Unexpected Niagara Falls and Toronto Weekend Trip
- Last Updated: September 27, 2023
- Lande
The drive from New York to Niagara Falls takes around 6 and a half hours, and it’s an additional 45-minute drive to Toronto. It was initially daunting to consider a Niagara Falls and Toronto weekend trip with such a long drive, especially with kids. Niagara Falls turned out to be even more breathtaking than I had imagined, and Toronto’s food scene exceeded my expectations. Don’t forget to take a look at my page about road trip essentials.
Niagara Falls
I definitely recommend you take a boat tour. On the US side, they give you blue ponchos, and during the ride, you can wave to the Canadians wearing red ponchos. You can also skip the tour and just book the boat ride. Niagara Falls is amazing and way more beautiful in real life than in pictures. You’ll probably get wet, but that’s part of the fun. My son loved it but my daughter was hugging my legs the whole time. There might have been some tears. There are food trucks outside if you want to eat, and lots of places to sit and enjoy the view.
Where to stay in Toronto
During our visit, we chose to stay at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre and Spa. This hotel is quite spacious and offers excellent amenities. While the decor has a more traditional feel, the rooms are generously sized, featuring a separate living room and dining area. Unfortunately, the pool was closed when we were there, but the best part of the hotel was definitely the gym. It had awesome exercise equipment that was in perfect condition.
What to do in Toronto
We’ve switched from children’s museums to science museums as our kids have grown up. Our trip to the Ontario Science Museum was so much fun, with hands-on activities keeping us engaged for around 2-3 hours.
Discovering the Harbourfront Centre was a delight. The nice weather let us take a leisurely walk by the harbor before we enjoyed drinks at an outdoor restaurant. The place has quirky sculptures that are great for photos and lots of places to relax.
Toronto’s food scene is diverse, with many malls having food courts. Our food adventure took us to the Pacific Mall, where we tried different dishes from various food stalls.
What to eat in Toronto
Yin Ji Chang Fen Rice Roll – This was our first meal in Markham. We were really hungry, so we ordered different rice rolls and noodle soup. The tastes reminded us of homemade comfort.
Cafe de Hong Kong – We stumbled upon this eatery by chance; a line caught our attention, so we decided to try it. The experience truly transported us to Hong Kong, enjoying a breakfast setting.
Fisherman Lobster Clubhouse Restaurant – Undoubtedly the highlight of our trip. I’m not usually into lobster, but this place prepares it in 5 different ways. They even let you hold the lobster and take pictures, making it interactive. The fries and fried rice were amazing, and the portions were big. A Toronto trip is incomplete without dining here. We’re even thinking of going back just for this place.
Cafe N One – A cute place for a Japanese-style breakfast. The soufflé pancakes are delicious, and we loved the smoked salmon croissant. My son really enjoyed his pasta dish.
One Fusion Cuisine – The dim sums are quite large, so it’s good to start with a few to check sizes. The food is very tasty but not too greasy. It’s busy, so going early is a good idea.
Niagara Falls and Toronto Weekend Trip: Helpful Tips
Remember, many Asian restaurants only accept cash, so make sure you have enough Canadian dollars on hand.
During our journey, we took a break in Syracuse and had breakfast at Water Street Bagel Co. on the way up.
On our way back home, we made a stop at Woodbury Commons Outlet.
Please note that this blog contains affiliate links from the Expedia Affiliate Program and the GetYourGuide Affiliate Program, and I may earn from qualifying purchases.