It’s been a while since I’ve posted as the last few months have been rather manic, a house move, unpacking a container and making the house home, Christmas and visits from UK family and friends, so I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful 2020.

With all of the life admin and unpacking since arriving in Ontario having friends and family come to visit us here was fantastic, not only was it wonderful to receive/give hugs and catch up properly it also gave me a chance to put the chores off to be a tourist and enjoy the sights of what is now our home.

Of course we showed our guests some of Toronto’s main attractions, the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium and skated at Nathan Phillips square but thought I would share nature’s attractions with you today.

Last Friday after drop off and a dog park visit my parents and aunt were ready and waiting for a trip further around Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. We drove through a couple of light snow flurries and as we weren’t travelling with our passports or ESTAs ensured we followed the signs to stay on the right side of the border! As google maps navigated us to the parking lot I was disappointed to be driving through Canada’s equivalent to the tacky part of a British seaside resort but once we had paid our $15, wrapped up for the -9°c temperatures outside of the car and walked towards the visitor centre I was happy to hear and see the Falls in their natural beauty…

The sheer power and force of the water flowing over Horseshoe Falls is immense and rather mesmerising, as is the mist created.

Trying to take photos with mittens on is impossible, so my fingers were soon feeling the cold and the thundering flow of water was making me think it was time to go into the visitor centre to use the bathroom and get a coffee to warm up. Filled with caffeine and with feeling in my fingers again we all ventured out for a wander and were thrilled to see a rainbow appear as we took in the wonder of the Falls.

Since arriving we have been told by locals that this time of year is much milder than normal, so the surrounding trees and flora weren’t as Instagram worthy as the pictures I have seen but with another cold snap due maybe next time it will be more like the winter wonderland I was expecting.

After the sunshine and rainbows on Friday, our plans to head back to Niagara area to visit some local vineyards on the Saturday didn’t go to plan with snow falling heavily from the early hours, however, with some supplies at home we tested some of the local wines in the comfort of our living room.

Snow days are still a bit of a novelty for us and I love how freshly fallen snow changes the landscape and streets around us. After a drive into downtown Toronto on Sunday, I wanted to show my family the older part of our town down by the lake. Driving slowly down to the park on the icy side roads we noticed the signs on the older properties, The Shipbuilders house, a Captain’s house, the old post office and the bank, unfortunately the museum is closed on Monday’s but with the sun shining and blue skies the views over Lake Ontario and by the creek were very pretty.

This weekend the forecast is rain rather than snow, so I don’t see many photo opportunities over the next couple of days but with our guests now back home in the the UK I am looking forward to enjoying the time at home with my OH, Little Miss and our pooch. I hope your weekend is filled with all that makes you happy too.

Categories: Greater Toronto Area, Outdoor Life, TravelTags: lake Ontario, natural wonders, Niagara Falls, Toronto attractions