Plan Your Trip to Ontario: Best of Ontario Tourism
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Shuttle and Bus Services
Some travelers have recommended using shuttle services like Niagara Airbus for direct transport from Toronto's Pearson International Airport to Niagara Falls. For budget-conscious travelers, bus services such as GO Transit, Megabus, and Flixbus are also options, offering regular schedules and connections between Toronto and Niagara Falls.
Train Travel
According to forum posts, there is a VIA Rail train that departs once a day from Toronto to Niagara Falls. This option is suitable for those who prefer a comfortable travel experience without the need to navigate road traffic.
Self-Drive Option
For those desiring flexibility, renting a car is frequently suggested by travelers. It provides the liberty to explore at one's own pace, including the possibility of visiting nearby attractions like Niagara-on-the-Lake. The drive from Toronto to Niagara Falls is straightforward, taking approximately 90 to 120 minutes via major highways.
Combination of Train and Bus
Travelers have also noted the option of taking a combination of train and bus services, where the train part covers the journey to a certain point and a bus completes the trip to Niagara Falls. This could be an alternative for those who do not find direct train or bus routes that fit their schedule.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Attractions on Canadian Side
According to forum posts, some must-see attractions on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls include the Niagara City Cruises boat ride, Journey Behind the Falls, and the Whirlpool Aero Car. Additionally, Clifton Hill offers a variety of entertainment options, and the Niagara Power Station and tunnel are notable for their historical significance.
Attractions on U.S. Side
Travelers have called out the Cave of the Winds as a popular attraction on the U.S. side, which allows visitors to get close to the falls. The Maid of the Mist boat ride, although similar to the Hornblower Niagara Cruises on the Canadian side, also provides a memorable experience near the American Falls.
Additional Experiences
For those interested in more than just the waterfalls, the surrounding area offers the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, Bird Kingdom, and Butterfly Conservatory. Some users suggested visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake for its wineries, historical sites, and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Family-Friendly Destinations
According to forum posts, Ontario offers many family-friendly travel options. Some travelers have highlighted the appeal of Niagara Falls for its numerous kid-oriented attractions and Toronto for its diverse neighborhoods and cultural activities, including museums and parks. Ottawa is also recommended for its walkable city center that features multiple museums and galleries that are engaging for children.
Accommodation and Activities
For accommodation and activities, users have suggested staying in areas like Ottawa, where one can explore the Rideau Canal and participate in family-friendly museum tours. Additionally, the Toronto Islands are noted for their amusement parks and outdoor activities, which are perfect for families.
Natural Attractions
In terms of natural attractions, some users have recommended visiting provincial parks like Algonquin and Sandbanks, which offer family-friendly camping, beaches, and picnic areas. Prince Edward County is also suggested for its beaches and quaint towns with shops and eateries that cater to families.
Additional Tips
Travelers have called out the importance of planning and researching through official tourism sites like Destination Ontario to get detailed information on family-friendly activities and accommodations across the province.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Roofed Accommodations
For families seeking roofed accommodations in Ontario, some provincial and national parks offer options like Otentik or yurts. These can be explored on the Ontario Parks and Parks Canada websites.
Resorts with Kitchenettes
Travelers interested in accommodations with kitchenettes have various options in Grey Bruce or Muskoka. The Waterview on the Bay in Wiarton, Blue Bay Motel in Tobermory, and suites at the Georgian Bay Hotel are mentioned. JW Marriott Rosseau Lake also provides some suites with kitchenettes.
Luxury and Boating
For more upscale stays, Arowhon Pines, Killarney Lodge, and Sherwood Inn are recommended, though they generally do not include kitchenettes. For guests interested in boating, accommodations such as The Opinicon near Chaffeys Locks and Picton Harbour Inn offer docking facilities.
Family-Friendly Options
For families traveling with small kids, Wasaga Beach is highlighted as a family-friendly location with cabins, motels, and ample amenities.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Major Car Rental Companies
According to forum posts, major car rental companies like Hertz, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise are recommended for their reliability, especially for international visitors planning road trips in Ontario. Travelers have called out Canadian Affair for offering all-inclusive car hire packages using Avis cars, which is particularly appreciated by visitors from the UK.
Warnings Against Cheap Rentals
Some travelers said to avoid cheaper, lesser-known car rental companies due to reports of dirty cars, unsafe vehicles, and hidden charges. Users have emphasized the motto "Go Cheap ~ You Weep!" highlighting the potential problems with budget rentals, including unanticipated high costs and poor service.
Car Rental Considerations
For many users, car rental considerations include ensuring unlimited mileage agreements cover travel in the U.S. if crossing the border. Additionally, it's suggested to verify that one-way rentals are feasible without high drop fees, particularly between major cities.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Local Favorites
According to forum posts, Toronto offers a diverse dining scene that caters to various tastes. Some travelers highlighted local specialties such as peameal bacon sandwiches at St. Lawrence Market and Jamaican patties, which are considered authentic Toronto experiences. For those interested in culinary diversity, areas like Queen Street West and the Distillery District offer eclectic dining and shopping experiences.
Diverse Cuisine Options
Travelers have called out several specific dining spots across the city. The Senator Diner is noted for being Toronto’s oldest restaurant, offering a classic dining experience. For those looking for a mix of options, the St. Lawrence Market provides various foods, including a famous peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery.
Unique Dining Experiences
For many users, unique and themed dining experiences are a draw in Toronto. Restaurants like 360 at the CN Tower provide meals with a view, including admission to the tower. Other novel suggestions include dining at The Keg Mansion, known for its ambiance and historical significance.
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This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Hotel Options
According to forum posts, the Sheraton Gateway is a highly recommended full-service hotel directly connected to Terminal 3 of Toronto Pearson Airport, offering convenient access to the UP Express for downtown travel. Another mentioned option is the Best Western Plus Toronto Airport on Dixie Rd, which provides a stay and park option.
Alternative Accommodations
Some travelers have booked accommodations like the Executive Residency Inn in Mississauga for its proximity to the airport. Another user booked the Best Western in Brampton, although it was noted that the area is largely industrial and not ideal for longer stays.
Parking and Shuttle Services
For those needing parking, many hotels near Pearson offer park-and-stay rates, which include extended parking and shuttle services to the airport. The Comfort Inn Airport West was specifically mentioned as providing an airport shuttle service.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Campsite Types and Reservation Details
Some travelers mentioned that Ontario Provincial Parks offer various camping options including roofed accommodations like Otentik or yurts, which can be found on the Ontario Parks official website. Reservations for these facilities are highly recommended due to their popularity and limited availability.
Lakefront and Backcountry Camping
According to forum posts, there are options for lakefront campsites accommodating large RVs, such as at Sandbanks and Pancake Bay, with amenities like small watercraft launches. Additionally, backcountry camping is available, with details and reservation requirements listed for parks like Algonquin, Bon Echo, and Killarney among others.
Accessibility and Additional Features
For many users, accessing detailed information about specific campsite features like sunset views or kayak launches can be challenging through the official park websites. However, some campers have successfully used other RV and camping review sites to gather more detailed insights based on user experiences.
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