We Walked the Rainbow Bridge to the USA From Canada

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Walking from Canada to the USA at Niagara Falls: What You Need to Know

About three decades ago, I walked onto the Rainbow Bridge from the U.S. side—only halfway through. I didn’t cross the border back then, but the experience stayed with me. So when I recently walked from Canada to the United States across the same bridge, it brought back vivid memories and a sense of full-circle adventure.

In our recent journey, we—Ahmed Dawn and Walking Lady—documented the entire process of walking from the Canadian side to the U.S. side. Starting near Casino Niagara and the Radisson Hotel, we took a short Uber ride to the pedestrian entrance of the Rainbow Bridge to save our energy for the walk itself.

The crossing begins with a clearly-marked path leading to the turnstile area. Here’s the key detail: you’ll need to pay a $1 toll to access the bridge. The machines accept Canadian or U.S. coins, and change machines are available if you don’t have exact change. You can use four quarters or a loonie—either works.

Once you’re past the turnstile, you’ll walk across the bridge with stunning views of Niagara Falls. The walk is short but memorable, offering a rare chance to stand between two nations with the roar of the falls in the background.

At the U.S. border checkpoint, you’ll need to present your passport and any required visa documents. For Canadian citizens, no visas or additional documents are required. The officers may ask basic questions about your visit, so be prepared to disclose your travel plans.

After clearing immigration, you’ll officially be on the U.S. side of Niagara Falls. From there, you can explore attractions like Niagara Falls State Park, the Observation Tower, and more.

Tips for Travelers:

  • Bring exact change for the toll.

  • Carry your passport and visa documents.

  • Check border hours before you go.

Walking across the Rainbow Bridge is a unique travel experience that blends convenience, beauty, and international adventure—all for just $1.

View my full trip here: Walking Niagara Falls Canada to USA on Rainbow Bridge

Tagpuan: Best Filipino Budget Restaurant in Downtown Toronto

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Discovering Tagpuan: A Hidden Filipino Gem in Downtown Toronto

I accidentally discovered Tagpuan while returning from a doctor’s appointment. Toronto’s vibrant food scene is full of surprises and, nestled near College and Bathurst, Tagpuan is one of those surprises.  Tagpuan Restaurant brings the warmth of Filipino street food to the heart of the city. In my latest YouTube video, I explored this cozy spot that’s quickly becoming a favorite among locals and food lovers alike.

Tagpuan, which means “a place to meet” in Filipino, lives up to its name by offering a welcoming atmosphere and authentic flavors that transport you straight to the Philippines. The restaurant’s menu is a celebration of traditional Filipino comfort food, served in a casual setting that feels like home.

During my visit, I tried several dishes that showcased the rich and savory profile of Filipino cuisine. From the classic silog meals (garlic rice, fried egg, and your choice of meat) to the flavorful sisig and BBQ skewers, every bite was a reminder of the country’s culinary heritage. The food is not only delicious but also incredibly affordable—making Tagpuan a standout option for budget-conscious diners in downtown Toronto.

We tried Beef Caldereta and Pinakbet and were blown away by the quality and affordable prices. What sets Tagpuan apart is its commitment to authenticity. I think this is a family business and that’s why it differs from a regular commercial restaurant.

Whether you’re a Filipino missing the taste of home or someone curious to explore new flavors, Tagpuan offers a genuine experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. I felt like I was in Manila.

The restaurant’s location is convenient and its laid-back vibe makes it perfect for a quick lunch, casual dinner, or a late-night bite. The staff are friendly and passionate, adding to the overall charm of the place.

If you’re looking to discover a new favorite spot or simply want to indulge in hearty, flavorful dishes, Tagpuan is a must-visit. Check out my full video review here and see why this Filipino eatery deserves a spot on your Toronto food map.

Tagpuan Filipino Restaurant Toronto: Is This The Best Value Meal?

Toronto to Niagara Falls by Train: A Scenic VIA Rail Journey

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How to Travel from Toronto to Niagara Falls by Train

I have traveled to Niagara Falls many times, but never had a chance to take a train. So I was excited to try VIA Rail to get there for the first time. If you're looking for a relaxing and picturesque way to travel from Toronto to Niagara Falls, VIA Rail offers a compelling alternative to driving. I documented the full experience—from Union Station in downtown Toronto to the iconic falls in my video linked below.

The journey begins at Union Station, a historic and bustling hub that connects travelers across Ontario and beyond. Boarding the VIA Rail train is seamless, with comfortable seating, ample legroom, and large windows that frame the scenic countryside. As the train glides past Lake Ontario and through charming towns like Oakville and St. Catharines, passengers are treated to a tranquil escape from city life.

This train (called Maple Leaf) is a cross-border train jointly operated by VIA Rail and Amtrak, running between Toronto and New York City. It’s serviced by VIA Rail within Canada and after crossing the border into the United States, Amtrak takes over operations en route to Niagara Falls and beyond.

One of the standout features of this trip is the affordability and convenience. Tickets can be booked online and the train leaves at 8:20 AM from Toronto. The onboard amenities—clean restrooms and various dining options—add to the comfort, especially for those traveling with family or gear.

Upon arrival in Niagara Falls, the station is just a short cab or bus ride from the main attractions. Whether you're headed to the falls themselves, Clifton Hill, or one of the many restaurants and casinos, the train drops you close to the action without the hassle of parking or traffic.

For travelers seeking a stress-free, scenic, and sustainable way to reach Niagara Falls, VIA Rail delivers. Watch the full video on my YouTube channel to see the journey unfold in real time.

How to Take the Train to Niagara Falls from Toronto

FlixBus Ride from Niagara Falls to Toronto: Budget Travel in Style

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Exploring Ontario by Bus: FlixBus Trip from Niagara Falls to Toronto 

In my past travel video, I reviewed my journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls on VIA Rail Train. Today, I will take a firsthand look at one of the most budget-friendly and scenic ways to travel from Niagara Falls to Toronto—two iconic Canadian destinations.

The trip began at Table Rock Centre, a popular tourist hub near the falls. Table Rock is pretty much the centre of Niagara Falls attractions. The FlixBus terminal was easy to locate and boarding was straightforward. While FlixBus is known for its affordability, the experience was surprisingly comfortable. The bus was clean, punctual, and offered a smooth ride throughout the journey.

One notable aspect of this trip was the leased Galaxy Tours bus used by FlixBus. While it lacked headrests and power outlets, the seating was adequate for the short ride. The absence of seat selection might be a downside for some, but for spontaneous travelers like me it wasn’t a major issue.

As we departed Niagara Falls, the scenic views of the countryside and small towns added some charm to the ride. The journey took approximately two hours, ending at Union Station Bus Terminal in downtown Toronto. Despite being a budget option, FlixBus delivered a reliable and efficient service. The trip took about an hour and a half.

This video is part of my ongoing effort to share real, unsponsored travel experiences. I don’t use affiliate links or paid promotions—just honest reviews to help fellow travelers make informed decisions. If you find my content helpful, you can support me via PayPal or through a Super Thanks on YouTube.

Whether you're a local exploring Ontario or a tourist looking for a cost-effective way to travel, FlixBus is worth considering. Watch the full video here to see the journey unfold.

Trip Report: FlixBus Niagara Falls To Toronto🍁

First Impressions of Montreal

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First Time Visiting Montreal

We took the VIA train from Toronto to Montreal. I talked about the train journey here: . The Central Train station is located right in downtown Montreal; it felt like Toronto’s Union Station. However, it looked too old and feels like it needs a renovation.

We were hungry and McDonald’s was the only restaurant we found enticing. The menus were very similar to Toronto’s, but we felt the prices were slightly more expensive. We had no issues ordering, despite my concern that they may only speak French.

We had to go to the Courtyard Marriot, which we knew was in very close proximity. We asked someone for directions and there were no issues with English there either. Once we were out on the street and started walking, we felt right away that Montreal looked cleaner than Toronto.

The lower level of traffic was noticeable, although it was a Friday afternoon. Also, there weren’t many people on the street like Toronto. We started to like Montreal right away. It must have something to do with our vacation vibes, but we liked every aspect of Montreal compared to Toronto.

We thought we were going to have language difficulties, as we spoke no French, but we never had any issues. Everyone we interacted with spoke English and were very friendly.

We visited China Town and the Waterfront aka Old Port of Montréal, which is nestled between the downtown district and the St. Lawrence River. We liked this area a lot. It was much better and bigger compared to Toronto’s waterfront.

We especially liked the old charm feeling, like the cobblestoned streets. Montreal feels like a European city and there are many spots that can kind of reflect somewhere in Europe.

Overall, we liked Montreal a lot more than we were hoping for. We definitely won’t mind visiting Montreal many times again in the future.