Niagara & Toronto in 72 AWESOME hours
As empty nesters in our mid-50's, we decided weekend trips that were drivable is our new mantra. So we chose Niagara Falls and Toronto for our 1st weekend. Here's our action packed itinerary. We loved it!
Day 1 we left early in the morning and arrived at Niagara Falls Discovery Center, New York USA. We hiked trail 4 which was a 3 mile round trip, beautiful descending trail above Niagara River. This hike took us down to the beginning of the rapids and lots of photo ops along the way. Then we got back in our car and drove across the border into Canada and checked into our hotel. We stayed at Niagara Falls View Marriott. After we got settled and had a glass of wine in the hotel, we took off on foot to the Pedestrian Bridge then Niagara Falls Incline, just down the street. The incline down was a great view of the area and the Falls and once down, we explored the area. We were a bit hungry so stopped into Element restaurant and ordered their beautiful Charcuterie Board and a couple local craft beers. It was so relaxing just watching the Falls and chatting about our weekend plans. We used our WeGo bus pass and went to the Whirlpool AeroCar which was fascinating, the car was first built in 1916 and still operates today. It was a short and sweet ride but cool! We ended our day by having dinner at Tide and Vine which we highly recommend. We shared oysters from the east and west coast of Canada and then had the Chef's Creation of Red Snapper for two with heirloom cherry tomato salsa and Reif Winery Pinot Grigio. To top off the night, the chef stopped by our table and delivered his Grandmother's Maple Pudding! Unbelievable. Day 1 was a success! Total steps from our FitBit 15,350.
Day 2 started off early with coffee and breakfast bars in the room, then checked out for our drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a beautiful 20 minute drive from hotel. But in typical fashion, we stopped at the The Niagara Encampment Scenic Overlook and then hiked down Redan Gun for little War of 1812 history. You will find this Right off Niagara River Parkway. Once in Niagara-on-the-Lake, we knew we were going to love it. This very charming community needs to be seen on foot, so we parked and walked and shopped and had a delightful lunch at Epicurian Cafe before we checked into Grape Escapes for our pre-booked afternoon Bike and Winery Tour. Highly recommend! 4 wineries and 12 miles later we stopped at Orzo for PEI mussels, to die for, before we headed to Toronto. We stayed at Marriott Courtyard downtown Toronto, had a bite to eat down the street at Reds Tavern and collapsed in bed after a very busy day.
14,912 steps and 12 miles by bicycle.
Day 3 woke to the hustle and bustle of Toronto. What a vibrant, diverse, busy city! Sunday morning we walked to Harbor Front and caught water taxi to Toronto Island. We got off at Centre Island and walked through beautiful gardens to get to the pier and beach! Then rented bikes and rode to Ward Island, down the boardwalk until we found Island Cafe! You must eat there! Fresh! We finished Toronto Island by heading to Hanlan Beach, clothing optional which if that's your scene you are set. If not, there were a good many in bathing suits! Took water taxi back, walked through ChinaTown then Kensington Market. Both are must see's! Dinner that night was El Catrin in Distillery District. Oh and we got there early so had oysters across the way! What a beautiful area and beautiful night!
26,214 steps and 5 miles on bike
Monday morning we decided it was time to head home! We had just too much fun and needed to get home so we could get back to work and rest up!
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