I promised my 12-year old nephew a few days away this summer with his favourite aunt. Any ideas for a 3-4 day driving trip from Toronto? He is enjoying learning French in school so I'm leaning toward Quebec, but I want him to have FUN - not the boring "educational" trips I remember as a child! Thanks so much.

<BR>How about a trip to the Ottawa Valley north of Ottawa to do some white water rafting. I have a friend who has 3 children and goes there every year and the kids love it. Then you could always pop across the border to Quebec for a day and then head back and go through Algonquin Park. <BR>Have fun. <BR>

Well, my vote would be for Montreal, although you could fill more than a few days. Tops for kids is the amusement park La Ronde (and the Old Fort nearby) with one of the biggest roller coasters in the world (and lots of other terrific rides). Especially awesome if you happen to go during the Fireworks Competition, which are synchronized to music and spectacular! Then, there's the Biodome - when we were there, several school groups were visiting and the kids were really enjoying this. They were particularly fascinated with the puffins, otters and penguins (as were we). The Theatre du Biscuit (Cookie Theater) with shows on Saturday and Sunday has marvelous marionnete performances (mostly in French) that enchant the kids. A ride to the top of the Olympic Tower is thrilling (with fabulous panoramic views). There's also the Planetarium, the Imax Theatre, and the Images du Futur (the utmost in modern technology with amazing images). You could save the Saute-Moutons (ride the Lachine Rapids aboard open hydrofoil-type boats or speed-boats)for last. There are really cool clothes for adolescents in the underground shopping malls and along rue St-Denis (along with lots of other way cool stuff). And, the new Marche Movenpick is a fabulous spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night snacks - especially on the outdoor terrace.

I'd consider a circle trip. Toronto to Belleville on 401, then over to Prince Edward county and Glenora, then take the ferry back to the mainland and drive to Kingston. Drive by theprisons, and go to the prison museum in Collins Bay 9west end of Kingston) Visit Fort Henry, and then follow the St. Lawrence on Highway 2 to Gananoque, and take a Thousand Islands boat cruise, making sure you pick one that stops at Boldt Castle. On to Montreal, and see an earlier message for wonderful Montreal things to do. For serious education, take him to see the piece of the Berlin Wall that's in the enclosed lane immediately behind the Intercontinental Hotel. From Montreal, head back to Ottawa, and, depending on the kid's inteerests, visit the Museum of Civilization in Hull, the aircraft museum in Rockcliffe, or the Science and Technology Museum in the west end. <BR>BAK

Hi. Maybe we can exchange some ideas - i just posted today i am taking my 12 yr old nephew for a week - unsure of itinery yet. I plan on going the end of august - you can e mail me if you wish.

Mary... do you know if any special documentation would be required to take my nephew from Canada into the U.S.?

Emma, about paperwork to enter the US, my advice is to have a letter from the boy's parents specifically giving you permission to travel from Canada to US & back with him. Our friends, an Englishman and Swedish woman, with 2 children who are US citizens, often travel one parent with one child. They always carry a letter from the other parent to that effect. I did the same when I traveled w/ my son to Italy this summer; as his father & I are divorced, I had my ex-husband sign & have notarized a brief letter for me to carry. Again, I don't know that it's necessary for US but better have your bases covered. Have fun w/ your nephew!

If you visit Quebec, your nephew might like the Musee de Civilization (our 11 year old son enjoyed its hands-on displays about the space program, for instance). You can also take a whale watching cruise from Quebec City, or drive a couple of hours north to catch a less expensive, shorter cruise. We took one from Rivierre de Loupe (may be misspelled), for 3.5 hours that was fun for our kids, ages 11 and 14. Our son also enjoyed touring the Citadelle in old Quebec, and seeing the cannons, the fortress, hearing about the battles.