A Peaceful Day in Toronto – Exploring Downtown and Toronto Island in ASL

A Special Thanksgiving Weekend in Toronto

In October 2019, during the Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend, we spent a beautiful day exploring the vibrant heart of Toronto — a mix of busy downtown energy and peaceful nature escape.

This adventure was part of our Deaf-led travel journey, filmed fully in American Sign Language (ASL) with captions to create an inclusive, visual experience for everyone.

Whether you're visiting Toronto for the first time or reliving past memories, this story captures both the excitement of the city and the calm of the islands — as we experienced it together, hand-in-hand.

Where We Stayed – Hilton Garden Inn Mississauga/Toronto Airport

For this long weekend trip, we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Mississauga/Toronto Airport.

The hotel was perfect for a quick getaway — offering easy access to downtown Toronto, comfortable rooms, and friendly service.
After a full day of city adventures, it was peaceful to return to a cozy, welcoming space.

The hotel’s clear visual signage and Deaf-friendly atmosphere made our stay even smoother.
We appreciated having an accessible, calm place to recharge — a small but important part of our journey.

Starting Our Day – Downtown Toronto

We began our day walking through downtown Toronto, surrounded by the hum of the city.

The tall glass buildings, modern architecture, and lively streets made everything feel alive.
Everywhere we turned, there was something new to see — from historic landmarks to colorful murals hidden between the skyscrapers.

Navigating downtown felt easy and visual.
As Deaf travelers, we found the city walkable, filled with printed guides, and full of open plazas — perfect for signing, storytelling, and capturing real moments in ASL.

The energy of the city lifted our spirits — it was exciting, fast-paced, but still easy to experience through our own visual rhythm.

Ferry Ride – Stunning Views of the Skyline

After exploring the city, we headed to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal for a short ride to Toronto Island Park.

We had booked our ferry tickets online in advance through the City of Toronto website — a simple step that helped us avoid waiting in long lines at the terminal.
In 2019, the round-trip ticket for two people cost $16.28 CAD — very affordable for a smooth and scenic journey.

For Ryan, standing on the ferry deck was one of the highlights of the day — feeling the cool October breeze while watching Toronto’s skyline slowly shrink behind us.
Mujde and Ryan stood together at the railing, taking in the golden sunlight dancing on the water and the endless blue horizon.

The skyline view was simply breathtaking — a peaceful moment that needed no words.
It was one of those experiences where you feel small, amazed, and completely connected to the beauty around you.

Toronto Island Park – A Green Oasis

Arriving at Toronto Island Park felt like stepping into a completely different world.

The sounds of the city faded away, replaced by the quiet rustle of trees, the soft splash of water, and wide open fields.

We explored peaceful walking trails, crossed little bridges, and found quiet spots perfect for relaxing together — and for filming calming ASL moments for our travel vlog.

The island felt safe, easy to navigate, and beautifully accessible — a perfect Deaf-friendly nature escape where visual storytelling felt natural and peaceful.

It was the kind of place where you could simply be — breathing in the fresh air, feeling the earth under your feet, and signing freely with the open sky above.

Personal Moment – Finding Calm in the City

One of our favorite moments was sitting side-by-side near the lake’s edge, quietly watching the sun dip lower in the sky.

The soft light reflected on the rippling water, the city far away behind us, and for a few minutes, the whole world felt still.

In the busy rhythm of life, finding a pocket of pure calm together — without any sound, just visual beauty — felt magical.

Toronto had shown us its lively, bustling face in the morning — but on the island, it revealed its softer heart.
We carried that feeling home with us: even in the busiest places, there are always peaceful corners waiting to be found.

Deaf-Friendly Travel Tips for Toronto

• Public transit — including ferries, subways, and streetcars — is very visual and easy to navigate for Deaf travelers.
  Clear signage, numbered routes, and visual boarding announcements make getting around downtown simple without relying on sound.

• Downtown attractions — like museums, parks, and historic sites — often offer printed guides, visual displays, and easy-to-follow maps, making self-guided exploration accessible for visual travelers.

• Toronto Island Park is an ideal place for peaceful ASL vlogging, relaxing nature walks, and connecting visually with the environment.
  The wide open trails, clear signs, and quiet atmosphere allow for storytelling, exploring, and reflection without needing sound cues.

• Pro Tip: Book your ferry tickets online before arriving to avoid ticket booth lines — it’s fast, easy, and lets you enjoy the peaceful ferry ride right away.

Watch Our Toronto Island Adventure in ASL

This peaceful Toronto journey — from downtown’s lively energy to the calming trails of Toronto Island — was filmed fully in American Sign Language (ASL) with captions for full accessibility.

👉 Watch our Toronto Island Park Adventure in ASL on YouTube

Final Thoughts

Our Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend in Toronto gave us a perfect mix of excitement, connection, and peace.

Through ASL storytelling and shared moments together, we captured a day full of energy, beauty, and unforgettable calm —
a reminder that no matter where we travel, there is always beauty waiting for those who see the world through open eyes, open hands, and open hearts.

Thank you for joining us on McGuire’s Journey — traveling not only through places, but through moments of connection, wonder, and peace. 💛