Toronto and Niagara Falls, Canada

Author: Matt Preston Become a contributor

We were loving the train journey so much it seemed a shame it was coming to an end until we got into the suburbs of Toronto. Then the excitement grew! The view of the CN Tower from the dome on top of the train helped. The world’s tallest tower just keeps getting bigger and bigger as you near Toronto Station, a rather drab station from the inside but impressive from the outside.

Our train arrived 2 hours late, not bad considering the 2750 miles it had travelled. We only had time for a drink at the bar before bedtime.

Our first full day in Toronto had to involve going up the CN tower, after a huge lay in (well deserved we both agreed) we ventured to it. The closer you get the more your neck hurts. It really is massive although it has to be said it is showing it’s age a bit. It could do with a lick of paint and some slightly more impressive lights at night. Never the less it’s still worth going up to the observation decks. The tower stands at a whopping 553.33 meters (1,815 ft 5 in) tall. Originally a 60′s idea, construction started in 73 and ended in 76. It’s main use is a broadcast tower for TV and radio networks as well as telecommunications.

But enough of the techno babble, the most important thing is that it has the worlds tallest observation deck. The floor to ceiling glass of the Sky Pod at 447 metres. You have to pay a few dollars extra to go up to it but it’s worth it. It’s the most impressive unbroken view from any observation deck you’re likely to see. On a clear day you can see up to 120km away. Unfortunately it was quite smoggy the day we went up but still the view was spectacular. The view from the cafe at 342 metres. There’s also a glass floor you can lay on, sit on, jump up and down on and generally scare people around you who think it’ll break. It’s completely mind bending to stand on it and look down.

We strolled around the city, enjoyed some of downtown Yonge Street. Toronto does come across as a city that really did boom in the 70′s and 80′s but hasn’t really kept up the maintenance since then. There is a regeneration program underway but it’s got a while to go.

After weeks of eating out we thought we’d veg in the hotel room so we ordered a movie and ordered a Chinese take-away.

Then our last full day arrived and we headed off to Niagara Falls. A 2 hour train ride away, the train actually goes all the way to New York. A quick shuttle bus from the spooky ghost town of Niagara City (where 9 out of 10 shops are closed, empty or selling second hand clothes) and you’re at the Falls. Wow what a sight. There’s actually 2 falls. Horse shoe falls, the more famous of the two and American Falls which is on the American side of the river. It’s definitely best to be in Canada to see Niagara Falls. The yanks had to build a walkway that stretches half way over the river in order to get a decent view of their own waterfall.

We headed straight to the Maid Of The Mist boat tour. About 15 or so minutes worth of viewing the falls from the most spectacular angle. You get a free Poncho and boy do you need it. The boat takes you right up close to Horseshoe falls where you get blasted with rain like spray whilst looking up and torrents of water falling over the edge. You don’t get soaked thankfully, well maybe your feet do. I’d recommend not wearing jeans! Shorts are best as your legs will dry faster than trousers can!

After lunch overlooking the falls we did the “Behind the falls” tour. In 1944 a series of tunnels, ports and a viewing point were created behind horse shoe falls so you can walk through them (with another poncho on!) and view the water from behind. The most impressive point being the lookout where you can see the water from both in front of and behind the torrent. You do get sprayed but the view is just stunning. You could stand there all day and stare at it if it weren’t for the cold spray lashing at your face!

The journey home took a while thanks to customs checking people’s paperwork in the train before it could leave but it was an amazing day and a great way to spend the last full day of our honeymoon. Saturday is all about packing, getting to the airport and catching a couple of flights to get home.

I know we both agree it’s been an amazing experience. Everything, Hawaii, getting married, being on our honeymoon and travelling across Canada. We can both highly recommend all of the above.