Canada

Can't really help but I'm sure you'll have a fab time we did a flying visit to Vancouver last weekend whilst on holiday in the states and it was fab, I've always wanted to visit Canada and would love to visit the areas you are going too. Enjoy!

Can't offer any advice on what to do, but my OH's parents live in Calgary and it was snowing there over the weekend, so take plenty of warm clothing!

There's little of much interest in central Toronto. When visiting Niagra also go to Niagra on the Lake. Very nice little town (would recommend a night there if you can manage it). Also recommend a wine tasting tour. Canadian Ice wine is produced in that region.

From Calgary, definitely go to Banff national park (it will still be snowy) and Lake Lousie. Suggest staying a night in Banff. If you can get a last min deal in Banff Springs would definitely recommend it.

Maple Leaf is a fab restaurant in central Banff.

In Calgary visit the Olympic Park. You can go to the top of the ski jump and bob sleigh runs.

Shopping is OK in Calgary. The Eaton Centre and TD Square are the best in city centre. The Chinook Centre is also good outside of town. Shops in both places are normal chain stores.

There are interesting and different shops on 17th Av SW

HTH

No advice as I've never been but hope you have a fantastic time. You deserve a really special time x

WPODS about central Toronto. Be prepared that Niagara is like an American version of Blackpool - lots of tacky shops and arcades etc. There's also a casino.

You can walk across the bridge to the US side which is quite interesting - although the Canadians gave me a very hard time on the way back into the country! There's a GAP outlet store in the mall over the bridge, and it's interesting to see the falls from the US.

Thanks for the tips folks.

I'm getting excited now - just as long as swine flu doesn't take over!!!

I agree with the others, the Falls are lovely to see but skip the amusements. Niagra on the lake is quaint.

Banff is around 1.5hr drive from Calgary and well worth the trip - it's the typical Canada scene, mountains & lakes, although I imagine the lakes will still be frozen. Lake Louise is a further 30mins from Banff. You could keep going all the way to Jasper but that's another few hours but very scenic. Another vote for the Banff Springs here!

Have a great trip!

I'd recommend a trip up the CN Tower - very long queues but the view is great.

There's the SkyDome - go to a Blue Jays baseball game, always a good atmosphere.

Take a boat ride around Lake Ontario on an old sailing ship - can't remember the name of it, sorry!

Would agree about downtown Toronto, although a walk through the Eaton Centre might be worth a look.

There's Black Creek Pioneer Village about 40 minutes? outside of Toronto.

It's the Great Lakes Schooner Company - it's a lot of fun (they do dinner cruises as well I think).

I can't advise about the other places but if you are in Toronto for 3 days I would spend them doing this:

Day 1 Trip up CN Tower and Center Island (You take a boat out to it and there are no cars allowed on the island but you can hire a bike and cycle round it - it's amazing being among leafy trees on the island and seeing the skyscrapers of Toronto across the water)

Day 2 Niagra (very tacky but the falls are good. You can take the boat the Maid of the Mist quite close to the falls and I also think there is a viewing platform really close as well)

Day 3 Lake Ontario. It's really pretty and peaceful. You could visit one of the big shopping malls on this day too.

Have fun!