Ever wondered how our Canadian neighbors live and eat? I decided to find out, this past summer I took a food road trip from New York City to Toronto. Don't let the 8-hour car ride deter you, there is plenty to see while you make your way over to the Canadian side.
Canada's largest metropolis is filled with gorgeous towers, universities, shopping districts, restaurants and many cultural communities. Brace yourself and follow us on our Food Road Trip from New York to Toronto.
FIRST STOP: United States
Duff's Famous Wings
8351 Niagara Falls Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY 14304
My first stop on my food road trip was Duff's Famous Wings which is home to the famous buffalo-style wings, serving authentic Buffalo Wings since 1969. According to Buffalo's WKBW TV (ABC 7), Duff's sold over 400,000 wings during the 2016 Super Bowl, setting a restaurant record. I ordered Duff's "famous wings" which were coated in their "famous sauce" and was accompanied by a side of celery and baby carrots. Think they're lying about how famous they're wings are? Think again!
Don't underestimate the sauces at Duff's or the warning signs hung up throughout the restaurant: "WARNING! MEDIUM IS HOT! MEDIUM HOT IS VERY HOT! HOT IS VERY VERY HOT!". According to Duff's Franchise Kit, there are 12 Duff original sauces to choose from. The 12 sauces are: Mild, Mild-Medium, Medium Light, Medium is HOT, Medium HOT is very HOT, Hot is very very HOT, Bbq, Hot Bbq, Suicidal Sauce, Death Sauce, Extra Hot Sauce, Extra Blue Cheese.
Ratings
Yelp: 3.5 stars (110 Reviews)
TripAdvisor: 4 stars (152 Reviews)
Thunder Falls Buffet
310 4th St Seneca Niagara Resort Casino Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Located at the Seneca Casino & Resort, Thunder Buffet is a food lovers paradise. The endless amount of food dishes ranges from brick-oven pizzas, mash potatoes, cocktail shrimps, shumai, burgers to crème brûlées. If that doesn't have you drooling, then the DIY pasta area is sure to have you planning your next road trip. Worried about an empty glass? Not a problem. At Thunder Buffet the staff is incredibly attentive and will refill your glass consistently.
Ratings
Yelp: 3 stars (80 Reviews)
TripAdvisor: 3.5 stars (222 Reviews)
Maid of the Mist
1 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
If heights are truly not you're forté but you really still want to see and experience Niagara Falls, then visit the Maid of the Mist North America's oldest attraction. The Maid of the Mist Boat Tour is located on United States side but offers views of the Canadian side of the falls. Boarding is only available on the United States side of the Niagara Falls, keep in mind that this is a viewing experience no passports are required as you will not be getting off on the Canadian side of the falls.
The ship travels close to the falls which means you may get a little wet from the mist during the tour (hence the name, Maid of the Mist) however, Ponchos are provided! The ticket cost is $18.25 per adult (ages 13+) and $10.65 per child (ages 6-12), children under the age of 5 rides for free. Tours are available every 15 minutes and last for approx. 30 minutes.
Please note that the Maid of the Mist boat tour operates from April - November (first week only), make sure to check the schedule as it is affected by ice conditions.
Ratings
Yelp: 4.5 stars (267 Reviews)
TripAdvisor: 5 stars (4,158 Reviews)
NOW ENTERING CANADA ! ! !
Rainbow Bridge
5702 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3K7, Canada
The Niagara Falls International Rainbow Bridge, also known as The Rainbow Bridge, serves as a gateway between the United States and Canada. You can drive, bike, or simply walk across it! Walking or biking across allows for a more breathtaking view, which means that you'll get more Instagram worthy shots of Niagara Falls. The current fee for crossing the bridge is $.50 for pedestrians and bicyclists each way. For those driving across the roundtrip cost is $3.75, which are collected upon departure from the United States. Remember that you're traveling between two countries so bring your passport!
Niagara SkyWheel
4950 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4, Canada
The Niagara SkyWheel is located in Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls premiere destination for attractions, restaurants, and entertainment. Niagara SkyWheel is Canada’s largest observation wheel; at 175 feet it offers breathtaking and illuminated views of the Niagara Falls. The cost of admission to ride the Niagara SkyWheel is $11.99 CAD ($9.44 USD) for adults and $6.99 CAD ($5.51 USD) for children. The duration of the ride is approximately 8 to 12 minutes long. This attraction features climate controlled enclosed gondolas, providing comfort for riders both day and night year-round. Each Ferris wheel cabin is roomy and fits up to 6 people, great for groups of friends or family. It is the perfect place to take scenic sunset photos above the falls for an incredibly affordable price.
Tip: Clifton Hill offers six attractions on-site, a Clifton FUN PASS will grant you access to all six attractions including Movieland Wax Museum of Stars, Zombie Attack, Wild West Coaster, Ghost Blasters Dark Ride, and Dinosaur Adventure Golf/Wizards' Golf. The cost of a FUN Pass is $29.95 CAD ($23.58 USD )for adults and $19.95 CAD ($15.70 USD) for children.
Please note that all prices are based on today's currency exchange rate.
Ratings
Yelp: 4 stars (88 Reviews)
Trip Advisor: 4.5 stars (4,984 Reviews)
Whirlpool Aero Car
3850 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8, Canada
Seeking an even greater thrill? The Whirlpool Aero Car is bound to knock your socks off and leave you speechless. This cable car attraction provides stunning aerial views of the Niagara Falls, it operates from April - November. The attraction can accommodate a maximum of 35 passengers at one time and travels between two points of the Canadian shore of the Niagara River. The ride takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and according to the Niagara Falls Tourism website travels a distance of 3,600 feet. The cost to enjoy this ride is $14.55 CAD ($11.47 USD) for adults ages 13 and up, $9.45 CAD ($7.45 USD) for children ages 6-12.
Ratings
Yelp: 3.5 stars (31 Reviews)
TripAdvisor: 4 stars (1,536 Reviews)
Centre Island
Toronto, ON, Canada
Finally, we've arrived in Toronto! This island is home to Centreville Amusement Park, Far Enough Farm Zoo, various restaurants and even a clothing-optional beach. Centre Island is located a short ferry ride away from Toronto. The docking area provides one of the best views of the Toronto skyline, perfect for group pics and tons of photo-ops.
You can board the ferry to Centre Island at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal which is located at the foot of Bay Street at Queen's Quay West, just west of the Westin Harbour Castle hotel. Enter the Ferry Terminal via the walkway between the Westin Harbour Castle hotel and the Harbour Castle condominiums. Tickets can be purchased online and are priced at $7.71 CAD ($6.09 USD) for adults ages 17-64, $5.05 CAD ($3.98 USD) for seniors ages 65+, $3.72 CAD ($2.93 USD) for children ages 2-14. For a complete ferry schedule click here.
Tip: Prior to planning your trip to Centre Island call or check online their hours of operation. Due to extreme (Canadian Weather) attractions tend to close earlier in the season or fluctuate schedule wise based on the climate.
Please note that all prices are based on today's currency exchange rate.
Fishman Lobster Clubhouse Restaurant
680 Silver Star Blvd, Scarborough, ON M1V 4S5, Canada
Seafood lovers, get ready to eat your heart out at Fishman Lobster Clubhouse Restaurant. The Hong Kong styled Lobster (as seen above) is cooked to golden perfection! Decorated with lobster meat stacked on top of one another and sprinkled with fried golden crisp. Since it's opening in 2009 the family-owned establishment has been serving delicious seafood to locals and tourists. Since 2015 Fishman's has been offering outdoor seating, weather permitting of course. Please note that Fishman's is only open for lunch and dinner.
P.S. This was one of my favorite stops on my food road trip.
RatingsYelp: 4 stars (426 Reviews)
Trip Advisor: 4 stars (166 Reviews)
Pacific Mall (Markham, Canada)
4300 Steeles Ave E, Markham, ON L3R 0Y5, Canada
Pacific mall is basically New York City's Chinatown in one large building. Filled with delicious food, an arcade and tons of shopping boutiques ranging from clothes to knick-knacks; Pacific Mall is a cultural hub of Toronto's Chinese community. The mall has a total of 270,000 square feet of retail space that makes up two floors. The mall also has two entrances one located on Redlea Avenue and the other on Clayton Drive. The Pacific Mall is surrounded by an already existing shopping plaza, which includes Market Village, together they make up over 500 stores.
Presotea
189 Dundas Street W, Toronto, ON M5G 1C7 Canada
Taro milk tea with tapioca balls served in a plastic lightbulb. Presotea a made to order using the most innovative and modern tea brewing skills. This colorful drink is Instagram worthy which earned it a spot on my food road trip list.
The shopping complex was designed by Wallman Clewes Bergman Architects, and first opened its doors for business in 1997. Fun fact: Its Cantonese name Tai Gu Gwong Cheung is derived from the word Pacific Place in Hong Kong.
Tip: If you're looking for knockoff streetwear brands, Pacific Mall is definitely the place to be.
Ratings
Yelp: 3.5 stars (227 Reviews)
TripAdvisor: 3 stars (269 Reviews)
Marathon Cafe
155 E Beaver Creek Road, Richmond Hill, ON L4B
Marathon Cafe boasts about having the best Hong Kong styled milk tea in all of Canada. Hong Kong styled milk tea consists of black tea and milk. Decorated with plaques, trophies and a collection of POP! figurines, this cafe provides a homey environment for customers to enjoy their meal. Marathon Cafe's menu includes traditional Hong Kong dishes such as no-crust ham and egg sandwiches, noodles with braised pork and a variety of teas to please even the fussiest palates. Items on the menu range from $2.00 - $11.00 CAD ($1.58 - 8.67 USD) making Marathon Cafe the perfect place to fill up on food without breaking the bank.
Click here to learn how to make milk tea in your dorm room.
Please note that all prices are based on today's currency exchange rate.
Ratings
Yelp: 3 stars (83 Reviews)
TripAdvisor: 4 stars (4 Reviews)
Congee Queen
895 Lawrence Ave E #8, North York, ON M3C 3L2, Canada
Congee Queen is one of the most popular restaurant's franchises in Toronto for Chinese cuisine. With six locations throughout Toronto, Congee Queen is perfect for a quick casual meal at an inexpensive price. Known for their delicious Congee (pictured above) a rice porridge dish commonly eaten for breakfast, the restaurant offers over 25 different varieties of Conged including meats, vegetables, and seafood.
Please note that all prices are based on today's currency exchange rate.
Ratings
Yelp: 4 stars (183 Reviews)
TripAdvisor: 4 stars (123 Reviews)
What are you waiting for?
Add Toronto to your food road trip bucket list!