Canada Crossroads: Prep for the Trip North
Canada Crossroads: Prep for the Trip North
Prepping for exploring Niagara Falls and Metro Toronto
By Giles Kennedy
Family and Travel Columnist
We have done many travels throughout the history of the previous and current inceptions of Columbus Wired.
Day Trips throughout Ohio, exploring our own backyard, West Virginia and even Disney World.
Now, to paraphrase the two brothers from SCTV; “We take off to the Great White North, eh?”
My family will be visiting Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada (as well as a brief visit to its counterpart in New York State) as well as the Metro Toronto region.
But; in order to do that, we must prepare.
Passports? Yup. You most certainly need them. We applied for ours in mid April; got them 1st part of June.
How do you ask? Paying an expedited fee to process. Yup.
Does it cost a lot? See the link below and dive deep into US bureaucracy at work.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
Now, that we have poked the elephant in the room; what about your “family truckster”?
If you are not flying into Buffalo or Toronto Pearson Airport; you are more than likely driving.
Having trusted repair partners means a worry free drive and cost efficiency.
If you are not an ASE certified mechanic; let me refer you to a series of repair shops who are.
Boyd’s has been in Columbus since 1996. Our family has trusted them for many years.
There are other service centers available as well. If you are an AAA member; many repair centers take them for a discounted rate.
On basic overall maintenance; we have relied on Valvoline Instant Oil Change.
https://oilchangeoffers.vioc.com/
Many other quick lube places have great service. VIOC has a Canadian cousin; the Great Canadian Oil Change. They honor warranties and work done by the American cousins and offer same great service.
Okay, passports in procession, vehicle ready; where you are going to stay?
Although AirBnB’s and Vrbos are the rage, a tried and true hotel chain might be hassle free lodging.
My family has stayed with Choice Hotels for many years. Their chain for the most part has had great destinations.
I will get into more detail on our visit once in Canada; but if you need ideas; the Niagara Tourism Board has you covered.
https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/
https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/plan/border-crossing/
The same goes with Toronto as well.
Possible stops while in Toronto will include the Hockey Hall of Fame. It is hallowed ground for any hockey fan.
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/visitor-services/
As always; life is an adventure. Get out there and live it. We plan to go up north soon.
