Flying direct from Glasgow to Toronto with Air Transat couldn’t have been easier. I travelled in Club Class, their premium economy cabin, and it was genuinely one of the comfiest flights I’ve had in a while. The seats were wide and spacious, the planes were modern, and there was plenty of legroom, which made all the difference. There was also a handy USB port at my seat, meaning I could keep my phone fully charged and ready to go on arrival.
A hot meal and a selection of snacks and drinks (including beer and wine) were included, and the service felt generous and attentive throughout the flight. There was also a good selection of films on the in-flight entertainment system, which made the seven hour journey pass quickly.
To make things even smoother, I had prebooked the Allways Meet & Greet airport service. I was met at the gate on landing and whisked through customs in no time. Bags collected, I was in a cab before I’d even had time to refresh my phone notifications.
Checking In: Le Germain Hotel, Mercer Street
Toronto had been on my radar for a return trip for a while, and I was buzzing to be back. My base for this solo getaway was Le Germain Hotel on Mercer Street, a boutique spot tucked away in the Entertainment District. I loved this hotel. The rooms were big and super stylish, the bed was next level comfy and the bathroom setup made getting ready each morning feel like a proper ritual.
The hotel had a modern, upscale energy but still felt relaxed and welcoming. There was a small gym that I used a couple of times during my stay, and the staff were always happy to help with local recommendations.
By pure luck, I landed the same weekend as Toronto Pride and the Toronto Jazz Festival, so the city was buzzing. There were popups, parades and live music performances everywhere. It added an extra layer of energy to the whole trip and made exploring on foot even more fun.
Solo Time, City Style
I love solo travel and try to find a good balance of food, fitness and culture when I’m away. I booked into a couple of Barrys classes just down the road from the hotel, which made me feel right at home. The studio had a great energy and it was a sweaty but welcome start to my mornings.
Toronto is a great city for walking, and I made the most of that. I spent my afternoons exploring different neighbourhoods, taking my time and dipping in and out of shops, cafes and galleries as I pleased.
STACKT Market was a highlight. It’s a modern, container style venue filled with food vendors, bars, shops and entertainment. The vibe was cool, slightly artsy, and there was a real mix of people just hanging out, drinking craft beers and enjoying the sunshine. I also stopped by Wellington Market, another cool food hall with a huge range of global cuisines. It was very grab and go, and I ended up taking dinner back to my hotel from there one night, which hit the spot perfectly after a full day of exploring.
The hotel’s main restaurant was closed for a refurb during my stay, so dinner was served in the candlelit library space instead. I ordered steak frites and was blown away by how good it was. A total ten out of ten meal.
Tourist Mode: On
I know they’re not for everyone, but I genuinely love a hop on hop off sightseeing bus, especially on a short trip. It’s such an easy way to get your bearings and take in the city at your own pace. I planned a few stops in advance and used it to hop around different neighbourhoods.
Yorkville was a standout for me. It’s a high-end area with a huge Eataly, which made for a perfect lunch stop, and plenty of designer boutiques and cool indie stores to browse. I also visited the Bata Shoe Museum, which was hosting a sneaker exhibit that I couldn’t resist.
Another afternoon was spent at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). The building itself is stunning, and the collection is huge. I spent hours here and could’ve easily stayed longer. That same day I wandered through the Distillery District, which had a slightly vintage, industrial feel. It’s packed with independent shops and galleries and was a great place to chill out. I also popped into the Illuminarium, a multi-sensory immersive experience, which was cool in concept but dragged a little bit.
Breakfast was usually back at the hotel, though the menu was a little limited. On my final morning, I tried Alder, a stylish spot I’d seen on Instagram. It had moody lighting, sleek interiors and a solo musician performing live. I sat at the bar with a coffee and eggs and soaked up the vibe. A perfect way to round off the trip.
Final Thoughts
This trip might have been short, but Toronto delivered in a big way. Flying home with Air Transat was just as smooth. It’s a slightly shorter six-hour journey back to Glasgow and I slept for most of it. The combination of a comfy Club Class seat and genuinely warm service made all the difference.
If you fancy a trip to Toronto, why not check out Air Transat’s great value direct flights from Glasgow, London Gatwick and Manchester. Plus, with direct flights from Gatwick to Montreal, as well as seamless connections via Toronto and Montreal to popular destinations including Vancouver and Calgary, Canada is more accessible than ever.
