Help a fellow DISer -- Need tips for 2010 Ontario roadtrip!

[cjlvsccm]

Hi neighbors

DH & I won't make it to WDW next year , but are in the early stages of planning a roadtrip up to Niagara Falls and Toronto areas for either July 15+ or Aug 13+. Help a southern gal out, tell me about your favorite sights and experiences!

So far, we plan to go from here (North Alabama) to Columbus, OH to visit family. From there drive to Niagara, and probably stay on CA side. Decent hotels, or B&B recommendations?? After sufficiently touring the Falls, we may have another day or two to explore the local area. I have found at least one maple sugar/ pancake house that will be open in the summer (Wheeler's). And I've read about a dinner show that sound like fun, "Oh Canada, Eh?", has anyone seen that? Any festivals, must see's, or better options?

Once in Toronto, I think we will visit the zoo, and maybe see the Cathedral. I know there are TONS of other things to do, but what are your best plugs? We tend to prefer historical sights and local flavor, but we're liable to find anything interesting. Not afraid of using TTC to see the city... know any good central hotels?

After a few days in Toronto, we might head West on 17 and come down to Mackinac Island for a couple nights. Looking at the map, I can't tell if that route is do-able in one day (and we drive to WDW in one day!) But is that a decent roadway? A scenic drive with lower speeds? Anyone know details, or better suggestions?

Any help and your favs are welcome! TIA!!

cj

 

[cjlvsccm]

Anyone have any friendly suggestions?

 

[jtdl]

Jeez, I can't believe you haven't got tons of suggestions yet! Where is everyone??

There are hundreds of hotels in the Niagara region. I prefer to stay at one within walking distance of the falls. They can range in price from very expensive to moderate but I find the ones further away from the falls to be basically the same price. Maybe I've "outgrown" Niagara Falls but I really don't find there a lot of must-see attractions there other than the falls.

Now Toronto, I could spend a month there and be on the go the entire time. There is so much to see and do. With the zoo you are off to a very good start - it is wonderful - I think my favorite thing in Toronto. There are boat tours in the harbour, there is ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) downtown Toronto, the CN Tower, Casa Loma and the theatre district usually has at least one show that I want to see at any given time. Again there are lots of hotels in downtown Toronto or you can stay off the beaten track as the subway runs pretty much from Scarborough through to Etobicoke. Do not take a car and park downtown Toronto - the rates are outrageous. I have stayed in Scarborough (where the zoo is) parked at the mall where the subway station is (for free) and taken the subway downtown - that was much better than paying to park in downtown Toronto! I have also stayed downtown Toronto (Howard Johnson's on Yonge St) and that was good too - central enough to walk everywhere. There is also the Sheraton that is attached to the Eaton Centre mall and is right downtown. Check out the Toronto tourist websites - lots of different ones, just Google Toronto tourism. Have fun.

 

[disneybound08]

Consider taking a wine tour while visiting Niagara, I would also recommend a fallsview hotel. If you plan on doing the Maid of the Mist boat ride consider getting a great gorge adventure pass - you get admission to maid of mist, journey on behind falls, white water walk and a new 4D movie, plus two days on people mover bus. If you take a shuttle from your hotel they will not drop you anywhere remotely close to the attractions, only the people mover does because its licensed by the parks commission. If you were travelling with children I would highly recommend a stay at Great Wolf Lodge, but I dont think you are.
In Toronto - the zoo is a perfect spot, we also love the ROM and Casa Loma.

 

[braydensmom]

Niagara Falls - butterfly conservatory, hike down the escarpment, golf, whirlpool jet boat, fallsview casino, clifton hill (wax museums, haunted houses, etc), go for a wine tour at Niagara on the lake, visit Laura Secord house (war of 1812 monument), there is truly endless amounts of things to do in Niagara Falls and the surronding areas.

Toronto - I usually tell friends to stay at the Sheraton or Royal York. Both are very centrally located and nice hotels. I would visit ROM (Royal Ontario Museum), CasaLoma, CN Tower, Fort York. Toronto Zoo is kinda crappy once you've been to Disney Animal Kingdom.

My one piece of advice is maybe stay away from Toronto for the Canadian long weekend in August, it's Carribana there, which is a huge festival that can be a lot of fun, but it can also make the city very hard to navigate and very crowded.

 

[stefanospops]

Just got back from Marineland in Niagara Falls. Nothing special. Great for kids but I don't think adults will find much there.

As for Toronto, consider taking one of the city bus tours. The Gray Line tours tend to be good in every city. We did the NYC one and were very impressed. But in Toronto there are also a couple that are land and sea tours. The bus is amphibious and will enter the lake so you never have to transfer vehicles.

From a history perspective Fort York is near the city as is Casa Loma. A little away from the city core is Pioneer Village.

Have fun!

 

[cjlvsccm]

Thanks for the details, everyone. All info is much appreciated!! I usually like to get personal recommendations for any trip, in addition to official tourism websites. Any other suggestions?

Anyone have input on that route on 17 heading West??

Thanks again!

 

[PanamaMike]

For historic Toronto try MacKenzie House, Gibson House, Spadina House.

Take a tour of the Elgin/Wintergarden Theatres, the only stacked theatre left in the world.

For local neighbourhoods check out Little Italy, Greektown, Chinatown, Kensington Market.

Walk along the boardwalk at The Beach.

Visit High Park.

Ride the ferry to the Island and rent bicycles.

Want to check out the wealthy real estate?

Take a stroll along the streets of Rosedale or to see the uber-rich homes, drive along The Bridal Path & Post Rd.


The journey along the 400/69/17 route to Michigan's Upper Peninusla is a great drive, about 500 miles and goes through some beautiful country.

 

[Scutapipig]

If you are taking Route 17 across Canada, then I'm assuming you'll pick it up north of Toronto and cross into the US at Sault Ste. Marie? I have no information on the state of the roadway for Route 17, but if you do a map calculation from Toronto to Mackinac Island via Route 17, the trip will take approximately 10 hrs. (Actually, you will need to drive to St. Ignace, park your car, and take a ferry to Mackinac Island coming in north from Route 17.)

If you take 402 out of Toronto and cross into the US at Sarnia and pick up I-75 to Mackinac Island, it will take approximately 7 hrs and 15 minutes. (And same here...park your car in Mackinaw City and take a ferry to Mackinac Island if you are coming in from the south.)

Websites to look at around the Mackinac area would be:
www.stignace.com
www.mackinawcity.com
www.mackinac.com
www.mackinacisland.org

The bridge and the Island are spelled with a "c" ending and pronounced "mack-in-awe". The city of Mackinaw City is spelled with a "w" ending and is also pronounced "mack-in-awe".

 

[PanamaMike]

If you take 402 out of Toronto and cross into the US at Sarnia and pick up I-75 to Mackinac Island, it will take approximately 7 hrs and 15 minutes.

Highway 402 doesn't go anywhere near Toronto.
To do the Sarnia way you'd need to take Highway 401 out of Toronto two hours to London where the 402 starts.

 

[sk8jdgca]

Oooh I would never drive to Sault Saint marie on the Canadian side That is a long trip!
One other poster spoke of the package with the great gorge adventure and the maid of the mist-you get this through the Niagara Parks commission and it is a nice package. If you like historic places stay a night in Niagara on the lake-It is a beautiful change from Niagara. We went the 2nd week of Aug and there was a peach festival going on which was a lot of fun!
For Toronto, I would recommend staying downtown. The shereton is central. We stayed at the Hilton which was also handy. I would suggest getting a Toronto Greeter. I did this in Chicago and it is a great program

http://www.toronto.ca/tapto/about.htm

Parking is alot in downtown Toronto as it is in any major city. You could park your car in a GOtrain lot and take a train in. You really don't need a car unless you are going out to the zoo or the science center.

 

[cjlvsccm]

Thanks for the input! It sounds like that should be ok for a day's drive.

I have lots to research (and thankfully, lots of time!), and new suggestions are still welcome.

 

[cjlvsccm]

Oooh I would never drive to Sault Saint marie on the Canadian side That is a long trip!

I know, but we don't mind... DH really likes to SEE the local parts of the areas we visit, not just interstate traffic.


One other poster spoke of the package with the great gorge adventure and the maid of the mist-you get this through the Niagara Parks commission and it is a nice package. If you like historic places stay a night in Niagara on the lake-It is a beautiful change from Niagara. We went the 2nd week of Aug and there was a peach festival going on which was a lot of fun!

I'll be sure to look into that one!


For Toronto, I would recommend staying downtown. The shereton is central. We stayed at the Hilton which was also handy. I would suggest getting a Toronto Greeter. I did this in Chicago and it is a great program

http://www.toronto.ca/tapto/about.htm

Parking is alot in downtown Toronto as it is in any major city. You could park your car in a GOtrain lot and take a train in. You really don't need a car unless you are going out to the zoo or the science center.

Comments inserted above. Thanks!!!

 

[Scutapipig]

Highway 402 doesn't go anywhere near Toronto.
To do the Sarnia way you'd need to take Highway 401 out of Toronto two hours to London where the 402 starts.

I stand corrected. Mighty kind of you to point that out.

 

[calgarygary]

OP, I know that you asked about Toronto but given that you are considering making the trip to Mackinac Island, if you are driving the U.S. route then I would make certain that you allow time for a side trip to Frankenmuth and the Bronner's store there. The store alone can take hours of your time more if you are really into Christmas decorations.

Toronto has changed a great deal since I lived there but my favourites included Kensington, ROM, Casa Loma, the Zoo, Ontario Place and Toronto Islands.

 

[roscoepc1]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto.

My other faves are Toronto Island, and Casa Loma.

And if you're coming late August, the CNE is a must...Canadian National Exhibition.

I don't care for the zoo...it's brutally huge and hot in summer, and you have to walk for what seems like MILES between animals.

If you want the scenic route north, I'd head up highway 11....that way you'd see towns and villages, and there are sites etc along the way. St-Marie-Among-The-Hurons, for one.

Do a mapquest NOT on the "fastest route" setting....more suitable for holiday travel, imho.

 

[krazy4crusing]

I agree with all the above postings!!


Here are a few other online places to check out:

localsknow.ca awesome photos of cool places to visit all over Canada
attractionsontario.ca great discount coupons for attractions
travelzoo.ca for great show and hotel packages
http://www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca great site for festival info


If you are looking at seeing some other places in Ontario I highly reccomend the 1000 island region, and Tobermorey: both absolutely beautiful!! (albeit very far apart)

Have a wonderful trip.

 

[kathymuggle]

In Niagra: OK - the town is tacky (sorry) but the Falls are gorgeous.

Do: Maid of the Mist
Behind the Falls
Walk the Gorge

There is wine country nearby. The tastings and tourings are often free - it is wonderfull! DO sample the local ice wine (but be prepared - it is sweet).

Check out the great lakes. There is a provincial park (Rock Point?) on Lake Erie which is only about 45 minutes out of the Falls.

Strattford is near Niagra if you are a theatre buff - google it.


If you are travelling with kids, there is a Great Wolf Lodge in Niagra, and it is a blast (indoor water park Hotel)

The royal Botanical gardens in Burlington (between Niagra and Toronto) are worth a visit if you like gardens, walking and nature.

As for Toronto, check out the Zoo (as long as it is not too hot) it is really neat.

Have fun!

Kathy

 

[cjlvsccm]

A friend of mine has spent two recent summer vacations in Frankenmuth and Mackinac Isl... it all sounds great, and I wish we had more time for that area. Guess we'll just have to go back!!

Y'all are great! Thanks for everything, and more ideas are welcome.