Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Niagra Falls
 

My family lives in NE Pennsylvania and would like to plan a few days trip into Canada. We have three boys, ages 16, 12 and 10. we have never been to canada before except for a one day trip to Niagra Falls, just my wife and I many years ago. We can drive to Ottawa or Niagra Falls in about 5 hours, Montreal about 6, Toronto about 7. Any suggestions?

I can't figure out your timing, or else my geographic knowledge is wrong.<BR><BR>If Erie, for instance, is in North East Pa, you are a lot closer to toronto than to Montreal and Ottawa.<BR><BR>Anyway, scroll through the listings and questions, and you'll find lots of info on the four places.<BR><BR>My suggestion with big kids is to try to find one or two places that feature something each is interested in. The Hockey hall of Fame in Toronto, the Museum of Science and Technology and the Aviation Museum in Ottawa, SkyDome (it has good tours) in Toronto, the Formula One Grand Prix track in Montreal (you can drive around most of it) come to mind, depending on the boys and their interests.<BR><BR>You might try to find intresting foods they would be willing to try that you don't have back home. Beaver Tails (not made from real Beavers) in Monteal and Ottawa, poutine in Montreal, any kind of ethnic food you don't have at home in Toronto, etc.<BR><BR>BAK<BR><BR>BAK

Thanks for the reply, Brian. Actually, Erie is in NW PA. We are in Ne Pa near the Poconos. 5 hours due North past watertown, NY brings us almost straight to Ottawa. 5 hours Northwest brings us to Niagra Falls. I did check many postings, and we have decided to check out Niagra Falls with a trip into Toronto if time allows. Thanks again for the response.

You didn't mention when you're going or how many days you plan to spend. If there's time, phone 1-800-Ontario and request literature for Toronto and Niagara Falls. Or, visit the websites and peruse the attractions to see which would be more appealing to your boys. You may want to start in Niagara Falls, and if everyone sees all they care to in the first day or two, head for Toronto. You can alway make reservations for accomodations, making careful note of the cancellation policies, and decide once you get there. The nature-oriented (Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, etc.) are fabulous at The Falls. But, if, for whatever reason, everyone has seen enough of The Falls, you can head for Toronto. On the other hand, there are plenty of "touristy" (but fun and entertaining, especially for boys their ages) attractions on Clifton Hill, to please the boys. If anyone would be fascinated by butterflys, that's a fabulous place to visit as well.

Coming from Ottawa, I can only say that it really has a lot to offer for families and it is really pretty at all times of the year. I know it is a small city, but it is Canada's capital. The market place is really quaint, visit the Parliament (it's English architecture will remind you of a mini-English city perhaps), there are boat rides offered along the Ottawa River, never ending parks, friendly people, the Science and Technology Museum, the NAC and if you want to drive across the bridge to the Quebec Border, Gatineau Park is another wonder and offers many activities for all. About Niagara Falls, I don't think it represents Canada, it is really cheesy, with cheesy shops and really geared up for tourism. Everybody I know who travels there from Europe is really disapointed because they hear so much about the wonders of Canada's nature and then that is what they get! Toronto offers Wonderland and Ontario Place for families - it is much bigger than Ottawa and totally different. I hope you have a great trip!

Thank you Bian, Donna an hope for you thoughts. We have decided to go to Niagara Falls. Although I understand what you mean, Hope, about the "cheesy" aspects of the area, (and I agree, to a point) we have decided to enjoy the Falls (Maiden, walk, views, etc.) since it is such a unique and awesome phenomenon the boys have not yet experienced and are sure to appreciate. I know what you mean about seeing rthe real beauty of Canada and my wife and I look forward to many more exploratory trips to other areas in the future (a Via rail trip seems interesting). We have reserved a suite at the Marriott on the Falls, so I think we can definately make the best of it. We'll let you know how it goes.

Please make sure to visit the American side of the falls. You get a much different perspective, as you can stand at the railing right where the water goes over. Also, I highly suggest to all Niag. Falls visitors that they visit Fort Niagara (about a 10 minute drive on the American side). The adults and the children will enjoy it. My son (10 years old) insists that we spend a day there every year (we live in Buffalo, so it's only a short drive). The fort was built before the French and Indian war and is in excellent condition. It has a fabulous history. The French castle is the oldest building on the Great Lakes. Check out their website at www.oldfortniagara.org. Also, the fort lies within a state park and is situated on Lake Ontario where the lower Niagara River ends. It's a great place to spend an afternoon. On a clear day you can see Toronto and there are several swimming pools (one with a decent pool slide) and it only costs $1.00 to swim. The pools are very clean and well maintained. Have a great trip.

Thanks, Cheryl, for the great suggestion. So many people say, "go to the Canadian side - it's much better." But, perspective has much to do with "better." We viewed the Falls from various vantage points on our previous trip. and while the views from Canada allowed moe panoramic perspectives, some of the US viewing area allow a more close-up proximity to the awesome beauty of the river and falls. We will keep Fort Niagara in mind and check it out if time allows.