u/sanathkuppa

Hello all,

We are visiting Canada for the first time and trying to figure out the best way to structure a couple of days around Niagara. Would love local advice!

We are a couple flying into Toronto on May 7, arriving at 1:30am. We have a company-paid hotel until May 8 afternoon checkout, after which we have 2 free days before flying home from Toronto Pearson on the evening of May 10. We really want to see the Niagara illuminations at night, so that's a key factor in our planning.

Option 1 — Stay in Niagara (May 8–10)

Check out of Toronto hotel on May 8 afternoon, head straight to Niagara with all luggage, stay in a Fallsview hotel for 2 nights, check out May 10 afternoon and head directly to Toronto Pearson airport.

Questions:

• What is the best way to get from downtown Toronto to Niagara with luggage? Uber, shuttle, GO Transit?
• What is the best way to get from Niagara directly to Pearson (YYZ) on checkout day? Is there a direct shuttle or is Uber the only realistic option?
• Any parking considerations if we end up renting a car?

Option 2 — Stay in Toronto, day trip to Niagara on May 9

Find a Toronto hotel for May 8–10, do Niagara as a day trip on May 9. This way we want to stay for the evening illuminations and come back late. We will be able to explore more of Toronto on the 8th evening and on 10th in the morning.

Questions:

• Is there public transport back to Toronto late at night?
• Is a late night return from Niagara to Toronto realistic without a car?
• Is renting a car for just the Niagara day worth it?

Overall what option looks better on paper? Option 1 gives us a deeper dive into Niagara and a falls view hotel, whereas Option 2 gives us more time to explore Toronto and is easier with no luggage transfers.

Thanks in advance!