my friend and i are planning a week long trip to toronto and niagra falls in july. we've never been to canada and were wondering how we should divide our time. also we were thinking of staying at the days inn. is that a decent hotel? what about restaurants and local attractions? we would appreciate any advice. thank you so much

Hi Jennifer - are you flying here or driving? If you're driving you probably want to see Niagara Falls at the beginning or end of your stay (I'm assuming you're coming from the U.S.?) <BR> <BR>Niagara Falls is only a 90 minute drive from Toronto so if you just want to visit the Falls you can do it as a one day trip. If you want to explore the area you could spend a couple of nights in or near Niagara on the Lake (it's about 25 kilometres from Niagara Falls - it's very quaint and has an excellent Bernard Shaw Theatre Festival in the summer). From Niagara on the Lake you could explore the local wineries, take in the casino at Niagara Falls, a play, etc. <BR> <BR>As far as the Days Inn - there are a couple in Toronto - which one are you staying at? Regarding restaurants - there are quite a few previous postings that list lots of restaurants/bars/etc. <BR>The easiest thing to do is search "Restaurants". <BR> <BR>

Last year, we spent three nights in Toronto (I highly recommend the Bond Place Hotel for moderately priced accomodations) and three in Queenston (highly recommend the South Landing Inn) which is midway between the Falls and NOTL. This worked out great. There's lots to see and do in Toronto Be sure to visit www.toronto.com. You should also check www.shawfest.com to see if there are any plays of interest during your visit. You can purchase tickets ahead of time, which is advised as many performances will be sold out if you wait until you arrive in town. There are many wonderful ways to view the falls and the entire area is terrific for exploring - the lake, wineries, historical sights.

Hey Jennifer, Toronto has it all. <BR>I was there for 2 weeks and i never got borred. We stayed at the Day's Inn Downtown, in the heart of Toronto. This is a good hotel with a pool and a (free) sauna. Down in it's lobby you can rent a car, if you wanna go to Niagara Falls. <BR>There are also busses going there. For info check the lobby. <BR>Attractions: Go to China town in the evening(because of the neon-lights) and try to find "mister Wong's Supper Buffet" good food and i was the only tourist there!! <BR>CN-Tower <BR>The Islands <BR>Ontario-place for the kids <BR>Wonderland : A big amusementparc 1 hour north of Toronto(busses are going there) <BR>Do you like to shop? Buy some solid shoes, you gonna need them in Eaton's . <BR>You go underground and you can shop for hours(days) without seeing daylight.. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your stay in Toronto, if i can be of any assistance, just mail me. <BR>Leo from Holland <BR> <BR>

Just got back from a Road Trip to Niagra Falls/Toronto. <BR> <BR>At Niagra, parking is better on the American side, views are better on the Canadian. If you get in early enough you can park in the American park (follow road signs to Maid of the Mist) for $5 all day. Walk over the bridge to Canada, <BR>bring driver's license for ID and 25 cents (Canadian or US) for the toll (each way). I recommend the Maid of the Mist package on the Canada side, where you can go up to the falls and behind the falls (plus you get free bus rides all day). Buy the package on the Canadian side, not the American, because the American side one doesn't offer the behind the falls look. <BR> <BR>Buy your tacky souveneirs on the Canadian side, and be sure to come back and see the Falls at night lit up with colored lights. I believe on Friday night there's also a fireworks display. <BR>Hotels around Niagra are high priced tourist traps, but whatya gonna do? <BR> <BR>Toronto was your typical Midwestern city, one large skycraper (CN Tower), old hotels, waterfront, raidyard, stadium. Kind of a yawn after Niagra. I couldn't talk my buds into touring the shoe museum. <BR> <BR>For dinner, I suggest a half-hour drive into Buffalo and eat at the Anchor Bar "home of the original Buffalo Wings".

One thing I forgot, the drive across the Niagra bridge between the US and Canada backs up as the busloads of tourists go through customs - you may have a hour wait inching along. I have a low tolerance for sitting in traffic (too much like commuting) so we ended up driving back through Buffalo, across the Peace Bridge (no wait), and taking the QEW to Toronto. It's a little more driving, but you get to see more of roadside Canada.

<BR>Was in NF and NOTL in May, spent only 4 hrs in Toronto the morn of my flight. I stayed at 3 different B&Bs (always use B&Bs when in Canada). It was very enjoyable to be in these 1800 Victoria houses with informative and helpful hosts. Used BBCanada.com to book and email all of them. They ranged from $40 to $60 a nite, most were on River Drive just up from the falls. I parked at the People Mover parking lot for free and just paid the $4.00 People Mover all day fee. It takes you everywhere you'll want to go in NF. Spent 1 day in NOTL, pretty little town, unfortunately, it was Mon and the Shaw Theater was closed. In toronto I went up the CN Tower then ended for the waterfront. I would have loved to take the Sailing vessel on it's 2 hr cruise but no time. Have fun.