On arrival in Toronto, we collected our bags and made our way to the UP train station where we boarded our train to the Fairmont Royal York Toronto. Union Station was situated across the road from the hotel so we didn’t have far to walk on arrival into Toronto This was a very smooth and easy way to reach the city and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
After exiting the Union Station we saw our hotel. Wow!! The Fairmont Royal York stood majestically across the road, it was very impressive, I couldn’t wait to get inside this very famous hotel. On arrival, the doorman greeted us with a huge smile and welcomed us to the hotel. We had a group check-in downstairs.
We made our way up to our room which was on the 10th floor which meant we had a fantastic view. The rooms were spacious and had two double beds. It had every facility you would need including an ironing board, kettle, mini bar etc. We had a welcome tray of chocolates and a card welcoming us to the hotel.
Later that evening at 7.30pm we made our way to the 19th floor for our welcome reception where we enjoyed canapés and drinks. The view from the 19th floor was incredible. We watched the sun going down from there. We all got to know each other a little more and the First Class Holiday team told us more about what we would be doing. We also got to meet some of the sponsors of the event.
The next morning we all met in the library for breakfast this was followed by presentations from our sponsors and a short training event. We were split into teams for our treasure hunt around the city, this consisted of a series of clues on an App that directed us around the city. We had to solve a few clues, some were easier than others, and some took a rather long time to solve.
We were determined to complete it. If we had an answer wrong there would be time penalties added! The treasure hunt took us around some iconic areas of the city such as the sports arenas, CN tower, food market and many that we would never see if it wasn’t for the treasure hunt. It was a very tiring day but enjoyable. We made our way back to the hotel where we had a little bit of free time to enjoy the city.
The highlight of the day was the evening meal. We were escorted to the CN tower by Brian from Destination Toronto. We made our way up the iconic tower to the restaurant which revolves slowly while you are eating. The view was breathtaking from up there, we were able to enjoy the stunning views while we ate. The food was delicious. After dinner we were able to visit the observation deck and walk across the glass floor area of the tower, it was a long way down.
Niagara-on-the-Lake was beautiful, very quaint almost colonial in style. Small shops adorned the main street. We had time to get some lunch and wander around the pretty shops. If you wanted, you could take the short walk down to the lake which was a beautiful setting. This is a must-do if you are visiting this area.
We met back at 2.30pm for our short trip to Niagara. This was the most exciting part for me as we were stopping at Niagara Helicopters. I was so excited to be going in a helicopter. We were going on a trip over the falls where we could marvel at the natural wonder and beauty from a different view. It was amazing, the flight was about seven minutes long but it was the best experience and well worth doing. It had to be seen to be believed!!
We re-boarded the coach for a short drive to Niagara Falls, on the way we paused at another interesting area, the gorge where the whirlpools are. Across the gorge, there is a small cab that travels across giving you a different view again of this remarkable area.
This evening we were staying at The Marriott on the Falls. We had been told that we all had Falls view rooms but nothing could prepare you for the sight when you opened the blinds. The room was huge with two double beds. Near the window, there was a small sofa, where you could sit and admire the tremendous view. We were so close. The rooms were perfectly placed to view the Horseshoe Falls in all their glory. We couldn’t stop gazing at the view, see for yourself below!!
Evening meal was at the Crowne Plaza Hotel prime steakhouse. The meal was delicious and the wine continued to flow all evening. Again, we were treated to amazing views of the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. Later that evening, the view got even better as both the falls were lit up in various colours throughout the night. We enjoyed our walk back up the hill to our hotel passing the iconic falls where we did get a little wet by the spray but all part of the experience.
Our last day started with yet another exciting itinerary. After experiencing a beautiful buffet breakfast at the Sheraton on the Falls, where there was so much choice of food plus the backdrop of the falls outside the window. We were guided around the resort by one of the managers who showed us the completion of their upgrade to all the rooms. The hotel has some stunning rooms and many different areas to keep the whole family entertained.
After the tour we took the short walk to the Niagara City Cruises. We took the Voyage to the Falls boat tour. We all got our ponchos on ready to get wet. It started with some light mist as we passed the American Falls. It was so much fun and truly exhilarating to get so close. We then made our way up the Horseshoe Falls where things got even more interesting. This is when the ponchos really came in handy. You really do get wet but you get such an amazing view of this natural wonder. As we went past and turned around, we caught sight of a stunning rainbow. Everyone agreed this was a once-in-a-lifetime activity to do. Over the two days, we got to see the Falls from above and up close on the boat.
After the Boat ride we had some free time around Niagara where there are lots of activities to keep you entertained. The sky wheel has some amazing views over the whole area.
The day finished with the newest attraction at Niagara, the Power Station and the Tunnel Experience. We learnt how the power station worked from a very informative guide. Next, she took us down the 180 feet lift shaft where you could view the different levels of the power station before reaching the tunnel entrance. There was a 15-20 minute walk down the tunnel to the viewing platform which again gave us breathtaking views with a different perspective. Lots of photo opportunities at this point.
After the Tunnel attraction we were picked up for a short drive back to Toronto Airport for our flight home with Air Canada. Canada has always been on my bucket list and I can truly say I have been spoilt with this trip. I got to experience some of the best views in the world, stay in iconic hotels and experience my first helicopter ride. This was a trip of a lifetime and would highly recommend it to anyone. I can’t wait to tell you all about it and share my tips.
A huge thank you to the First Class Holidays Team and partners who made this event so special. I will treasure these memories.
