Toronto in February: One King West, a Day Trip to Wine Country, and the Shameful Tiki Room

A long weekend escape to Toronto that somehow included a cheese-wheel pasta moment, a winter-friendly “walk indoors” downtown route, a surprise winery day trip, and (of course) a tiki bar stop.

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In this episode

Ashleigh and Christopher recap their February getaway to Toronto, including where they stayed, what they ate, the best sights for a cold-weather trip, and a side quest to Niagara-on-the-Lake for wine tasting—plus a final stop for iconic Windsor-style pizza on the way home.

Highlights & trip recap

Where we stayed

• One King West Hotel & Residence (near the line between the Financial District and Old Town)

• Why we loved it: great amenities (breakfast/coffee, bar/restaurant, fitness center, spa) and an ideal, walkable location

Getting there

• Originally planned to take the train, but price jumped—driving ended up being the better deal

• Having a car also made the day trip possible

Best meal of the weekend

• Sal’s Pasta & Chops (Little Italy)

• The showstopper: tableside pasta tossed in a Parmesan wheel (yes, a literal cheese “mixing bowl”)

• Also: fried artichokes—and lots of extra cheese on top

Tourist day: downtown classics

• CN Tower

  • Go early for lighter crowds

  • We paid extra for the higher observation deck

  • Fun fact: the tower’s origin story is tied to broadcasting/antenna needs as Toronto’s buildings got taller

• Ripley’s Aquarium

  • Busy on the holiday weekend (so many kids!)

  • The moving walkway exhibit made it much easier to see sharks, stingrays, turtles, and big fish even when crowded

Market lunch

• St. Lawrence Market for sandwiches + pastéis de nata

• Note to future travelers: we learned the hard way it’s not open on Monday (plan accordingly)

Valentine’s dinner curveball

• A reservation got canceled without explanation, so we pivoted to The Carbon Bar

• Barbecue Place with multi-course menu options

Day trip: Niagara-on-the-Lake

• A chance to finally explore one of Canada’s most famous wine areas

• Wineries we visited:

  • Tawse (Burgundy-focused, standout tasting—so good we brought bottles home)

  • Ravine (beautiful property, tasting room + restaurant, great for a longer lunch-style stop)

• Lunch: The Olde Angel Inn (historic vibes + a little ghost lore)

• Strolling the town: coffee, shops, and lots of “we need to come back” energy

Tiki stop

• Shameful Tiki Room

• Lounge seating, strong drinks, and a mystery bowl that comes with a gong moment

• Food is more snacky—good to know before you go

Last morning: Hockey Hall of Fame

• A must for hockey fans (and surprisingly exciting even if you’re just nostalgic for the Red Wings era)

• Seeing the Stanley Cup + classic jerseys, gear, and trophies

• Great exhibits, including women in hockey, plus interactive stations (shooting pucks, etc.)

Final food mission: Windsor pizza

• We crossed to Windsor specifically to try it

• What makes it “Windsor-style”: distinctive shredded cheese, pepperoni cut into strips, and the classic canned mushroom vibe

• Pro tip: if you’re heading back across the border right after, consider ordering smaller than you think

Bonus travel tip

• Windsor can be shockingly affordable for hotels compared to Detroit—worth considering if you have a passport and don’t mind the border logistics.