alcat2010

Hi all,

Bit of a silly dilemma!

My wife and I are visiting Ontario in sept. staying in Toronto x2nights, Niagara Falls x2nights then back to Toronto.

My wife had family in Hamilton a few years back and fancies a bit of a nostalgic trip through memory lane.

The plan was going to be jump on a bus (greyhound) from Niagara on Sunday 22nd .
But I'm struggling to get a quote from the greyhound website?? (I've emailed them also with no reply)

Does anyone know if greyhound run a service /route from nia to ham return?

If not can anyone suggest another company that we could use?
I.e bus shuttle services or trains?

Thanks

Novocastrian

THere's a GO bus from NF to Hamilton.

http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/t...gara_2013.aspx

Siouxie

Coach Canada run a bus:

http://www.coachcanada.com/coachcana...d=966214423302

If you have a look at Kijiji for casino coach trips, you may find more.

Greyhound do run a bus to Toronto from Niagara, which I believe stops at Hamilton but their website is undergoing maintenance and isn't working for me.

alcat2010

Thanks guys.

I briefly had a look at both suggestions.. Coach Canada works out at £59..

Yeah, the website wasn't working properly, hopefully when it gets back up and running it'll be straightforward .. As last time The only option it gave me was via Toronto with several stops in between... Resulting in a 4hr55min route???

Former Lancastrian

Renting a car might be cheaper and less hassle and no timetable.

alcat2010

The go website doesn't seem to be playing ball either??

alcat2010

Considered this also. Canadian affair quoted £94 (i think) for a 2day hire, picking it up in toronto on sat 21st; dropping off in hamilton on monday 23rd.
Additions to that would be parking overnight in niagara (sheraton is €20 a night), plus fuel, plus a bus back up to toronto.. ( the reason i would drop the car off in hamilton is i dont fancy the idea of driving 'into' toronto.. Heard its a nightmare?

Siouxie

As FL suggested, car rental is cheaper.

Booking a weekend rental through Budget, it's $26 total rental costs for Saturday and Sunday (with discount code and pay now discount).



Your other option would be to stop off in Hamilton on the way to Niagara from Toronto.

dbd33

The drop off charges hurt you there. Better to pick up and drop off the car in Hamilton if you don't want to deal with driving in Toronto.

alcat2010

Yeah that's true.

Geez, this nostalgic trip is turning into a bit of a headache.

Siouxie

Get the Go bus to Hamilton from Toronto - $10.45 single.
Hire a car in Hamilton - 2 day rental = $38 including taxes, spend the day in Hamilton, drive to Niagara.
Have your 2 days in Niagara, drive back to Hamilton with the hire car.
Get the Go bus to Toronto.

Gas is cheap.
Book the car from the UK using a credit card and you will have CDW covered.
Pay in advance and get a discount.
Use the car to go to Niagara on the Lake from Niagara Falls.

Go to travelzoo.ca and look at the hotel deals for Niagara - Best Western at the moment is $69 a night and includes $40 credit towards The Keg Steakhouse meals. Parking at BW is $15.

alcat2010

Wow, sounds like a plan!!
You read our minds as well with the trip to niagara on the lake.

I was just about to email Canadian affair (we've booked our flights and hotels with them) but before I do, where would you suggest I go for a car rental quote? Is that $38 you mentioned from budget?..

By the way what is CDW?

Doh, that $40 credit wouldve been handy! going to the keg is also on our list of things to do.. Turning into a bit of a tradition for us when we visit! ( had one in Toronto and whistler before )
But we've booked to stay at the Sheraton on the falls..

Siouxie

Lol, GMTA

The $38 was from Budget (link in previous message) - pick up Saturday at noon (opens at 8am); drop off Monday at 11am. You could pick it up a bit later and then you won't have to worry about parking in Hamilton during your wanderings (unless you will need a vehicle to get around), if you choose the Upper James branch you are very close to the Link to pick up the road to Niagara. There are other car rental companies, so do a bit of research to see who is cheapest (though budget are pretty cheap!).

CDW is Collision Damage Waiver - it's not a requirement but they will try to persuade you to get it as if you were to be in an accident it covers damage.

The Keg in Niagara is huge and very busy - but try and get a window seat if you can (may have to book in advance) as the views are lovely! If you were here longer I would suggest going to the one in Waterdown (between Toronto and Hamilton) as my son just happens to be the head bartender there, lol, and it is one of the nicest Kegs around.

The Sheraton is ok - I have stayed there - but it's not the cheapest. There are lots of deals around that time as it is outside the school holidays. Rooms between Sunday and Thursday often go for less than $100 a night.

alcat2010

As an after thought..

What is it really like driving out from, and into Toronto?


Ive drove from Calgary to Edmonton, and from Victoria to whistler with no problems... I'm sure I'm capable. just listened to some horror stories from people and haven't really considered it on the trip..

Kind of fancied putting my feet up on the cheap n cheerful greyhound bus to enjoy the views... But having a car can definitely give us a bit more freedom...

Novocastrian

Actually, NF to Hamilton is just a pleasant stroll through vineyards most of the way. Why bother with transport?