It was the end of March and a snowy morning, when we crossed Canadian border and arrived to the bus station at Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls, Ontario is located across the river from Niagara Falls, New York. The great waterfall is just between these twin cities. Though the Canadian side offers the best views of Niagara and is certainly much more commercialized and tourist oriented than Niagara Falls on the American side. Tired from the long all night drive from New York City, we indulge our sweet tooth with fluffy pancakes Canadian style. Yum that delicious Maple syrup. Before heading back home the country we both bought some of that tasty liquid gold. After coffee and with our belly’s full we were ready to explore the falls. Although covered in snow and frozen, the view is still spectacular. The water couldn’t sprinkle us from a boat, but we got the feeling of the majestic falls.
Our next stop was a short bus trip to Ontario’s capital, hip city Toronto. We decided to save some money and tried couch surfing. After meeting our host Jennifer, we took a quick tour around the city. It’s a fun city, that seems to us like a smaller Canadian version of New York. A must it’s a visit to a colorful Kensington Market, a distinctive multicultural neighborhood in Downtown Toronto. We also can’t skip a trip to more than 500 meters high observation tower, CN Tower. The view down from a glass floor on the 360Restaurant at 114 stories high is even more magical in the evening. You can see all the lights of the Toronto. Don’t forget to take a stroll down the Yonge street. It’s Toronto’s most famous street, since it is the longest street in the world with 1,896 km. At least that is written in the cement. We also checked out a »castle« Casa Loma, which is Spanish for a Hill House. Casa Loma is a Gothic Revival style house and gardens in midtown Toronto, that is now a museum and landmark.
After few days in Toronto it was time for us to move forward to Ottawa. The city is a capital of Canada and it offers visit of the amazing Parliament Hill. Parliament’s building is the most fascinating and memorable building in the city. Don’t miss the impressive architecture inside while taking a tour around the Parliament. We spent three nights in a hostel that is actually a renovated old jail. 150 years ago it was a Carleton County Jail, but now offers you to spend a night in authentic jail cells. If you’re a big fan of Starbucks, don’t miss a coffee and a cupcake in Tim Horton’s – Canadian version of Starbucks.
Our next and also last stop Oversees was Montreal, Quebec. There we also found a place to stay with a help of http://www.couchsurfing.com. Montreal is my favorite. Perhaps because of the influence of France it reminds me of Europe and home. The dual French-English mix adds dynamism to the city as does its unique mash-up of European and North American culture. Montreal is with some 250 theater and dance companies and more than 90 festivals a cultural capital of Canada. It’s a slice of old Europe in a pie of contemporary design. If you find yourself in this impressive city don’t forget to see a Notre Dame Basilica, take a walk up the Mont Royal that offers great views on the city, Montreal is also famous by McGill University. If you’re a foody try Poutine – a fast food dish made of French fries covered with fresh cheese curds and topped with brown gravy.
heartofwonderlust 