To Buffalo from Toronto

[calena]

DH wants to take the boys to the Hockey Hall of Fame during the Christmas school break. I want to go to the USA shopping - Syracuse which is our closest big centre. A compromise might be we all go to Toronto and DD and I go over to Buffalo for the day while the boys do hockey stuff. I've never been to Buffalo - How far is it from TO and how easy is the shopping to find? Big mall, Target, JC Penneys are what I am looking for. Is there any good outlet stuff nearby Buffalo too? Thanks.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

You should count on a 2 hour drive from downtown Toronto to downtown Buffalo, and that is without the wait at the border.

Mapquest and Google can easily direct you to the Walden Galleria Mall in Buffalo.

 

[hematite153]

You can also find stores of the sort you are looking for in Watertown, which is about an hour before Syracuse.

 

[bigredsfan]

it's fairly simple to get around Buffal once you have your maps. Your first stop should be the Prime Factory Outlets which is 2 or 3 exits after you cross into the U.S. from the Queenston/Lewiston bridge. If you cross at Fort Erie or Peace Bridge get directions to the Outlet from the border guys...while at the Outlet there is a Target close by as well. There is also a Walmart and Sam's Club an exit or 2 North of the Outlet on Interstate 90

 

[snowangel72]

Ok Toronto to Buffalo is a two hour drive and it depends on traffic. If you go during rush hour, it could take longer. Plus you never know about the weather. It can be really bad when you closer to the Buffalo and Niagara FAlls. If you want to go to the outlets, the prime outlet in Niagara falls is the best and where most people shop when they go across the border. There are a couple of small malls near there, but nothing great.
If you want to hit up a big nice mall, then Walden Galleria is the place to go. However, this will take 20-30 to drive there because it's difficult driving there if you don't know your way from the outlets to there. It's a bit of a distance. But it's worth it.
Target is anywhere and everywhere, so you can hit Target by the outlets and/or by Walden. IT's a lot to do Walden Galleria and the outlet mall on the same day, but it's doable. You have to be really really good with highway driving and with a map. And have loads of change ready for the tolls.
Plus, you have to declare EVERYTHING at the border on the way home and pay all your taxes and duties. No goes through the border without claiming these days.
Mel

 

[hematite153]

The suggestion of the Walden Galleria gives me another idea.

Drive to Toronto via the US and your DH and DSs can leave you and your DD to shop then come back. That way you could get your 48 hours in the US so that you won't have to pay duty.