Summer vacation in Canada: Niagara, Toronto, Montreal (x post)

[VAfamily1998]

*I originally posted this on the community board, but someone there suggested I post it here as well

Well, I just booked a pre-paid stay at the Embassy Suites in Niagara Falls...so that part is not changeable.

For background purposes:
We have 4 sons, ages at time of travel in late August will be 11, 9, 7, and 5 years.
Niagara Falls will be the last stop of our trip, we were able to save almost $200/night by going specific days, and almost immediately after that my husband has work obligations, so any travel we do in addition to Niagara Falls has to be done earlier. We live in Northern VA and will be driving.
We have never travelled in Canada, except I went to Niagara Falls for one day when I was in elementary school (about 25 years ago!)

In all cases, we are not opposed to taking public transportation (bus, trains, subways), but since there are 6 of us, in some cases we have found it cheaper to pay for the 1 parking spot in a lot or garage, rather than pay for 6 subway/train/bus fares...depending on the location.
In general, taxis are not convenient unless they are the big minivan type since a standard sedan would not fit all 6 of us plus driver.

I was thinking we'd like to go to Toronto, since that is so close to Niagara Falls. Would one day/night be "enough"? I found a good rate at the Homewood Suites Toronto Airport...we don't mind driving into the city and paying for parking, but will parking be easy to find (as I said, we're willing to pay!)? What could we expect to pay? This would most likely be on a Friday/Saturday/or Sunday, depending on how many days we decide to stay.

Montreal...thinking about visiting that too...but not sure if it's very "kid friendly"
Any suggestions about things to do/see with kids?
Hotel recommendations (keeping in mind that with 6 of us, we will most likely have to get a suite or 2 "standard" rooms, and we're on a budget. I would prefer not to spend more than $250/night on hotels, total...so if we needed two separate rooms, they would need to be $125/night or less, each)
Is Montreal a place where it is relatively convenient to stay outside the city and commute in for tourist things (this would probably be on Wed. Thursday, or Friday--again depending on how long we decide to stay and how long we decide to stay in Toronto)? If we did drive in, what could we expect to pay for parking at would it be difficult to find a lot/garage with available space?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[ABCanada]

I am from Western Canada. So will have a different opinion from someone from Toronto.

If I were doing this trip I would go to Ottawa rather than Toronto. As our national capital there are lots of things to do in a small area and it is a beautiful city.
http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/visitors/what-to-do/museums-and-galleries
I think the summer rates in Ottawa tend to be reasonable since there is significantly reduced business travel.

I will likely get flamed for this but I do not find Toronto that interesting. It is just a large city.

Montreal is interesting but if you are up to the drive Quebec City it is worth the visit.

 

[VAfamily1998]

I am from Western Canada. So will have a different opinion from someone from Toronto.

If I were doing this trip I would go to Ottawa rather than Toronto. As our national capital there are lots of things to do in a small area and it is a beautiful city.
http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/visitors/what-to-do/museums-and-galleries
I think the summer rates in Ottawa tend to be reasonable since there is significantly reduced business travel.

I will likely get flamed for this but I do not find Toronto that interesting. It is just a large city.

Montreal is interesting but if you are up to the drive Quebec City it is worth the visit.

Thanks for recommending Ottawa! I hadn't even really thought about it, but the link you posted shows the changing of the guards, sound and light show, etc. which sounds like stuff my kids would like. I will look more into a stay in Ottawa!

ETA: And I notice the Residence Inn in Ottawa has a suite that would work for us and is reasonably priced the weekend we'd be there! Hmmmm

 

[CdnCarrie]

It's been 20 years since I've been in Toronto but things to do with kids that I can think of -

CN Tower
Ontario !Place
Safari
Canada's Wonderland
Hockey Hall of Fame
Blue Jays game
boat cruise
do they have one of those bus tours that turn into a boat? Montreal has one.

Quebec City is awesome!

 

[VAfamily1998]

I have to say, the more I look into Ottawa, the more I like it...

Camping in Gatineau Park...it looks like they have plenty of availability when we'd want to go, and we love camping. We'd be able to see some of Ottowa AND camp! Has anyone ever camped there? The only thing I'm having trouble with is finding out if they have shower facilities, and if so, what the fee is...I can call on Monday!

 

[sk8jdgca]

Ottawa is great but it is a LONG farily boring drive from Niagara Falls. Toronto does have so much to do. If your kids like thrill rides Canada's Wonderland is good -however we kept saying "this just isn't Disney" My kids and I Like to explore different neighbourhoods in Toronto

 

[Gigi22]

OP, there are a lot of options!
Since you didn't mention it in your first post, do you and your family members have passports or 'passport equivalents'? You now need them to cross the border by land, and return home.
The larger population centres in Canada are spread out. It would take the better part of a day to drive from Niagara Falls to Ottawa or Montreal, whereas driving Niagara Falls to Toronto would require 2 hours or so--depending on where you are going in Toronto.

 

[Cdn Gal]

On your way from Niagara Falls to Ottawa stop in the world famous 1000 islands and do a boat tour. It would be a great way to break up the drive/ Check out Gananoque for the tour then drive along the 1000 islands parkway where you can go for a swim in the river. The river is the best and is great swimming!

Rockport Boat Line
http://www.rockportcruises.com/

Gan Boat Line
http://ganboatline.com/

Parkway Info.
http://www.visit1000islands.com/visitorinfo/?page_id=12

Swimming Info.
http://www.1000islandstourism.com/things-to-do/beaches

There are 2-3 parks along the parkway plus multiple places to stop. The parkway is only about a 35 min drive. You really should check it out it is one the most beautiful places in Canada.

 

[Sugar Jones]

We love Ottawa! There is so much to see and do and the city is beautiful.

We have stayed at the Residence Inn and it was great. We have also stayed at Les Suites.

If you go to Ottawa you must go to Byward Market and eat a Beaver Tail - so yummy!

We also love the Museum of Civilization in Quebec which is just over the bridge from Ottawa, just a 5 minute drive.

 

[Ken_Breadbox]

Should we warn the OP about the price of gas? Not to mention, um, everything else?
Canada's a different world when it comes to prices. By summer gas will probably be running you $5.75-6.00 a gallon. Budget at least 50% above what you'd pay to eat out in VA. You'll love it up here, but I bet you'll think 'nice place to visit, but I can't afford to live there'.

 

[VAfamily1998]

Should we warn the OP about the price of gas? Not to mention, um, everything else?
Canada's a different world when it comes to prices. By summer gas will probably be running you $5.75-6.00 a gallon. Budget at least 50% above what you'd pay to eat out in VA. You'll love it up here, but I bet you'll think 'nice place to visit, but I can't afford to live there'.

Good point! Thanks!
Right now, we're accustomed to paying approx $100-$125 for a meal in a "casual restuarant" for the 6 of us. That includes an appetizer to split, entrees for everyone (kids still order of kids menu at most restaurants), maybe one or two alchoholic beverages (the rest sodas or iced teas), possibly a dessert to split, tax and tip. We generally tip about 20% unless the service is stellar, in which case we'll tip up to about 30% (generally rounding to the nearest dollar). Is that an appropriate tipping rate in Canada? Should we expect approx. $175 or so for a similar meal in Canada?

 

[Debbie]

On your way from Niagara Falls to Ottawa stop in the world famous 1000 islands and do a boat tour. It would be a great way to break up the drive/ Check out Gananoque for the tour then drive along the 1000 islands parkway where you can go for a swim in the river. The river is the best and is great swimming!

Rockport Boat Line
http://www.rockportcruises.com/

Gan Boat Line
http://ganboatline.com/

Parkway Info.
http://www.visit1000islands.com/visitorinfo/?page_id=12

Swimming Info.
http://www.1000islandstourism.com/things-to-do/beaches

There are 2-3 parks along the parkway plus multiple places to stop. The parkway is only about a 35 min drive. You really should check it out it is one the most beautiful places in Canada.

Also, the kids might enjoy Old Fort Henry in Kingston. We took our girls there a few years back (they were 12 and 14) , and we had a nice visit. It took a lot longer than I had anticipated keeping them entertained. Anyway, here is the link of activities there.
http://www.forthenry.com/FH/index_e.aspx?CategoryId=53

 

[Ken_Breadbox]

Good point! Thanks!
Right now, we're accustomed to paying approx $100-$125 for a meal in a "casual restuarant" for the 6 of us. That includes an appetizer to split, entrees for everyone (kids still order of kids menu at most restaurants), maybe one or two alchoholic beverages (the rest sodas or iced teas), possibly a dessert to split, tax and tip. We generally tip about 20% unless the service is stellar, in which case we'll tip up to about 30% (generally rounding to the nearest dollar). Is that an appropriate tipping rate in Canada? Should we expect approx. $175 or so for a similar meal in Canada?

Okay, waitstaff will LOVE you. There's an old joke popular amongst the locals in snowbird-infested Destin, FL: "What's the difference between a Canadian and a canoe? Canoes tip."

There's only two of us in my family...all I can say is that I was continually pleasantly shocked at how cheap everything was (outside the tourist traps) in the U.S.
That said, when kids menus come into play the price drops a wee bit. Maybe 50% is an overstatement, but be prepared to pay more.
One place I can guarantee your jaw will drop: grocery stores. Milk is $3.97-$4.50 or so for 4L (bit more than a gallon) in Southern Ontario. Eggs are $2.35/dozen in the store I work. And the selection doesn't compare. Though, oddly, we do have quite a few flavors of chips and candy bars and what have you which you have never seen.
I hope I'm not putting you off. This is a great country and even though you'll only see a tiny, tiny fraction of it, it will likely imprint itself on your mind. Just try to remember the minimum wage here is three bucks an hour higher and we have all that "free" health care to pay for.

 

[gilsan]

If you are going to Toronto for one day I would invest extra money to stay in the downtown core vs out by the airport. If you are there on a weekday the commute could suck. I would budget 30-60 minutes travel time depending on traffic. You could walk or subway to all the main sites. I even think you can get a day pass for the subway.

Downtown you have the CN tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, the Hockey Hall of fame, Canadian Walk of fame, Ontario Place, Casa Loma, and Kensington Market. You could see a Blue Jays game, in the entertainment district you could see a broadway quality show. Depending when in August you could go to the CNE.

On the way down to Niagara there is Niagara on the lake. Near Hamilton the there is African Lion Safari.

As far as tipping anywhere from 10-20%. We usually tip 15% but I know people who tip 10% (my Dad). Waitstaff is paid minimum wage in most place in Canada.

 

[sbnorton]

I would have to agree with the above poster on staying closer to downtown area if you are going to go to Toronto, the airport is not really that close and you would have to drive to downtown and pay ridiculous parking fees! You can probably do the drive from Ottawa to Niagara Falls in 5.5 - 6 hours if you drive straight there with minimal stops and don't get too hung up in traffic through Toronto. Nice idea to stop in Kingston or Gananoque/Thousand Islands area overnight then head on to Niagara. Lots to do in Ottawa and you can walk to pretty much everything. I took my 2 DD in October ages 8 & barely 6 and we walked everywhere from the end of Kent St (by Parliament buildings). Don't miss the Museum of Nature! It was a GOOD walk there but we managed it and we spent the whole day there. Hope you enjoy your stay. Lots to do in Niagara Region, outside of Niagara Falls proper area too
I don't know lots of dtails about Montreal as I was a visitor in October after my Ottawa trip but we stayed on St Catharine and my husband commuted to his company location in Chateauguay and it took him 45 minutes to get back to the hotel after his work day because of all the traffic lights. He could actually see the hotel and could have walked faster than the traffic down that street. The metro is easy to use, I took my DDs on it I did not use the bus though. I got 3 day visitor passes for a very reasonable price to use all the public transportation. Montreal's Science Centre is not bad, a bit expensive compared to what the Toronto Science Centre is though. I went in October and there wasn't much open after Labour Day but it's very busy and interesting during the summer months. Good luck and enjoy Canada!

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

If you want to see Toronto your almost best to stay in Oakville and get a family pass for the GO train. There is a couple of hotels around the Oakville Go station withing walking distance. There isnt a easy way to get from The airport area to downtown. Go train to union station then subway all over. Toronto is fun but I also like the idea posted above about Ottawa. As another poster said our gas is alot more expensive up here. $1.33 a liter thats close to $5.02 a gallon.

 

[treehugnmama]

I live In niagara and it is a LONG drive to Ottawa. I hate being stuck in a car so I may be bias but personally I have driven tO Ottawa pre kids and I wouldn't do it again. There is lots to see and do in niagara falls. We don't go to canadas wonderland anymore the lines are horrible. We do go to mari eland frequently. It is no seaworld but the lines for rides are way better and hey have picnic areas and shade. Also you can get a seasons pass for 5$ more so if you want to go back a second day you can. They have fireworks over the falls which is really nice. If your family likes to hike and fish ther e are lots of great area. Another fun place is the bird kingdom. Tickets are much cheaper online. I would say a day or two in Toronto. Ottawa is great if you don't mind the drive

 

[ccudmore]

Ottawa resident here (who drives to/from Toronto all the time)

A fun option for getting between Toronto and Ottawa is to take the train. Via Rail is quite affordable, especially with kids. Our kids love taking the train. However that limits your mobility in Ottawa without a car since our public transit is nowhere as good as Toronto.

Camping in Gatineau park is great - we do it usually once each summer. Good beaches, great hikes, climbing down into the caves, etc.
Other things to see in Ottawa for kids:
- Science and Technology museum
- Museum of Civilization (including children's museum)
- War museum (not as fun for little kids though)
- Museum of nature
- Agricultural museum (including experimental farm)
- boat tour along the Rideau canal and/or Ottawa river

Also, if you're in Toronto with young kids try:
- Hockey Hall of Fame
- Centreville amusement park (http://www.centreisland.ca/)
- Casaloma

Any questions about Ottawa or Toronto, feel free to PM me (I've lived in both cities for a good amount of time).

 

[gifchick]

Hey!

If you do Montreal there is things there for the kidos, you have the following that come to mind....
- Montréal Biodôme
- Montréal Insectarium
- La Ronde (it is a six flags park)

I am going to Montreal on the weekend, let me know if you want any brouchers.

As for Ottawa, like the above poster I live here, and there is enough for kids to do, if you want to take a 1 hour driver you can do Parc Oméga my kids love that, it is a zoo but you stay in your car and drive though it. If you do a pitnic lunch you will have deer come to your table.

Other Ottawa activites......

- Parliament Hill
- Lady Dive bus tour, gose on the ground and in water.

Let me know if you have any questions, send me a PM and I will reply to all that I can. If you want any brouchers let me know too.

 

[ccudmore]

Another suggestion for not too far from Niagara is the African Lion Safari. It's always a big hit with our kids.

www.lionsafari.com