Niagara Falls/Toronto Itinerary Help
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Niagara Falls/Toronto Itinerary Help
Considering driving from Kentucky, USA to the Toronto/Niagara Falls area mid-April 2017 with 2 adults, 3 kids (ages 14-girl, 13-girl, 10-boy). We have a week for spring break so plenty of time. Other than seeing the falls from both sides and driving into Toronto what else would be interesting to see/do at this time? Just beginning to research this as an option. We've already visited everywhere within about 5 hours of where we live near Cincinnati!
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 742
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You won't need passports to enter Canada since you're driving, but everyone will need proof of citizenship,
like a birth certificate. A drivers license isn't
considered proof of citizenship.
The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is much more built up
than the US side. Maybe overnight at the Falls before
heading up to Toronto. The QEW will be the quickest way
to get there and is a pretty straightforward drive.
The top of the CN Tower offers great views of the city
and maybe a trip to the Toronto Zoo for the kids.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a fun place to stop, that offers
lots of places to shop and eat.
Of course you'll be visiting your local library for a
couple of good travel books to help fill in the blanks.
Have a great trip!
like a birth certificate. A drivers license isn't
considered proof of citizenship.
The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is much more built up
than the US side. Maybe overnight at the Falls before
heading up to Toronto. The QEW will be the quickest way
to get there and is a pretty straightforward drive.
The top of the CN Tower offers great views of the city
and maybe a trip to the Toronto Zoo for the kids.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a fun place to stop, that offers
lots of places to shop and eat.
Of course you'll be visiting your local library for a
couple of good travel books to help fill in the blanks.
Have a great trip!
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We live near Buffalo and my son near Independence, KY and can tell you it is a solid 8 hours to Niagara Falls from his place and depending on traffic about another 2 hours to Toronto. Weather up this way can be iffy mid-April, but area around the falls won’t be crowded and hotel rates should be very reasonable. Last year there was still a fair amount of ice under the falls in April, pretty cool. Maybe something like:
- Drive up then two nights (one day) stay American side of falls see Goat Island, hike down to rapids at Whirlpool and/or Devils Hole State Parks, go to Fort Niagara north of the falls. We love hiking down by the rapids, you really feel the power of the water.
- Head to Toronto, go to CN Tower, nice zoo, lots of shopping and dining choices. I’m not a Toronto expert.
- Back to Falls, stay on Canadian side this time. A falls view room at Embassy Suites would be nice and accommodate five. Hornblower cruises starts their version of the Maid of the Mist in early April, see the Canadian side of the falls, Clifton Hill for Ripleys/wax museum/arcades, visit Niagara on the Lake. There are also two indoor water parks on the Canadian side.
- If you have another day go to Letchworth State Park on the way home. Bit out of the way, but more waterfalls and a nice trail along the gorge with many viewpoints.
May sound like Niagara Falls overload, but there is a lot more in the area to do than just the falls.
- Drive up then two nights (one day) stay American side of falls see Goat Island, hike down to rapids at Whirlpool and/or Devils Hole State Parks, go to Fort Niagara north of the falls. We love hiking down by the rapids, you really feel the power of the water.
- Head to Toronto, go to CN Tower, nice zoo, lots of shopping and dining choices. I’m not a Toronto expert.
- Back to Falls, stay on Canadian side this time. A falls view room at Embassy Suites would be nice and accommodate five. Hornblower cruises starts their version of the Maid of the Mist in early April, see the Canadian side of the falls, Clifton Hill for Ripleys/wax museum/arcades, visit Niagara on the Lake. There are also two indoor water parks on the Canadian side.
- If you have another day go to Letchworth State Park on the way home. Bit out of the way, but more waterfalls and a nice trail along the gorge with many viewpoints.
May sound like Niagara Falls overload, but there is a lot more in the area to do than just the falls.
#4
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,782
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I live on the border too and suggest that you research the issue of ID. For years the common wisdom has been that American citizens need a passport to get back into your own country. But the situation is always fluid. An update from your government can't hurt.
Niagara and region are both impressively scenic and garishly honky-tonk. Enjoy the contrasts.
Toronto is too massive and brimming with interest to give you any advice until you have done some research. Start with Destinations menu at the top left of this page. The Internet has plenty of official sites to help with the big city and the Falls.
Niagara and region are both impressively scenic and garishly honky-tonk. Enjoy the contrasts.
Toronto is too massive and brimming with interest to give you any advice until you have done some research. Start with Destinations menu at the top left of this page. The Internet has plenty of official sites to help with the big city and the Falls.
#5
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I live on the Canadian side and with borders in such a state of flux, I'd bring official ID for all travellers.
Personally, when my kids were the ages of your kids, they would not have appreciated Niagara-on-the-Lake. It's a beautifully romantic town with lots of quaint shops and galleries and the Shaw Festival for great theatre. (A great spot for you without the kids)
Toronto is an awesome family adventure city. The zoo is great but it's a ways out of downtown Toronto...just so you know. Also, it will use up a full day as there is considerable walking involved. The Royal Ontario Museum is very interesting and right downtown - fantastic dinosaur exhibits. Check out the website - it's for mature kids, not those that require constant lights,camera,action. The Ontario Science Centre is a spot kids LOVE! Again, not right in the core but SO much fun. Ripley's Aquarium is in downtown Toronto and a great place for families. It doesn't take more than about 2 hours to go through. There are some great hotels in both Toronto and Niagara Falls with water slides - amazing way to tire kids out!!
Just my opinion, but after you've seen The Falls, Niagara Falls is very honky-tonk. Open your wallet and lower your expectations and you should be fine.
Personally, when my kids were the ages of your kids, they would not have appreciated Niagara-on-the-Lake. It's a beautifully romantic town with lots of quaint shops and galleries and the Shaw Festival for great theatre. (A great spot for you without the kids)
Toronto is an awesome family adventure city. The zoo is great but it's a ways out of downtown Toronto...just so you know. Also, it will use up a full day as there is considerable walking involved. The Royal Ontario Museum is very interesting and right downtown - fantastic dinosaur exhibits. Check out the website - it's for mature kids, not those that require constant lights,camera,action. The Ontario Science Centre is a spot kids LOVE! Again, not right in the core but SO much fun. Ripley's Aquarium is in downtown Toronto and a great place for families. It doesn't take more than about 2 hours to go through. There are some great hotels in both Toronto and Niagara Falls with water slides - amazing way to tire kids out!!
Just my opinion, but after you've seen The Falls, Niagara Falls is very honky-tonk. Open your wallet and lower your expectations and you should be fine.
#6
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,544
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Adults Must have passports or "enhanced homeland security drivers license" to return to US!!! Debs is wrong... Children's requirements are somewhat less... please refer to proper US Border Patrol websites...
As mentioned above,the Canadian side offers an area called Clifton Hill that is a collection of arcades, tourist shops, wax museums, fast food, and scare houses... perfect for your age kids... many summer attractions will not be open, including Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, whirlpool Jetboats, so the best parts of the Falls aren't available.
Save this trip for May through Labor day. It's a wasted drive in April, but worth every mile in the Summer...
As mentioned above,the Canadian side offers an area called Clifton Hill that is a collection of arcades, tourist shops, wax museums, fast food, and scare houses... perfect for your age kids... many summer attractions will not be open, including Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, whirlpool Jetboats, so the best parts of the Falls aren't available.
Save this trip for May through Labor day. It's a wasted drive in April, but worth every mile in the Summer...
#7
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don’t see any reason why you can’t enjoy both the falls and TO in April.
There is a Conservatory/green house in the park beside the falls that is a joy to visit on a chilly, sunny day. I haven’t been in recent years, but I recall some lovely tropical songbirds and a welcome smell of spring. The daffodils and other spring bulbs might be blooming in in the gardens throughout the park.
I think it is worth the short drive to Niagara on the Lake to see the historic buildings. The Shaw festival usually has one play each summer that appeals to families, so check that out if you have an interest in live theatre. Their productions are usually top notch. Restaurants are mostly upscale.. You might also enjoy the Brock monument, high on a hill above the river. It is an interesting piece of history for Americans as well as Canadians because it commemorates the last time our countries were at war with each other--1812. (Canada was still a British colony then; we won).
Smjk2185 has great suggestions for Toronto. I would add a visit to Toronto island if the weather is decent. It involves a short ferry ride and gives you a nice view of the harbour and the city. I doubt the small amusement park will be open then and not likely to be of interest to your older kids, but you might be able to rent bicycles.
St Lawrence market is a great place for foodies and families alike. You could spend a happy hour or two grazing.
Enjoy your visit.
There is a Conservatory/green house in the park beside the falls that is a joy to visit on a chilly, sunny day. I haven’t been in recent years, but I recall some lovely tropical songbirds and a welcome smell of spring. The daffodils and other spring bulbs might be blooming in in the gardens throughout the park.
I think it is worth the short drive to Niagara on the Lake to see the historic buildings. The Shaw festival usually has one play each summer that appeals to families, so check that out if you have an interest in live theatre. Their productions are usually top notch. Restaurants are mostly upscale.. You might also enjoy the Brock monument, high on a hill above the river. It is an interesting piece of history for Americans as well as Canadians because it commemorates the last time our countries were at war with each other--1812. (Canada was still a British colony then; we won).
Smjk2185 has great suggestions for Toronto. I would add a visit to Toronto island if the weather is decent. It involves a short ferry ride and gives you a nice view of the harbour and the city. I doubt the small amusement park will be open then and not likely to be of interest to your older kids, but you might be able to rent bicycles.
St Lawrence market is a great place for foodies and families alike. You could spend a happy hour or two grazing.
Enjoy your visit.
#8
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Niagara Falls is a great place to visit any time of the year. I live in Canada (about 2 hours away) and try to go at least once a year! Your kids will love Clifton Hill--so much to do there. There is a large ferris wheel that will give you great views of the area. Lots of fun houses and mini-put too.
Check out the CityPass for Toronto. It's a great deal as long as you have enough time to get in all of the venues. I think you get 5 attractions for around $70.00 to be completed within 9 days.
CN Tower, Aquarium, Casa Loma (a castle just short drive north of downtown), the museum, and then a choice of the zoo or the Science Centre. If you do this, make sure you print off your initial tickets before leaving home. At your first stop, you will get a "passport" for the other venues.
My daughter recently bought a CityPass for herself and her American boyfriend--they loved it! They bought their tickets online through Costco and saved another $10 or so. CN Tower & the Aquarium can be done on the same day as they are right beside each other.
While this is a great deal, it will take up a lot of your time. Toronto has a lot to offer, so definitely do your research.
Check out the CityPass for Toronto. It's a great deal as long as you have enough time to get in all of the venues. I think you get 5 attractions for around $70.00 to be completed within 9 days.
CN Tower, Aquarium, Casa Loma (a castle just short drive north of downtown), the museum, and then a choice of the zoo or the Science Centre. If you do this, make sure you print off your initial tickets before leaving home. At your first stop, you will get a "passport" for the other venues.
My daughter recently bought a CityPass for herself and her American boyfriend--they loved it! They bought their tickets online through Costco and saved another $10 or so. CN Tower & the Aquarium can be done on the same day as they are right beside each other.
While this is a great deal, it will take up a lot of your time. Toronto has a lot to offer, so definitely do your research.
#10
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My kids LOVED the wax museums and scary places like "Nightmares" in Niagara Falls on the Canadian Side.
They also loved the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls - there's a website for easy directions. It's really cool. Bird Kingdom in the same area is also fun. It's very theme-parked on the Canadian side of the falls and there is so much to do and see.
In Toronto, the ROM is awesome... even for younger kids as they sometimes have exhibits and events for children.
ENJOY your trip!
They also loved the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls - there's a website for easy directions. It's really cool. Bird Kingdom in the same area is also fun. It's very theme-parked on the Canadian side of the falls and there is so much to do and see.
In Toronto, the ROM is awesome... even for younger kids as they sometimes have exhibits and events for children.
ENJOY your trip!
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sailingsailing
Canada
17
Apr 21st, 2017 06:12 PM