearts to European landscapes.
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