Must do's in Canada!

[tashasmum]

We are coming to Canada in July06, there will be 6 in total and we are hiring an RV. Is there anywhere in particular you think we should definitely go and visit? The first 5 days will be spent travelling to New York via Orange County Choppers (hubby and brother-in-law are real fans) but after that we have about 15 more days to fill. Really looking forward to going as it is somewhere we have never been, usually go to WDW but decided on a change.

 

[maddiel]

Do you know what provinces/regions you'd like to see? Are you six adults or are there kids? What kinds of things do you like to do and see?

M.

 

[DutchsMommy]

You will be on the East Coast - I think OCC is in/around New Jersey?? Anyway, I would suggest you start looking into websites for the Maritimes. It is lovely - I am sure there are others on this forumn who live there and can give more details (we've never been put it's on 'the list' ). You might also consider adding Quebec - hit a few spots in the Maritimes and then drive to Montreal or Quebec city. Where are you driving back to to drop off the RV - or can you drop it a few places and then are flying back home?

 

[RoyalCanadian]

OCC is in Montgomery, NY. The closest entry point to Canada would be the Ivy Lea Bridge in Gananoque, ON. Perhaps the OP could share with us some hints as to what her family would like to see and do. After all, Ontario is a big place -- never mind trying to fit all of Canada in to 2 weeks.

 

[tashasmum]

Here goes! This is the route we have planned to fit in with visiting relatives. To Seneca falls , Niagara, London,through Michigan to Frankenmuth, Mackinaw city,Sault back to Toronto and Niagara before flying home.
There will be 4 adults and 2 children (14 and 7). The kids have picked the zoo along with Marineland but they are the only definite things we will be doing. Any more suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
We have relatives in Ontario and Sault st Marie.

 

[offwegotoneverland]

Which Zoo are you thinking the Metro Toronto Zoo is in Toronto (closer to scarborough than down town to).

Also Toronto has lots of museums such at the Ontario Art Gallery, The Royal Ontario Museum.

Ontario Place (toronto again) is also pretty neat as is Centre Island.

Niagra falls has lots to walk around and look at so you'll find tons there.

London Ontario has a good Children's museum your youngest may enjoy.

Southwestern Ontario has ton's of small towns with all kinds of different things. Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair offer many marina's etc with Ferry trips to different places.

Point Pelee in Leamington is the southernmost point of attached land in Canada (equal to Rome in Italy who knew!) and a day pass wouldn't be too expensive.

Hope you have fun visiting!

 

[PandaBear & Boo]

Since you will be in Ontario, you might want to go to Paramount's Wonderland which is just north of Toronto, there is the Science Centre and also the CN Tower.

 

[amw]

I have not been to Marineland, but I'm not sure it's worth your money and time, especially for your kids' ages. Also, if you've been to Seaworld, it can't compare. Maybe someone local can confirm. I agree with the previous poster that Wonderland would be a better choice. They have a full waterpark as well as the amusement park. Here's their website:

http://www2.paramountparks.com/canadaswonderland/index.cfm

We just returned from a day trip to Niagara Falls. My girls liked going on the Maid of the Mist boat ride. We didn't really do much of the touristy attractions as they are 4 and 6 and were a little young for that. They played mini-put instead

I went to university in London, and can't really think of any sites that would appeal to your group. No insult to the city -- it's a beautiful tree-lined town and the campus of UWO is absolutely gorgeous. But, it's not a tourist town.

As for Toronto, the posts have been plentiful. The Zoo is great -- also has a watersplash area (only suitable for your 7 year old). The Science Centre is nice. ROM as well. If Science/History is your thing. I would suggest seeing if there are any plays running during your stay. Our theatre offerings are world-class.

There is an African Lion Safari on the 401, I've never been, so again, I need someone else to comment on it.

Happy planning

 

[amw]

Which Zoo are you thinking the Metro Toronto Zoo is in Toronto (closer to scarborough than down town to).

I don't want you to be confused. There is only one zoo in Toronto, and it is now called the "Toronto Zoo." (not metro... that was before the amalgammation.) There is a Riverdale Farm downtown, but even that has either closed down or is in the process of shutting down to the public.

Yes, the zoo is located in Scarborough, right off the 401 highway -- east end of the city. Here's the website if you need more info:

http://www.torontozoo.com/

 

[tashasmum]

Thanks for the replies. Both kids really want to go to the Marineland as their grandma brought them a leaflet back last year and they are eager to feed the beluga whales.Only found one zoo and that was Toronto zoo. The Paramount Wonderland looks great ,is it on a par with WDW?Have also looked at the African lion safari which you can do in a jeep and not your own car( cost a bit more) but since we are in an RV would be more suitable for us.
If i bring money in the form of travellers cheques am i able to use them like we do in Florida i.e to pay for meals in restaurants or do i have to change them first? Thanks for all the replies, we are really looking forward to our trip. For the last 9 years we have been to Florida and are looking forward to somewhere different as we have saved Florida for christmas.

 

[talicskai]

I would really think twice about Marineland ~ it is a big rip off! The place is dirty and nothing compared to SeaWorld ~ promise to take them to SW when you go at Christmas instead. African Lion Safari is excellent ~ but we drive thru in our own vehicle and I think that adds to our excitement of it. Canada's Wonderland is awesome ~ especially if you are roller coaster fans ~ there are lots of them. The water park is great and I think that this would be much more suited to your family than Marineland (IMHO) The Toronto Zoo is excellent but has tons of walking so be sure to have good shoes for it. If you do the Zoo you could probably skip African Lion Safari. At Niagara, you can do the Maid of the Mist or the JetBoats. You teenager would love it!
Enjoy your trip and PM if you need any more info.
Teresa

 

[tone.def]

We have relatives in Ontario and Sault st Marie.

Quick geography lesson - Ontario is a province and Sault St. Marie is a city in the province.


Marineland is a rip off.

Canada's Wonderland IS NOT on par with WDW. You'd be better off hitting Darien Lake in NY, about 30 minutes from Canadian Border, just outside of Niagara Falls...

African lion Safari is great!

Toronto Zoo is fun too

I second all these attractions that offwegotoneverland listed:
Ontario Art Gallery, The Royal Ontario Museum.
Ontario Place
Centre Island
Niagara Falls
London, Ontario has a good Children's museum your youngest may enjoy.

Also, seeing as though you have an RV, why not check out Whispering Pines Campground and Santa's Village in Bracebridge (about 2 hours north of Toronto):
http://santasvillage.ca/

 

[offwegotoneverland]

Just to clarify I wasn't sure if the Zoo mentioned was in Canada or in the US as the OP mentioned several US places on the list as well.

As to travellers cheques...in smaller locations you may have some problems with them. You can however use them at most larger tourist areas (such as the Zoo or Marineland). Depending on the brand of travellers cheques you may be able to cash them at a bank for a small fee.

However ATM's are very common here and most would work with your US bank card.

Also most places take usd cash as well (in a pinch).

I agree that London isn't a tourist mecca but perhaps by then you'll be looking for some less frentic stuff.

grand bend is near London and has some nice beaches as well.

 

[ferris198]

I don't want you to be confused. There is only one zoo in Toronto, and it is now called the "Toronto Zoo." (not metro... that was before the amalgammation.) There is a Riverdale Farm downtown, but even that has either closed down or is in the process of shutting down to the public.

Yes, the zoo is located in Scarborough, right off the 401 highway -- east end of the city. Here's the website if you need more info:

http://www.torontozoo.com/

The Riverdale Farm is still running, and I do not believe that the city intends to close it.

 

[tashasmum]

Quick geography lesson - Ontario is a province and Sault St. Marie is a city in the province.


Marineland is a rip off.

Canada's Wonderland IS NOT on par with WDW. You'd be better off hitting Darien Lake in NY, about 30 minutes from Canadian Border, just outside of Niagara Falls...

African lion Safari is great!

Toronto Zoo is fun too

I second all these attractions that offwegotoneverland listed:
Ontario Art Gallery, The Royal Ontario Museum.
Ontario Place
Centre Island
Niagara Falls
London, Ontario has a good Children's museum your youngest may enjoy.

Also, seeing as though you have an RV, why not check out Whispering Pines Campground and Santa's Village in Bracebridge (about 2 hours north of Toronto):
http://santasvillage.ca/

sorry.That will be Toronto. Geography was never my strong point.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

While visiting Sault Ste. Marie I would wholeheartedly recommend the Agawa Canyon Tour Train -- you will get to see some of the most gorgeous parts of Ontario while aboard the Algoma Central train and in the Agawa Canyon . While living in the Soo, I also enjoyed visiting the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.

 

[tone.def]

sorry.That will be Toronto. Geography was never my strong point.

Uh, Toronto is a city in Ontario too, but about a 5-6 hour drive to Sault Ste. Marie...

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Uh, Toronto is a city in Ontario too, but about a 5-6 hour drive to Sault Ste. Marie...

Add another 4 hours to your driving time estimate.

 

[tone.def]

Add another 4 hours to your driving time estimate.

Really? That far? I guess I was thinking of Sudbury...

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Really? That far? I guess I was thinking of Sudbury...

Yes, that far. Actually -- those are essentially the same words I used everytime I had to drive to the Sault. I was thinking that you were thinking of Sudbury -- 'tis about another 400km to the Soo from there.

Personally, I'd much rather drive through Michigan to get to Sault Ste. Marie than through Ontario. The roads are much better, service stations much more available and one can always stop in Frankenmuth and have some chicken at Zehnder's or the Bavarian Inn.