Niagara Falls & Ottowa
 

We had thought we'd be able to take a nice leisurely 2 week trip to NYC, Niagara falls, and up to Ottowa this fall. Well, we've spent most of our vacation time and money already (London & unforseen weddings) so will have to scale back. Is it still possible to drive/train/fly or however to spend a couple days in NYC (been there a few times) & and a couple days in Niagara Falls (I've been but now husb or teen)) and then a couple days to visit Ottawa, Canada(none of us has been there)? We really only can be gone from a Sunday morning to next Sunday night. Anyone done something similar? Too much distance in too few days, or possible? This would be at the end of summer, unfortunately. THANKS for your help. Sue

By car that's a lot of territory to cover in that amount of time. And the train is no faster and will problably cost considerably more.

You might look into some of the discount airlines. But it still gives you very little time in each place.

Also - just curious - but why Ottawa - when NF is so close to Toronto - or have you done that already?

Just back from Ottawa. We drove from home (near Boston) and it took 7hours. It was an overnight drive, not by choice but dictated by committments at either end including visa renewal! :(

It is a lovely city.( We loved the Byward Market, Chateau Laurier was better than it's Tripadvisor reviews suggested :) and ate at a couple of good restaurants ) but...like the other poster I'm curious ...why not Toronto. Or if you're driving that distance I'd pick Montreal over Ottawa....

Thanks. We've been to Toronto & Montreal a few times. Great places, just wanted to try something different. We'll probably put off Ottawa till next trip anyway, since I've always wanted to go there in the snowy snowy winter. So, looks like we should just do NYC, NF, and somewhere in between. This site does list some nice places to consider. Thanks so much for the reality check.

Ottawa is a very nice city...very different from Toronto and Montreal. Actually, none of them are alike! If you can't make it to Ottawa this trip, you'll have an excuse to go on vacation again!

Anyhow, you can fly from NYC to Buffalo very inexpensively. I think JetBlue is your best bet.

If you decide to drive from NYC to Niagara, you can't go wrong, as there are so many beautiful stops you could make along the way - especially the Finger Lakes.

Are you traveling with a teen this trip? If so, he may not like the Finger Lakes. But depending on where you are coming from, you (and your teen) may love the scenery along the way. Niagara Falls and the surrounding area is worth a couple of days if you decide to fly from NYC.

Let us know what you decide so we can offer more suggestions!

Hi runnerjeff,

Even if you postpone Ottawa to another trip, don't miss it in the fall. I was there last Oct, mid-month and it was peak color. Breathtaking variety of red and orange like I've never seen in the Midwest. We stayed in the city and ventured over the bridge to Quebec to Gatineau Park... I'll never forget it... just beautiful.

The city is one of the most beautiful architecturally... much to do. We stayed 4 nights and it was plenty long enough. We also stopped at Niagra Falls on the way home (to Chicago). It is one of the most memorable spontaneous trips I've ever taken.

When you go, be sure to tour the Parliment Buildings and the Art Museum.

Happy planning for your trip.