Quebec City - Ontario

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Dec 13th, 2002, 05:51 AM

LordBalfor

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Quebec City - Ontario

Well, after 3 years of taking tropical vacations, my wife and I are planning a change of pace this coming year. We plan to fly from Seattle to Connecticut (in June) to visit family and see the area for 5-days-to-a-week, then drive north to Quebec City for a couple of days, followed by a drive south to Niagara Falls (ON) for a day there, and finally, finish it all off with a 3-day ride on the Silver & Blue train cross-country to Vancouver BC, before heading back south to Seattle. I have a couple of questions for those who might know (and be willing to help): 1) I'm seeking general comments (how was the food etc) about the Silver & Blue (our plan is to book a 2-person sleeping car) and curious as to how far in advance I can/need to book one of these. 2) How is the drive from Quebec City to Niagara Falls? I'd like to do this in 2 days since I would guess it's very scenic. However, schedule constraints might force us to do it in 1 day. Mileage calculators indicate that it's 572 miles (920 Kilometers). How brutal a drive is that regarding traffic (considering that it takes us through Toronto)? Is it doable in 1 day - or should we find the time somehow to do it in 2 and see some sights along the way (which sights)? Thanks in advance to any who care to share their knowledge, Ken

Dec 13th, 2002, 06:35 AM

Sherry

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Ken, I can help you with the second part of your question. Quebec City to Niagara Falls. First, its not very scenic, you would be driving across the 20 or 40 in Quebec and 401 in Ontario, and these are just big 4 laners that go straight through. My opinion, a boring type of drive. Especially if you are not stopping off at points along the way. As to the time factor, yes it would be a very long day. Quebec City to Montreal, then Montreal to Toronto, then Toronto to Niagara Falls would be around 9 hours I would think, give or take, probably more and yes, the traffic coming into and out of Montreal and Toronto could be a problem. My advice would be to split this up for sure. Maybe stop along the 401 somewhere before Toronto, there are a few towns that would be worthwhile, for a nice meal/overnight etc. A number of them are on the waterfront (Lake Ontario) with quaint type downtown areas. Brockville, Kingston, Gananoque, etc. That would be my suggestion. And any of these would be a halfwayish point. Hope you enjoy your trip to Canada! PS, I assume you are renting a car from the sounds of it. Be careful, as the drop off charges in Canada are outrageous, and not allowed at all in some areas. Where are you embarking on this train from?

Dec 13th, 2002, 06:44 AM

LordBalfor

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Sherry, We plan to rent the car in Boston/Hartford/Providence RI (whereever we fly in to - still deciding), and leave the car in Niagara Falls ON and then take the morning train from there to Toronto to catch the Silver & Blue cross-country. I have not yet looked into the complexities of renting a car in the US and leaving it in Canada. If it proves to be a big problem I suppose I can cross the border to Niagara Falls NY, leave it there, and walk back across the border to Niagara Falls ON - though I'd rather not waste the time on 2 border crossings back-to-back. Ken

Dec 18th, 2002, 12:10 PM

LordBalfor

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Sherry: Thanks for the advice. You're right about the rental car restrictions (Ouch!) in Canada - especially when you've rented the car in the US. Since we're visiting family in Connecticut it may be possible for us to get the loan of an extra family vehicle to use - otherwise we may just end up taking the trains around. If we do end up driving, I think we will take your advice and stay the night in Kingston. I've been looking at the Holiday Inn there and it looks pretty decent - the fact that it's near Fort Henry adds to it's appeal. We may even decide to take the 9:00 "Haunted Fort" tour (sounds like it could be fun). Once again, thanks for the help, Ken

Dec 18th, 2002, 12:26 PM

Syv

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If stopping to see the sights, Kingston - see the fort, then drive on a little further to the BAY OF QUINTE area. One of the most scenic areas of Ontario. Belleville/Trenton area. 230 miles from Montreal. 200 miles further to to Niagara Falls (approximately). www.quinte.on.ca - for lots of info. Other replies are right about the rental. Better to use a family vehicle if possible. Sorry - I don't know any details about the train. Sylvia

Dec 18th, 2002, 01:43 PM

Sherry

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Ken, If staying in Kingston, look into the Best Western Fireside Inn, I think its called. They have quite decent rooms, cozy style, with fireplace, sitting area, comfy beds, done in country style with pine furniture. Probably one of the nicer properties in Kingston. We have stayed there many times. Kingston is not a big city, so driving around is not difficult and nothing is very far. The location of the Fireside may not be the best in terms of being right "downtown" but its only a 5 minute drive. Best of luck. Any more questions, just holler! And sorry to hear about the car issue, although I'm not surprised, drop offs are difficult here!