A Weekend in Toronto

Sometimes all you need is a quick weekend escape — and that's exactly what this trip was. I love going to Toronto because of the variety of halal food options. This time, I also tried a new head spa place in Etobicoke, and flew back to Montreal on Porter Airlines.

Here's my YouTube vlog featuring the trip:

The Food Spots

• Zauq Mississauga — First stop was a Pakistani restaurant in Mississauga with a weekend brunch menu. We ordered parathas, omelette, and a halwa poori combo, along with some chai, of course. It's a great spot to visit with family, and the prices were reasonable too.

• Blackstone Steakhouse Mississauga (Halal Steakhouse) — I was looking for a halal steakhouse in Toronto and came across this spot. We ordered the brisket with peppercorn sauce and the striploin carved steak, also with peppercorn sauce. They topped it with a sauce we weren't expecting — it had a tangy, spicy kick to it. I personally prefer a plain peppercorn sauce, but judging by the reviews, a lot of people love it. The chicken nachos, though, were a hit.

• Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Mississauga — This was my second time here, and the place doesn't disappoint. It's a perfect stop to enjoy coffee and pastries while catching up with family or friends.

The Head Spa Experience: Yardley Immersive Beauty (Etobicoke)

This was honestly the highlight of the trip. I've had a head spa experience at the Markham location twice before, but this was my first time at Yardley Immersive Beauty in Etobicoke, and it's now my favorite location. We got our head spa treatment in a private room and then we went to the other area to blow dry our hair.

They also have stations in their immersive treatment room. If you haven't tried a head spa before, I'd definitely recommend trying it here — and I'm already looking forward to trying their other treatments next time.

Address: 3366 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8W 1N9

@arnzadiaries Yardley Immersive Beauty Etobicoke✨ A head-to-body wellness spa where beauty meets stillness, set inside a 6,000 sq. ft. environment designed to help you slow down, restore your energy, and feel renewed. I love a good head spa in Toronto 🧖‍♀️ — I've been to the Markham location before, but this was my first time visiting the Etobicoke location, and it did not disappoint! 🎥 Featured this in my full Toronto vlog — link in bio! If you're looking for a head spa in Toronto, this is the spot 💵 Promo price: $67/person (call ahead to confirm, promo may not always be on) 📍 3366 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8W 1N9 #headspa #headspatoronto #torontoheadspa #etobicoke #yardleyimmersivebeauty ♬ original sound - arnzadiaries

Flying Home: Porter Airlines, YYZ → YHU

For the flight back, I flew Porter Airlines from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Montreal Saint-Hubert (YHU) on an Embraer E195-E2.

A few notes from the flight:

• Free wifi onboard, which made the short flight even easier
• I booked seat 13A, an emergency exit row seat, which meant extra legroom
• If you want a carry-on, make sure to book a fare that includes it, since not all Porter fares do

Why I Loved Flying Into YHU

Landing at YHU instead of Trudeau (YUL) was such a nice change. A few reasons why:

• Way less crowded — smaller terminal, shorter lines at check-in and security
• Faster in and out — no fighting through a massive hub to board or deboard
• Less traffic — especially if you live on the South Shore.

Final Thoughts

This trip was a perfect example of how much you can pack into just a couple of days — good food, a new self-care experience, and an easy, comfortable flight home. If you're considering a quick Toronto getaway from Montreal, I'd say go for it, and definitely try the head spa.

Until the next trip! ✈️