One Email That Inspired a Trip to Toronto

LA to Toronto. 48 hours. 30,000+ steps. What a trip! 

Three weeks ago, I sent a cold email to one of my new favorite authors (Neil Pasricha) letting him know how much I appreciate his work and how much I enjoyed his book The Happiness Equation. Shortly after we jumped on the phone and got to know each other a bit immediately clicking on many levels. This past weekend, I flew to Toronto to meet him in person and explore the amazing city of Toronto.

This was my first trip to Toronto, so naturally I was excited. I had heard of all the great things Toronto brings to the table but it wasn’t until I got there until I realized just how cool the city really is. 

Now, I knew I only had a day and a half to explore, experience, and enjoy all that I could so I as soon as my red eye arrived at 6am I was off.

Yes, I was exhausted, but I also wanted to make sure I capitalized on the time I had…

As soon I a grabbed my carry on suitcase and my backpack I hit the road to my first meeting of the day at University of Toronto where I watched the team practice and met with the Head Coach. Whenever I travel, I always try to set up meetings in nearby locations to fully maximize my time, create new relationships, and give myself a chance at future business opportunities. I also try to walk as much as I can so I can see more of the city and stop in various places along the way.

After practice, I went to Kensington Market which is an incredible marketplace filled with cuisine from all over the world. As I waited for a friend to show up, I decided to take a mini food tour hitting several spots before lunch. 

By the time my friend Tasala and l left Kensington an hour later, I’d eaten a cherry pie from Wanda’s Pies in the Sky, a massive burger from Top Gun Burgers, and two churros from Pancho’s bakery. 

Before I continue, I need to make two hot takes…

1. When you are in a new place, you have to try whatever the people recommend even if it's not your first choice. I would have never gotten sour cherry pie, but it was delicious.
2. Pancho’s Bakery had the best churro I’ve ever tasted.​

My meeting with Neil wasn’t until 9pm so I had a lot of exploring left to do. I took my talents to the Toronto sign in the heart of Nathan Phillips which to be honest was slightly underwhelming. I think it would look a lot better during the night with lights, but I was grateful to see a happening part of the city. 

I continued my walking journey to the Museum of Illusions which was AWESOME! Check out the pictures on my Instagram. I was blown away by some of the illusions and definitely recommend people going if you like puzzles or having your mind blown…

I finally hit the heart of the afternoon so the next stop, naturally, was the Distillery District which was a cool place filled with mini shops and cool signs to sit next to. I went to the highly recommended Mill St. Brewery which did not disappoint. My first beer in Canada was a delightful organic lager that was quite good.

After I finished my beer, I jumped on the bus and headed to my Airbnb for a nap before dinner. 

By the time 9pm came around, I was exhausted but thrilled because it was time to meet Neil for dinner. It was everything I hoped for and more. Neil is an incredible guy who has unbelievable skill and knowledge. After dinner, we went on a walk and visited two bookstores. Besides being a great author, Neil is a huge reader, and just in the couple hours we spent together I felt that I had learned a ton.

As a book geek myself, it was fascinating to watch his process of selecting books and seeing  how goes through a bookstore and the thoughts that come to mind. 

I headed home and by midnight and I was out like a log. I thought I’d wake up early to go work out or on a hike, but 9 hours later I found myself getting ready for my last meeting of the trip before heading home. 

My last meeting was with Neil again except this time his wife came and she was absolutely amazing. I loved getting to know them and learning about the amazing things they do together. 

I hit the airport feeling rejuvenated and excited for all that’s to come. 

When I got to the airport, the trip continued...

I finally had the chance to experience my first lounge. Now, it may not be that big of a deal to you, but this was my first time in an airport lounge thanks to my Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card.

When I got to the lounge with 2 hours to spare, I put my feet up and watched a movie while eating two plates of pasta and drinking none other than some Coors Lights. Talk about a great experience!

I boarded my flight and was off to LA concluding my first trip to the great city of Toronto.

Elevate in Action:

1. Travel to a new place.
2. Be willing to be uncomfortable.
3. Try new things especially when people recommend it.
4. Walk more when you travel. 
5. Find more HOLY SHIT! moments ​

Jake Kelfer is a lifestyle entrepreneur and life elevator. He is the bestselling author of Elevate Beyond and Elevate Your Network and a high energy motivational speaker on a mission to elevate and inspire millions of people to achieve personal success and happiness. He is the founder of the Professional Basketball Combine which helps NBA draft prospects turn their dreams of playing pro basketball into their reality. He and his work have been featured on Forbes, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, NBC Sports, USA Today, Bleacher Report, and many other major media outlets. Connect with Jake on social @jakekelfer!
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