https://www.fodors.com/community/ en Mon, 18 May 2026 09:03:37 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.fodors.com/community/images/misc/rss.jpg https://www.fodors.com/community/ https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/rail-adventure-to-smiths-falls-ontario-1735614/ Sun, 17 May 2026 21:14:39 GMT Hi Fodors Many years ago now, I decided to no longer own a car or drive. This is freeing in some ways and limiting in others. One consequence of... Hi Fodors

Many years ago now, I decided to no longer own a car or drive. This is freeing in some ways and limiting in others. One consequence of this is that I am constrained in where I can go by bus, rail, ride share services and plane. Coming from Montreal, as a consequence, I have explored a number of VIA Rail destinations. With Smiths Falls this long weekend, I believe I have now explored the vicinity of every VIA Rail stop between Quebec City and Kingston (except Fallowfield which looks like a parking lot in suburban Ottawa). Smiths Falls was a trickier one in a way this long weekend as it requires one coming from Montreal to switch trains in Ottawa. My use of VIA Rail I think has gotten me exploring some of smaller town Ontario than many Montrealers do. And I’ve really come to appreciate small town Ontario for the relative peace, tranquility and friendliness, and each town I’ve visited while there’s a certain similarity, has a distinct personality. Cobourg has a beachy vibe, Kingston is grand with its limestone and importance as a former capital, with a magnificent fort and with Queen’s University. Gananoque has the 1000 Island scene, so does Brockville bit Brockville is bigger than Gan and has some quite grand homes due to the early 20th century/late 19th popularity of the town.

May 16th to May 18th—Montreal-Ottawa-Smiths Falls

*Smiths Falls*

Situated on the Rideau Canal connecting Ottawa to Kingston (on Lake Ontario), Smiths Falls which was formerly a location of powerful rapids that were tamed and where one can now find some impressively tall locks and some charming-looking lockmaster stations. Boat rental is available in Smiths Falls and according to my hotel manager, people (I guess with boating licenses?) do take advantage, cruising either Kingston-bound or Ottawa-bound. Parks surround the Rideau Canal on either side and on islands, making for a delightfully green and peaceful getaway.

The town had a certain importance being the hub of an important agricultural equipment company Frost & Wood beginning in the mid 19th century which I think is no longer in existence. I am told there were economic hard times although its proximity to Ottawa has to my understanding kept some money in Smiths Falls. The town has a bit more of a working class feel than some other locales I’ve been to in Southern Ontario, but not entirely.

The downtown is quite walkable and has some lovely stone churches and government buildings, as well as some appealing pubs and eateries. Much commercial activity is centered around Beckwith St in the downtown, with a bit on the blocks immediately surrounding on Main & Russell, although one will find places outside of this area.

*Eastern Ontario Railway Museum*

This was a highlight of my visit to the town. One can even stay at the museum as there are 3 cabooses that are rented as AirBnBs. An 1875 dining car with kitchenette brings one back to a bygone era of elegance in train travel. The dental car was fascinating, a railway car that brought dentists up to Northern Ontario, complete with dental equipment and accommodations for the dentist and spouse, as well as a waiting room, which would sit in a siding while it served northern communities, used up until 1977. They also have handcars for an extra $10 that you can ride with the assistance of a museum employee. Which I did do, good exercise!

Right now, enjoying my last few hours of daylight here as I watch swimmers diving into a sectioned off area of the Rideau Canal, enjoying the nice summer-like long weekend. Lots of Canadian goslings are nibbling on the grass surrounding under the watchful eyes of what I am assuming are father and mother goose.

Happy summer travels 2026! Daniel ]]> Canada Daniel_Williams https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/rail-adventure-to-smiths-falls-ontario-1735614/ https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/suggestions-for-restaurants-in-oakville-on-canada-1735574/ Thu, 14 May 2026 11:59:35 GMT Hello Fodorites, From May 24th to June 6th my husband and I will be staying in Oakville ON. We are from Europe and will be in the Toronto area for... Hello Fodorites,

From May 24th to June 6th my husband and I will be staying in Oakville ON. We are from Europe and will be in the Toronto area for a specialized medical treatment which unfortunately is unavailable in Europe. We have four scheduled treatments, with two to three days in between so we hope to be able to enjoy some of what Toronto and the surrounding area have to offer.

We discovered that around the same time that we plan to be there, the World Championships Soccer will start and Toronto is one of the participating cities. We reckon that that might be the reason why we failed to find a self catering place to stay as everything was booked solid.

We did, however, manage to find a suite with kitchenette at the TownePlace Suites by Marriot in Oakville. (hope that was a good choice, fingers crossed!!) The hotel is right next to Bronte Creek Park which will be fine for our daily walks. The area itself however doesn't look too appealing I'm afraid. Well.... beggars can't be choosers I expect.

QUESTION: we are looking for suggestions for nice restaurants, first of all in the Oakville/Etobicoke area preferably those that also offer outside eating options.
Any other suggestions for places or things not to be missed in the greater Toronto area are most welcome of course. Luckily Toronto has a lot to offer and we are looking forward to combining this necessary visit with some nice experiences as well. I'm looking forward to your reactions!

]]> Canada Elisabeth54 https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/suggestions-for-restaurants-in-oakville-on-canada-1735574/ https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/one-day-in-vancouver-dinner-and-stanley-park-tour-1735433/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:40:58 GMT Returning from an Alaska cruise, we have booked Pan Pacific for a day. I understand that we will be departing the ship early and will need to store... Returning from an Alaska cruise, we have booked Pan Pacific for a day. I understand that we will be departing the ship early and will need to store our luggage at the hotel.

We were in Vancouver once before, about 10 years ago. We rented a bicycle-built-for-two and had a fantastic time in the park. Time and change will surely show decline in function, so need a new plan.

Can you recommend a private tour of the Park that would include lunch. We are not immobile, just need a slow moving tour and want to see all that we can.

As far as dinner goes, the first time in Vancouver we ate at Joe Forte's . Great experience and I still remember the truffle fries

Other TA recommendations are Alouette Bistro, Elisa, Italian Kitchen, and Nightengale. We would prefer seafood, rather close to our hotel. Or Uber close.

Thanks for your recommendations. ]]> Canada rncheryl https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/one-day-in-vancouver-dinner-and-stanley-park-tour-1735433/ https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/cruise-terminal-pier-30-quebec-1735376/ Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:49:45 GMT Pier 30 is the newer Cruise Pier in Quebec, in a busier commercial port area. Google Maps shows a walking route from the pier to old town as shown... Pier 30 is the newer Cruise Pier in Quebec, in a busier commercial port area. Google Maps shows a walking route from the pier to old town as shown here

However, I am concerned that walking in that area may not be permitted, due to port machinery.

Does anyone have experience or local knowledge to verify. If this route is restricted, I presume walking per the following is the option?


I realize this is a very specific question, but I'm hoping someone can help. We have a group on an cruise arriving next month. Thanks!! ]]> Canada GeneBK https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/cruise-terminal-pier-30-quebec-1735376/ https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/couple-days-in-new-brunswick-in-september-1735346/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:59:08 GMT As we drive from Quebec City to PEI in September, we plan to spend a couple days in New Brunswick. Looking for suggestions on what city to stay,... As we drive from Quebec City to PEI in September, we plan to spend a couple days in New Brunswick. Looking for suggestions on what city to stay, must-see sights, and places to eat. We like the outdoors, architecture, history, and, of course, good food. We're willing to go out of our way if it's well worth the miles. ]]> Canada adunate https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/couple-days-in-new-brunswick-in-september-1735346/