My husband and I are planning to drive from Providence, RI for vacation in August. We are looking for things to do / places to stay. We were thinking of a couple of days in Niagara Falls and a couple of days in Toronto. Any suggestions?

Well, Niagara Falls has many sightseeing options: Niagara-on-the-Lake with its British shops, restaurants and Shaw Festival Theatre. You have the Falls, scenic drives down the Niagara Parkway, the Niagara Wine route for wineries and great winery restaurants. Toronto is a big city, with shopping, theatres, CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Metro Toronto Zoo, major sporting events. Try to order hotels online as both cities can be pricy. Go here http://www.ontariotravel.net/<BR>to order travel information and maps from the Ontario government. Enjoy your holiday. Post back with more specific questions if desired.

Thanks Judy!<BR><BR>Another question - we are trying to decide on a hotel in Niagara Falls with a view of the falls. Looks like our options are Sheraton, Hilton or Marriott. Which would be the best choice?

The Sheraton or Marriott would have closest views, but I have heard great things about the Hilton and its rooms and pool. Don't be afraid to book any of the 3. You will not be disappointed in any one.<BR>Let me know if you need help on Toronto hotels.

There are two Sheraton Hotels that have falls view. The Sheraton on the Falls is located on Clifton Hill (the tourist area) and faces the American Fall. It is next to the Casino and Hard Rock Cafe.<BR><BR>The Sheraton Fallsview, Marriott and Hilton faces the Horseshoe Fall. The three hotels offer a shuttle to Clifton Hill. It all depends on your preference of having peace and quiet or be in the middle of the action.

Message: Hi stayed at the Marriott in Feb this year - This is a summery of what I found:<BR><BR>Partner and I (No kids) stayed (2 nights)at the Marriott in early Feb this year.<BR>We got a very good deal direct through the hotel website.<BR><BR>Pool & Stuff:<BR>The Marriott has a Leisure area at the bottom of the hotel including: pool Whirlpool (Two), Sauna, Steam room, Small Gym. You can use the leisure facilities till about 11pm<BR><BR>About the rooms:<BR>We stayed in a Junior presidential suite which was fine (With it being off season and the superb exchange rate meant we got such a good deal and since it was our first visit to the falls we felt it was worth booking the better room)<BR>The view was spectacular! In the seperate sitting room we had a floor to ceiling window. with a faux fireplace to sit in front of.<BR>The room was what I expect from a quality hotel nothing more. It had a separate sitting room (Small) and in the bathroom there was a jacuzzi bath.<BR><BR>With this room we also had access to the concierge room (The Usual Free snacks, drinks (Soft & tea & Coffee) etc). If you don't want a hot breakfast in the morning you might as well have breakfast in the concierge room as the cold choices are good and it is very peaceful up there - You can sit with your coffee and enjoy the view.<BR>Downstairs there is a bar and a coffee 'shop'.<BR><BR>YOU MUST make sure you get a room with a view.<BR><BR>Restaurant:<BR>Terrapin Grille - Food was fine Menu a bit predictable. <BR>Tables by the window have a great view. We ate in the hotel restaurant as Breakfast and dinner was included in our rate however given the option I would not eat dinner there. <BR><BR>There is no on-site/or very close parking so it is all valet and it takes them a good 5-15 mins to go get your car (This was in winter). <BR>A bit of a hassle if you are the kind of people that are popping in and out of the hotel often. Something to consider.<BR><BR>The hotel has a lift that takes you directly down to the falls.<BR><BR>Nearby: Niagara on the Lake is beautiful If you stay at the falls at least try to visit it for the day. There are many wineries (SP?) nearby if you enjoy wine.<BR><BR>When we were there The Maid of the Mist was not running but there were other activities — for example we did The walk behind the falls.<BR><BR>The hotel is in the Fallsview area, in the other areas Niagara can be tacky in parts (Tacky shops/motels) but I for one am glad I went. <BR>Have a great time!<BR>If you have any more questions about the hotel post them and I will try to answer them.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Lindsyb: Please be sure to visit the American side of the falls during your stay in Canada. From the Canadian side you view the all the falls from a distance. ON the American side, you can stand at the railing right where the water drops over. It's awesome. Also, you can check out the upper rapids close up. Do stay on the Canadian side, though. Also, consider a visit to Fort Niagara. It's a 10 minute drive from the falls (American side). The fort was built before the French and Indian war and is in fantastic condition. It is a wonderful piece of American history, sometimes overlooked by visitors to Niagara and Niag. on the Lake. Their website is www.oldfortniagara.org. Have fun. P.S. In Toronto, visit the St. Lawrence market one morning.

Thank you all for your help!! We are looking forward to our trip and I will post additional questions as our planning progresses.