Hello, I am planning a vacation with my 11 yr old to Niagara Falls and Toronto in either July or August. Flying is too expensive so I have been weighing the pros and cons of train travel vs. car rental. I live in the DC area so it wouldn't be a long drive and I really would like access to a vehicle for Toronto. From having read some of the other forum discussions, it seems that a 2 day stint in Niagara Falls (Canada side) should be more than sufficient. We will then spend the bulk of our time in Toronto. My main question is if I decide to go the train route, what would be the best way to travel from Niagara Falls to Toronto? And would it be possible to rent a vehicle upon arriving in Toronto? Or does it just make more sense to drive the entire trip from DC? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.
Niagara Falls/Toronto in the summer
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You csn take a train from downtown Niagara to Toronto. Just check the schedules. Once there, you can use public transit in the city so wont even need a car to see most things if you are centrally located. By car,from Washington, your trip would be about 9 hours, through Buffalo ( we did it last fall).Not sure how long it takes by train. Having a car gives you more freedom in the Niagara region but no great advantage in the city.Parking is expensive too.
If you reach Toronto by public transport, forget about renting a car unless you need to take side trips outside the Toronto region. Traffic is horrendous; parking expensive; stress level nerve-shaking. The city's transit system will reach most places you want to go and your young companion may enjoy the subway and streetcars. http://www.ttc.ca/
The drive from DC is about 9 to 10 hours and having a car in the immediate Niagara Falls tourist area is not necessary, however, the drive along the Niagara Parkway to Niagara on the Lake will require the car... while there, book the Whirlpool JetBoats, by far the best experience for an 11 year old...
Clifton Hill in Niagara was designed by an 11 year olds dream, with arcades, attractions, food, and museums, so it might be worth an afternoon...
You can then park your car at the Niagara Falls Rail Station (FREE) and take the VIA rail to toronto... as mentioned above, TO has a vast system of public transport and if you are adventurous, you can get anywhere...
With the temperatures we have been having in the month of March so far, it is possible that Niagara Falls will be still frozen in July!!
Thanks everyone for the suggestions and input!
Also I get alerts weekly for Niagara falls vacations from :
http://www.travelzoo.com/ca/search/?q=Niagara+Falls%2C+ON%2C+Canada&tab=1&locationcode=220606&locationcode_type=t&x=20&y=14
As an exampel as its a popular place. If you check in a few months they will be offerring the summer specials.