Our accommodations were tucked away in a peaceful neighborhood in North York — close enough to downtown Toronto for easy access, yet far enough to enjoy some quiet and calm.
We took the subway into downtown and our first stop was the St. Lawrence Market. It is one of Toronto’s most beloved landmarks and a must-visit for food lovers, history buffs, and curious travelers alike.
St. Lawrence Market is known for its incredible selection of fresh food and specialty items. There are over 120 vendors selling meats, seafood, cheeses, produce, baked goods, spices, and international delicacies.
We were very tempted by classic baked goods made with old-world techniques. Buttery croissants, pain au chocolat, and fruit Danishes from several French and Italian-style bakeries.
Butter tarts are one of Canada’s most iconic — and beloved — desserts. Rich, gooey, and sweet, they hold a nostalgic place in many Canadian hearts (and kitchens). A butter tart is a small pastry with a flaky crust and a rich, sweet filling made primarily of butter, brown sugar, eggs and maple syrup. Baked until it’s golden and slightly carmelized, it’s often gooey in the center with a lightly crisped top.
Peameal bacon sandwiches are a classic Toronto specialty and a must-try for food lovers visiting the city. Peameal bacon is a uniquely Canadian cured meat. It’s made from pork loin — the same lean cut used for pork chops—and is known for its tender texture, mild flavor, and signature yellow cornmeal crust.
The name comes from the late 1800s when Toronto pork processors began rolling cured pork loin in ground yellow peas to help preserve it. Cornmeal eventually replaced peas but the name “peameal bacon” stuck.
One last treat I couldn’t resist: a rhubarb galette — rustic and golden, with tart-sweet rhubarb nestled in a flaky, buttery pastry and finished with a hint of sugar. It was simple, seasonal, and utterly satisfying.
After confirming we’d consumed enough calories to fuel a proper day of sightseeing, we left the market and set off to explore the city.
We only had a day to explore Toronto, so we barely scratched the surface of downtown. Our wandering took us through the sleek canyons of the Financial District and down toward the lakefront. Someone suggested we take in the view from the CN Tower — the city’s tallest landmark — but with observation deck tickets priced at $57, the view from below had to suffice.
The sounds of the city’s, its hustle bustle and the heat were tiring so we made our escape to the ferry terminal and set off for Centre Island.
We traded the city’s buzz for lake breezes, green space, and a touch of summer nostalgia. It’s a short 10-15 minute ride to Center Island which is part of the Toronto Islands, a chain of small, car-free islands just offshore from downtown Toronto in Lake Ontario.
Centre Island offers a nice blend of peaceful nature, sandy beaches, a nostalgic amusement park, a charming petting farm, and miles of scenic walking and biking trails.
After a few hours of calm on Centre Island, we were ready to head back to the city. The ferry boat offers a spectacular view of the Toronto skyline.
Our evening plans included moonlight kayaking on Lake Ontario beneath a glowing full moon. But just as we were preparing to launch, a sudden squall swept in off the lake, bringing a torrential downpour. So much for paddling — we called an Uber and made our soggy retreat to our North York hideaway.
One thing that stood out during our day in Toronto was the number of men wearing turbans. Most are Sikh — followers of a faith that originated in Punjab, India. Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and its vibrant South Asian community, particularly Sikhs, forms a significant part of the city’s cultural fabric.
Our Uber driver was a warm and friendly young man who told us he was a Sikh from Punjab. Though he wasn’t wearing a turban himself, he welcomed our curiosity and shared that the turban is a powerful symbol of faith, equality, courage, and respect — reflecting a deep commitment to Sikh teachings and traditions. He explained that wearing a turban is a personal choice, and many Sikh men choose not to cut their hair as part of their religious practice. The turban, he said, helps them cover and care for their unshorn hair with dignity.
I inquired about a sketch book that he had tucked into a seat pocket thinking he might be an artist. He invited us to write something — poetry, reflections, or whatever inspired us. I couldn’t resist an opportunity to write a little travel wisdom on its pages. Our Uber ride turned into a very memorable exchange and a great way to end our day of discovery in Toronto.
Jane in Spain 