Need help planning a trip to Canada next summer

[mommybear318]

My DH, DS & I are planning a trip to Canada next summer. We will be going to Niagara Falls & Toronto (HHOF, Canda's Wonderland). We are also looking into going to Ottawa, Montreal & Quebec. Does anyone have any suggestions as to attractions we could see in those areas.

 

[F4disneyfan]

My DH, DS & I are planning a trip to Canada next summer. We will be going to Niagara Falls & Toronto (HHOF, Canda's Wonderland). We are also looking into going to Ottawa, Montreal & Quebec. Does anyone have any suggestions as to attractions we could see in those areas.

If you are hockey fans take time to go and see the Bell Centre if they are allowing you to tour around it and see old Montreal and old Quebec City both are very very beautiful to wander around in lots of grerat architecture and history.

 

[twinz]

There is lots to do in Toronto...Try Chinese food in China town, The CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, The Bata Shoe Museum, Greek Town on the Danforth, The CNE (last two weeks of August), Wine Country in the Niagra Area (free or very cheep wine tasting), Harbour Front, Centre Island and tons more. Try Toronto.com for more ideas.
Twinz

 

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

in ottawa, (beautiful beautiful city, and no i am not biased) ;o)

downtown you have the parliament buildings, with the changing of the guard (quite a site!) it is a big thing every day at i believe 10am on the hill. there are tours inside parliament, and you can walk around (the cat guy in behind!)

from the hill you are a hop skip and a jump away from chateau laurier (a hotel which some say is an attraction in itself) the locks between the two (amazing photo spot for the canal) the Rideau Centre (shopping mall) the NAC (national arts centre) the By Ward market, lots of restaurants, the National Art Gallery, War Museum, Museum of Man (in hull, quebec ...just over the bridge) If you go in the spring (May) you would take advanage of wonderful spring weather with the tulips in full bloom (and the tulip festival). Downtown you also find boat tours on the Rideau Canal (and if in the winter, you can skate on it..longest skating rink in the world! ) Ottawa has beaver tails for snacks, sparks street (a pedestrian street with stores, considered an outside mall) Oh I could go on. :O) You can get passes to hop on and off the 'double decker' busses that go around the downtown core and the touristy areas.

Hope that helps a bit!

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Just how long are you planning on spending in Canada? This will help us Canucks in guiding you through some decision making regarding your family vacation.

Each city you have suggested is a wonderful choice in and of itself -- packaging all of them together will make for a magnificent taste of what Canada has to offer and the diversity of our country in terms of culture, linguistics, geography and history.

 

[SnowWhite]

In Niagara Falls try Maid of the Mist, Spanish Aerocar, Butterfly Conservatory, and Clifton Hill. At Canada's Wonderland you must try the funnel cake it is the best you will ever have!!!! I'm sure it is the law by now.....

Lots to do in Toronto, it depends on what your kids and you are into. The Ontario Science Centre is fun. Also Ontario Place, CNE, CN Tower, China Town, Tonnes of Shopping, The Toronto Zoo, and much more........

Can't really help you with the other locations as I have only been to Montreal once and Ottawa once myself. Have fun on your vacation!

Rob (Snowwhite's DH)

 

[mommybear318]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. We have narrowed it down to Ottawa, Toronto and Niagara Falls - with spending about 2 days in each (not counting the days driving to get there).

 

[mommybear318]

what is CNE?

 

[amw]

what is CNE?

The Canadian National Exhibition. It's a "fair" in Toronto that runs the last 2 weeks leading up to Labour Day. It's over a 100 years old and began as a country fair. Now, it's basically a large, expensive travelling amusement park. You're much better off going to Wonderland, which is our main permanent (though seasonal) amusement park.

 

[Tracy Savage]

First I have to say that I LOVE Canada and the people are so friendly. I have been going to the same lodge in Fernleigh Ont for 35 yrs. But Niagara Falls, No thanks. We can go to Disney World cheaper. It's a tourist rip-off! I say look at the water and LEAVE!

 

[madonna31]

But Niagara Falls, No thanks. We can go to Disney World cheaper. It's a tourist rip-off! I say look at the water and LEAVE!

True; it's a tourist trap, but it is so on BOTH sides of the falls, not just ours.

The falls is DEFINITELY worth looking at, as it is (or rather; was) one of the 7 wonders of the world.

I live in the Toronto area and areas of interest here have already been mentioned by others. Therefore, my vote is that you really should see Ottawa. It's a BEAUTIFUL city and the first time I saw it, I was never so proud to call myself a Canadian.

 

[mommybear318]

Thanks so much for all the info. We can't wait to go. I also need hotel suggestions for Ottawa & Toronto.

 

[Wazzo]

Thanks so much for all the info. We can't wait to go. I also need hotel suggestions for Ottawa & Toronto.

What is your budget?

I LOVE staying at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto!!!

 

[mommybear318]

I'd say under $200 a night.

 

[eleanor]

THe Lord Elgin in Ottawa is really nice and centrally located.You can walk to the parliament buildings and the tour bus is just a block away. That bus takes you all over Ottawa, for one price you can hop on and off.

 

[tone.def]

For Toronto - look at the Delta Chelsea Hotel - indoor waterslides! Also very centrally located.

 

[mommybear318]

We are able to add one more city - either Montreal or Quebec. We are leaning towards Montreal. Which has more to do & can you give me suggestions.

 

[eleanor]

I would pick Quebec City because it is older and has lots to do. Montreal is also nice ,but too busy for me.

 

[ForKeeps]

If you do wind up heading to Niagara Falls, and enjoy wine...you should stop by wine country. It spans most of the Niagara region. There are some great wine tours that are available. Niagara on the Lake is just gorgeous in the summer time and is really on the way.

I agree with posters above about Niagara Falls. Go check out the Falls themselves, but Clifton Hill and the tours can be a bit of a tourist trap. Stay away from Marineland...don't be tempted. It's a very sad place these days. The animals seem quite unhappy and the rides are pretty lame.

There are some hidden treasures in Niagara that are overshadowed by the glitz and glam of the falls.

Ottawa is beautiful in the summer too.

I live in Toronto now...can't think of what you might like to do. I guess it depends on your personality. It's interesting to see the CN tower....

 

[calgarygary]

I would not spend 2 days in Niagara Falls unless you are visiting family/friends there. If you want to see the falls, make it a day trip. Toronto is a great city with so much to see and do, I don't think I would devote a day to Canada's Wonderland unless you are absolutely devoted to amusement parks. I used to live in Toronto and I'll talk about the things that I still miss after 22 years out west. Ontario Place - a great place to people watch, have a nice meal and enjoy a concert. Kensington - where many of the cultures of Toronto come together. The St. Lawrence Market - is there a better place to have lunch? Bloor St. & Yorkville - for shopping & dining. China town for some great Chinese food. The Toronto Islands - what a nice way to spend a warm summer day.