A question for Canadians. Or, more specifically, Ontarians. (camping, shops)

[cpg35223]

This August, our family vacation involves driving from Alabama up to Niagara Falls and on to Toronto. We'll take in a Jays/Red Sox game, and....and...then what? Trust me, I'd rather spend a few more days in Canada than just turn around slog back down through Ohio.

What are your favorite attractions up in Ontario that aren't on the beaten track? Should we drive the length of Lake Huron up to Sault Ste Marie? Up to Ottawa? Give us some ideas. We're looking forward to our trip and really want to make the most of our week there.

Thanks!

[Cornerguy1]

There's plenty to see and do -- how about telling folks what kind of things interest you.

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by Cornerguy1

There's plenty to see and do -- how about telling folks what kind of things interest you.

We like all kinds of things. Not big on camping, but that's about the exception. Anything from museums to music festivals to anything else that's fun, interesting and unique will do.

[lucknow]

Well "Off the beaten track" in Ontario is the north and the near north. You can't get to SSM by lake Huron at all but by Georgian Bay. I have driven it many times and it's just really so so. If that is your plan to see some nice northern country up that way I would drive from Toronto, north up to the Bruce peninsula. You could make a stop in Collingwood which is just an awesome town and before the Bruce. The next day you could drive Up the Bruce to Tobermory and that is a great drive with lots of nice small towns along the way. The next day you would take the ferry across to Manitoulin Island which is the biggest freshwater island in the world and a beautiful place. It takes all day to take the ferry and then drive across the island to the north shore of Georgian bay. The next day you could drive to Sault Ste Marie and make a day of it in the Sault. The next day you would cross over into the UP And make your way south down the western shore of Lake Huron. There are lots of interesting things along that stretch not excluding the Youppers themselves. This would put you on the Interstate 75 and on your way back home. I have done this trip many times and I tell you it's just a great one. If you are thinking of doing it I would book my accomodations ahead. Even though there are lots of places to stay along that entire track Aug is the busy time of the year in those parts.

[Gary Siete]

If I was driving that far (from Alabama) I'd stay close to Toronto/Niagara (don't miss Niagara-on-the-Lake) and relax. In addition to the standard Toronto sights (CN Tower, Casa Loma, The Beaches, Yorkville, the ROM, The Guild Inn..) there is also The CNE the last 2 weeks of August. Cottage county isn't far - Peterborough has a lift lock, Muskoka is where the monied crowd vacations and is close to Saint Marie Among The Hurons.

Alternately take a run up to Montreal (visit Old Montreal) and return to the US via Lake Champlain & the Adirondacks (& miss that exciting Ohio drive)

[cpg35223]

Thanks, everyone. Great ideas, one and all. Any other suggestions would be welcome.

[Acajack]

Not sure how far you want to venture from Toronto. Ottawa is a good five-hour drive from Toronto. As Canada's capital, it offers a multitude of things to see, mostly cultural (museums, etc.) and historic (monuments, Parliament, etc.). It is also very close to scenic natural areas (Gatineau Park).

[sunshineleith]

Last time I was in Ontario my relatives took me up to St Jacobs and Elmira (northwest of Toronto, about an hour's drive) and we went to all the neat shops. The really intriguing bit for me was driving through the country roads and lanes "Mennonite spotting". I know, they aren't tourist attractions, but it was really fascinating to see them with their horses and buggies, old-fashioned clothing, etc.

If you have been through Pennsylvania Dutch country/Amish areas, it may not be a big deal - if not, it is a neat way to spend a day.