Sincere apologies if I am posting in the wrong place but I'm a UK citizen in the very early stages of planning a trip to Canada. I was luck enough to visit for a week last year and now want to share your beautiful, amazing, awe-inspiring country with my OH and children (14 and 12).
My plan is to fly into Pearson Toronto, stay for a couple of days with family in Edmonton then head to Ottawa, then Montreal, then back to Toronto, maybe via Kingston, squeezing in Niagra obviously (driving from Toronto).
So, first of the many questions, how best to travel between locations? Fly, train or drive?
Also, any recommendations for hotel chains? I've stayed in the Fairmont in Ottawa so am obviously ruined forever!
Also, how long do visa's last for? I applied for mine in Aug 16, will it be valid in Aug 18?
Hi,
Since Edmonton and Toronto are days apart, I would fly. I have taken the train across the country - The Canadian - three times and it is spectacular but the most breathtaking part is between Edmonton (well really Jasper) and Vancouver. Although I really enjoyed the prairies each time (Some claim boring because flat area - I found it beautiful and peaceful). Could you fit in that part of the train and add on Vancouver instead of another choice? On Tuesdays they have huge discounts on every level of the train that have not been sold out (close to the date). In May, they have a 50% off sale, it's a short sale so keep looking for it. I would choose a sleeper car for the experience. The culinary part of the train is unbelievable in sleeper class. Never had a bad meal. ( For anyone reading they have an accessible suite that is the same as the $7000 - $10000 high end suites and it is hardly any money and a caregiver rides free with doctor's note. )
http://www.viarail.ca/en
But then again I just re-read and there are four of you. That train is not cheap!
But once in a lifetime opportunity to travel through the Rockies. There are also private trains in the same area.
I have done Toronto to Montreal many a time because I went to university in the Eastern Townships of Quebec (an area you might want to discover - close to Montreal near the New York/Vermont/New Hampshire border - just gorgeous). I would take the train. Some parts of the drive can be boring, well to me anyway. Going off the 401 to the south - Loyalist Parkway? in Ontario is more interesting (longer drive). I often cross over into the states and go through upstate New York/Lake Placid/across Lake Champlain and Vermont and back up. But I am rambling, smiling, you want a Canadian trip! (Once again, re-read with four of you I might think about driving Ottawa/Montreal so that you can explore areas nearby.)
In Ottawa I would definitely choose a suite hotel. I have stayed in Albert At Bay Suite Hotel. The area where it is situated is not all that interesting, but close to Spark Street and in walking distance back over to the area where you were last time. These are apartments for around the same price as a hotel room, with full kitchens. The outside doesn't look promising there but the interior tells a completely different story - the suites are huge and with nice decor. Comes in handy when you want to eat in.
Another suite hotel, closer to where you were with the Fairmont, is Les Suites. I have not stayed in it but same idea.
Staying in Kingston, I would definitely choose a downtown location.
In Montreal I would definitely choose a place in Old Montreal or very close to it.
In Toronto, airbnb has a lot of options. Tons of private downtown condos. Give that some thought. The Radisson down at the Harbourfront is nice. Cambridge Suites, once again love the suites, is close to a lot of downtown areas. The St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood lovely to explore and right next to it. The tourist areas of Toronto can be cold. The lovely of Toronto is in its neighbourhoods. In Toronto, if you are all open to it I love Korean Barbeque (cook your food at your table). It would be a fun memory for your family. There are a couple but one downtown location is on Queen West (Korean Barbeque House - shopping for your teens on Queen West too. Also, not overly advertised but the aquarium has lower prices later at night.
Try to go to Niagara midweek. Crazy prices on the weekend. I like Embassy Suites but it can be pricey. It is up near the newer casino. There are also some reasonably priced hotels near the older casino/Clifton Hill. One is Country Inn and Suites and the other next door is a privately run - Clifton Victoria Inn at the Falls. The last one I found, well people love it and it is well booked, but my elderly mother did not do well with the air circulation.
Have you considered Niagara-By-The-Lake. It is lovely. Close to Niagara Falls.
Anyway, I am writing a novel. Enjoy your trip.
I would also like a selfie with Justin (hopefully not construed as a political comment and yes, I am joking. Although how fab would it be to get a Fast Pass to do this...!).
