As a mom, I cherish one-on-one time with my kids. Between homeschooling, meal prep, and endless laundry, it’s easy to get caught up in daily routines. That’s why I love setting aside time for special trips. Recently, I took my daughter on a mother-daughter trip to Toronto, and it was the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and quality time.
If you’re thinking about taking your own mother-daughter trip to Toronto, here’s a step-by-step guide to making the most of your time together—filled with personal insights, must-do activities, and lessons I learned along the way.
Step 1: Set the Tone for Connection
Before we even packed our bags, I reminded myself that this trip wasn’t just about sightseeing—it was about us. I wanted to focus on bonding, not just checking off tourist spots.
Mom Tip: Let your daughter be part of the planning!
Give her a few activity options and let her choose. My daughter loved picking places to visit, and it made her feel like this was her trip, too.
One of our favorite moments? Simply talking on the flight. Without distractions from younger siblings, schoolwork, or household tasks, we had some of our best heart-to-heart conversations.
Step 2: Explore, But Don’t Overpack the Schedule
Toronto has so much to offer, but I quickly learned that when traveling with kids, less is more. Instead of packing our itinerary, we focused on a few must-do activities:
Get Cozy at Indigo Bookstore
Toronto’s Indigo (especially the flagship location at Bay & Bloor) is more than just a bookstore—it’s an experience. We spent over an hour browsing books, flipping through journals, and exploring their beautiful stationery and gift sections.
🌟 Mom Tip: Let your child pick out a new book as a special souvenir. We even sat in the cozy reading section and started reading right there—it was the perfect break from the city’s hustle.
Indulge in Italian Goodness at Eataly
If you and your daughter love good food (and who doesn’t?), Eataly Toronto is a must-visit. It’s an Italian food hall filled with fresh pasta, pizza, gelato, and an entire section dedicated to chocolate. Yes, please!
We had lunch at one of their restaurants, and I let my daughter pick a fun dessert. Watching her light up over a perfectly swirled scoop of hazelnut gelato? Priceless.
🌟 Mom Tip: If your daughter enjoys hands-on experiences, check out one of their cooking classes! They sometimes offer kid-friendly sessions—such a fun way to bond.
Go Ice Skating for a Classic Canadian Experience
Even if you’re not the most graceful skater (raises hand), skating in Toronto is a blast. If you visit in the winter, Nathan Phillips Square is iconic, but for a quieter, scenic option, the Harbourfront Centre Rink is a beautiful spot right by the water.
At first, my daughter was nervous, but after a few shaky laps (and lots of laughter), she was gliding like a pro. Watching her confidence grow made my heart melt.
🌟 Mom Tip: Don’t own skates? No problem! Most rinks offer rentals, and some even have skating aids for beginners.
Explore Nature at Evergreen Brick Works
One of the best surprises of our trip was Evergreen Brick Works—a former industrial site turned into a nature oasis right in the city. It has beautiful trails, interactive exhibits, and a children’s garden.
We wandered through the farmers’ market, played in the outdoor space, and took a short nature walk. It was a perfect reset from the busy city streets.
🌟 Mom Tip: If you visit on a weekend, check out their workshops and activities! They often have hands-on crafts and educational programs for kids.
Step 3: End on a Sweet Note
On our last night, we grabbed hot chocolate, snuggled up in our hotel, and looked through all the photos we had taken.
As I watched my daughter giggle at our goofy skating pictures and proudly show off her new book, I realized this trip was about so much more than sightseeing. It was about connection, laughter, and creating memories that will last far beyond our weekend away.
Final Thoughts: You Can Do This!
If you’ve been thinking about taking a mother-daughter trip to Toronto, do it! It doesn’t have to be extravagant—just intentional. Toronto was the perfect destination for us, but honestly, the most important part was simply spending quality time together.
Have you ever taken a mother-daughter trip? Or do you have any questions about visiting Toronto? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!