Canada – a journey of wonder and simple joys
Our family trip from city life to nature, from vibrant Toronto to charming Niagara-on-the-Lake
Some journeys feel right from the very start. As soon as we closed our suitcases and boarded the plane to Toronto, I knew this one would be special. Not just because of the places we would see, but because I was sharing it with my parents, Guido and Ellen, and Stéphane.
A journey full of impressions, scents, flavors — and moments we’ll carry with us for a long time.
And we were so lucky: two full weeks of sunshine, clear blue skies, and that soft late-summer light that makes everything glow.
Toronto – a sparkling beginning
Our trip began in Toronto, a city full of energy and light. We walked along the waterfront, took the ferry to Toronto Island (a peaceful escape from the bustle), and enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Nobu – refined, warm, and just the right touch of glamour. Looking back at the skyline from the island, I thought: this is the start of something beautiful.
Coup de cœur – Niagara-on-the-Lake
Then came my true coup de cœur: Niagara-on-the-Lake.
What a charming, almost picture-perfect village – with its beautifully kept houses, blooming gardens, and those two chairs under every porch, as if waiting for someone to sit and simply enjoy the moment.
We loved the boat ride at the base of the Niagara Falls, feeling the spray on our faces, and later, the calm among the vineyards. Everything there felt peaceful, balanced, almost cinematic.
Montréal and Québec – charm and contrast
Montréal brought us back into city life, with its mix of creativity and French flair. The Botanical Garden was a true oasis, and I adored the melodic Québécois accent and the warmth of the people.
But to be honest, Montréal was also a bit of a disappointment. I had imagined it more romantic. The city felt lively but surprisingly dirty — such a pity, because its potential is undeniable.
Québec City, on the other hand, was utterly enchanting – with its cobbled streets, its European charm, and the Montmorency Falls, majestic and misty, lingering in the air.
Baie-Saint-Paul and Charlevoix – sleeping under the stars
One of the most magical moments of the trip was staying in a dome in Baie-Saint-Paul. At night, we gazed at the stars through the glass ceiling; by day, we admired the landscape turning slowly golden and red.
Dinner at Faux Bergers was another highlight – pure flavors, local produce, and an atmosphere both elegant and heartfelt. Everything felt just right.
Saint-Alexis-des-Monts – autumn colors and calm
Our route also took us to Saint-Alexis-des-Monts, a place made for slowing down. The forests were ablaze with autumn colors, the lake mirrored the sky, and the air smelled of pine and wood. This was the serenity I had been hoping to find in Canada.
The less memorable stops
Of course, not every stop touched us in the same way.
Saguenay and Chicoutimi felt vast and impersonal – lots of concrete, little charm. Kingston didn’t win us over either. And Montréal, despite its many qualities, didn’t quite live up to my expectations. But that’s part of traveling too: not everything has to be perfect. The small disappointments only make the highlights shine brighter.
What stays with me
What I’ll remember most is the warmth of the people, the scent of pine, the sound of water, and the joy of being together. Canada has a softness to it – a way of inviting you to slow down, to notice, to feel.
And that’s exactly what this journey was for me: a reminder to take time, to share, and to be grateful for all the beauty already around us.
