Six Hours in The Six: My Sprint Through Toronto

TORONTO — Some travel days are about leisure. This one was about efficiency.

With six hours to spare between flights, I set my sights on Canada’s largest city—Toronto. My mission? Complete a United Airlines status match and squeeze in six memorable experiences before racing back to the airport.

It wasn’t my first Canadian adventure. I’d just visited Montreal. But Toronto, often dubbed “The Six,” offered a unique blend of global flavor, urban buzz, and summer charm. With skies clear and temps hovering near 77°F, it was go-time.

10 a.m.: The Ferry Fiasco

My flight from Chicago landed early—bonus time! With my Nexus card smoothing the way through customs, I was off to the rental car center and soon behind the wheel of a roomy full-size sedan, navigating Toronto’s expressways with ease.

First stop: the ferry terminal to Centre Island. I had prepaid $10 for a round-trip ticket and was eager to catch skyline views from across the water.

But instead of tranquility, I found chaos—crowds packed together, no clear lines, no staff guidance. It was like a festival entrance with no security. After weighing my options and glancing at the clock, I bailed. Time was too precious.

11:30 a.m.: A Food Mix-Up with a Side of Fries

Hunger called, and I answered with a misstep. Cantina Mercatto sounded Mexican to me. Spoiler: it’s upscale Italian.

Craving something basic, I skipped the pasta and went for a cheeseburger with fries. Strawberry lemonade seemed like a good idea—until the first sip. Artificially sweet and overly syrupy, it didn’t do the job. Still, the outdoor patio and busy downtown vibe made the $35 tab (USD) a decent trade for people-watching and a refuel.

12:30 p.m.: Lost in the Energy of Downtown

Back on foot, I wandered up Yonge Street, soaking in downtown’s pulse. Soon I reached Yonge-Dundas Square—recently renamed Sankofa Square—and the CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

The scene felt like Toronto’s version of Times Square: digital billboards, street performers, and a buzz of languages from around the world. Inside the Eaton Centre, glass ceilings and multi-level shops offered visual overload, but I was content just walking, playlist pumping with local legend Drake.

In that moment, with sunshine and music wrapping around the crowd, I thought: this might be North America’s greatest city.

1:15 p.m.: A Fiesta at the Toronto Sign

Last time I saw the Toronto Sign, it was February, and I was freezing. This time? Quite the opposite.

In front of City Hall, a Latin festival was underway. A performer was leading a piñata-making demo for kids and parents alike. I took a few selfies in front of the now-iconic sign and browsed vendors selling everything from art to empanadas.

Queen Street West was alive. I could’ve stayed for hours—but the step counter on my phone hit nearly 20,000, and my legs protested. I remembered I left my asthma inhaler in my backpack. Time to call an Uber.

2 p.m.: Wrapping Up and Reflecting

Back in the car and sipping water, I replayed the whirlwind six hours. No, I didn’t make it to Centre Island. And yes, I mistook an Italian restaurant for a taqueria. But I got a taste of Toronto’s heart—its food, culture, and summer vibe.

As I returned the rental and walked toward security, I smiled. This wasn’t just a mileage run. It was a reminder that even a short layover can lead to big memories—especially when spent in The Six.