Conference kaosws::canada

    The first question is  are you driving?
    
    If yes, and you definitely want to see Niagara Falls (worthwhile in my
    opinion), and you only have a week, then you are pretty much limited to
    the south of Ontario.  If you do go to Niagara, be warned, that there
    is a very tacky section of town with all sorts of 'tourist traps' such
    as wax museums and such.  You won't miss anything by not visiting that
    part of Niagara.
    
    What I would highly recommend is driving north from Niagara Falls to
    Niagara on the Lake.  The drive even managed to ellicit a favourable
    response from Winston Churchill when he was driven along it.  Even in
    October, the drive is very pretty.  
    
    Once you get to Niagara-on-the-Lake, plan to take in a Bernard Shaw
    play.  Niagara is famous (atleast here in Toronto) for its numerous
    fine (but not cheap) bed and breakfasts as well as it very popular
    plays that are put on its 2 or 3 playhouses.  Very, Very worthwhile,
    but book ahead to avoid disappointment.  The town itself is also very
    attractive; lots of grand old homes that have been preserved.  Very
    nice, very safe town.
    
    After Niagara-on-the-lake, I would recommend visiting Toronto.  If you
    don't like urban centres (like Boston) then you probably won't like
    Toronto.  If you do, there's tons of stuff to do.  Catch a Jays game at
    the Dome (this years World champs, I'd say), visit the islands, Ontario
    Science Centre, shop till you drop, visit Queen St. West to see the
    local nightlife, Catch a play at Honest Ed's place (I think Miss Saigon
    will be playing by then), etc. etc.  Check with your travel agent on
    more stuff to do.
    
    If you'd like, you could then drive to Ottawa (5 Hrs.) and visit our
    wonderful national capital.  (there hasto be separate notes on that
    city).  This would also expose you to the Canadian Shield and what is
    affectionately known as 'Cottage Country'.  Lots of lakes, with the
    occasional vista, still relatively unspoiled but with excellent roads
    (much better than Michigan's or New Yorks; on par with Mass.'s I'd
    say).  From there drop down to Kingston town and hop a quick cruise
    around the 'Thousand Islands'.  More natural beauty, and a bit of
    Canadian history to boot.  
    
    As for ranchs etc.  you might be better off visiting Alberta (flight
    required) but there may be something along these lines somewhere in
    Ontario.
    
    Lastly, after visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake, you may wish to visit
    Kitchener-Waterloo area, as there are some quaint little towns, and
    some Mennonite communities as well, there.
    
    Have fun, and remember to save your receipts to get the dreaded G.S.T.
    refunded on your way back to the States. :^)
    
    Doug
    

    Oh, By the way.  Toronto does have 'world-class' zoo  on the eastern
    side of the city.  It's called the 'Metro Zoo', and although I've never
    been, I've heard good things, as zoos go.
    
    Doug
    

    Things one can do in Niagra Falls
    
    	At the falls
    		- Look at them
    		- Look at them from the tunnels under table rock
    		- Look at them from the Maid of the Mist
    	Other attractions
    		- IMAX theater
    		- Minolta Tower
    		- Skylon Tower
    		- Cable car over the gorge
    		- Lots and lots of gardens
    	And my favorite
    		- Elvis Presley Museam
    
 In the general area
    	Niagra on the Lake
    		- small town tourist trap, slightly classier than Niagra
                  Falls but getting less so every year
    	Winery tours, there are several good ones in the area
    	Fort Henry, in Niagra on the Lake
    
    The Bruce Trail, a hiking trail that follows the Niagra Escarpment from 
    Queenston to Tobermory, there are several parts of it that make nice
    day hikes.
    
    There is a cycling trail along the river between Niagra Falls an Niagra
    on the Lake.
    
    It's less than 1/2 days drive from Niagra to Toronto where there are
    all the big city things to do. Along the way you might want to take a
    side trip to the Ontario Agricultural Museum in Campbellville where I 
    think they should be doing their old fashioned harvest exhibitions the 
    week you'll be here. 
    
    Weather will be about the same as Mass at that time of year, nights can
    get cool so bring warmish coat.
    
    You'll hopefully also catch the best of the fall foliage, when driving
    from Niagra to Toronto avoid the expressway and take the smaller roads, I
    suggest you pick up Highway 8 west of St. Catherines and follow it
    through the small towns of Vineland, Beamsville and Grimsby then turn
    south at Fifty Road, go up the escarpment then turn west again on Ridge
    Road which follows the lip of the escarpment to Highway 20 on the edge
    of Hamilton. Turn north again and you'll wind up back at the Queen
    Elizabeth Way, the main expressway through the area.
    
    Be warned that our Thanksgiving is Mon, October 12th, tourist
    attractions and such will be open but don't count on doing any shopping
    that day.  

    The zoo is world class - only second to San Diego - in size and
    attractions. 
    
    As for real Canada - it is a little difficult to see in a week.  We are
    all prejudice for our own reasons.
    
    Unless you are a city fan - don't do Toronto (except the zoo!),  travel 
    to Montreal (a 1/2 to 1 days drive), it's totally different from
    anywhere else in the northeast.  See other notes regarding attractions.
    
    Linda

    
    Wow, I can't belive theres so much to do in Niagra...Thanks for all the
    great stuff Doug!
    
    .3 --> Thank you for the Thanksgiving tip, I wouln't of even though of
    it.
    
    I will check out the zoo to..boy, I can't wait now!
    
    Louisa

    I wouldn't class Toronto in the same league as other urban centres,
    unless you are visiting the suburbs exclusively.  Toronto is a very
    refreshing city after many urban centres.
    
    Montreal is totally different.
    
    Ottawa is a beautiful small city and well worth a visit ...
    
    But with only 1 week, you'll get Niagara and Toronto in and really
    not a lot of time for much else ...
    
    Bear in mind, that small town attractions tend to close for the season
    as soon as school sets in.  Some will stay open to Thanksgiving
    but that will pretty well be the end until Victoria day. (May)
    
    
    
    

    
    I, for one, couldn't imagine leaving Sarnia out of a tour of
    Southwestern Ontario.  See note 53.lots for details!
    
    -doug

    Starting around the Thanksgiving weekend is the largest
    Oktoberfest celebration outside of Germany, in Kitchner/Waterloo -
    Haven't missed it in 13 years !
    
    /T.

If I were to give a quick recommendation...

After Niagra Falls, drive to Toronto (about 2 hours).  There's lots to do (as 
mentioned in previous replies, incl. Zoo, SkyDome, Shop-till-you-Drop,etc.).
Then I would suggest as a MUST DO to drive east...to the 1000 Islands.  You can do 
the boat tour that leaves from the small town of Ganonaque.

After this, I would continue to Montreal (from Toronto to Montreal is a 5 hour 
drive.  Ganonaque is right about the middle.)

Montreal is a beautiful city that has as much to 'experience' as it does to see & 
do!  (Personally, I just got back from 4 days in Montreal - a great little vacation 
for folks who just want to get away from Toronto).


That's my 2 cents...enjoy your vacation!  



Dave

    I am really appalled that no one has suggested a cruise on the mighty
    Grand Canal! Has everyone forgotten about it?!? Does anyone care
    anymore?


    Sincerely,

    Barf Carchunk

    too much pollution
    

    I will be traveling (by car) to Niagara Falls and Toronto in late
    August. Anything SPECIAL, that hasn't been mentioned already, that would be
    of interest to a 13 year old Boy? Is there an amusement park
    in the area? Also, thought about spending our nights in a camp ground
    (hopefully in a cabin.) Any suggestions? AAA shows a KOA
    campground and Jelly Stone Park (both with cabins) - anyone ever been 
    to either? We're not camping enthusiasts, just trying to get away with
    cheap accomodations.
    
    Thanks for any help,
    Marcie

    Don't know about camping, but if you want an amusement park there's
    "Wonderland" on the northern edge of Toronto.  Lot's of rides and other
    things to do there.  Also the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) will
    be on from the middle of August to the first weekend of September. 
    Lots to do.  The CNE grounds are on the waterfront of Toronto.  With
    your admission to the CNE you also can visit Ontario Place which is
    adjacent to the CNE grounds.
    
    

    ...and don't forget the Toronto branch of the Grand Canal!!  This is
    the world`s only underground canal (as it traverses Toronto).
    
    Just follow the signs for 'Subway' and ask anyone for directions.
    
    Enjoy.
    
    Korff Barbunk

    And don't forget, we are a country with no ties to your 
    'Wild West' so please leave your guns at home.
    
    Just want to avoid any problems at the border.
    
    

    But seriously...
    
    Niagra, Toronto and Montreal in one week is probably a bit much, you'd
    probably spend as much time in the car as anything else. Montreal is
    wonderful and well worth a second visit. 
    
                     

    Another suggestion...
    
    Quebec City is a 7 hour drive from Portsmouth, NH - probably 8 hrs
    from Boston.  This is my way of "getting away" for a long weekend or
    even a week.
    
    Quebec City, in my opinion, the most friendliest and scenic towns
    in Canada.  I've always had positive experiences there!  I especially
    like the old city.  It has a slower pace to Boston or Montreal. 
    Quebec City is the only "city" I can go to and be able to relax!
    
    rf
    

    Can anyone recommend a GOOD hotel in the Niagara area. By good
    I mean comfortable, not necessary luxurious. Most important is that it
    be clean and reasonably priced. 
    
    Thanks in advance,
    Marcie

    
    My wife and I are planning on staying at a B&B near
    Niagara-on-the-Lake, about 15 minutes from Niagara Falls.  If you're
    interested, I'll let you know what we thought after the upcoming long
    week-end.
    
    -doug

    Doug, Yes I would appreciate any information you could mail me after
    your stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Just for some background, I will be
    traveling with my husband and two 14 year old boys. So I would
    appreciate any information regarding the size of the accomodations,
    price and food. 
    
    Thanks in advance,
    Marcie

    
    Marcie,
    
    We enjoyed our week-end in Niagara-on-the_lake very much!  We stayed in
    a B&B that was about 10 min drive from the town, and about a 25 min
    drive from Niagara Falls.
    
    The B&B was quite nice.  It was a Spanish-styled villa with an glass
    covered pool area and nicely decorated, clean rooms.  There are only 3
    rooms available, but one was probably large enough for a couple of
    roll-away beds.  Breakfast was served at pool-side and was substantial
    enough for even teen-age boys.  Typical prices were $95/room on the
    weekend and $75/room Sun-Thurs.
    
    Niagara-on-the-Lake is a very pretty town, having kept much of its
    18th-19th century charm.  Queen St. downtown is a shoppers delight!
    
    If you can spare the time, take the Niagara Parkway from N-o-t-L,
    through Queenston and on to Niagara Falls. Plan on stopping and the
    numerous scenic viewing spots along the Niagara River Gorge.
    
    If you'd like further info, let me know!
    
    -doug

Doug, 

Do you have a # for this place? My husband and I will be traveling to
Toronto from Nashua, NH  and would like to stay a night in the Niagra
Falls area - this sounds like perfect place to stay! 

Meg