Niagra Falls and Toronto in April

[ProudMommyof2]

Are we crazy going in the spring? The charts say average temp for third week in April is 60 degrees. Does that sound right?

Any suggestions on where to stay and must dos?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Heidi K]

I live in Buffalo and that average temp sounds right to me (although this winter, that might be optimistic).

In terms of must-dos, I love going on the Maid of the Mist at the Falls. You can do it from the Canadian side or American side.

Remember you need a passport or enhanced drivers license or similar form of identification to go over the border.

 

[b2dunn]

I'm lucky enough to live in the great city of Toronto. The weather will hopefully be around 60ish, but like most cities on the east, we've had a pretty nasty winter!

As for recommendations:
CN tower ( super touristy but really cool)
Ripley's aquarium (right at the bottom of the CN tower, just opened this year)
If you're into sports, you could watch a blue jays game. Hockey will be in playoffs then, if the Leafs make it, it will be very hard to get tickets.
If you're into arts and culture...check our the Royal Ontario Museum or Art Gallery of Ontario
There's also a lot of great theatre in Toronto.sadly, it looks like you'll be here just before the lion king comes to town!
Toronto is also one of the most multiple cultural cities in the world, so check out: Chinatown, greektown, koreatown, little Italy, little India, little Portugal and on and on...so much food and great people!

Toronto.ca

Niagara Falls:
The falls is great, we usually take the hour drive at least a couple times a year!

Journey behind the falls- really cool you actually go right behind the falls and see the rushing water right in front of you! You can also stand right beside the falls and feel the mist ( they give you a poncho) this may be a bit cold in April...
Clifton hill- it's kitschy but if you like fun things like wax museums, haunted houses, hall of mirrors, then this place is for you!
Casinos- if you think gambling is fun. They have two very close together: fallsview is up by a lot of the hotels is the newer one. Casino niagara is right off Clifton hill. They're pretty much the same in my opinion.
Wine- niagara wine is world famous. So if you're into that stuff, there are lots of wine tours you can take (most hotels even have wine tour packages)

As for hotels, there are ALWAYS great deals on deal sites for the falls which include extras like a wine tour, restaurant credit, casino credit etc. for cheaper than rack rate!
Check out: travelzoo.ca, groupon.com, onespout.com

You can also find Toronto hotel deals on those sites, but they don't usually have all the extras like the niagara ones.

Hope that helps!

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Thanks. That helps a lot. We are planning on see the Blue Jays play our beloved Red Sox!

 

[TNDisneyNut]

Are we crazy going in the spring? The charts say average temp for third week in April is 60 degrees. Does that sound right?

Any suggestions on where to stay and must dos?

Thanks for any help!

I've been to Niagara twice and the second time we went at the end of April a few years ago. It may not have been the norm but it was cold with snow and some ice. Being so close Lose to the water was miserable. I don't think that is the norm, just be forewarned it's a possibility. Definitely stay on the Canadian side, much prettier. A few miles up the road is Niagara on the Lake. It is such a lovely little town. I love the touristy stuff in Niagara but NOTL is a lovely change of pace. Maid of the Mist is not to be missed. I also highly recommend the butterfly gardens. I'd check out some of the B&B's. Prices that time of year will be low and it will be much more relaxing. If you want to stay in the middle of Niagara and you can get a good deal, stay in a hotel such as Radidison or one of those with a view of the falls. It is amazing; however, usually costly. Just make sure it actually has a full view of the falls, some are quite deceiving. I lucked out and got a bargain at Raddison when I went and the view was amazing, but I usually wouldn't pay that much for a room. I hope you have a lovely time and the weather is above average!

 

[Tanzanite]

The Maid of the mist is going to be operating US side and The Hornblower is a new catamaran on the Canadian side. Don't where you are staying Embassy Suites amazing hotel.

 

[kiki02]

I live in Buffalo and that average temp sounds right to me (although this winter, that might be optimistic).

In terms of must-dos, I love going on the Maid of the Mist at the Falls. You can do it from the Canadian side or American side.

Remember you need a passport or enhanced drivers license or similar form of identification to go over the border.

do kids (from u s a ) need passport to get in? our dc is 9. thanks

 

[StirlingSilver83]

We are doing this trip next year. Niagara Falls also has indoor water parks which look like fun and they have an aquarium as well. Also not sure when in April u are going but if u drive about an hour and a half north of Niagara there is a safari. It is 1 of the best safaris I think I have ever been to. It takes about an hour to drive through and none of the anima are in cages not even the lions everything is out in the open. They also have a lake when u are finished driving through the safari u can take a guided tour around the lake and see some pretty cool birds. Along with the safari and thd boat they also have a 15 minute train ride that I believe takes u on the outskirts of the savannah in the safari and finally they have some animal shows as well. They have an elephant show that's amazing. You can also see them bring the elephants in to feed I think twice a day and they have a bird show as well. I know they open in April so not sure if u will be there then or before they open. Here's the website for more info!
www.lionsafari.com

 

[ProudMommyof2]

do kids (from u s a ) need passport to get in? our dc is 9. thanks

Everyone needs a passport.

Thanks for all the great tips everyone! Keep them coming!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

In addition to the suggestions from b2dunn, I would also add the Hockey Hall of Fame to your itinerary, as well as the Toronto Zoo, the Ontario Science Centre and the Royal Ontario Museum. Look into getting a Toronto "City Pass" for discounted admission. Also, the St. Lawrence Market is fun to visit on the days its operating. If staying downtown, we loved the Residence Inn in the Entertainment District.

For Niagara Falls, its hard to say what will be open in April when you visit since winter has been so harsh this year (and the reopening of some attractions may be delayed because of it). If Cave of the Winds is open (which I doubt, but you never know) then that would be my top recommendation. Its on the US side but the best Falls attraction, hands down, IMHO. Bird Kingdom/the Niagara Aviary is on the Canadian side, and is another great place to go (especially if you need something indoors). Also the Butterfly Conservatory (again, on the Canadian side).

I second the vote for Clifton Hill, but be selective as to what you choose. Some attractions are very worth it, some not so much. We love the Skywheel (great views, climate controlled), Tussauds Wax Museum, and the Fudge Factory. DH highly recommends Nightmares Fear Factory, but cautions it does scare the crap of out you (I swear he still has scars on his shoulders from his sisters finger nail marks when we went a few years ago!!). Kids will love the Great Canadian Midway. The Clifton Hill Fun Pass might be a good value for you.

Niagara Falls also has a Great Wolf Lodge......love, love, LOVE it! Highly recommend.

 

[Dadoftwoprincesses]

Everyone needs a passport. Thanks for all the great tips everyone! Keep them coming!

Not true, kids just need birth certificates if traveling with parents, just went to see Alladin in Toronto in January. DW and I have enhanced licenses and kids birth certificates are all you need. I go to Canada frequently as we love only 30 minutes away.

 

[Four Swampers]

Are we crazy going in the spring? The charts say average temp for third week in April is 60 degrees. Does that sound right?

Any suggestions on where to stay and must dos?

Thanks for any help!

We live in Ohio. We have visited Toronto six or seven times, and Niagara about as often.

Niagara:

Previous poster had great ideas. For hotel deals, consider checking out http://www.travelzoo.com/hotels/canada/
They always have some sweet deals, especially in the spring. The Embassy Suites is a great place to stay, with access to everything and great views of the falls.

I agree with PP about Niagara wine country. There is something you should know: Niagara is known the world over for its ice wines. These wines are very sweet, rather high in alcohol, and thick, almost like a nectar. They are great dessert wines, and they are awesome with a nice cheese plate, especially blue cheeses. The Niagara climate is perfect for ice wine. The Niagara climate is not perfect for wines that go well with dinner. If you like wines from Napa, Sonoma, etc, you may not be as excited about Niagara's regular wines.


Toronto.

I second a vote for the Royal Ontario Museum.

The Delta Chelsea is a nice hotel for families, as it has a family friendly pool and is centrally located. The Fairmont Royal York is a classic hotel and absolutely stunning.

If you like Chinese food, Toronto has an amazing Chinatown. Many dim sum places, including Lai Wah Heen and Sky Dragon. We never miss a chance for dim sum when we go to Toronto. It would be like failing to go out for Italian when visiting Boston.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Sorry if I am misinformed about the passports.

I looked into the citypass for Toronto. Any thoughts on the Toronto Zoo and Ontario Science centre?

 

[Heidi K]

Any thoughts on the Toronto Zoo and Ontario Science centre?

I went to both as a pre-teen/teen and loved them!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

The Delta Chelsea is a nice hotel for families, as it has a family friendly pool and is centrally located. The Fairmont Royal York is a classic hotel and absolutely stunning.

The Delta Chelsea changed hands last summer (its no longer a Delta property) and is now known as the Eaton Chelsea. Just in case the OP wants to look it up. The family pool is really great....there's a fun corkscrew waterslide that kids love. And the hotel is within walking distance to the Eaton Centre.

The Westin Harbour Castle also has a lovely pool that overlooks the lake. The hotel itself has a very high-end feel, and quite often they feature family packages that include breakfast (the buffet there is fabulous).

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Sorry if I am misinformed about the passports.

I looked into the citypass for Toronto. Any thoughts on the Toronto Zoo and Ontario Science centre?

Both very family friendly, and good for all ages.

For the Zoo, you'll have to be prepared to dress for the weather. And wear good comfy shoes, 'cause there's a lot of walking.

The Science Centre is very hands-on with lots of fun and interactive exhibits to get people "doing" rather than just "looking". It really is a good balance of entertaining and educational.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

Love the Zoo! But it's quite a hike from downtown. Public transit is indirect at best & would be a 90 min or more trek each way. Driving from Yonge/Dundas in light traffic about 40/50 mins.

The Science Centre is always a favourite.. also not right downtown but easier/quicker to get to.