Never in a million years did I think I would step foot in Canada, let alone see Niagara Falls. When the GLAMOUR office was approached by Virgin Atlantic for our attendance of this trip to Toronto, I jumped at the opportunity. I've always wanted to go there. If only I could tell the old me how special this trip was... This was the airline's inaugural flight to Toronto since 2001 (and Vancouver since 2014) and now, the airline is back on Canadian soil after 11 years.
Here's what happened.
DAY 1 - Travel day
After a seamless check in in the Upper Class Wing, I'm greeted with open arms by the team at the Virgin Clubhouse. What follows is Laurent-Perrier Champagne, pretty much on tap and a glass always in hand. After a toast, we stumble over to the plane to get ourselves settled for the 8 hour journey ahead.
The daily route from London Heathrow to Toronto Pearson Airport is operated in ultimate style, on the Boeing 787-9. The route offers seamless onward connections to India, as well as within Canada via an expanded codeshare with WestJet, Canada's second largest airline. “We’re so pleased to be back here again,” said Sir Richard Branson in a press release. On board, the Virgin Atlantic team pull out all the stops with the entertainment. Most of us are at the bar for the duration of the flight but out of nowhere, a magician appears and gives us all his best tricks. Touch down and the plane door swings open - in sprints Sir Richard Branson himself; “Welcome to Canada!”. Cheers and applause roar throughout the aircraft.
Off to Toronto (nicknamed 'The 6') and our hotel where we will be staying, 1Hotel; a beautifully curated sanctuary. Upon entering my room, I see the curtains slightly open to the Canadian flag flying proudly outside my window. I drop my bags, switch on the Canadian TV Channels and look over my itinerary for the next few days. What a day! I couldn't believe I was in Canada.
DAY 2 - Niagara Falls and Virgin party
Breakfast is served - pancakes and sweet maple syrup. Today is a day jammed-packed full of sightseeing, courtesy of Destination Ontario. The traffic in and out of Toronto is famously known for being gridlocked. I hardly notice the time go by. We drive along Lake Ontario, passing through spectacular views of Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton until we reach our destination.
“There it is!”. We pour over to one side of the bus with our cameras out and mouths wide open. There it was in all it's glory; Niagara Falls. Formed 12,000 years ago during the Ice Age, more than 700,000 gallons of water pour from the 99m thunderous cascade every second. We see the Falls from ground level, all the way down to the lower observation deck surrounded by ancient rock formations that have been carved by centuries of relentless flow. Seeing the scale and force of the water from this perspective is utterly breathtaking.
The aerial view comes from Two Sisters Vineyard, where we have lunch, located in the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. This award winning family run estate is impressive, with 4 vineyards each housing different variants and maturity of grape. Sommelier Magister, Dieter Unruh, introduces us to some of their award winning wines for tasting which goes down an absolute treat. Outside the chateau, we're whisked away and head to the skies with Niagara Helicopters. On the East side of the Niagara River is America; to the West is Canada. I catch a glimpse of The Falls from above, I've never seen a more beautiful view of nature. Feeling overwhelmed, I get quite emotional as we fly over the best view of the Falls. It is magnificent.
We leave the countryside of Ontario and head back to the city. Time to get Virgin Party ready and off we go to the Globe and Mail Centre. I opt for a smart/casual trouser look with ankle boots and a blazer. Drinks flow, rigatoni and canapés are served. The team and I dance the night away.
DAY 3 - Bike ride and travel home
We have a splendid bike ride planned with Toronto Bicycle Tours to explore Toronto Islands, a group of 15 small islands that have a 150 year old community, now currently home to 600 residents. Sadly, the weather lets us down but Ryan and Sydney from the tours have us covered and provide us with fleeced ponchos to keep us warm.
We join Island goers at the ferry that takes us across Lake Ontario. We spend the morning learning about the Islands history and ride through the quaint environment. We pass through Centre Island and several other locations including the boardwalk, a haunted lighthouse, St Andrew's by the Lake Church, Centreville Amusement Park and swimming beaches, which we're told is popular with nudists. A lovely way to spend our last morning here.
After spending lunch with the team at KŌST and the rest of the afternoon on my own shopping around Kensington Market for vintage pieces, I walk back to the hotel. As we wait for our transportation to take us back to Toronto Pearson Airport, we are told that this vehicle is “extra special”. On board I see coloured flashing lights, a central catwalk and a row of seats surrounding all sides. In blasts ‘Freed from Desire’ by Gala from all corners of the vehicle. This is a party bus. Let's leave Toronto in style.
I am summoned to the catwalk; RuPaul's ‘Sissy That Walk' starts playing. Having had no Dutch courage and in front of a bus full of people that I've spent the past 2 days with, I entertain the crowd; vogueing, twirling and dropping it like it's hot, whilst still trying to balance myself on the moving bus. Luckily I don't fall over but I do grasp the side of the bus awkwardly and pull my shoulder. No further injuries were sustained in the making of these dance moves. All flustered, we arrive at the wrong terminal and all run back on the bus. Music blasts again and we race to Terminal 3 for our flight back to London. I watch Anora and lay my plane seat out as a bed. Luxury. I fall straight to sleep and I'm homeward bound.
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Thank you to Virgin Atlantic for an incredible and unforgettable trip. Oh Canada! I will be back. Long may this route last.
Virgin Atlantic flies direct from London Heathrow to Toronto Pearson Airport. Prices start from £391 per person. For further information please contact the Virgin Atlantic press office on +441293 747373 or email press.office@fly.virgin.com
