Help with Niagara Falls and Toronto planning, please!
Jan 20th, 2017, 02:04 PM
#1
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Help with Niagara Falls and Toronto planning, please!
My plans are not for awhile yet (June-July) but i like to get a jump start on exciting things, like a trip to niagara falls and toronto for my husband and myself.
could you please point me to the not-to-miss attractions in both places. we will definitely see the falls and skylon tower. any suggestions for off-the-beaten- path activities would be great too.
we like nature, hiking, museums, history and music.
thank you!
could you please point me to the not-to-miss attractions in both places. we will definitely see the falls and skylon tower. any suggestions for off-the-beaten- path activities would be great too.
we like nature, hiking, museums, history and music.
thank you!
Jan 22nd, 2017, 09:11 AM
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Summer in Niagara Region and Toronto can be busy and crowded with festivals, concerts, theatre, and people... make sure you bring your passports so you can visit both sides of the border at Niagara...
On the US side,nature is featured with close-up looks at the Falls, on Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds... both are accessible from Goat Island State Park... also you can stand at the top of the Falls next to the power of the water rushing over... next visit Whirlpool park, taking a hike down the rocky gorge along hiker friendly paths to the rivers edge below the Falls... head up the Niagara Scenic Parkway to Lewiston, where you can visit ArtPark, historic Fort Niagara or take Niagaras best attraction, the Whirlpool Jetboats...
The Canadian Side of the Falls is much more touristy, but features a great panoramic view of the Falls... the Skylon tower is a pricy trap, and you can get better views from the walkway across from the Falls for free... if you really need a high view of the Falls, just book a room with a Fallsview... or consider a dinner at The Keg, a steakhouse on top of the Embassy Suites.
Just 20 minutes north of The Falls is Niagara on the Lake and the Niagara Wine Region... home of the Shaw Festival, the Village is a quaint collection of shops, restaurants, and hotels that center the region... also visit Fort George, HQ for the British in 1812, or take a bike tour to some of the area's 200 wineries... the Summer Festival features Jazz in the Vineyards, tasting events for wines/food, and a full schedule of events...
I will post Toronto attractions when I get some more time... stay tuned...
On the US side,nature is featured with close-up looks at the Falls, on Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds... both are accessible from Goat Island State Park... also you can stand at the top of the Falls next to the power of the water rushing over... next visit Whirlpool park, taking a hike down the rocky gorge along hiker friendly paths to the rivers edge below the Falls... head up the Niagara Scenic Parkway to Lewiston, where you can visit ArtPark, historic Fort Niagara or take Niagaras best attraction, the Whirlpool Jetboats...
The Canadian Side of the Falls is much more touristy, but features a great panoramic view of the Falls... the Skylon tower is a pricy trap, and you can get better views from the walkway across from the Falls for free... if you really need a high view of the Falls, just book a room with a Fallsview... or consider a dinner at The Keg, a steakhouse on top of the Embassy Suites.
Just 20 minutes north of The Falls is Niagara on the Lake and the Niagara Wine Region... home of the Shaw Festival, the Village is a quaint collection of shops, restaurants, and hotels that center the region... also visit Fort George, HQ for the British in 1812, or take a bike tour to some of the area's 200 wineries... the Summer Festival features Jazz in the Vineyards, tasting events for wines/food, and a full schedule of events...
I will post Toronto attractions when I get some more time... stay tuned...
Jan 23rd, 2017, 05:28 PM
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Toronto --- it all depends on what you're interested in doing. Eating? Museums? Parks? Historic buildings? Walking tours (my favourite is a chocolate tour)?
I would recommend taking the ferry over to "the islands" for a great view of the skyline at night.
I would recommend taking the ferry over to "the islands" for a great view of the skyline at night.
Jan 26th, 2017, 08:57 AM
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At the Hamilton airport, halfway from Niagara Falls to Toronto, is the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. www.Warplane.com If you like military history, this is a great place. It's informal, free parking, a good gift shop, lots of airplanes, and some friendly old guys, and a few women, who will explain things. Kids, and adults, can touch the airplanes instead of being roped off.
It's more lively on weekends, but I like weekdays when there may just be a few visitors, plus some volunteers rebuilding old planes.
BAK
It's more lively on weekends, but I like weekdays when there may just be a few visitors, plus some volunteers rebuilding old planes.
BAK
Jan 26th, 2017, 11:31 AM
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Toronto is ranked as the "Most Diverse City in the World" with populations and neighborhoods from every corner of the globe... with two Chinatowns, a Greek neighborhood,Polish, Italian, African,Caribbean, and British Isle roots, the city blends customs, traditions, and food from everywhere...
Summer in Toronto is jammed with festivals and events... depending on when you visit, you can attend anything from the Beaches Jazz to Caribana, from food festivals to the Canadian National Exhibition. Google Toronto Events for a calendar.
Toronto is casually divided into districts that are named for their features... Entertainment, Theatre, Waterfront, Beaches, Chinatown, Shopping, Greek, Exhibition, Financial, distillery, University,Yorkville,and Sports... they overlap somewhat and blend into an easily walkable city. Public transportation is easy to understand and Toronto residents are extremely friendly and helpful...
more later...
Summer in Toronto is jammed with festivals and events... depending on when you visit, you can attend anything from the Beaches Jazz to Caribana, from food festivals to the Canadian National Exhibition. Google Toronto Events for a calendar.
Toronto is casually divided into districts that are named for their features... Entertainment, Theatre, Waterfront, Beaches, Chinatown, Shopping, Greek, Exhibition, Financial, distillery, University,Yorkville,and Sports... they overlap somewhat and blend into an easily walkable city. Public transportation is easy to understand and Toronto residents are extremely friendly and helpful...
more later...
Jan 27th, 2017, 05:58 AM
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Other worthwhile attractions in Niagara Falls, Ontario:
Hornblower Cruise (same as Maid of the Mist but newer, bigger boats, and cheaper)
Journey Behind the Falls
Mistrider Zipline
Butterfly Conservatory at Botanical Gardens
Bird Kingdom
Whirlpool Aerocar
Whirlpool Jetboats
Skywheel
Niagara Falls History Museum
Niagara Glen Nature area (hike down into the Niagara Gorge)
nightly Falls Illumination
Fireworks Over the Falls (Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays and holidays)
https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/
https://www.niagaraparks.com/
Hornblower Cruise (same as Maid of the Mist but newer, bigger boats, and cheaper)
Journey Behind the Falls
Mistrider Zipline
Butterfly Conservatory at Botanical Gardens
Bird Kingdom
Whirlpool Aerocar
Whirlpool Jetboats
Skywheel
Niagara Falls History Museum
Niagara Glen Nature area (hike down into the Niagara Gorge)
nightly Falls Illumination
Fireworks Over the Falls (Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays and holidays)
https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/
https://www.niagaraparks.com/
Jan 29th, 2017, 03:18 PM
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Hi, Here is a link to one of my articles on what to do in Toronto, might help with your planning. https://chandiniramesh.com/2017/01/2...nd-in-toronto/
CR
CR
Feb 2nd, 2017, 06:02 PM
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Summer in Toronto is great! If you want off-the-beaten-track stuff, I'd suggest going to some of the festivals that happen every weekend. You can pick up a free copy of NOW from a green paper box at just about any corner. It comes out on Thursdays and lists just about everything going on.
If you're here on the last Sunday of the month (any month between May and October) Kensington Market's Pedestrian Sunday is lots of fun. And speaking of Markets, get yourself to the St. Lawrence Market on a Saturday, walk around and have lunch. Be sure to check out the downstairs too.
Re music, if you like blues, go to the Rex on Queen Street West. Good music at night but also in the daytimes, especially on Saturday. The El Mocambo on Spadina is reopening too. For other music, check out what's playing at Massey Hall, Roy Thompson Hall or the very beautiful Koerner Hall. And Harbourfront always has lots going on in the summer!
If you're here on the last Sunday of the month (any month between May and October) Kensington Market's Pedestrian Sunday is lots of fun. And speaking of Markets, get yourself to the St. Lawrence Market on a Saturday, walk around and have lunch. Be sure to check out the downstairs too.
Re music, if you like blues, go to the Rex on Queen Street West. Good music at night but also in the daytimes, especially on Saturday. The El Mocambo on Spadina is reopening too. For other music, check out what's playing at Massey Hall, Roy Thompson Hall or the very beautiful Koerner Hall. And Harbourfront always has lots going on in the summer!
Feb 9th, 2017, 04:53 PM
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Toronto for adults with your identified tastes? The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). The Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto is amazing. f you're game to venture further afield, drive to Kleinburg for the McMichael Canadian Collection (Group of Seven). Outstanding Check out the websites.
I'd second the Warplane Heritage Museum if you like airplanes and have an interest in history. It's small and run by the most dedicated group of volunteers working away restoring and repairing as guests wander by. They love to talk so don't be afraid to approach anyone. They usually have an airshow on Father's Day weekend.
There are so many things in the area, it's difficult to narrow down the choices.
I'd second the Warplane Heritage Museum if you like airplanes and have an interest in history. It's small and run by the most dedicated group of volunteers working away restoring and repairing as guests wander by. They love to talk so don't be afraid to approach anyone. They usually have an airshow on Father's Day weekend.
There are so many things in the area, it's difficult to narrow down the choices.
Feb 23rd, 2017, 07:57 AM
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Those area all great suggestions. In happen to think that the Canadian side of the falls offers much better views (just my opinion). You can take the Maid of the Mist from this side as well as the tunnel to give you the views from under the falls and stand beside the horseshoe falls at the lower level and see/hear the roaring water. That is quite amazing. And make sure to return to the falls at night to view the multi-coloured light show over the falls.
In Toronto if you are into castles make sure to see Casa Loma. It is a hidden treasure right w/in the city. You could spend about a 1/2 day there. http://www.casaloma.ca/ Enjoy!
In Toronto if you are into castles make sure to see Casa Loma. It is a hidden treasure right w/in the city. You could spend about a 1/2 day there. http://www.casaloma.ca/ Enjoy!
Feb 23rd, 2017, 11:13 AM
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Patti_lovestravel,
FYI, Maid of the Mist hasn't operated in Canada for 4 years. Hornblower Niagara Cruises runs the boat ride on this side.
https://www.niagaracruises.com/
FYI, Maid of the Mist hasn't operated in Canada for 4 years. Hornblower Niagara Cruises runs the boat ride on this side.
https://www.niagaracruises.com/
Feb 25th, 2017, 02:28 AM
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Must take a drive to Niagara on the Lake it is beautiful the Butterfly conservatory. A great place to have dinner is Braza a Brazillin restaurant in the Hilton Hotel. The roasted pineapple is excellent and the constant flow of beef, chicken, pork and lamb to your table.
Mar 26th, 2017, 10:23 AM
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I think you should see:
Niagara Falls:
Hornblower Niagara Falls
Butterfly Conservatory
Warplane Heritage Museum
Toronto:
Royal Ontario Museum
Toronto Science Centre
These are places that have made an impression on me and I remember with a big smile.
Niagara Falls:
Hornblower Niagara Falls
Butterfly Conservatory
Warplane Heritage Museum
Toronto:
Royal Ontario Museum
Toronto Science Centre
These are places that have made an impression on me and I remember with a big smile.
Mar 28th, 2017, 02:07 PM
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We really enjoyed the Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto this past weekend. I think everything else has been covered in the above posts.
If you really like history and want to get away from the crowds of Niagara Falls and Niagara on The Lake, go to Old Fort Niagara on the American side - just north of the falls in Youngstown. It's beautiful and is situated at the mouth of the lower Niagara River where it flows into Lake Ontario. Here is the website:
https://www.oldfortniagara.org/
It's a great place to walk around. The fort and museum are very interesting. There's a beautiful, grassy area that slopes down to the water's edge where sailboats are passing by and n a clear day you can see Toronto. The shoreline is rocky (no swimming) and I have found pieces of old pottery along there. Make sure there are no major re-enactments going on before you make the trek.
The history is in this link:
https://www.oldfortniagara.org/history
Be sure to stop in Lewiston on the way in or out for lunch or dinner. It's a lovely, historic town with some good restaurants and lots of stone buildings.
http://historiclewiston.org/
If you really like history and want to get away from the crowds of Niagara Falls and Niagara on The Lake, go to Old Fort Niagara on the American side - just north of the falls in Youngstown. It's beautiful and is situated at the mouth of the lower Niagara River where it flows into Lake Ontario. Here is the website:
https://www.oldfortniagara.org/
It's a great place to walk around. The fort and museum are very interesting. There's a beautiful, grassy area that slopes down to the water's edge where sailboats are passing by and n a clear day you can see Toronto. The shoreline is rocky (no swimming) and I have found pieces of old pottery along there. Make sure there are no major re-enactments going on before you make the trek.
The history is in this link:
https://www.oldfortniagara.org/history
Be sure to stop in Lewiston on the way in or out for lunch or dinner. It's a lovely, historic town with some good restaurants and lots of stone buildings.
http://historiclewiston.org/
