Toronto as a family: father and son: castle, salmon fishing, and improvised weekend

Toronto with family, I've often done it as an extended layover. Since flights from Quebec often go through there, I've sometimes turned a simple connection into a short day trip, just to enjoy the city a bit before heading off again.

But this time, it was different. My oldest was leaving for two weeks on the Explore program to learn English, and I told myself there was no way I was driving 16 hours on a weekend just to take him there. So we did it differently: plane, RBC Avion points, and a little father-son weekend with the youngest before taking his brother.

Day 1 — Tesla Surprise, Casa Loma and Medieval Evening

We arrived on Saturday morning, picked up the rental car, and the guy at the counter gave me two options: a pick-up or a Tesla. The pick-up looked tempting, but since I knew my credit card insurance wouldn't cover that type of vehicle, I chose the Tesla.

Me, I was frankly happy. Proud, even. The guys, they were a little less impressed than I would have thought. I still wonder why.

Heading downtown. Since our future student was going to do several Toronto classics during his stay, we deliberately avoided the most obvious attractions. Instead, we started by Casa Loma, and honestly, it was an excellent choice. The visit can be done very well independently, and the entrance includes a multimedia audio guide that really helps to get invested in the history of the place.

After that, we went to the Toronto Islands to have a little fun and enjoy the city views. The ferries serve Centre Island, Hanlan's Point, and Ward's Island, making for an easy and enjoyable half-day family outing.

In the evening, I had a surprise saved: Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. We had already done it in Las Vegas and loved it, so I was curious to see the Toronto version. Verdict: almost as good. The meal is simple, but good, and the show is definitely worth it. The Toronto site is at Exhibition Place, at 10 Dufferin Street, and the show lasts about two hours.

Day 2 — Rude awakening and salmon fishing

The next day, a complete change of scenery. Woke up at 4 a.m. to go salmon fishing on the side of Port Hope. It's not exactly the kind of morning where you take your time with a coffee, but once on the water, everyone quickly forgets the time.

At 11 AM, after several nice fish in the boat, the captain announces that he has to return to the dock. Day over... at least, that's what we thought. He finally proposes that we come back the next morning to complete the experience, and we certainly weren't going to say no.

Back at the hotel, we improvise the rest. That's where I stumble upon the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple, right next door. What a great discovery. The Toronto Mandir welcomes visitors at 61 Claireville Drive, and the place is truly impressive, both for its architecture and for the welcome.

To end the day on something simpler, we made a stop at Cabela's. No need to say more: with guys, it often ends well when there's outdoor gear in the scenery.

Day 3 — Back on the Water, York, and Museum

The next morning, we went fishing again until 10 AM. Frankly, it was the right decision. It gave a proper conclusion to our fishing adventure, instead of leaving with the impression of a cut-short trip.

Then, change of tone: we're going to take my oldest to York University for the start of his stay. It always means something, as a parent, to drop off your child for an experience like that. We're proud, obviously, but there's also that little moment when you realize he's really growing up.

Since our flight didn't leave until the end of the day, we managed to stretch out the trip a little longer. We spent the afternoon at Royal Ontario Museum. The ROM is Canada's largest museum devoted to world cultures and natural history, so it was perfect for filling the last few hours intelligently without falling into a rush.

The return... or almost

We thought we'd finish it quietly at the airport, but obviously, the trip wasn't quite over. Our flight was delayed, then delayed again. We practically spent the night waiting.

Fortunately, there was a small consolation: compensation of 400 $ chacun, plus the supper paid for. For major carriers in Canada, 400 $ is precisely the minimum level provided when arrival is delayed by three hours or more, but less than six hours.

In the end, this isn't how we imagined our weekend would end... but we still managed to get through it okay.

What we remember from this trip

What I loved about this weekend was precisely the mix between what was planned and everything we improvised along the way. We left to accompany my oldest, but we ended up treating ourselves to a real little guys' trip.

There was the somewhat absurd pleasure of choosing a Tesla at the airport, the fascinating aspect of Casa Loma, the fresh island air, the knights of Medieval Times, ...salmon fishing at dawn, then that beautiful, quiet moment at the Hindu temple before taking my son to university. Toronto wasn't just a stopover this time. It was truly a paréntesis.

Practical Information

• Casa Loma the entrance includes a multimedia audioguide, which makes the visit much more interesting with teenagers.
• Toronto Islands Ferries connect Centre Island, Hanlan's Point, and Ward's Island from the Jack Layton terminal.
• Medieval Times Toronto : located at 10 Dufferin Street, at Exhibition Place.
• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple 61 Claireville Drive, Toronto.
• Royal Ontario Museum Excellent choice to fill a half-day before a flight.