Toronto

A Weekend in Toronto: Views, Museums and Cuisines

• Sony A7R III
• f/4
• 16mm
• 320
• 1/60 sec

Our weekend in Toronto was an energizing blend of sightseeing, art, and culinary adventures, making it an ideal urban escape. We arrived by plane and initially took a taxi from Toronto Pearson International Airport, but on our way back, we opted for the UP Express train—a smart choice, as it not only saved us time but also offered a smooth ride right into the city center. We would recommend this route for anyone visiting, as it’s convenient, affordable, and avoids the Toronto traffic.

• Unknown Camera
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Our first destination was the iconic CN Tower. Standing at over 1,800 feet, it’s one of the tallest structures in the Western Hemisphere and offers breathtaking views across Toronto and Lake Ontario. We were lucky to visit on a clear, sunny day, giving us expansive views, with the skyline stretching to the horizon and beyond. For an even better experience, we had lunch at the 360 Restaurant, which rotates slowly, allowing diners to enjoy panoramic views of the city while savoring their meal. The food was a delightful surprise—thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented, which, combined with the priority access to the tower, made our experience feel special and hassle-free.

• NIKON D7100
• f/5.6
• 200mm
• 360
• 1/500 sec

After our time at the CN Tower, we spotted Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, located right on Toronto Island, just off the downtown waterfront. Known for its Porter Airlines flights to destinations like Newark, it’s incredibly convenient for travelers aiming to skip the large airport hustle. Watching small planes take off over the lake added a unique, almost serene vibe to the bustling cityscape.

• NIKON D7100
• f/9
• 18mm
• 100
• 1/320 sec

From here, we wandered over to the Toronto Railway Museum and the nearby Roundhouse, just a short walk from the tower. The Roundhouse, once used to repair and store locomotives, was beautifully preserved and had a sense of nostalgia for rail enthusiasts. The museum itself, however, felt limited with just a few exhibits; we expected more interactive or educational features and felt it didn’t quite justify the ticket price. However, the outdoor display of trains and the roundhouse setting were still enjoyable, especially for those interested in industrial history.

• Sony A7R III
• f/2.8
• 16mm
• 2500
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A definite highlight of our trip was Toronto’s vibrant food scene. We explored a variety of restaurants and were consistently impressed by the diversity and quality of the city’s offerings. One of our best finds was an Indonesian restaurant where the flavors were rich, bold, and authentic. The lamb satay skewers were a particular stand out. Inspired, we sought out a similar place in New York after returning, only to find that nothing quite matched the experience we had in Toronto. The city’s multicultural vibe also led us to great vegetarian Thai food and Mediterranean bakeries.

To round out our cultural tour, we visited the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), which was a feast for the eyes in more ways than one. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the building itself is a work of art. Its sweeping glass and wood facade creates a striking exterior, while the interior layout is modern and elegant. While we were captivated by the architectural design, the collection was a bit hit or miss for us—particularly the modern art, which didn’t resonate as much. However, the Canadian and European art collections were fascinating and offered a nice insight into both regional and classical art styles.

• Sony A7R III
• f/10
• 24mm
• 100
• 1/160 sec

Overall, Toronto offered a perfect balance of urban excitement and relaxed exploration. With its diverse food, unique attractions, and approachable layout, it’s a fantastic city for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re scaling the heights of the CN Tower, savoring exotic flavors, or admiring architectural masterpieces, Toronto has something to offer every type of traveler. It’s a city that manages to be both cosmopolitan and welcoming, and we left feeling that we’d only scratched the surface of all it has to offer.

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