Toronto Winter Trip: Is It Worth It?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential of visiting Toronto and Niagara Falls during the winter season. Participants explore the liveliness of Toronto in winter, the beauty of Niagara Falls, and the overall experience of a winter trip to these locations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about the winter atmosphere in Toronto, questioning if it remains vibrant during the colder months.
  • Others highlight the beauty of Niagara Falls in winter, noting that while the falls do not freeze, they are framed by ice, creating a picturesque scene.
  • There is a subjective view on the cold temperatures, with some participants suggesting that temperatures around -30 C may be mild, while others emphasize the importance of wind-chill factors.
  • Participants mention various winter activities in the Niagara Region, such as the candlelight stroll in Niagara-on-the-Lake and a festival of lights in Niagara Falls.
  • Some argue that the winter experience in the Niagara Region may not be worth it, suggesting that summer is a better time to visit.
  • There are discussions about the proximity of Niagara Falls to Toronto, with some clarifying that it is about a 90-minute drive and questioning if a day trip is feasible.
  • Concerns are raised about driving conditions due to lake effect snow, which can be unpredictable and severe.
  • Participants share personal experiences, with some recalling the stunning views of the falls during winter and others expressing skepticism about the winter scenery.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion reflects a mix of opinions, with no clear consensus on whether visiting Toronto and Niagara Falls in winter is worthwhile. Participants express both enthusiasm for the winter scenery and skepticism about the overall experience.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the perception of winter beauty is subjective and may depend on specific weather conditions, such as recent snowfall. There are also varying opinions on the liveliness of Toronto during winter compared to summer.

Greg Bernhardt
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A buddy of mine and I are looking at a quick 4 day trip to Toronto. Weather looks to be quite cold. Is the city still full of life and worth visiting in the winter? Niagara Falls still amazing?
 
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Don't know if it's cold enough yet but Niagra in winter is stunning - I will upload some pics.
ps Is Toronto full of life in the summer?
 
I haven't been there in a long time, so I'm not too sure about the city itself. The falls don't freeze, so they're just framed in ice from the shorelines. That looks pretty cool.
As for the temperature, that's purely subjective. It probably doesn't get much below about -30 C., which is mild to me. Gotta watch the wind-chill factor, though.
 
The weather is really not much different from where you are now. It is always a fun city to visit.
 
Danger said:
I haven't been there in a long time, so I'm not too sure about the city itself. The falls don't freeze, so they're just framed in ice from the shorelines. That looks pretty cool.
As for the temperature, that's purely subjective. It probably doesn't get much below about -30 C., which is mild to me. Gotta watch the wind-chill factor, though.

It rarely gets below -15C here. I'm actually in the Niagara Region as we speak right now! :eek:

Depends on when you come down. The Niagara Region is a great place in the summer though. Probably the best area in Ontario in the summer by far.

In the winter, it just depends when you come. If you come soon, you have the candlelight stroll in Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is 15 minutes from Niagara Falls. A very nice town with thousands of people walking around with candles.

If you're into clubs, that's a whole other thing too.

There's a nice casino here in Niagara Falls. A festival of lights during December. Big New Year's party in Niagara Falls.

Just depends.
 
Where are you from Greg?
 
Then from that angle, I think you're better off going to Collingwood and Toronto. There is a nice ski resort there.

http://www.mosaicatblue.com/_img/village/slide4.jpg

http://xgfx.resideo.com/hotels/condos/14918-exter-2.jpg

http://www.bluemchalets.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_1730/on70265e.jpg

I can't find any nice pictures of the place. It's really a nice place. It's basically the tourist destination for people in Ontario during the winter, as well as Ottawa. Then in the summer, it is the Niagara Region and Wassaga Beach.

Keep in mind that there are no real mountains in Ontario.
 
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As danger said the falls don't freeze but the spray freezes on everything.
P2200362.jpg


P2180289.jpg


P2180273.jpg
 
  • #10
As long as you don't mind the cold to much, I think it would be worth the trip. I've never seen the falls in the winter but I can imagine them being very nice. Plus, you get to drink all the Canadian beer you can handle.
 
  • #11
Those Niagara pictures were taken mid-winter, I was there somewhere in fall/early winter and I imagine they would be nicer in a different season. The water that comes down from them must vary between seasons?
 
  • #12
Yes they were taken end of february.
They control the amount of water going over the falls because most of it is diverted and used for hydro-electric, I don't know if the power demand is greater in winter in this area?
The middle picture is one of the little side falls on the American side. It is cold though!
 
  • #13
It's not worth coming to the Niagara Region for "winter". Our winters are really not all that great. Instead of directing south, you should direct north towards Collingwood.
 
  • #14
I grew up outside of Buffalo, the Falls are stunning during the winter. I've always enjoyed myself going back and forth between Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Toronto. To give you an idea, Toronto is the New York City of Canada...
 
  • #15
Dr Transport said:
To give you an idea, Toronto is the New York City of Canada...
That's not fair - it has nice bits!
And the do a very good bacon sandwich http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2007/07/comparison_shopper_st_lawrence_market_peameal_bacon_sandwiches/

"How many Torontonians does it take to screw in a light bulb?"
"1 million, 1 to screw it in, 999,999 to tell everyone how capable their city is of holding such a world class event"
 
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  • #16
It really depends on what you are coming for Greg. It is a world class city. There are many great events and attractions at all times of the year from shopping to theater, history to the arts. What is it you are interested in doing?
/
 
  • #17
Um, Greg, you are aware that Niagara Falls is not in Toronto, right? I assume you're thinking of a day trip?

Toronto is like any other big city. There's stuff to do year round, if you're into city type things to do. I haven't been to Niagara Falls in winter, but think it would be really pretty. But, you'll have to carefully watch weather reports I think. The area gets a lot of lake effect snowfall I think. Certainly the Buffalo, NY side does.
 
  • #18
Moonbear said:
Um, Greg, you are aware that Niagara Falls is not in Toronto, right? I assume you're thinking of a day trip?

Toronto is like any other big city. There's stuff to do year round, if you're into city type things to do. I haven't been to Niagara Falls in winter, but think it would be really pretty. But, you'll have to carefully watch weather reports I think. The area gets a lot of lake effect snowfall I think. Certainly the Buffalo, NY side does.

Niagara Falls is only 90 minutes from Toronto.

And, no Niagara Falls is not pretty in the winter. We rarely have snow here. It would only be pretty if you came the day after a snow storm or something.

Buffalo gets way more snow than us. We got 1-2 inches last week, and Buffalo got over 12 inches.
 
  • #19
If you plan on driving, the lake effect snow can be verrrry bad at times with no warning.
 
  • #20
glondor said:
If you plan on driving, the lake effect snow can be verrrry bad at times with no warning.

For Americans who have no experience in snow. :wink:

I've driven in full blown snowstorms before. Sure I was like the only one on the highway, it was still ok.
 
  • #21
JasonRox said:
Buffalo gets way more snow than us. We got 1-2 inches last week, and Buffalo got over 12 inches.


Mom and Dad got hammered with lake-effect yesterday...Slimy, wet slippery snow because it is early in the season...
 

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