MY TRIP TO ONTARIO, CANADA - TORONTO, WELLINGTON, OTTAWA

It has been a hot minute since I’ve traveled to Eastern Canada… I miss it! I have close friends and family there, and it provides a fantastically different vibe than the West Coast. Since I’m not able to travel there at this time due to the Coronavirus, the next best thing for me to do is to write about it! Here’s some places I visited and things I did there that I absolutely loved and highly recommend to others!

1. BALZAC’S COFFEE ROASTERS

Ready to go to the best coffee shop in Toronto?! Look no further than Balzac’s Coffee Roasters! Balzacs was founded by an amazing woman named Diana Olsen (who also happens to be my Aunt!). She was inspired by the Grand Cafés of Paris whilst she lived there, immersed in authentic French culture. She named her cafes after Honoré de Balzac, a French novelist and playwright in the 1800s, who had a deep and genuine passion for coffee.

Sharing this passion, Diana opened her first cafe after returning from France with fervor to bring authentic French culture back to Toronto, Canada. The company was founded in 1996. Fast forward to today, she continues to drive the company’s growing success with a certain je ne sais quoi, superseding any après-coffee shop competitor when it became a hipster trend to open a coffee shop. She is an OG who keeps her finger on the pulse!

Balzac’s now has 14 locations across Ontario. Even more unique is that each of these amazing cafés embodies the “cultural nuances and historical significance of the location it’s in.” So go and grab a coffee, and experience the Balzac culture!

2. THE DRAKE DEVONSHIRE HOTEL

Looking for a little lakeside retreat? The Drake Devonshire Hotel is a perfect little weekend getaway location in Wellington, not too far from Downtown Toronto. It is a unique boutique hotel with only 13 rooms. It has creative art installations and great beverage menus supporting the local farmers and vintners.

I came here with my aunt and cousin and had a fabulous time! We went to the museum and local ice cream parlor, and ate a delicious meal at the Drake Devo restaurant. We stayed in the owner’s suite which just took our breath away (see the picture below).

Go check out Drake by the Lake!

3. HIGH TEA AT THE FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAURIER

Ever wondered what Canada’s capital is like? It’s worth the drive to Ottawa!

I came here with my aunt and cousin and we stayed at an amazing little Bed and Breakfast with a rooftop patio! On one of the days we were there, we decided to get dressed up and go for a walk into the downtown area. The walk was beautiful. We went to a beautiful art exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada and then visited the Fairmont Chateau Laurier for high tea. It was so fun having afternoon tea in the most beautiful tea room! We chose from many many different kinds of teas (and had a mimosa or two) along with some of the cutest pastries.

We then went exploring some more and stopped at a local farmers market. I love going to farmers markets to see all the locals have to offer! We had some poutine and a beavertail - two classic Canadian delicacies you must try if you haven’t yet!

If you haven’t visited Ottawa, make that a priority if you are in Ontario! And visit the Fairmont Chateau Laurier - you won’t be disappointed!