Looking to visit Southern Ontario

[mrudman]

I know this isn't really Disney related.. but figured a lot of you might be familiar with the area we'll be traveling to...

We're planning a 7-day camping trip where we're going to circle Lake Erie.. starting from northeast ohio, heading east up to Niagara Falls (Canadian side).. then heading west toward Detroit, down to Toledo, and back home.

Trying to make this a "budget" trip... really needing a getaway this summer.. but hoping to make it back down to Disney next summer, so we're saving for that... hoping I can keep this trip to under $1000 total (including gas/food/etc).

Probably going to eat all our breakfasts in the camper.. and pack along snacks as well... so thinking we can get away with eating just one main meal a day (have done that plenty of times before).. and possibly a light meal in the evening.. so planning on $50/day for restaurant meals... sound about right?

Planning on staying in Niagara area for probably 4 nights... have passports from a trip we took with my parents, so that's already covered.. going to probably stay at Yogi Bear campground, so 4 nt/5 days would cost us about $250 lodging.

Probably going to do a couple of the activities that are the touristy-type things to do there... such as Maid of the Mist ($50 for 4 of us) and possibly a museum or two (any suggestions?).. but hoping for the most part, we'll just be showing my dd's the sights and walking.

The 'un-budget' part of this part of the trip is that I definitely want to take dd's to Marineland.... since they closed our Sea World down 8 yrs ago, I've been wanting to take them to a similar place.. I remember going there every year growing up, and feel so bad that my girls have never been... can't find prices for this year yet, but last year's prices would've been $142 for the 4 of us.. is there ever any coupons that come out?

Then thinking after leaving Niagara, we'll head West and depending.. might stay 2 nights somewhere around Wheaton, ON (possibly Camper's Cove?) or might venture little North so that dd's could see Lake Huron as well (see 3 of the great lakes in one trip, ) and stay around Sarnia/Lambton area (any suggestions for campgrounds in that area?) since that'll be about 1/2 way point between Niagara Falls and home... so thinking around $80 for those 2 nights.

Anything interesting I could have my dd's see around those areas? (keeping budget in mind, lol)..

Thanks for any input!

Thanks!

 

[SydandPaige'sMom]

I know this isn't really Disney related.. but figured a lot of you might be familiar with the area we'll be traveling to...

We're planning a 7-day camping trip where we're going to circle Lake Erie.. starting from northeast ohio, heading east up to Niagara Falls (Canadian side).. then heading west toward Detroit, down to Toledo, and back home.

Trying to make this a "budget" trip... really needing a getaway this summer.. but hoping to make it back down to Disney next summer, so we're saving for that... hoping I can keep this trip to under $1000 total (including gas/food/etc).

Probably going to eat all our breakfasts in the camper.. and pack along snacks as well... so thinking we can get away with eating just one main meal a day (have done that plenty of times before).. and possibly a light meal in the evening.. so planning on $50/day for restaurant meals... sound about right?

Planning on staying in Niagara area for probably 4 nights... have passports from a trip we took with my parents, so that's already covered.. going to probably stay at Yogi Bear campground, so 4 nt/5 days would cost us about $250 lodging.

Probably going to do a couple of the activities that are the touristy-type things to do there... such as Maid of the Mist ($50 for 4 of us) and possibly a museum or two (any suggestions?).. but hoping for the most part, we'll just be showing my dd's the sights and walking.

The 'un-budget' part of this part of the trip is that I definitely want to take dd's to Marineland.... since they closed our Sea World down 8 yrs ago, I've been wanting to take them to a similar place.. I remember going there every year growing up, and feel so bad that my girls have never been... can't find prices for this year yet, but last year's prices would've been $142 for the 4 of us.. is there ever any coupons that come out?

Then thinking after leaving Niagara, we'll head West and depending.. might stay 2 nights somewhere around Wheaton, ON (possibly Camper's Cove?) or might venture little North so that dd's could see Lake Huron as well (see 3 of the great lakes in one trip, ) and stay around Sarnia/Lambton area (any suggestions for campgrounds in that area?) since that'll be about 1/2 way point between Niagara Falls and home... so thinking around $80 for those 2 nights.

Anything interesting I could have my dd's see around those areas? (keeping budget in mind, lol)..

Thanks for any input!

Thanks!

Wow! Sounds like an awesome trip! I grew up in the Niagara Region, and now live in the Sarnia-Lambton area so I hope I can help a bit

Your girls will have a blast just walking around Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls. Please don't be suckered into doing any of the pay things there. I have yet to find one that was worth it.

Marineland prices are out: ages 10-59 is $46.27 after HST ages 5-9 is $38.36 after HST. 4 and under are free.
Make sure you bring lots of water/hats/sunscreen. There is absolutely no shade in this place!

Another option, unless you were set on a museum, is the butterfly conservatory.
http://www.niagaraparks.com/garden-trail/butterfly-conservatory.html
it is so amazing!

If you are coming to the Sarnia/Lambton area I would suggest staying in Grand Bend at the Pinery. The beaches in Grand Bend are lovely. It's also pretty touristy, with a great flea market on Sunday mornings.

If you do venture up towards Sarnia, make sure you stop under the blue water bridge for fries No matter where I meet people, if I tell them I'm from Sarnia, they always have a story to share about bridge fries.

Let me know if you have any questions

 

[mrudman]

Thank you so much for the info!

The Pinery looks very nice! Hadn't come across that one as I was searching, but I like it.

And I think I'm definitely going to talk dh into eating those fries.. sounds so good! lol.

Thanks also for the updated prices on Marineland.. bit more than I was hoping they'd be but still think I'm going to have to take dd's.

 

[SydandPaige'sMom]

lol no problem.

really...they are only fresh cut fries..I think it's more the atmosphere that everyone enjoys. Can't beat sitting on a bench by the water, while your kids play at the park looking out into where the St. Clair river and Lake Huron meet. It is quite a pretty site.

 

[thebigman65]

Thank you so much for the info!

The Pinery looks very nice! Hadn't come across that one as I was searching, but I like it.

And I think I'm definitely going to talk dh into eating those fries.. sounds so good! lol.

Thanks also for the updated prices on Marineland.. bit more than I was hoping they'd be but still think I'm going to have to take dd's.

Don't know much about the camping sites, etc, but Sydandpaige'smom had good suggestions. Grand Bend is an awesome place.

There is lots to do in Niagara Falls, butterfly conservatory, Cliffton Hill, Flowers displays along the parkway. If you drive a little bit out of the Falls area, there is Niagara on the Lake, great main street with nice shops, a wonderful diner, some museums, etc.

As for Marineland, IMHO, I would save my money. I refuse to take or recommend anyone go there. They do not take very good care of the place or the animals. Although I have never been to a Seaworld, I dont think Marineland would be anything close.

Your budget for meals may be a little light in Canada for 4 people, unless you eat at Swiss Chalet, McD's, or other fastfood type places. Especially in the Falls Area.

Honestly, there are lots of thing to see and do that don't cost a lot of money and this is a beautiful part of our country!

Good Luck and have a Safe Trip!

 

[ccudmore]

I grew up in that area and have done a ton of camping around there. PM me if you have any questions.

The Pinery is a "Don't miss" campground - one of the best 2 or 3 in Ontario. Amazing sand beaches and the best sun-sets you'll see not at an ocean. Book early (I think you can book 6 months out - just like ADRs) since it books up early. Do a day-trip from the Pinery up to Bayfield (about 20 minutes away) - a great quaint town on the shore. Also spend some time in Grand Bend hanging out on "the strip" and doing some shopping.

Have a great trip.

 

[Northernlites]

What are the ages of your children? I live in swontario and may have some low cost ides. Yes the pinery is worth the stay and yes avoid Marineland at all costs!!!!

 

[Northernlites]

Here is a campground that is right on the water. Very family oriented, safe and clean...

It is called sandhillpark, just type it in.

It is about 1.5 hours on hwy 3 from nigara falls

The pictures on the web site may be a little outdated but it is someplace we go every year on a day trip

May I ask why Wheatley, there is a beautiful campground at Rondeau park, Wheatley really isn't very nice IMO. Rondeau is amazing...

 

[lizabu]

I love the Pinery. I grew up in Sarnia and have camped there before. Lot's of sand bars. You can wade out really far.

When I go to Niagara I find the Adventure Pass to be the best value. You get tickets to Maid of the Mist, Tunnel of the Winds, The great Gorge Adventure and the Butterfly Conservatory plus a pass to ride the People Mover all day for free. Last time I went it was hot so we did 2 attractions on one day and 2 on the second day. When you buy the Adventure pass it comes with a coupon to get the people mover ticket for the second day at a reduced rate. I think it was 50% off but I don't remember exactly. I recommend using the people mover rather than trying to park at each place. Parking is expensive anywhere close to anything. I prefer to find a parking spot and stick with it and use the people mover or walk to get around.

 

[Northernlites]

A big money saving tip for attractions in Ontario is to order by mail the attractions ontario guide. So type it in. There are coupons for two for one and 50 ff discounts in ontario.

Some reasonable places to visit are the twinvalley zoo just west of niagara falls, near mount hope airport which has a great airplane musuem, and near wheatley and rondeau is greenview aviaries park.

Don't waste your time in London ontario..very dull...

Also across the river in Niagara falls new york is the Robert Moses power plant tour. Yeh it sounds dull but actually it is free and it allows you to go by elevator all the way down to the niagara river gorge to an open air deck.

By the way there is a camp ground just north of there in a small town called Youngstown New York that is very pretty and right on the water.

 

[circelli]

hey there
I would have to agree that Grand Bend and the Pinery are a MUST DO
Port Stanley is another option, it is on Lake Erie I believe. Very touristy and small town by the lake!!
I hope these types of things help!!

 

[Northernlites]

Anothe free thing in the Niagara area is to visit the welland canal tourist site at the welland canal locks. It is free and sponserd by the prov and fed govnt. Everyone from age 5 to 85 love seeing the locks in action.

The cool thing in the Sarnia area is to watch the ocean freighters go by while eating fries under the bridge (one of the prior posters mentioned this) These are freighters from all over the world who travel the st lawrence seaway and then all the great lakes.

Also don't make plans to visit the African lion safari outside of kitchener. Very $$$

 

[mrudman]

Thanks for all the replies!!

Lots of wonderful ideas/suggestions here! Definitely going to google all of them, and see what we can fit in.

To PP poster, dd's are 10 and 8.. any other suggestions would be much appreciated!

Am planning on trying to make this a relaxing vacation as well.. so not planning on doing a ton of activities.. would prefer just to walk and sight-see.. but I like the idea of the Adventure Pass. I think that's what DH and I bought last time we were there (10 yrs ago).. and the people mover was very nice.. remember riding that from one end to the other.


Thanks again!

 

[tgropp]

I see that you are trying to keep this trip under $1,000.00 so I can't recommend a visit to the Stratford Shakespeare theater as tickets are around $75.00 /person but the city of Stratford with its park system is beautiful. If you are going to Grand Bend, Stratford is a nice spot to spend a day.

 

[Northernlites]

you may wish to stay less time in N falls...4 days is too much, I would spend less time there and more time in the other places mentioned by posters.

great info on grand bend is at gbyc web site, there is a live feed of the lake , right now it is very snowy but if you check back in the spring and summer you will see how beautiful it is there

 

[dvc deernut]

WE HAVE LIVED HERE ALL OUR LIVES. WE LIVE JUST NORTH OF NIAGARA FALLS IN NIAGARA ON THE LAKE. I USED TO WORK ON THE LANE IN THE FALLS. I AGREE 4 DAYS IS TOO LONG FOR NIAGARA FALLS. YOU WILL BE LET DOWN BY MARINELAND IF YOU COMPARE IT TO SEAWORLD. NOT A VERY GOOD ENVIROMENT WHALES AND DOLPHINS ETC. YOGI BEARS IS RIGHT ALONG THE QEW. BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY IS A MUST SEE. YOU DIDNT SAY WHEN YOU WERE COMING. IM ASSUMING AFTER MAY 24th WEEKEND. CLIFTON HILL IS MORE INTERESTING NOW. IF YOU WANT A NICE DRIVE YOU CAN DRIVE ALONG THE RIVER INTO NIAGARA ON THE LAKE. THERE IS A LOT OF HISTORY HERE. IF YOU DO THAT YOU CAN DRIVE ALONG THE LAKESHORE TO THE WELAND CANAL AND FOLLOW IT UP TO LOCK 3 OBSERVATION DECK AND MUSEUM. I WILL WAVE AS YOU PASS THRU VIRGIL IF IT WAS JUST 2 ADULTS I WOULD SUGGEST TOURING THE WINERIES. AFTER SEEING LOCK 3 YOU CAN FOLLOW CANAL PAST THE TWIN LOCKS INTO THOROLD AND RETURN TO NIAGARA FALLS BY HWY 58 OR CONTINUE ON ALONG 406 THRU WELLAND ALL THE WAY TO PORT COLBOURNE. THEN TAKE HwY 3 IF YOUR FOLLOWING LAKE ERIE. THEN ONCE YOU HIT ST THOMAS HEAD OVER TO THE 402 TO SARNIA BUT TURN OFF AT THE ROAD THAT TAKES YOU THRU THEDFORD TO GRAND BEND. THE PINERY IS A GREAT CAMP GROUND. AFTER STOPPING IN SARNIA IF YOU WERE GOING TO CROSS INTO THE US AT WINDSOR YOU MAY HAVE TO BACK TRACK A BIT. IF YOU WANTED TO EAT AT AN INTERESTING BURGER PLACE IN THE FALLS YOU COULD STOP IN AT THE FLYING SAUCER RESTAURANT. LOOKS LIKE 2 FLYING SAUCERS STUCK TOGETHER. BY THE WAY ALONG THE WELAND CANAL IN ST CATHARINES ALMOST UNDER THE SKYWAY THERE IS A FRENCH FRIE TRUNK THAT SELLS NEWFIE FRIES FRENCH FRIES WITH TURKEY STUFFING AND GRAVY OVER THEM. A CARDIAC DELIGHT

 

[Lil Bo Peep]

I live in the Chatham area and we love Rondeau park so that is my vote for your camping. As for Marine Land, don't waste your money it isn't worth it and not very nice, I guess once you been to Disney nothing compares but I wouldn't go back to Marine land. All the other suggestions in the Niagara area is mostly what we have done while there and you will love that. Have fun and enjoy Ontario for all we have to offer.

 

[ls15]

I agree with the other poster... You will probably be disappointed by Marineland. It isn't really animal-friendly and there isn't much to do. And it's so spread out, you'll be exhausted!

I haven't read all of the posts as I don't have a lot of time, but here are a few things I would recommend. I live here and love some parts of my region. Some of the other posters mentioned these things.

- The Butterfly Conservatory is neat if you aren't squeamish about bugs... I was terrified as a kid... Regardless that they were pretty, when they landed on me I hated it! But it is very beautiful and interesting!

- McFarland Park is nice for picnics, with a few good fruit markets along the way (recommend: Walker's, not recommend: Kurtz). You can get a few treats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and sandwiches. They also sell goods from the Pie Plate, a delicious bakery and cafe in Virgil. At McFarland Park there is a bike trail that coincides with the river. We take walks, go bike riding, and rollerblading there often.

- Clifton Hill is fun for the kids and if you have never been there, but very expensive.

- A little up the QEW in Grimsby, there is Port Dalhousie in St. Catharines. There is a beach, and although I wouldn't go in the water, many people do. There is a nice marina, the classic carousel (all rides five cents) and restaurants and snack places, along with a few other shops.

If you need more ideas let me know!

 

[OatsZoo]

Another opinion from a Niagara Falls resident. Yes Marineland is crazy priced but still a good day of fun. People will say that the animals are not taken care of but I think it is no different than SeaWorld or a Zoo. They are animals in captivity....

I agree that 4 days is too long in Niagara, 3 maybe, but you can do a day at Marineland or something else, then Niagara on the Lake is a must. Then Clifton Hill is always fun. Get the Fun Pass, you can buy it at the SkyWheel, it includes a number of attractions for one price. Yes the Museums are a rip off but with the Fun Pass you can do alittle of everything for one set price. The Boston Pizza Arcade is fun and it has a bowling alley in it too.

As for the suggestion of the Flying Saucer, I would stay clear....I had food poisoning from there, and my father in law found a sugar packet under his eye once.....yuck! Will not eat there, ever again.

The Yogi Bear camp ground is right on the highway. The Campark Resort is a great campground. It is up on Lundy's Lane a ways but Yogi Bear is not any closer to anything either.

Any other questions, let me know. Yes you can get a $4 off per person coupon from their flyer, it is usually in every hotel or camp ground.

 

[ccudmore]

Another option instead of Marineland is African Lion Safari. It's a game reserve park much like Kilimanjaro Safari, plus they have a pretty good water park. It's less than an hour drive away from Niagara Falls and there's camping either nearby or on site.