Having a long weekend at Billy Bishop Airport amidst life’s chaos felt like a blessing, providing an opportunity to pause and create memories. Welcome to my travel story: “Toronto Adventures : Memorial Long Weekend Blues”—a blend of gratitude, challenges, and joys in Toronto.

Yesterday was Memorial Day in the US, a day to honor the brave military personnel who served. Celebrated on the last Monday of May, it unofficially starts summer and prompts reflection. Though I’m in Toronto, I still feel the emotions of remembrance and gratitude, impacting how I enjoy these long weekends.

If you’d like to know about my Memorial Day adventures from last year, you can read more here: Memorial Day Memories: Reflect & Remember – Wander, Feast & Thrive. It’s a reflection on how travel and gratitude blend during this meaningful time.

Memorial Long Weekend Blues : Toronto Adventures

As many of you know, we recently relocated to a new condominium in Toronto—a big change that brought excitement, stress, and a lot of cardboard boxes. The first week felt especially long because we struggled to get a proper broadband Wi‑Fi connection at our new home. In a world where everything revolves around the internet, being disconnected for days felt oddly isolating.

Finally, on Saturday, we got it set up, and that small victory instantly lifted our mood. Wanting to make the most of the Memorial long weekend, and on our friend’s recommendation, we decided to visit Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which was hosting Doors Open Toronto 2024.

Every year, the airport opens its doors to the public, turning a normally restricted space into an exciting playground for aviation lovers, curious families, and travelers at heart. They showcase the different service vehicles that keep the airport running smoothly—air ambulances, local airlines, snow-plowing vehicles, tractors, and more.

It’s an exhilarating opportunity to witness these magnificent machines firsthand and truly grasp the immense dedication that fuels every safe takeoff and landing. No wonder the event attracted massive crowds, each person brimming with enthusiasm to immerse themselves in this captivating glimpse of airport life.

Exploring the Airport : memorial long weekend blues

Once our internet was finally up and running, we quickly showered, got dressed, and stepped out into the rainy Toronto weather, determined not to let the drizzle dampen our spirits. We took the subway, arrived at Union Station, and grabbed a comforting vegetarian thali at Desi—simple, familiar food that felt like a warm hug in the middle of a gloomy day.

Time was tight, but our fervor for Doors Open Toronto couldn’t be dimmed; we eagerly jumped onto a streetcar racing toward the airport, anticipation bubbling inside us as we strolled through the tunnel that led us to the venue. Even that brief journey transformed into a thrilling urban adventure, immersing us in the vibrant pulse of Toronto’s heart.

Ornge Airways & Porter Airlines : Our first stop was the Ornge Airways hangar, where we got a closer look at the life-saving side of aviation. We learned about the roles and responsibilities of the pilots, paramedics, and engineers who work together to make emergency medical transport possible. Standing just a few steps away from the AW139 “PC-12” aircraft felt surreal—I could almost feel the urgency and hope this aircraft carriers when it takes off on critical missions.

We also stepped inside the Crestline land ambulance and saw some of the specialized equipment and tools they rely on. It was eye-opening and emotional, reminding me how many unseen heroes work quietly in the background, ready to respond when someone needs help the most.

Next, we toured the Porter Airlines hangar and got a small but fascinating glimpse into the airline’s backend operations. Watching a sample flight being prepared for destinations like Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, and select cities in the United States made me think about all the journeys people are on—reunions, business trips, first-time adventures.

the hangar was buzzing with visitors curious : memorial long weekend blues

The hangar was buzzing with excitement, packed with folks just as curious to check out what makes Porter’s flight operations so smooth. It felt like we got this awesome sneak peek behind the scenes of air travel, and I walked away with a real appreciation for all the hard work and passion that goes into making it happen.

One of my favorite parts of Doors Open Toronto 2024 was capturing a joyful moment with the bright and cheerful Ornge Airlines mascot. That simple interaction brought out the child in me and made the whole visit feel even more special. As planes glided over the stunning harbor front, we watched them land and take off from the iconic Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, framed by the Toronto skyline and shimmering water.

Service vehicles zoomed by with an electric energy, creating a lively, buzzing vibe all around. In that exciting moment—surrounded by the patter of rain, the roar of engines, and the contagious excitement of happy visitors—I couldn’t help but feel super grateful for this city, this weekend, and this amazing adventure of exploring.

Dinner and Returning Home : toronto adventures

After soaking in the unique airport ambiance, we slowly strolled along the harbor front, letting the cool air and gentle views wash away the fatigue of the week. My husband grabbed a coffee from Tim Hortons, that beloved Canadian classic, while I simply took in the lights, the water, and the quiet hum of the city.

We then hopped onto a streetcar back to Union Station. Our initial dinner plans didn’t work out, which left us a bit disappointed and tired, but sometimes detours lead to sweet surprises. We eventually found an alternative option at the station’s food courts and ended up enjoying a simple yet satisfying meal that felt well-earned after a long, full day.

After dinner, it was time to part ways with our friend, who took a GO Transit ride home. The farewell felt emotional—there’s always a tug at the heart when good company leaves. My husband and I caught a TTC subway back to our condo, feeling tired but content. Once home, we refreshed ourselves, replayed moments from the day, and let the quiet of the night wrap up our Saturday adventure.

Sunday and Monday of the Long Weekend : Toronto Adventures

Sunday brought a calmer energy as we stayed in to enjoy our new home. After the chaos of moving, the slower pace felt comforting. In the evening, we took a GO Transit bus to Scarborough Town Center to visit Walmart, picking up essentials that made our condo feel more like home.

On the way back, we faced an unexpected challenge—three elevators in our building were out of service. Climbing ten floors after a long day was exhausting; with every step, my legs burned. By the time we reached our door, it felt like a small victory. We had dinner, rested our aching feet, and gently closed another day of the Memorial long weekend.

Monday brought with it a familiar, nostalgic kind of rain that reminded me of Indian monsoons—steady, comforting, and slightly melancholic. Despite the weather, we had a practical goal for the day: updating our address at Service Ontario. After our morning routine and a quick stop at Dollarama to pick up a few basics, we made our way to Sheppard Yonge Station.

Waiting at Service Ontario felt like a necessary yet mundane part of settling into our new chapter. After completing the formalities, we had lunch at Desi Mane. The warm food and cozy atmosphere made the day feel lighter. We returned home, relaxed, and let the rain create a peaceful end to the long weekend.

Conclusion

As the Memorial long weekend unfolded, it offered a mix of vibrant exploration in Toronto and tranquil moments at home. This experience highlighted the value of extended weekends for resetting and reconnecting with loved ones. Looking ahead, there is hope for more adventures and meaningful experiences that nurture both excitement and tranquility.