Quite right. I was thinking Kingston to Ottawa.
:smack:
Makes it even less attractive for the OP, in my opinion.
Toronto has some excellent festivals, but they mostly take place in July or August – duMaurier Jazz, Caribana, TIFF, Molson Indy, Pride, Fringe, OVO, Veld, Digital Dreams…
You could spend some time in Niagara Falls and move on to Niagara on the Lake’s Shaw Festival, starting in April 2017, with good restaurants and wineries.
In Toronto, see a sports event and a play or concert. Visit AGO and ROM (or museums about shoes, police, ceramics, pioneers or hockey) or Fort York or Casa Loma. Visit the excellent Toronto Zoo. Relax or boat around Centre Island or bike or play tennis on High Park. Shop at the Eaton Centre, Sherway Gardens or Yorkdale malls or Kensington Market (or St. Lawrence). Visit the many decent ethnic restaurants in the “city of neighbourhoods”: Chinatown, Little India, Distillery district, many ethnic enclaves. Too cold for the beach in May?
Get out of town, ride roller coasters at Canada’s Wonderland, visit the McMichael Gallery in Kleinberg. Easy hiking at Mono Cliffs. If more ambitious, rent a canoe or go fishing in Algonquin Park. Heck, go to Ottawa or Montreal if you like cramming stuff in.
Toronto has some good clubs and live jazz/karaoke/whatever Thursday to Saturday, or low-key jazz Sunday’s at The Communists Daughter. New local free weekly “this week in TO” papers can be picked up on Thursdays. NOW and Eye magazines are also online and show upcoming events. I’d check it out to get an idea of what is out there.
The Maid of the Mist is absolutely worth doing, along with the behind-the-walls tour. Otherwise, I’ll mention a neat offbeat touristy thing to do on the way from NF to Ontario is to stop at the Welland Canal observatory center. The Welland Canal is used by ships to get to and from Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Due to the elevation difference (more than 500 feet), there is a series of locks that raise and lower the ships. We stopped at the Lock #3 observatory and spent an hour or so in the museum and watching ships get raised and lowered. It’s really pretty fascinating to see up-close. If you have an hour or so to spend, I’d recommend it.
And if you’re driving around, watch out for the tolls on Hwys 407 and 412! Crazy expensive–end to end on the 407 is something like $30 when you add in the special “video no-transponder fee” and “billing fee” you’ll get if you don’t have a transponder and the system takes a picture of your rear license plate. And they have data-sharing agreements with neighbouring states and provinces, so don’t think you’ll get out of it with a foreign plate…
You mean Old Chinatown downtown… there are at least three more Chinatowns in the 'burbs. It’s kind of scruffy and run-down, but still vibrant. Right nearby is Kensington Market, also scruffy and cool.
If you’re up on a Saturday morning, go to St Lawrence Market on Front Street east of the financial district. I’m told that it’s one of the best markets around.
If you’re coming into Pearson airport, you can take a train downtown for around $12. If you pay $6, you can get a Presto card that you can fill with money and then tap to pay a reduced rate of $9 for the same train journey. The card is also good for “GO” regional trains and buses, local TTC subway trains, streetcars, and buses, and local transit across the whole Greater Toronto Area and beyond. I have gone from Peterborough to Niagara Falls on the GO bus and train using the Presto card.
As I recall, the “tea and cake” option was available for quite a while, and used by many to get up top immediately without lining up at the bottom. Certainly, it was available the last time I was up for dinner (the menu was a la carte then); but that was maybe 17 years ago. Looks like they closed that loophole in the time since.
As I recall also, back in the late 70s/early 80s, there was a disco up the Tower as well. That was another way to get to the top quickly: you were going to the disco. People would go up to the disco, maybe have a drink, look out the windows, and leave. Needless to say there is no more disco, or nightclub, or anything like that.
As for the OP’s question, I’ll add another vote for the Zoo and for taking in a Blue Jays game. Go Jays!
This is by far the easier of your questions to answer: Fly to Buffalo. Aside from being cheaper, Buffalo/Niagara Airport is small and easily gotten in and out of. Toronto Pearson is huge and dreadful to get in and out of, and if you check baggage you may be waiting a long time to get it.
Yes, no, and probably not.
If you fly into Toronto you have to go through customs there, which isn’t any more fun.
I guess your other option would be to not fly at all and just drive. As that would take 14 straight hours of driving assuming no traffic problems, I do not recommend it.
Winnipeg is fine but, seriously, it’s blown out of the water by Toronto and Niagara Falls. It’s like asking if you should visit Indianapolis, or go to New York City with a side trip to Lake Placid. It’s not a remotely close call.
Bear in mind Niagara Falls has two casinos; Casino Niagara and Fallsview. They are sort of the same business - in fact, the chips are common to the two casinos, you can buy in at the blackjack table at Niagara and walk over to Fallsview and use the chips there. But it’s like a mile and a half, easy, between them. Fallsview is nicer and more upscale. Niagara is old - it’s clean and everything, just not terribly wonderful. If you play poker, Niagara offers only $1/$2 no limit, and nothing else. Fallsview offers only games above $1/$2, beginning at $2/$5, all no limit. All other casino games there are generally pricier - higher limits at the tables, etc.
The resort and Clifton Hill restaurants in Niagara Falls are overpriced and overrated; for a nice meal, go to Sandstone Grillhouse, which is maybe 400 yards from the front door of Casino Niagara.
If you stay in the Fallsview entertainment complex, they have a HELL of an indoor waterpark if you like that sort of thing.
I’d advise no more than a day or two in Niagara; it’s expensive and gets a bit dull. If you like touring wineries, which is a blast even if you don’t like wine, that’s sort of its own thing and is a bit outside Niagara Falls itself.
If you want to see a Blue Jays game, buy tickets well in advance; if the team is winning they sell very quickly, and that early in the year they’ll sell quickly anyway just because the team won last year. The stadium is very large and outfield seats are pretty far from the action. It’s worth paying a few bucks to get prime seats.
Ottawa absolutely cannot be made in three hours from Toronto, by the way. It’s too far.
Since you plan to have a car (it’s a bit of a walk from the Niagara Falls attractions and hotels), you might want to eat at the Flying Saucer Restaurant. It ticks two of your boxes - maybe three, if you count it as a hike (;)). I’ll let you look it up to read reviews and see if it is of any interest. It’s really pretty good if you are looking for a diner type restaurant for breakfast or lunch on your way out of town.
It’s true that familiarity breeds contempt, and unfortunately proximity breeds familiarity. The thought of going to Niagara Falls depresses me every time it’s suggested because people who visit from far away always want to visit Niagara Falls. Guess where I’m going over the upcoming three-day weekend? At least, though, I console myself with knowing I’ve never seen them frozen (by damned, they better be frozen!).
(** Subtlety Wrecks**, you’ll love The Falls. It takes about 5 to 10 trips before you start hating them!)
On the other hand I’ve not been to Toronto in years. Maybe I can modify the parameters of the trip so that I don’t actually have to spend more than a few hours in Niagara. I can’t wait to see how things have changed.
Two days will be plenty at Niagara Falls. One, really, but you will probably want to stay overnight and see the falls at night. Very cool.
I will mention one other place we visited the last time I took my family to NF. My youngest son is a Buffalo wing fanatic. He eats them very, very frequently. Buffalo wings originated at the Anchor Bar, located (naturally) in Buffalo. If visiting the birthplace of something like that interests you, you might want to stop on your way out of or back to the airport. The wings were good, but, to be honest, there is only so much you can do with Buffalo wings. But, we can say we’ve eaten Buffalo wings where they were invented.
The NHL regular season ends on April 7, so the Stanley Cup season will likely be on when the OP is visiting. Should take in a Leafs game, because they’re sure to be in the playoffs, right? 
Thanks buddy. 
There’s still a mathematical chance at this point!
If anyone wants to bet even money against the Leafs making the playoffs I will give them the action. They’re ninth and either have games in hand against some of the teams ahead of them (Philadelphia, Boston) or are probably a better team that’s been less lucky (Ottawa.) I’d say they’re 75% likely to be in the playoffs.
Mid-May, though, will be into the second or third round, which is a much less likely scenario.
It’s a half century this year - they’re due! 
Okay, going by your posts, because I’ve planned all my trips for the year and I need to plan more or I’ll go insane – here are my suggestions.
Day 1. Fly into Buffalo. You’re going the right direction so as long as you don’t fly into Buffalo on a Sunday or out on a Saturday border traffic shouldn’t be that bad. To check put this website on your phone. Border wait times: United States to Canada
Before you cross the border visit the American side of the falls. There are a set of stairs you can walk down to get to the misty parts and a lovely park on Goat Island. You can drive over and it’s very close to the Rainbow bridge so try and get an early flight so you can see this portion too. Alternative plan – have a later flight out of Buffalo so you have time to do this on the way to the airport.
Hotel recommendations – Niagara Falls is lousy with Groupon offers. Find one that fits your dates and book it. Most hotels that will offer a groupon are decent enough to stay at. If you see a hotel online for $50 or less either pack a sleep sack to sleep in or avoid completely. The city is also full of 2 bit flea bag establishments.
Restaurants:
Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante – wood fired pizza, a few pasta dishes but a lovely little spot that’s worth visiting. Outside of that for the type of restaurants you’re describing there are a million chain options that serve decent food fast. There are also a couple of Brazilian restaurants that are all you can eat with servers wandering around with various types of meats on skewers who will serve you whatever you’d like more of. Tasty and fun as there is also a floor show. I’d recommend Copacabana as Brasa is a little more expensive $50/pp vs $70pp approx. It’s a night for a big appetite.
If you want to splurge for a night I can’t recommend the AG restaurant enough. Amazing service, great food and not unreasonable cost. Booze bill can get pretty high if you try all their delicious cocktails though. It’s the place we go to try food we’ve never tried before. We have a lot of confidence in their abilities.
Activities
Niagara tourism sells a wonderpass that gives you access to three of their most popular activities at a discount. Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara’s Fury and Journey behind the falls. It also includes 2 days access to their bus systems which is highly recommended. Parking is a nightmare at the falls and the busses run every 10 mins during peak season. Butterfly conservatory has been covered, Journey behind the falls allows you to walk through tunnels that go under the Canadian side falls and Niagara’s Fury is a sort of 4d ride that shows the creation of the Falls. The bus will also get you to the Maid of the Mist docks. I’d also recommend the whirlpool boat trip.
Marineland is a fun spot with the sealife shows and rides. I almost was eaten here as a kid in the feeding the small animals area. Protip – don’t put the corn in your pockets even if you can’t hold much in your tiny hands.
There are a set of paths along the Niagara parkway for walking and biking and they’re beautiful. There is also a set of stairs (a LOT of freaking stairs) that lets you climb down to the river level near the whirlpool. You can take the bus to get close since it’s fairly far from Niagara itself, about halfway to Niagara on the lake.
Also the Brock Monument is a good stop on your way to Niagara on the Lake. It’s where you damn yanks killed him in 1812 but since his death rallied the troops to allow us to beat you back across the river we don’t hold a grudge. It’s a beautiful overlook of the river, the entrance to Lake Ontario and the surrounding vineyards.
You didn’t mention wine! Niagara region is rightfully famous for it’s wines and if you’d like recommendations that’s a whole other rabbit hole.
Niagara on the lake
It’s a gorgeous little town with great shops and restaurants but I wouldn’t spend more than a day here. However long you decide to spend in Niagara Falls, plan to leave early in the morning, spend a few hours in Niagara on the Lake, have lunch and head into Toronto for a later dinner and check in to your hotel. Unless you want to see a show at the Shakespeare theater. The Shaw Theater is beautiful and is lovely to see even if you hate plays but if you enjoy the play so much the better.
Cork’s Winebar & eatery is our favorite spot for lunch here. Great food, well prepared and a cute little patio/deck on the front. I recommend the lamb burger or the beef dip. Fish ‘n chips is also great but you have to try them with malt vinegar.
That brings us to Toronto. I recommend finding a hotel either downtown or on the subway lines.
See a Jays game, visit Toronto Island (for a walk, avoid the amusement park area). If you are interested in Hockey, the hockey hall of Fame is in Brookfield Place at Yonge and Front St. Also there is an old bank building preserved inside of the all glass skyscraper. It’s interesting to see. Try a new cuisine. We have immigrant populations from almost every country in the world. Tons of diverse options available.
Explore the path system. Toronto’s underground pedestrian walkways. You can get almost everywhere downtown without coming above ground. Not as critical in the summer as it is in December but if you’ve got a long hot walk ahead with nothing to see between places it’s a good air conditioned option.
Definitely visit the St. Lawrence Market. The market has been happening here for over 200 years, long before we even were Canada.
Use the Toronto food trucks site to find Chimney Stax. It’s the best dessert you’ll never finish.
Our zoo is also pretty great and it’s at the outer edge of the city so you’ll be near the Rouge valley which has some lovely hiking trails.
Also on the fun things to see/do is the Ontario Science Centre. Extremely cool building, built into the side of a deep ravine and tons of interactive displays inside.
Queens’ Quay and the Harbourfront centre are worth a visit too. The walking trails along the lake have been extended a few times and there is always something going on down there.
I think you could probably fill a few weeks with all the items in this thread so I’ll leave it at that.
Enjoy our cities!
Copy/paste from word stripped out most of the hyperlinks. PM me if you’d like me to email you a copy of the document.
If you’re using public transport to get to the zoo from Union Station downtown, take the GO train to Rouge Hill station and backtrack on the #85 bus. Much faster that taking the subway to Don Mills and than having the long grind eastwards on the 85 bus…
Also: re Union Station… it is under construction. That is an understatement: it is irretrievably and confusingly u see construction. Pay close attention to the signs.
Moonlitherial, not sure what to say but thank you. That’s a lot of knowledge. Jiminy Christmas. Thanks.