Re: Canada holiday plans - advice please

LJE wrote: 
Hello everyone

Next year we are planning to take our two children (aged 15 and 10) to Canada for 2 weeks in either late July or early to mid August. We particularly want to visit Niagara Falls, would like a scenic train trip and my husband and kids would love to go somewhere wild and lonely (though I confess this last one scares me a bit!).

If you are coming for 2 weeks and want to see Niagara Falls, and you are on "a budget" I will assume you will spend most of your time in Ontario.

With a family of four a train trip can be very expensive in Ontario/Canada. Most Canadian families would travel by car. I would recommend you rent a car if you are traveling outside of Toronto. While in Toronto (if that is where you stay when you land) you do not need a car. Public transportation is excellent.

There are many scenic drives to central and northern Ontario where you could stay at a lodge and experience some "wilderness". Check back here for names and advice if you consider that.

We live in the UK and the extent of our foreign travel so far is just France and Spain, so we are looking for any advice we can get to help us plan our trip. We are not that well off financially and have saved hard to fund this holiday. A few things I can think of that I could use advice on are as follows:-

I would recommend purchasing food from local supermarkets, eating self-made picnic lunches, and snacks while traveling. Even a supper can be easily purchased from the supermarkets where they package ready-made chicken, salads, fruit trays, etc.. Much cheaper and healthier than buying at restaurants all the time. Of course some meals will be at restaurants.

1) What is the weather likely to offer and what are the normal temperatures day and night in July and August?

July can be oppressively hot but nights cool off as we get into August - I would recommend your coming mid August for better comfort. The temperatures can be 30C or more during the days in July and not cool off much at night - also days can be quite humid. In August the days cool off and the nights become more comfortable too.

2) Are there any bugs to worry about (mosquitoes, gnats things that bite or sting)?

In major urban areas bugs are not a problem, only if you are out in more rural settings or in gardens, forested areas, etc. will you be bothered by mosquitoes and things. Use an insect repellent (like OFF or Muskol) and you will be saved from pesky pests.

3) Is tap water safe to drink? 

Yes.

4) We plan to move around a bit to see as much as possible, is there any particular type of accommodation, motels, hotels, or self-catering places that you could reccommend to either stay in or stay away from?

I would recommend you check on-line for various chains like Comfort Inn, Best Western, etc to see what your price range is. There are many to choose from.

5) What is the usual cost of hotel rooms, do Canadian hotels offer family rooms that sleep 4 people, and what facilities are regarded as usual in rooms?

Most motels/hotels will have two double beds if you request them. Costs are A LOT cheaper here than in the UK.

6) What is parking like in Ontario, are the roads very busy?

Parking is not a problem. There are many commercial parking lots in the urban centers and outside city downtown areas most parking is free.

Roads are getting more and more congested around Toronto - don't drive during the "rush hours" usually - mornings 8am to 9 am or evenings 4 pm to 6 pm if you don't have to.

I'm sure I'll think of lots more questions the minute I hit the 'send' button, but thanks in advance for any help or advice you can offer - it will be greatly appreciated!

Lynda 


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