My wife wants me to take her to Canada next month. We live near Boston. She wants to drive to Niagra Falls and then to Montreal and then back home. For about a week.

I am not crazy about the idea. Seems like too much driving. I am telling her she can pick one or the other.

Does anyone know a lot about Montreal and have any suggestions. My wife's primary objective is to find some mythical Asian market where she can get fresh fruit not imported to the US.

That is a crazy amount of driving. I would definitely choose one or the other, as most of the stretch from NF to Montreal is long and has nothing to see. But then again, I would have 3 kids in a mini-van. Neither are exactly ideal for an "exciting" road trip.

The falls themselves are beautiful, but the surrounding area has a very "tourist trap" feel about it. If you do a google image search of Niagara Falls Ontario City, you will see what I mean. If that's what you are guys are looking for, great! But I doubt you will find any Asian markets close, though. Also, you have to pay to park everywhere - it is expensive, and they aggressively ticket.

I don't have much experience with Montreal, as I've only been there once for a training seminar. Lots of history, dining, and culture - but driving in town is a NIGHTMARE. Literally get some blood pressure meds if you go.

If you still want a "multi-city" vacation, from Montreal, it is only a 2 hour drive to Ottawa or a 2.5 hour drive to Quebec City. Both are rich with history, and Ottawa has some great museums and markets.

Jeez, our annual fall road trips encompass 3000 to 5000 miles, taking 2 to 3 weeks & we luv it!! Mind you our trips are out on the lonely roads of the Desert SW & we avoid big cities whenever we can. We picnic at lunch & motel it for accommodation.

I also recommend that you take in Ottawa & Quebec City before heading back south. They are both really nice medium size cities that offer a lot to see. The historic section of Quebec City is very unique in North America - quite European in flavour.

BTW, as a bonus, the CAN$ is over 20% devalued right now as contrasted the the US Buck...

TAM

I agree with the "one or the other" comments, too much driving.

If it were me, I'd hit Niagara for a couple of days, then head to Toronto for the "mythical Asian markets" which are abundant in the world's most multicultural city. Lots to do in T.O. as well, but it depends on what you want really. Montreal is more of a historical city if that's your thing.

Chris, that's essentially what I did for the last Axiom bash. Joyce and I drove to Niagara Falls for a couple of days, then I drove up to Axiom. After Axiom, I came home via Ottawa, Quebec, and entered northern VT.

I enjoy driving, and my trip was split up, AND I only passed through the cities. But, I'd like to do it again!

Remind here that she cannot bring back into the US any of that stuff from the market. She will have to eat it all there, which will make here distended and bloated. That will make her latest Coach bag appear to shrink and, therefore, look fake. We wouldn't ant any of that to happen.

I think I can chime in as I live about 45min from Niagara Falls, so I know the area very well. I'd agree with Shawn that Niagara is a beautiful place to visit if you have never seen it. It has some lovely parks and lots of the really cheesy touristy stuff and they charge and extra 3% to all the fools who don't complain about the extra fee and refuse to pay it.

I have visit Montreal quite a few times as well. You are taking your life into your own hands driving in Montreal. The traffic lights are their for decorative purposes only. Sidewalks are fair game for motorists, but they do have some really nice art galleries and museums.

Montreal is a good 7 hours from Niagara. It's about the same time as it takes for you to get from Boston to Niagara.

I would consider taking a detor into Niagara on the Lake.. If you like wine, there are about 100 of them in the area. http://www.niagarawineryguide.com/niagara-wineries-city/

If you want to visit a Chinese Market, then I'd just go to Toronto and go up Spadina St into China Town. You can find just about anything there. Just below it is the fashion district where you can get fur coats. just east is the CN tower and Hockey Hall of Fame. And Toronto is just 1.5 hours out of Niagara. Then head north for 2.5 hours and visit Axiom.

Thanks for all the help. Toronto makes a lot of sense.

If you do the Toronto trip, hit the aquarium...it's located very close to the base of the CN Tower/Skydome, it's pretty amazing. Also nearby is the historic Brewery District for doing some 'sampling' and having lunch. I'd suggest Mill St. Brewery as a starting point...

Casa Loma, Royal Ontario Museum(ROM), Science Centre, Centre Island are a few places in Toronto you might like.

In Niagara, besides the actual falls, the Butterfly Conservatory is quite interesting as is Niagara-on-the-Lake. As mentioned, this is where you'll find many vineyards and the town itself is very quaint...touristy but not in the cheezy way.

My errant post belongs here:

Niagara is home to an installation of Rotary Subs. An attraction that is a must for guys like us:

http://www.rotarywoofer.com/niagara%20fury%20index.html

TAM

I agree with all the others, do one or the other. You can't do both justice in one trip.

I've spent a lot of time in Montreal, but somehow never got out much. Mostly I spent time with the ex's parents.

Great things about Montreal:

The food: gotta visit one of the famous Montreal deli's. Mmmm, Montreal smoked meat.

Festivals: I've never managed to attend one, but the comedy festival is one of the best in North America, as is their Jazz festival.

Check here for a list of festivals. There is something going on pretty much all the time.

The food: this is a city full of incredible restaurants. Things don't get humming until after 9:00pm for dinner.

The Mount Royal cemetery. No, really. It's incredibly beautiful.

The food: Quebec never did kill off its small dairies. There are no end of small local cheeses to try.

The night life. Can't help you with the scene as I was last there more than 10 years ago.

Old Montreal. Lots of good restaurants, lots of history, lots of buskers.

On Niagra, the falls and surrounding parks are great. Give the rest of the town a pass. A winery tour is a must if you enjoy wine at all. I can make some recommendations if you do that.

There is also 40 Creek up near Hamilton (1 hour from Niagra towards Toronto) if you are into Whiskey.

Toronto's China town is always fun and the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum are worth checking out. They both attract top notch exhibits. If you've been to the Boston Aquarium you may be disappointed by the Ripley's aquarium, but the main tank is cool.

Hmm, if you are in the Niagra area during the weekend, I'd love to meet up with you. I've always wanted to meet someone that can put up with hangs out with Bob on a regular basis. <- for Bob...

Thanks Fred!

I'm way late but if it's not too late to add something....

Old Montreal is nice. Historical, lots of nice shops and galleries. Old Quebec is Much more quaint and historical feeling though. That is, if you ever get to Quebec City.

Finally, the important thing. If you go to Toronto and you do go to Spadina St. Be sure you take the
Spadina Bus !!!!!!

Sorry I missed you in Canada Fred! The conversation went like this:

Me: Honey, can we meet some of my Canadian speaker friends?"

My wife: Says nothing. Just had a look of confusion or shame on her face that I have "speaker" friends.

Niagra Falls is a beautiful area. I felt a little out of sorts in the resort/casino area but I loved loved loved Niagra on the Lake. I wish I stayed there. Driving around up there is really easy. The funniest part while driving was a guy who stopped in a rotary even though he had the right of way. I am pretty sure it was because he saw my Massachusetts license plates.

I didn't go to either Toronto or Montreal. My wife was a little sad but I will go back another time. If I ever hit the lottery I am buying a house in Niagra on the Lake.

I'm glad you enjoyed your time in Niagra On The Lake.

You should have told your wife Bob likes me. No, wait, that may not help.

Yep, I totally agree. Also, I don't know whether or not you drove that way, but, travelling along River Rd. from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on the-Lake features some exceptional homes, some with attached vineyards. Very impressive as well and quite pricey.