matcha & maple: a day trip
I’m trying something new, sharing a day in my life with my friend Jennifer, who I’ve known for over 20 years, so when she came to visit me in Canada from England, it was only right to take a little day trip out of Toronto. We chose Niagara for the Falls, the wine, the charm, maple syrup. It’s a classic destination for visitors to Canada for a reason.
We boarded a tour bus from Union Station early in the morning, matcha lattes and mochi donuts in hand (try Isabella’s in Union) a necessary ritual for any full-day outing. Our tour guide, who somehow knew a little too much about everything, casually mentioned it was his last day on the job. A shame really as he was good at it.
Wine Before Noon (it’s 5 o clock somewhere)
Our first stop was the Niagara College Wine Education Centre, where we sampled a range of wines, including Canada’s famous ice wine. I liked it although it’s a little too sweet, syrupy, and best enjoyed in very small doses. We walked around the vineyard afterward, soaking up the sun in classic Muskoka chairs. Very peaceful. Very Canadian.
The Falls, Again
This was my fourth time seeing Niagara Falls, but it still holds up. We had lunch near the viewing area before doing Journey Behind the Falls. The Hornblower boat tour was cancelled due to some lingering ice (yes, in late April), but the tunnels and roar of the water up close still delivered on the yellow ponchos, misty selfies, the whole tourist experience.
Maple (Of Course)
On the way to Niagara-on-the-Lake, we stopped at Maple Leaf Place, the home of maple syrup. We sampled different grades of syrup and, surprisingly, I preferred the darkest one. There was also some very random photos with an RCMP moose mascot. It happened. I won’t pretend to explain it.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
We had two hours to explore the town and honestly, it flew by. It’s such a well-preserved, charming place. Boutique shops, flower-lined streets, historic buildings. We tried to get ice cream at Cows, apparently the best in Canada, but the line was outrageous, so we pivoted to Dairy Queen. It was Jenny’s first Blizzard, and she was genuinely amazed when the cup flipped upside down and nothing fell out.. I had the same reaction the first time I had a blizzard too, haha.
We also stumbled upon a beautiful Black wedding happening outside one of the heritage buildings. Elegant, joyful, and effortlessly stylish. That moment stuck with me.
Before heading back, we took some photos with a bright blue Bell phone box outside a very aesthetically pleasing LCBO.
Everything is prettier in NOTL.
Good trips don’t need to be complicated. More than anything, it was all about good company, new sights (even the familiar ones), and making the most of time together, because that’s all we’ve got.
