Have you ever loved a band so much that you packed your bags and flew across the country just to see them play? That is exactly what we did for one of our absolute favorite bands, Twenty One Pilots.
As Canadians from Vancouver, we have traveled to Toronto many times over the years. It is a fantastic city that buzzes with incredible energy no matter what season you visit. But this short weekend getaway was extra special because it was entirely dedicated to live music, great food, and exploring the downtown core.
If you are planning a quick trip to Canada’s biggest city, here is a look at where we stayed, what we ate, and how we spent a perfect weekend in Toronto.
Airport Transit Made Easy
Getting from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) into the city is surprisingly easy. You can skip the long taxi lines and hop right on the UP Express train. It takes just 25 minutes and drops you off directly at Union Station in the heart of downtown.
Where We Stayed
We checked into one of our favorite places to stay, the Delta Hotels Toronto. It is centrally located, the beds are incredibly comfortable, and you get absolutely stunning views of the city skyline right from your room.
If you are traveling as a couple and prefer the vibe of a smaller boutique hotel, we also highly recommend booking a room at Le Germain Hotel Toronto Maple Leaf Square.
The Main Event: Live Music
The main reason for our trip was the concert at Scotiabank Arena. Staying so close to the venue made the entire evening completely stress-free. We simply walked out the front doors of our hotel and joined the crowd. Twenty One Pilots put on a phenomenal show, and the energy inside the arena was unforgettable. The show was so good we saw them again in Seattle!
Downtown Dining and Drinks
You cannot visit Toronto without taking in the views from the CN Tower. We booked a dinner reservation at the 360 Restaurant located at the very top. The dining room slowly rotates while you eat, giving you panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the city below as the sun sets.
We also enjoyed some fantastic dim sum at Pearl Harbourfront Chinese Cuisine and grabbed a great casual lunch at Steam Whistle Kitchen. If you are looking for a fun spot to grab a drink, head over to the historic Distillery District and find a table at the Mill Street Brewpub.
Sightseeing in the City Center
Toronto has so much to offer right in the downtown area. We spent a great afternoon walking through the Hockey Hall of Fame to see the Stanley Cup. Afterward, we strolled through Roundhouse Park to check out the historic trains at the outdoor railway museum.
To burn off all that amazing food, taking a relaxing walk along the harbourfront boardwalk is a beautiful way to get some exercise. We also highly recommend wandering through the food stalls at St. Lawrence Market. Finally, if you are traveling with children, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada sits right next to the CN Tower and is an absolute must see!
Who is the one band you would fly across the country to see in concert? Head over to our Facebook page and tell us your answer!
