Toronto - Road Trip Ideas
Replies: 5 - Last Post: Apr 30, 2012 1:54 PM Last Post By: bzookaj
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Toronto - Road Trip Ideas
Hi All,I'm invited to a wedding in Toronto in August and are now planning my trip there.
I am planning to go for 10 days in total (from the UK) and have never been to North America before. I like ineresting cities, small, untouristy towns and scenic routes. My budget is mid range and I'm looking for characterful boutique hotels to stay.
I am currently considering the following routes - due to the wedding I have to spend a minimum of 3 nights in Toronto
1. 3 nights NYC - fly to Toronto 4 nights in Toronto - 2 nights sidetrip somewhere (Niagara Falls?)
Or
2. Fly to Quebec city hire car to toronto via Montreal and Ottawa - are there any interesting places on the way to include?
Or
3. Fly to NYC, 2 nights there and then road trip to Toronto with approx 3 ovnights along the route. Any suggestions for a good route?
I would be grateful if someone could recommend a route and possibly hotels on the way? I am a bit of a boutique hotel junkie and would consider a detour in order to stay somewherenice and unusual.
Thanks,
Viola
2
Kingston is a nice stop between Ottawa and Toronto, whether it's just for a meal or for a couple of days.The fastest route between Ottawa and TO (Hwy 401) is boring, but the slower route (I think it's Highway 2) takes you through Prince Edward County, which is known for its wineries, beaches and lovely parks and campgrounds. Tiny Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park is a gem.
If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip to North America, you'll probably want to see New York. If it's the first of many, I'd pick option #2. You can always do Niagara Falls as a day trip from Toronto. (The town of Niagara Falls is full of tourists and very tacky; best to avoid spending too much time there unless that appeals to you).
3
If you go to Niagara, look into Niagara-on-the-lake. It's nice there and a good antidote to Clifton Hill.4
I agree with amyfkp. If you are not planning on returning, go to NYC. I have never been there but would love to. Otherwise, #2 is the best option. Quebec City is really nice, especially in the summer. Other places of interest like you said are Montreal and Ottawa. If you are looking for small towns, Fergus and Elora are about an hour from Toronto and are nice. Depending on when you are coming, the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games are on Aug 10-12. They are a huge deal around here. (Although, being from the UK, you likely have done this before). There are nice B&Bs around this area, as well as the Elora Gorge.I cannot really comment on boutique hotels, as I am more of a budget traveler, but I stayed in a hostel in Ottawa that is actually an old jail. It was a really unique experience. One really nice hotel though in Quebec City is the Chateau Frontenac. It is really beautiful.
Have fun!
5
If you choose the 3rd option, add a day to xNYC, then go here enroute.ADVERTISEMENT
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