Help with holiday itinerary 10-26 Sept
 

I posted a message at the end of February when it was our (ie my husband and I) intention to fly into Boston and drive over to Canada. Since then, we have booked our flights from England into Toronto (as suggested by Sally Canuck). We arrive in Toronto around 1800 hrs on 10 Sept and plan on getting a taxi into Toronto and staying over for 3 nights - I'm thinking we should be able to either walk or take public transport around Toronto. We will then hire a car for the rest of the holiday. We have timeshare accomodation booked in Collingwood, Ontario, 13-20 Sept but have no idea what is within reasonable driving distance of Collingwood that we can visit whilst we're there - we're looking for any suggestions people may have. We fly out of Toronto on Sat, 26 Sept and so have another week to spend exploring the area. We are looking for ideas to put together some kind of itinerary. We definitely want to spend some time at Niagra - how many nights do you think we need there? We are 58 and 62 and just looking for a fairly relaxing enjoyable holiday but are prepared to drive reasonable distances as we would like to see something of what Canada has to offer. Any help with an itinerary and hotel accommodation would be greatly appreciated.

The following is just my opinion:
You definitely don't need a car in Toronto
One night in Niagara Falls (2 max) is enough.
Collingwood - nice area if you like nature and a little hiking. Go to the Blue Mountain ski area and take the chair lift to the top of the mountain - great view.
town website; www.town.colingwood.on.ca
Also nearby - scenic caves (we spent a great morning there last year
www.sceniccaves.com
If you are interested in things historical and native culture, consider taking a day trip to the Midland area and see Sainte Marie among the Hurons
www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca
If you like nature, check out Awenda Provincial park.
If you want to see more lovely scenery - drive up the Bruce Peninsula (stopping at the provincial and national parks and the pretty town of Lionshead. Drive along the lake shore north of Lionshead. Detour off the highway to Dyer's Bay - very nice lakeshore. If you are ambitous, go as far north as Tobermory (but be aware this is a LONG drive there and back).

I agree that 2 nights is Max for Niagara Falls. However, 20 driving minutes away is scenic Niagara-On-The Lake. It is a lovely village with shopping, theatres (the Shaw Festival), golf, and many Winerys (if you fancy) close by. If you enjoy cycling, there is a paved path along the Niagara river that connects the village with the falls. A beautiful ride or hike!

Thanks for your advice. All sounds interesting. Perhaps we could go to Tobermory when we leave Collingwood and stay overnight. We were wondering if we would be able to travel around for the second week and just book hotels as and when we arrive in a place?

website for the Bruce Peninsula:
http://www.brucepeninsula.org/

If you are theatre lovers, consider the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake... also I would recommend a night at the Falls in the Fallsview Casino, Embassy Suites, or Oakes Hotel... and a night in Niagara-on the Lake at any number of places...