After the neon chaos of Las Vegas, I was ready for something completely different. Toronto, Canada’s largest city, was my final destination on this three-city adventure, and it turned out to be full of surprises. From November 7-11, I experienced my first Canadian winter, stood atop the iconic CN Tower, witnessed the majesty of Niagara Falls in the snow, and reconnected with an old friend over dinner. This wasn’t just a trip—it was a revelation about a city I’d only seen in movies and heard about in passing.
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions – November 7th
Landing in Canada
After my flight landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, I headed to the immigration area. First, I filled out an entry form at a machine, printed the slip, and joined the queue. The immigration officer asked the standard questions: How long would I stay? Where was I staying? What would I be doing?
But here’s what disappointed me: no stamp. After getting entry stamps in my previous destinations, I was hoping for a Canada stamp in my passport. The officer explained, “Everything is electronic now. We don’t stamp passports.” My passport would show I entered the USA but have no physical evidence of my Canadian visit. It’s a small thing, but for travelers who collect stamps, it feels like something is missing.
The Journey to My Airbnb
Google Maps showed that reaching my Airbnb via public transportation would take two and a half hours. It was already 10 PM, and I was exhausted from travel. I decided to splurge on an Uber, and within 20 minutes, I was at my accommodation.
The location was excellent—central, accessible, and in a safe neighborhood. After checking in and dropping my luggage, hunger drove me back out into the Toronto night.
First Meal: Jordanian Feast
I found a Jordanian restaurant nearby and ordered rice with chicken. The food was absolutely delicious—aromatic rice seasoned perfectly, tender chicken, and generous portions. It was the perfect introduction to Toronto’s incredibly diverse food scene. The city is one of the most multicultural in the world, and this is beautifully reflected in its restaurants representing virtually every cuisine imaginable.
Back at my room, I freshened up, prayed, and went to bed, already thinking about tomorrow’s adventures.
Planning Ahead
My plan for November 8th was ambitious: visit the CN Tower, take a city tour, and explore Ripley’s Aquarium. Toronto’s most famous landmarks, all in one day. I’d already purchased tickets online the night before to save time, so I was ready to hit the ground running.
Day 2: Towers, Tours, and Underwater Worlds – November 8th
Morning at the CN Tower
I woke up fresh and excited. My first major destination was the CN Tower, Toronto’s most recognizable landmark. I’d bought tickets the previous night, so I could skip the ticket line.
I took the tram—Toronto has an excellent public transit system consisting of subways, streetcars (trams), and buses. The CN Tower was about 3 kilometers away, requiring one tram change. Easy and affordable.
The CN Tower, standing at 553.3 meters (1,815 feet), was the world’s tallest free-standing structure for 32 years after its completion in 1976. Even though taller structures have since been built, it remains an engineering marvel and the defining feature of Toronto’s skyline.
I entered and went straight up—my ticket included access to multiple levels. First stop: the 114th floor, technically called the LookOut Level at 346 meters high.
Breakfast in the Sky
The view was extraordinary. On one side, Lake Ontario stretched to the horizon, its vast blue expanse meeting the sky. On the other side, the entire city of Toronto spread out below—the downtown core with its gleaming skyscrapers, the residential neighborhoods extending outward, and in the clear morning air, you could see for miles.
And here’s something special: I had breakfast at the 114th floor. There’s a café there, and eating while suspended hundreds of meters above the city is an exciting feeling unlike anything else. Sipping coffee while looking down at tiny cars and people below puts everything in perspective.
I spent about an hour at this level, taking countless photos from every angle, watching the city wake up below me.
The SkyPod: Even Higher
But I wasn’t done yet. My ticket also included access to the SkyPod, an additional 33 floors higher, at the 147th floor (447 meters). This is the highest observation level accessible to the public.
It was very cold up there—the wind whips around the tower, and even inside, you feel the chill. But the views… incredible. It’s a 360-degree observation deck, offering unobstructed views in every direction.
I’ve only been higher once before: at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which I visited on the 154th floor. The CN Tower doesn’t quite match that height, but the experience was equally thrilling. Toronto laid out below like a living map, Lake Ontario glittering in the morning sun, and the curvature of the earth visible at the horizon.
The cold prevented me from staying too long at the SkyPod, but I took plenty of photos and videos before descending.
Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
Coming down from the CN Tower, I immediately found a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus and climbed aboard for a city tour. These buses are perfect for first-time visitors—they cover all major attractions while providing commentary about the city’s history and culture.
I rode until lunchtime, getting oriented to Toronto’s layout. The city is remarkably clean and well-organized, with distinct neighborhoods each offering their own character. From the financial district’s towering glass buildings to the Victorian architecture of older areas, from the waterfront redevelopment to the multicultural neighborhoods, Toronto reveals itself as a city of contrasts and diversity.
Lunch Break: Lebanese Flavors
For lunch, I hopped off at a Lebanese restaurant and ordered rice with chicken. The food was excellent, but the cold was becoming a real issue—I hadn’t brought gloves, and my hands were freezing. Toronto in November is no joke. Temperatures hover around or below freezing, and without proper winter gear, you feel it.
After lunch, I headed back to my room to warm up and rest before the evening’s activity.
Ripley’s Aquarium: An Evening Underwater
In the evening, I ventured back out to visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, conveniently located right next to the CN Tower. I’ve visited many aquariums in my travels, but each one offers something unique.
Ripley’s Aquarium, which opened in 2013, is home to over 20,000 aquatic animals representing more than 450 species. What makes it particularly special is its Dangerous Lagoon—a massive tank featuring sharks, sawfish, and sea turtles. A moving walkway runs through a underwater viewing tunnel, allowing you to stand beneath these magnificent creatures as they swim overhead.
I saw enormous specimens, including Japanese spider crabs—these creatures can have leg spans up to 12 feet, making them look almost alien. There were also colorful tropical fish, graceful stingrays, and mesmerizing jellyfish exhibits with mood lighting that created an almost meditative atmosphere.
By 9 PM, I was ready to call it a day. The cold was intense, and I didn’t feel like venturing to a restaurant. I ordered dinner via Uber Eats and ate in the warmth of my room.
Weather Warnings
Checking the forecast for the next day, I saw that temperatures would drop even further. The weather app predicted it would be significantly colder. I mentally prepared myself and planned accordingly: tomorrow would be a tram-based city tour and a visit to the Harbourfront.
Day 3: Snowfall and Market Exploration – November 9th
First Snowfall
I got ready and left by 9 AM. The temperature had dropped to -1°C (30°F). As soon as I stepped outside, I froze—not from the cold, but from wonder.
It was snowing.
I had never seen snowfall in my life. Growing up in Bangladesh, snow was something I’d only seen in movies and photos. But here I was, standing in Toronto, watching snowflakes drift down from a gray sky, landing softly on streets, cars, and buildings.
It was magical. I stood there for several minutes, just watching, feeling the flakes land on my face and melt. Each snowflake unique, delicate, and beautiful. This was worth the entire trip.
Shopping and Breakfast
Eventually, I tore myself away from the mesmerizing snowfall and headed to FreshCo, a local supermarket. I bought bread, cake, bananas, and water. Back at my room, I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast—the rice and chicken from yesterday’s dinner, reheated in the oven, along with my fresh purchases. There’s something satisfying about having a relaxed breakfast in your own space while traveling.
St. Lawrence Market: A Historic Food Paradise
After breakfast, I got ready again and headed to St. Lawrence Market, one of Toronto’s oldest and most famous markets. Established in 1803, it’s been named one of the world’s best food markets by National Geographic.
The market has a fascinating history. It was originally primarily known for meat and cheese, and these remain its specialties. But now it offers so much more: fresh vegetables, fruits, desserts, fast food, and countless other items.
What amazed me were the meat selections—different cuts, different preparations, different animals, all displayed with expertise. But the cheese section was even more incredible: I saw aged cheeses marked as 3 years, 5 years, 7 years, 12 years, and even 18 years old. Can you imagine? Cheese aging for nearly two decades, developing complex flavors and textures.
These cheeses are made right here in Canada, often by small producers using traditional methods. The market vendors are knowledgeable and passionate, happy to offer samples and explain the nuances of their products.
Snow Intensifies
While I was exploring the market, the snowfall increased. By the time I left, the streets were covered in white, and pedestrian traffic had noticeably decreased. People were staying indoors, sensibly avoiding the worsening weather.
The cold was becoming unbearable, even with layers. I decided to head back to my room rather than push through the conditions.
A Quiet Afternoon and Evening
I spent the rest of the day in my room, lying down, scrolling through reels on my phone, and just relaxing. Sometimes travel is about intense exploration, and sometimes it’s about knowing when to rest and recharge.
For dinner, I once again opted for Uber Eats rather than braving the cold. The food arrived warm, and I ate contentedly in my cozy room.
Tomorrow would be big: a day-long tour to Niagara Falls, followed by dinner with my Turkish friend Zubayer in the evening. I needed rest for that adventure.
Day 4: Niagara Falls in Winter – November 10th
Early Morning Departure
My alarm went off at 6 AM. I got up, had breakfast, and prayed before preparing to leave. The pickup point was at the Royal Ontario Museum, and I needed to be there by 7:30 AM.
I left around 6:45 AM, taking a combination of tram and train to reach the museum. Thanks to efficient public transit, I arrived with just 2 minutes to spare.
As I approached, the tour bus started moving—but then stopped. They’d waited for me! I climbed aboard, grateful and slightly embarrassed. After picking me up, the bus stopped at two more hotels to collect other tour group members. In total, we were 19 people.
The Journey Begins
Our journey to Niagara Falls began. About 30 minutes into the drive, we stopped at a coffee shop for a 15-minute break—time for coffee and bathroom facilities.
The cold was intense, so I gratefully ordered a hot coffee. The snowfall hadn’t stopped; if anything, it had intensified overnight.
As our bus continued, I was mesmerized by the scenery. Snow covered everything—roads, houses, cars, trees. The landscape looked like a Christmas card come to life. This was a scene I’d only ever watched in videos or movies, and now I was living it.
A lifelong wish was being fulfilled: experiencing a proper winter snowfall. I recorded videos through the bus window, capturing the magical winter wonderland we were passing through.
Maple Syrup Stop
After about two hours of driving, we stopped at a maple syrup tasting spot. Canada is famous for producing about 71% of the world’s maple syrup, primarily from Quebec and Ontario. Maple syrup is as Canadian as it gets.
They offered us three different types of maple syrup to taste—different grades, different flavors, different colors ranging from golden to dark amber. Of course, the real purpose was sales, but the tasting was genuinely interesting.
I hadn’t bought souvenirs at my previous destinations, but here I decided to purchase a combo box containing three bottles of different maple syrups. It cost approximately 5,000 Bangladeshi Taka (about $45 USD), but it was worth it for an authentic Canadian product.
First Stop: The Boat Ride
We arrived at our first Niagara Falls location. Our guide, Adam, distributed tickets and gave us time until 1:20 PM. The tickets were for the famous boat ride that takes you close to the base of the falls.
I’d actually done this before—in 2019 from the USA side—so this wasn’t entirely new. But experiencing it from the Canadian side, in winter, with snow falling, was a completely different atmosphere.
The boat ride lasted about 20 minutes. Despite the cold, it was thrilling to feel the power of the falls, to see the massive walls of water crashing down, to feel the mist (freezing instantly in the cold air) on my face.
Niagara Falls consists of three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls (mostly on the Canadian side), the American Falls, and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls. Together, they have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America. The Horseshoe Falls alone is 57 meters high and 790 meters wide at its crest—absolutely massive.
Multiple Observation Decks
After the boat ride, I didn’t leave immediately. Inside the attraction area, there are multiple observation decks at different levels. I spent time at each one, taking photos and videos from various angles, appreciating the falls’ beauty from different perspectives.
I even made video calls to several friends back home, showing them live views of Niagara Falls. Their reactions—shock, excitement, envy—made me appreciate how fortunate I was to be experiencing this.
Journey Behind the Falls
Our guide then took us to the next attraction: Journey Behind the Falls. This unique experience lets you explore tunnels that take you behind the Horseshoe Falls itself.
There are three tunnels in total. Two of them open directly behind the cascading water—you’re standing inside the rock, with thousands of tons of water thundering down just meters in front of you. The power is indescribable. The sound is deafening. The observation portals shake slightly from the vibration.
I noticed coins scattered everywhere—hundreds of them on ledges and in corners. Tourists throwing coins and making wishes, apparently. I was surprised to see this superstitious practice even here. Some beliefs are truly universal.
The Return Journey
After spending the allotted time, we boarded the bus for the return trip. Our guide Adam was wonderful—friendly, informative, and genuinely caring. He pointed out various spots along the way, sharing information about the region, the Niagara wine country, and local history.
He was both the driver and guide, handling both responsibilities with skill and good humor.
We arrived back in Toronto before 5 PM. I went to my room, freshened up, had something to eat, and prayed. Then I waited for my friend.
Reunion Dinner
Zubayer, my Turkish friend, arrived to pick me up. We’d studied MBA together in 2013, and though we’d stayed in touch, we hadn’t seen each other in years. He now lives in Toronto with his family.
He drove me about 40 minutes to a restaurant he’d chosen. We had a wonderful time—laughing, reminiscing about our student days, catching up on our lives, discussing our careers and families.
Zubayer made me feel truly welcome. He gave me his time, his attention, and his hospitality. He even said he misses Bangladesh—the food, the people, the energy. We talked for hours, losing track of time in that way you do when reconnecting with old friends.
He dropped me back at my accommodation around 10 PM. Our goodbye was emotional—we both knew it might be years before we saw each other again. Such is the reality of modern friendships spread across continents.
My return flight was tomorrow. This beautiful Toronto chapter was coming to a close.
Day 5: Final Morning and Departure – November 11th
Packing and Last-Minute Tourism
I started packing around 10 AM. I didn’t have much—I rarely buy lots of souvenirs—so packing was straightforward. I checked everything twice, then did a final check of the room to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything.
I checked out at 11 AM but left my luggage in the adjacent room (with permission) while I made one last tourist stop: the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).
Royal Ontario Museum
The ROM, established in 1914, is one of the largest museums in North America, with collections spanning art, world culture, and natural history. It’s housed in a distinctive building that combines heritage architecture with a dramatic modern crystal-shaped addition designed by Daniel Libeskind.
I’ll be honest: I wasn’t particularly impressed. Museums aren’t really my thing—I prefer experiencing places actively rather than passively observing exhibits behind glass. But I’d come this far, so I wanted to at least see what ROM offered.
There were interesting exhibits—dinosaur fossils, ancient artifacts, cultural displays—but nothing that captured my imagination the way the snowfall or Niagara Falls had. Sometimes you visit famous attractions and discover they’re not for you, and that’s okay.
Final Meal
For lunch, I returned to the same Jordanian restaurant where I’d had my first Toronto meal. The food was just as good, providing a nice bookend to my time in the city. I ate slowly, savoring the flavors and reflecting on my trip.
Journey to the Airport
After lunch, I collected my luggage and headed to the airport. This time, I challenged myself to navigate entirely via public transit rather than taking an Uber.
I followed Google Maps precisely: First, tram 511 to Bathurst Station. Then a train to Kipling Station. Finally, bus 900 to Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 3.
Total cost: minimal. Total time: manageable. Total satisfaction: high. I proved to myself that with a little planning, you can navigate Toronto’s public transit system efficiently and economically.
Check-In Complications
Check-in presented an unexpected problem: I didn’t have a transit visa for Qatar (my layover point). The airline was initially hesitant to issue my boarding pass.
However, because I had a valid US visa in my passport, they eventually approved me. That US visa proved its worth multiple times on this trip!
Airport Lounges
Facing a long 13-hour flight, I decided to maximize my remaining Priority Pass benefits. I visited two lounges at Toronto Pearson Airport.
First, I went to a spa shop and used a massage chair—a full body massage that helped me relax before the long journey ahead.
Then I went to the airline lounge, where I had a proper meal and drinks. The lounge was nice, though I didn’t find many of my preferred food items. Still, it was comfortable, quiet, and a vast improvement over sitting at a gate.
This brought my Priority Pass usage to four out of six annual visits. Money well spent.
The Flight Home
On the plane, I sat between two interesting seatmates. To my left was a Sudanese gentleman—very friendly and talkative. He was married to a Saudi woman and held both Sudanese and Canadian passports. He was quite chatty, and we had some interesting conversations about life in different countries.
To my right was a South Indian woman. She was quieter, and we didn’t talk much.
Doha Airport Troubles
Landing in Doha, I hoped to apply for a transit visa and explore the city during my long layover. Unfortunately, they denied my application.
This could have derailed everything, but a helpful Bangladeshi staff member from Qatar Airways went above and beyond to help me. Through his persistent efforts and creative problem-solving, he managed to rebook my flight for later that same evening.
I was grateful beyond words. This kind of help from a fellow countryman in a foreign airport is something you don’t forget.
Final Lounge Visit
With hours to kill, I went to the airport lounge, took a shower (after 13 hours of flying, this was heavenly), and had food and drinks. I tried to relax and not stress about the rebooking.
My new flight was scheduled for 1:25 AM.
The Last Flight
I left the lounge at 12:30 AM and headed to my boarding gate. There, I learned the plane had been delayed—we’d be departing 30 minutes late. After everything I’d been through, a 30-minute delay felt like nothing.
Boarding was smooth. This was the final flight of my entire journey—the last leg bringing me home.
By coincidence, another Sudanese man sat to my left. He seemed like a good person, and we chatted for a while. He was also married to a Saudi woman and held a Canadian passport. We discussed life in different countries, why people emigrate, the challenges and opportunities of settling abroad.
I explained that I’m not in favor of settling outside Bangladesh for good—I prefer the cheaper cost of living and being close to family. He was surprised by my perspective, as most people he meets want to move to Canada permanently.
Eventually, I fell asleep. When we landed, collecting my luggage was hassle-free.
Why I Exit Through Domestic
I have a strategy for exiting airports: I always leave through the domestic terminal rather than international, even when arriving on an international flight. There are several reasons:
- Domestic terminals are less busy and crowded
- When people see international passengers, they often assume we’ve done lots of shopping and are wealthy, which makes you a target for overeager taxi drivers and touts
- It’s simply easier and less stressful
Journey’s End
And just like that, my 11-day journey came to an end.
Reflections: Toronto, The Unexpected Favorite
Of the three cities I visited—New York, Las Vegas, and Toronto—Toronto surprised me the most. I came in with the lowest expectations and left with the deepest affection.
What makes Toronto special isn’t one iconic attraction or spectacular sight. It’s the feeling of the city—safe, clean, multicultural, and somehow both cosmopolitan and approachable. It’s seeing snow for the first time and realizing some childhood dreams do come true. It’s reconnecting with an old friend over dinner and remembering that relationships transcend geography. It’s wandering through a historic market and discovering 18-year-old cheese from passionate local producers.
Toronto doesn’t overwhelm you like New York or dazzle you like Vegas. Instead, it invites you in, shows you its character gradually, and makes you think, “I could live here.” That’s a different kind of impact—subtler but perhaps more lasting.
Travel Tips for First-Time Toronto Visitors:
Weather:
- November onwards is COLD. Bring proper winter gear: warm jacket, gloves, hat, scarf
- Layers are your friend—buildings are heated, but outside is freezing
- Winter boots with good traction are essential if there’s snow
Transportation:
- The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) system is excellent: subways, streetcars, and buses
- Day passes offer good value if you’re doing multiple trips
- The Presto card works across all TTC services
- Airport connection: UP Express train is fastest, but the 900 bus + subway combination is cheapest
Must-Do Experiences:
- CN Tower (obviously) – go early to avoid crowds
- Niagara Falls day trip – book with reputable tour companies
- St. Lawrence Market – go Saturday morning when it’s most active
- Ripley’s Aquarium – evenings are less crowded
- Just walk different neighborhoods – each has distinct character
Food:
- Toronto is incredibly multicultural – try authentic cuisines from around the world
- Kensington Market area has great food diversity
- Don’t miss trying real Canadian maple syrup
- Many halal options available throughout the city
Money:
- Tipping is expected (15-20% in restaurants)
- Use credit cards where possible – better exchange rates than cash
- Priority Pass is worthwhile if you have long airport layovers
Toronto wasn’t just another city to check off a list. It was a revelation—a place that showed me winter wonderlands, reconnected me with friendship, and demonstrated that sometimes the destinations you know least about end up meaning the most.
Would I return? Absolutely. Next time, I’d visit in summer to see the city’s other personality—the festivals, the islands, the patios, the energy. But I’d also return in winter, just to stand in the snow again and remember this first magical encounter with Canada’s urban gem.
And so concludes my 11-day, three-city North American adventure. From New York’s heights to Vegas’s lights to Toronto’s whites—each city offered something unique, something memorable, something worth sharing.
Thank you for reading. May your own travels be filled with unexpected snowfalls and old friends.
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