Holiday from Toronto - itinerary suggestions?

Nick Cole wrote:

I know this is a big question, but I'm having trouble getting started
with an itinerary for a trip in Canada this summer. Here's what I know
so far:

- Flying into Toronto on 26th July, returning 10th Aug
- We are a family of 4, with 2 kids who will be 7 & 5 then
- We have a hire car for the duration
- We most enjoy wildlife, day walks, attractions (e.g. CN Tower) and
easy activities (e.g. 2 man canoe, cycling); cities are OK, but we
don't want to do too much city stomping!
- We don't want to drive long distances every day - move every 3-4
days
- We want to go to Niagara
- We want to spend about 5 days in a cabin somewhere good and remote

I guess that means that we need an itinerary which includes:

- Toronto - 2 days
- Niagara - 1 day
- Cabin - 5 days

I'd really appreciate views on what would make a good circular trip
from Toronto in say 4 drives of up to 3 hours, which takes in some
real natural beauty. Also, any specific recommendations on where to
find the cabin.

And finally, any views on whether I need to book all accommodation, or
whether just driving into motels is practical.

Toronto is too big a city to be driving around all over looking for a
hotel. It is always a good idea when flying any distance to have a room
reserved. You should be able to find accommodation in Niagara Falls even
in the busiest times. Tourism has been a little slow since 9/11, Cottages
are another matter. You would be well advised to book a cottage well in
advance. It is a very busy vacation time in Ontario and a week or two in a
cottage on a northern lake is what a lot of people here live for.

There are lots of lake front cottages available for rent in areas like
Muskoka, Haliburton and Parry Sound which are 2 1/2 - 3 hours north of
Toronto. Most cottages are rented by the wee If you want something
really remote you are going to have to go a lot further north. There are
several very nice resorts in Algonquin Park where you could get a cabin
and canoe rentals. There are lots of nice hiking trails in the park.

It's almost always a bad idea to drop in and expect a hotel room.
Book inadvance....use travelocity of something and look for a deal!

Niagara gets busy depending when you're going (long w/e or whatever) but
you're almost always alright as far as a hotel! All the big hotels are all
built up within a block of each other....so one won't have an advantage over
the other as far as walking to the falls and such.
You might look in to B&B's in niagara on the lake. quite nice....and you
are removed from the hustle and bustle of the falls!

As far as a cabin....you really want to be north to Toronto.
Just to note, it's over a 2hour drive from Pearson airport to Niagara
Falls....and that's with average traffic (which you almost never have!).
Granted, speeding will get you there faster!
So keeping any drive under 3hours really won't get you far.

As far as your cabin....Manitoulin island is gorgeous and I know the hotels
are few but nice. not sure about cabins!
Tobermory (Bruce peninsula) would be a great spot! It's not far from Wasage
beach which is were a lot of ppl have cottages (but not your typical
log-style cottage...cottage only in name!).

A great spot would be Lake Temagomi...but that's a 6-7hour drive from TO!
But OH so worth it!

North Bay (Lake Ni****ing)....Orillia (lake simcoe)....you will have to get
out of southern ontario to get something nice.
Or you can try over near Kingston by 1000 islands!

"Nick Cole" wrote in message
om...
I know this is a big question, but I'm having trouble getting started
with an itinerary for a trip in Canada this summer. Here's what I know
so far:

- Flying into Toronto on 26th July, returning 10th Aug
- We are a family of 4, with 2 kids who will be 7 & 5 then
- We have a hire car for the duration
- We most enjoy wildlife, day walks, attractions (e.g. CN Tower) and
easy activities (e.g. 2 man canoe, cycling); cities are OK, but we
don't want to do too much city stomping!
- We don't want to drive long distances every day - move every 3-4
days
- We want to go to Niagara
- We want to spend about 5 days in a cabin somewhere good and remote

I guess that means that we need an itinerary which includes:

- Toronto - 2 days
- Niagara - 1 day
- Cabin - 5 days

I'd really appreciate views on what would make a good circular trip
from Toronto in say 4 drives of up to 3 hours, which takes in some
real natural beauty. Also, any specific recommendations on where to
find the cabin.

And finally, any views on whether I need to book all accommodation, or
whether just driving into motels is practical.

Really appreciate any input!

Nick.