Blossoms & Serenity: A Walk Through Japan at Kariya Park

Tucked away in the western part of Toronto in the city of Mississauga, lies a hidden gem that transforms into a breathtaking slice of Japan every spring—Kariya Park.

As cherry blossom season arrives, Kariya Park bursts into delicate shades of soft pink and white, drawing in visitors from everywhere. After a long, grey winter, this is a sign that spring is finally in the air.  Suddenly people are smiling, it feels wonderful and this place is impossibly beautiful.  I am not totally antisocial, but there are there places where you would love to visit all by yourself.  Because there are so many people it's hard not to find that peace and serenity you would find if you were along here.  After awhile you start feeling like a tourist, but if you wait until the crowd disperses you can still catch a photo or two.  After all, this is a place to be enjoyed by everyone.

The park is named after Mississauga’s sister city in Japan, is a peaceful Japanese-style garden located at 3620 Kariya Drive. 

Despite being in the middle of a busy downtown, it feels completely removed from the mainstream. You enter through a modest gate and are immediately surrounded by traditional Japanese elements—stone lanterns, wooden bridges, koi ponds, and perfectly manicured bonsai trees.

But it's during cherry blossom season, typically in late April to early May, that the park becomes truly magical. 

The sakura trees, a gift from Kariya, Japan, bloom in full glory for just a few days, and during that time, the park becomes alive with joyful visitors. Couples pose under blossoms, families enjoy quiet picnics, and photographers scramble to capture that perfect petal-fall moment.

There's something universally uplifting about cherry blossoms. Maybe it’s the reminder that beauty is fleeting, or maybe it’s just how the petals flutter like confetti in the breeze. Whatever it is, you can feel a collective happiness in the air. Strangers smile at each other. Everyone slows down.

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Japan in cherry blossom season but haven’t made it yet—Kariya Park offers a little piece of that experience right here in Ontario.

Have you been to Kariya Park during cherry blossom season? What did you love most? Drop your thoughts or photos in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

 

Step Back in Time: Exploring Toronto's Spadina House Museum

Inside Toronto’s Hidden Gem: A Glimpse Into Spadina House Museum

Have you ever wondered what life was like for Toronto’s elite a century ago? Just steps from Casa Loma, Spadina House offers a quieter, more personal journey into the city’s past — and it’s totally free to visit.

Perched atop Davenport Hill, Spadina House invites visitors into the elegance of early 20th-century Toronto. Built in 1866 by financier James Austin, founder of The Dominion Bank, the mansion was home to three generations of the Austin family until 1982.

The name “Spadina” comes from the Anishnaabemowin word ishpadina, meaning “highland” or “ridge” — a perfect fit for its location overlooking the city.

Today, the Spadina Museum has been lovingly restored to reflect life from the 1900s to the 1930s. Each room is a visual treat, blending Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Colonial Revival design. The six-acre gardens are just as impressive, restored to their 1905 glory — and a perfect photo spot in spring and summer.

While Casa Loma gets all the attention, Spadina House offers something its glamorous neighbour can’t: peace, charm, and authenticity. Many original furnishings remain, each telling its own story of Toronto’s upper class.

We visited on a sunny afternoon and were treated to a guided tour by the friendly onsite staff. And the best part? Admission was free!

If you're planning a trip to Casa Loma, I highly recommend walking just a few minutes further to Spadina House. It’s like discovering a secret — and it’s well worth the detour.

Have you been to Spadina House? What caught your eye — the décor, the garden, the view? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

 

Road Trip to Collingwood and Owen Sound

Remember when you were a kid and there was always that one unplanned trip with your folks that turned out to be the most memorable.  Or the trip that started out the worst you know the large cottage rental that was actually a one room shack and no working stove ending up being the best?

I've experienced a lot of those memories.  It makes you realize that it's not really what you have or where you go, it's who you're with that make these memories stick.

A Detour-Filled Adventure to Collingwood & Owen Sound
We hit the road again! I had every detail of our summer road trip carefully planned weeks in advance—but true to form, we tossed most of it out the window and still ended up having an incredible time.

Day 1: Caves, Sushi, and a Swinging Decision

We set off bright and early Sunday morning, rental car packed and stomachs empty—intentionally, since our first stop was Kiticho Sushi in Collingwood. No breakfast. We were saving every inch of appetite for the all-you-can-eat sushi feast (check out our review at aycetoronto.blogspot.ca).

After lunch, we checked into a local motel for two nights and made our way to one of the highlights of the trip: Scenic Caves Nature Adventures in the Blue Mountains.

Perched atop the Niagara Escarpment, this place is a fascinating mix of geological history and outdoor adventure. The caves and crevices were formed over 450 million years ago, and walking through them feels like stepping into the pages of an ancient story.

Though it was July, we learned this area transforms into a winter wonderland come snow season, offering over 27 km of ski trails and 8 km of snowshoe routes—including a path that leads to Southern Ontario’s longest suspension footbridge. And yes—we crossed it.

Well… eventually. My husband nearly chickened out, hesitant at the sight of the rope-lined bridge swaying above the forest floor. But just when it seemed like I’d be finishing the hike solo, he mustered the courage to join me, and we met at the other end grinning like kids who’d just conquered a rollercoaster.

Day 2: Waterfalls & Fresh Air in Owen Sound

The next morning, we headed to Owen Sound, a hidden gem for waterfall lovers. Our goal? Visit Inglis Falls, Indian Falls, and Jones Falls—all just minutes apart, but each offering a unique view and hiking experience.

We hiked, wandered, and soaked in the peaceful sounds of cascading water. There’s something grounding about being surrounded by forest and rock, with nothing but the sound of waterfalls to drown out the noise of everyday life.

We wrapped up with another AYCE stop—this time at Okinawa Sushi in Owen Sound (yes, we reviewed it too: aycetoronto.blogspot.ca).

By the end of the trip, we were sun-tired, satisfied, and deeply recharged. No airports. No customs. No chaos. Just two people reconnecting with nature—and with each other—on Ontario’s back roads.

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Sometimes, the best adventures happen when the plan goes out the window.
Have you ever gone on a spontaneous or semi-planned road trip?
Tell us your favourite road trip story in the comments—I'd love to hear where the open road has taken you!

Feel the Wind, Fill the Sky – Toronto Windfest 2025!

Feel the Wind, Fill the Sky – Toronto Windfest 2025!

 
Mark your calendars for March 2025 and get ready to let your imagination soar at Toronto Windfest—the annual celebration of all things kite! Whether you're a seasoned kite flier or just love watching the sky come alive with colour, this event is for you.

Join fellow kite lovers at Woodbine Beach Park, where the breeze off Lake Ontario sets the perfect stage for giant show kites, intricate designs, and high-flying fun. It's a spectacular sight as the sky fills with bold colours, wild shapes, and dancing tails.

All are welcome! Bring your own kite and join in the fun. While vending and kite-making workshops aren’t permitted on-site, the air is open to everyone—young or old, pro or beginner.

Location:
Woodbine Beach Park (between Coxwell and Woodbine Avenues)
Vehicle access from Lakeshore Blvd East, just east of Coxwell.
Free parking is available off Lakeshore at Northern Dancer Blvd.

Come be part of the magic—snap photos, meet fellow kite fliers, or just lay back and enjoy the breeze.
Let’s colour the sky together! 💨🌈

https://helpwevegotkids.com/toronto-gta/toronto/east-end/event/sports-outdoor/toronto-windfest/

 

Exploring History and Elegance: The Rodman Mansion

Imagine strolling through a quaint town on a warm Sunday afternoon, the air thick with the promise of summer. As you make your way back to the train station, a curious sight catches your eye: perched atop a grassy knoll on St. Paul Street in St. Catharines, a spire peeks out from what appears to be a magnificent Victorian home. Intrigued, you decide to venture closer.

Despite the steep incline and your casual flip-flops, you ascend the hill slowly, each step revealing more of the grandeur ahead. Finally, you reach the summit—an expansive estate spread over at least 10 acres, complete with a generous parking lot and gravel pathways leading up to a majestic burgundy red front door. This is the Rodman Mansion.

This architectural gem boasts all the hallmark features of a Victorian masterpiece: a steep gable, grand hallways, and large paned windows that seem to invite the outside in. Surrounding the mansion are meticulously tended gardens, a serene oasis untouched by the hustle and bustle of modern life. Yet, remarkably, not a soul is in sight, leaving you to soak in the tranquil beauty of the place.

The Rodman Mansion has a fascinating history intertwined with the dreams and aspirations of the Rodman family. It was originally conceived by Hamilton Rodman, a successful barrister with a penchant for grandeur. During his travels to Italy, he fell under the spell of Montebello castle and resolved to recreate its splendor back home in St. Catharines.

Upon returning, Hamilton began construction, laying the foundation with poured concrete—a testament to his ambition and vision. Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 38, leaving behind his dreams and a foundation waiting to be realized. His brother, Thomas Rodman, took up the mantle, repurposing the materials intended for Hamilton’s castle to construct what would become the Rodman Mansion.

Completed in 1820, the mansion stood as a testament to both the Rodman family’s determination and the architectural prowess of its time. However, over the years, neglect took its toll, and the mansion fell into disrepair until it was painstakingly restored to its former glory by the City of St. Catherines. Today, the mansion serves a dual purpose: as a breathtaking venue for weddings and events, and as an art gallery showcasing local talent.

Visitors are welcome to explore the mansion’s grounds, reveling in the beauty of its gardens and the historical resonance of its halls. The parking is ample, and the gardens, a tranquil haven, are open for all to enjoy—a true gift to the community from its storied past.

Whether you’re drawn to its historical significance, its architectural beauty, or simply seeking a moment of serenity, the Rodman Mansion promises an experience unlike any other. It stands not only as a tribute to the Rodman family’s legacy but as a testament to the enduring allure of Victorian architecture and the timeless elegance it embodies.