Showing posts with label Niagara Falls Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Niagara Falls Holidays. Show all posts

Thursday, 22 January 2026

Toronto, Niagara Falls & New York

 Three Icons, One Journey – Discover Toronto, Niagara Falls & New York

Some holidays are about slowing down, while others are about seeing it all — and this Toronto, Niagara Falls & New York itinerary is made for travellers who want unforgettable highlights in one perfectly balanced trip. Taking place during May Half Term 2026, this 9-night adventure combines culture, scenery, and world-famous attractions across Canada and the USA.

The journey starts in Toronto, a city known for its welcoming atmosphere and impressive skyline. Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and that diversity shines through in its food, neighbourhoods, and cultural experiences. Walk along the waterfront, explore vibrant districts filled with street art and independent cafés, or head up the CN Tower for breathtaking views over Lake Ontario. Toronto is also an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions, offering a relaxed yet exciting introduction to North America.

A short journey brings you to the unforgettable Niagara Falls, where nature takes centre stage. The thunderous sound, misty air, and dramatic views create a truly immersive experience. Seeing the falls up close is something that stays with you forever, whether it’s from a boat ride, scenic viewpoint, or riverside walk. Beyond the falls themselves, the Niagara area offers a lively atmosphere with attractions, entertainment, and plenty of spots to pause and admire the scenery.

The final leg of the trip takes you to the iconic streets of New York City, a destination that needs no introduction. From the moment you arrive, the energy is unmistakable. Spend your days ticking off bucket-list landmarks like Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square. Art lovers can explore world-class museums, while fashion fans will love the shopping scene, from luxury boutiques to quirky local stores.

New York is also about the little moments — discovering hidden cafés, people-watching in the park, or catching the city skyline glowing at night. Evenings offer endless options, whether it’s a Broadway show, live music, rooftop views, or a simple walk through illuminated streets that feel alive at every hour.

What makes this trip exceptional is the way it blends urban excitement with natural wonder. Few holidays allow you to experience a peaceful lakeside city, a world-famous waterfall, and one of the busiest cities on the planet all within 9 nights. It’s fast-paced without being overwhelming, exciting without losing moments to relax and take it all in.

At just £1045pp, this May Half Term 2026 escape offers outstanding value for such an iconic multi-destination journey. Whether it’s your first time in North America or a return trip with fresh eyes, this adventure promises memories, photos, and experiences you’ll talk about for years to come.

Friday, 31 January 2014

Toronto & Niagara Falls

Toronto!.............Diversity!

Canada’s largest city with a population close to 6 million, that, since the end of the Second World War, has seen a continuous influx of newcomers, mainly from the developing world. Maybe this is one of the reasons for the popularity of its street markets, St Lawrence & Kensington the two largest. Or maybe this is a reason for more than 8000 restaurants including cuisine from all corners of the globe, be careful though, some of these encouraging a standard 20% tip!?



We can submerge to the ‘PATH’ the largest underground pedestrian system in North America, twenty eight kilometres in length, with five subway stations & a railway terminal of which is the staring point to one of our wonderful Explore Canada by train journeys.Toronto was recently tipped as the world’s fourth most liveable city, boasting 301 days of sunshine a year, historic highest recorded temperatures of 41 centigrade & lowest of -44 C, 30% of the population speaking a language other than English or French, over 200 public works of art, 1600 named parks with over 10 million trees & some 35000 hotel rooms……….did I use the word diversity!

Anyway, that’s some of the facts out of the way; let me give you the ‘heads-up’ on some of those 35000 hotel rooms.

‘Downtown’ is a safe & vibrant area, easy to get around on foot, by public transport or cab. Three hotels that come highly recommended & very close to Union train station are the ‘Hotel Le Germain Maple Leaf Square’, ‘Fairmont Royal York’ & the ‘Intercontinental’ all within a few minutes’ walk. Also worth a decent shout come the ‘Eaton Chelsea’ or the ‘Renaissance’ hotel.



The construction of Toronto’s skyline saw a major boom from the 1960’s, with the third most sky-scrapers in North America spawning the reason for the CN Tower. Toronto simply had to have a tower for television & radio purposes that superseded the skyline.

A couple of movie stars that hail from Toronto include Jim Carrey & Mike Myers, comedy at its best! Speaking of comedy, Toronto’s premium sports team is the ‘Toronto Maples’ ice hockey team, which hasn’t won a Stanley Cup since 1967. Not helped then, by the 52 outdoor ice skating rinks!?

Niagara Falls

Born during the last ice age, some 1.7 million years ago from glaciers nearly two miles thick covering the Niagara frontier region, we have one of the most dramatic, natural beauties the world has given us. With four of the five great lakes draining into it,(Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie) before emptying into lake Ontario, making up one fifth of the world fresh-water supply. Currently, 3160 tonnes of water per second flowing over Niagara, giving America 20 % of its drinking water…..Yup.



Many people wouldn’t even realise, it’s beaten by over 500 falls in the world for height, but it’s the sheer volume of water that makes Niagara possibly the fastest moving body of water on the planet! In fact, you are almost guaranteed to see a rainbow from the Canadian side, to capture this phenomenon, visit from noon to sunset. Niagara’s ecosystem also supports many animals, from the endangered Lake Sturgeon to the Bald Eagle & Peregrine Falcon, but rare trees & plants too.

Perhaps the most miraculous of all, is the event that took place in July of 1960. A local man took a small boat for a ride on the upper Niagara River with his two children. The boat developed major motor trouble, capsizing all three of them. The father went over the falls to his death, but, amazingly, his 17 year old daughter was plucked just 20 feet from the falls. Even more amazing, her seven year old brother, Roger Woodward, went over ‘Horseshoe Falls’ wearing only a swimsuit & lifejacket. The pleasure boat, ‘Maid Of The Mist’ was just making a turn below the falls, when one of the crew spotted a bright orange life jacket. The veteran Captain maneuvered his boat and after two unsuccessful attempts, plucked young Roger to safety, suffering only slight concussion. This Iconic vessel is still in use today, making the daily trip beneath the falls, thrilling visitors within metres of the dramatic water.



If you are going to make the trip to Niagara, it really would be a sin to not house yourself in a ‘Falls View Room’ at one of the many hotels. The Sheraton, Marriott, Wyndham and Radisson, all worth a mention. Plus as always with Charter Travel we love to find a way for our money to go further so why not take a look at our most popular East Coast New York, Toronto and Niagara holiday.