I had so much to recap about the Ragnar Niagara falls race itself here and here that I did not have a chance to tell you all about the amazing sightseeing highlights from Toronto and Niagara Falls. I had just over a day in each of the cities to check out as much as I could. Here are a few of my favorite snapshots.
Sightseeing Highlights from Toronto and Niagara Falls
Toronto, Canada
We arrived in Toronto on Wednesday afternoon before the Ragnar race. Super easy flight from DC is less than one hour. Once checking into our hotel ,The Delta, in downtown Toronto we set out for lunch and sightseeing. The main attraction in the downtown area is the CN Tower.
Both my friend and I are a little afraid of heights but when in Toronto…we took the elevator up 114 flights to the top. The observation area is a little scary if you have height issues but you sure can get quite a view of the city. I think we both help our breaths and closed our eyes on the elevator ride down.
We had an amazing dinner at an Israeli Restaurant called Parallel. Probably the best falafel and hummus I’ve ever had!
Toronto was a great city and easy to walk around in. Thursday morning we took a nice walk along the lake where our van 1 would later run. Then it was off to run Ragnar starting about 45 min outside of the city.
Niagara Falls, Canada
Our Ragnar race finished right at the falls on the Canada side of Niagara Falls. Apparently, the Canada side is the place to be! The town of Niagara is small and very touristy. However, the views of the falls are just magnificent and awe inspiring.
At night, the falls are lit up in colors. This photo really doesn’t do it justice. It’s quite magnificent. After some rest and refueling, we set out to tour the falls by boat on Sunday morning. The “Hornblower” is the boat that goes off from the Canada side. We visited right before the high tourist season kicked in so we were able to have the sightseeing highlights without crowds.
I was so glad that we stayed to do the Hornblower cruise. Ponchos are handed out as you board and you will get wet. We sure did get up close and personal to the falls. The are much louder than I expected them to be. Fun fact: only about 25% of the water goes over the falls. The remainder is used to power parts of both Canada and NY through underground tunnels.
A fun place to visit for a weekend away! Have you been to Niagara Falls or Toronto?
Linking up Fairytales and fitness
I went to Niagara Falls as a child, but I’d love to go back. Looks like a beautiful trip!
It was fun to visit and is a nice weekend getaway
That falafel just looks good from the picture! Sounds like you had a great time. I had no idea that only 25% of the water went over the falls. Makes you wonder what it would look like if 100% went over.
It would be crazy! You don’t realize the power of the water until you see it up close
I went to college in Rochester, NY, and we did a few day trips to the Falls when I was there. I love waterfalls anyway, so you can only imagine my feelings about Niagara!
Sadly, I have not been back since. Not even now that we live in NY again.
I did also visit Toronto once while in school — it was so long ago I barely remember it!
Toronto is a fun city with lots to do and I would definitely go back there. Niagara is so small so just a day would be a nice getaway for you
I’ve only been to the Falls once years ago when I was there for a conference. I definitely want to go again. I often travel to Buffalo for work but there’s never enough time.
I’d love to run a race there.
I was surprised by how close to Buffalo it was! The perfect place to run a race especially in the spring or fall
I have never been to Toronto but I have been to Niagara Falls and love it! We did the boat ride but it was called Maid of the Mist!
Thanks for linking up with us!
Yes the maid of the mist is on the NY side. Pretty much the same awe inspiring views!
How fun! You had a great view from your Niagara hotel. That night photo of the Falls is pretty cool.
We did have an amazing view from our room!
That Israeli food looks absolutely delicious! Now I want a falafel! When our boys were younger we took them all to Niagra Falls. The response of our middle son? “Meh! I thought it would be bigger.” Are you kidding me? It’s Niagra-freakin Falls!
ha I thought it was really big and so impressive!
Again, what a fabulous trip! YOU gals crammed a lot of activity into you already-fitness-filled weekend. Awesome pics!
We sure tried to!
Glad you had a lovely time in my city! And those falafels look awesome! Looks like you had an amazing time 🙂
We sure did! Canada was so much fun and the people were very nice
I’ve been wanting to visit Canada! There are so many unique sights to see!
Definitely a fun and close place to visit
SO FUN I WANT TO GO!!!!
I think this is going to be on our list for next year or the year after. We all have passports and it would be amazing to take our little guy (and me!) to Canada!
Yes I think you would all love it!
This reminds me of our weekend in Toronto— minus the running! The Hornblower really is worth it. We also did the tour under the falls, which was a bit creepy. Love the view of the falls from your hotel – so cool!
We also did the tour behind the falls but the pics did not come out so well! A really fun and unique experience
Oh what fun! I have never been to Niagra Falls but have always wanted to go! Looks like you had an amazing trip!
We sure did! Lots to see and do there
I always wonted to visit Toronto. Me and hubs planing this trip for such a long time. Stunning photos. Such a great places to visit, really. And I’m planning to do just that!
Hope you all get there soon!
Love the cruise photo. I’ve not been to the Falls in 20 years and really need to fix that
My first time it was a fun little excursion
Love the cruise photo. I’ve not been to the Falls in 20 years and really need to fix that. So fun and n ot that far from friends in Rochester