Niagara Falls and ???

[Kentucky_Joe]

We would like suggestions on where to visit in Canada after our visit to Niagara Falls. We would prefer to drive no more than 750 miles from Niagara. We would have about two weeks to stay after Niagra. Not interested in places to eat or shopping destinations. We are not too hot on big cities unless we can take a tour. Not into fishing and can't do long hikes. We like sight seeing and odd/unique destinations. We are in our 60's, so nothing too wild for us, but we are open to most suggestions. Unfortunately, we do not speak French. Going in beginning of Sept.

[stevemorris]

my vote is for green acres park in waterloo too. stayed there many times
10 minutes to the st Jacobs market(go early on a Saturday)

elora gorge is worth a visit, aberfoyle market(antiques and stuff) on a sunday
you wont need to drive 750 miles to see and do lots

if you got kids, bingeman park in Kitchener(don't camp there though)

[Falcon35]

My post regarding St Jacobs I meant to Quote stevemorris post regarding Kitchener Waterloo.
That area is much closer to the falls.

[Falcon35]

Kentucky_Joe wrote:
Can anyone tell me about some type of scenic drive around Lake Superior.

If you go this way try to stop at the StJacobs Market www.stjacobs.com/Farmers-Market
It is open only Thursday and Saturday as well as Tuesday until Labour Day.
In the market you will see old order Mennonites selling there produce.
Be sure to sample summer sausage and also maple syrup.

Just up the road is the Village of St Jacobs with many nice shops.
Also in the village an exhibit that you might like is The Mennonite Story.
It tells about why they live the way they do based on there history.
There is also a nice model train display.

The best RV park only a few miles away is Green Acre RV Park in Waterloo.
IN the peak season it would be good to make a reservation.

[Kentucky_Joe]

Can someone give me suggestions on campgrounds on the Canadian side near Niagara Falls. Also, can you catch a tour to Toronto from anywhere in Niagara?

[daveB110]

If going east( to see Ottawa, Montreal or Quebec City) go north and get on 407 east, a toll road but you are likely exempt with your plates; You will miss Toronto entirely (which could be a day trip from Niagara). We did a day in Quebec City, the only walled city in North America and one of the very oldest, from 1608, with Jamestown only the year earlier. We don't speak French and it is not a deterrent,on an open Tour bus, the guide was bilingual at all times with his commentary.

[bsinmich]

63-Coupe wrote:
750 Miles gives you tons of options from provincial parks to major cities. Just remember that if you decide to go anywhere east of Toronto to plan to avoid going through during rush hours. Even avoid weekdays if you can. If you are near Toronto and want to sight see in the city definitely take the commuter service in rather than driving. GO Transit

Toronto also has an excellent transit system Toronto Transit Commission but there is lots to see and do within walking distance of the train station.

Not knowing your interests here are just a few suggestions;
1. CN Tower
2. Take in a Blue Jays baseball game.
3. Hockey Hall of Fame.
4. Eaton Center, (Major indoor shopping mall)
5. Roundhouse Park (Toronto Railway Museum & Steam Whistle Brewery)
6. There are several live theater venues.

Definitely avoid driving on the 401 if possible. I have sailed through Toronto a few times but last Wed took 4.5 hr. The sign said 4 left lanes closed. There were only 4 lanes at that point. Even after the closed point there were a few more accidents. I got off and took #7 back toward Sarnia.

[Bob806]

Kentucky_Joe wrote:
Can anyone tell me about some type of scenic drive around Lake Superior.

Well I can sure try, we just got back from there. We left Cleveland on July 3rd, went up across the Mackinac Bridge, west across the UP, up Minnesota's Highway 61, and then all the way around Lake Superior. Had to be back at work July 22, so we took in as much as we could.

Our CG stops included Wilderness SP & Union Bay (both in Michigan), Lamb's Resort (Schroeder, Mn), Happy Land CG in Kakabeka Falls, On, and Lake Superior Provincial Park. I'm glad we did this, so many scenic sites and friendly folks along the way. I know this is a Canada/Alaska forum, but check out Hwy 61 and it's many state parks, it's amazing.

I wish that we would have made arrangements to stay at the Terrace Bay area of Lake Superior. It looked spectacular. Lake Superior Prov Park is definitely a gem. We didn't have a ton of time to explore this area, as it was on the back end of the trip...but I can tell you I want to go back there. It's not too populated in the area of Ontario along Hwy 17 from Nipigon to Wawa, but the vistas are beautiful. Fuel stops, grocery stops not plentiful, but they are there.

I met some folks there from Canada who told us about camping around the Georgian Bay, so I'm going to look into it for sure for a future trip. Send me a message if you need more info- but trust me, the Canada side of Lake Superior is truly scenic.

[JackD]

A drive along the St Laurent River from Niagara right up to Quebec City is about 550mi. You'll see some beautiful scenery, opportunities for a river cruise in the 1000 Island area (Gananoque)

Look at this: HERE

.... and why not going to Montreal. Campgrounds outside the city have shuttle bus to downtown old port where you'll find all sorts of tours (and restaurants)

HERE

And Quebec city is only 145mi further....again with shuttle bus to Old Quebec



You'll never regret your trip.

HERE

[Kentucky_Joe]

Can anyone tell me about some type of scenic drive around Lake Superior.

[stevemorris]

you could go north, start from kitchner/waterloo, head cross country north toward owen sound, tobermory, lionshead, all worth a visit and much cooler than around here

west toward London/Windsor, nice area too, but its hot here as you already know. stay off the 401! leamington Kingsville point pelee all nice spots

but since its so hot here this summer, id head north. tobermory would be a looooong day on the road from Niagara, so plan a stop on the way

[tatest]

The Sharbot Lake area is less than 300 miles from Niagara Falls. Since my interest is geology, I'd be headed there for another look at the metamorphic rocks in the Grenville Province of the Canadian Shield. Haven't crawled over those for about 40 years now.

A couple days in Toronto on the way there or on the way back, I love to visit Toronto and find it easy to explore on my own (using public transporation), like Chicago, NYC or most European capitals.

What are your interests? Where you should go depends on what you find interesting.

750 miles is a huge radius, even for this part of Canada. It will get you to most of the well populated parts of Ontario or Quebec, into the Maritimes (barely) or all the way to the north shore of Lake Superior, although some of the better routes to some places might be back through the U.S.

[NCWriter]

We enjoyed the town of Lockport, NY fairly near Niagara Falls. There's a boat ride, tow paths, and a visitor center with info about the Erie Canal. There are several recently-restored locks there. Made me want to take a longer boat ride on the Erie Canal or drive it from town to town.

[63-Coupe]

750 Miles gives you tons of options from provincial parks to major cities. Just remember that if you decide to go anywhere east of Toronto to plan to avoid going through during rush hours. Even avoid weekdays if you can. If you are near Toronto and want to sight see in the city definitely take the commuter service in rather than driving. GO Transit

Toronto also has an excellent transit system Toronto Transit Commission but there is lots to see and do within walking distance of the train station.

Not knowing your interests here are just a few suggestions;
1. CN Tower
2. Take in a Blue Jays baseball game.
3. Hockey Hall of Fame.
4. Eaton Center, (Major indoor shopping mall)
5. Roundhouse Park (Toronto Railway Museum & Steam Whistle Brewery)
6. There are several live theater venues.

[nma33]

The Niagara Wine region is outstanding, If you like wine, try the Ice wine, interesting how they are made. Lots of great ones in the region. Toronto is a fantastic city, If you enjoy Ice Hockey at all there is the Hockey Hall of Fame, love that place, at least my pic is in there! wish I was a member though. Enjoy your trip! Canada is a wonderful country to explore.