Hop on the redeye. The flight will get you into Toronto around 9am which is a perfect start time for your weekend adventure, pending you did get sleep on the plane the night before.
9am the next morning
Hit the ground running once you set foot off the plane. Since you didn't bring much other than an overnight bag (what could you have possibly packed for an 18hr trip?), you can change your clothes at the airport so you won't have a need to drop off any luggage.
Pick up your rental car: Budget Car rentals from Pearson International Airport will allow you to rent a car for about $40-70/day depending on which day you fly in (better deals are during the weekdays). You'll only need it for a few hours to drive to the Falls and take the scenic route back to town visiting some wineries.
Stop 1. Grab a bite on Streetsville, Mississauga
Though there isn't much to do in this small village, the downtown area gives off a vibe of old history with present day retail shops (everything from yoga studios to bookstores). I stopped at the grand opening of "De La Crepe" on Queen St. for a quick bite before embarking on my 18hr whirlwind journey. My favorite crepe? Anything with Nutella in it.
Probably the must popular tourist attraction. The drive from Pearson International (YYZ) is about an hour and a half with mild traffic. The waterfalls form an international border between Ontario and NY and drains into Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. A thirty minute "Maid of the Mist" boat ride allows you to see the falls up close for about $14.
3 No-No's:
1. Don't wear socks (they will get soaked)
2. Don't opt out of the blue poncho (you will get soaked)
3. Don't wear a white t-shirt (because... well, you catch my drift)
On the way back to the car, you can tour a few gift shops and sites around the area. I found myself unamused by the giant T-Rex and Ferris wheel attractions (where you can catch a great view of the falls), and more drawn to the candy/ice cream shop. I think I have a sugar problem..
A 20-30minute drive through wine country will land you in Niagara on the Lake where you can stroll down the main avenue filled with local gift shops, restaurants, and boutique hotels. Niagara on the Lake is also known for its quaint Bed & Breakfasts with nice scenic views of the lake. The Old Winery Restaurant was recommended to me for a late lunch but I still wasn't hungry enough for a meal. Instead, I head off to Cows (voted "World's Best Ice Cream") for a few scoops of vanilla mixed with bits of English Toffee. (Don't judge me, I'm on vacation)
Stop 4: Downtown Toronto
Make your way back to downtown Toronto and to the hotel. This didn't apply to me since I was staying in a neighboring city with relatives. Some of the hotels near the CN towers are a bit pricey (Hiton, Marriot, InterContinental, etc), but good location and not too bad if you're only there for less than 24hrs. You catch a tour to the CN tower (the lights are gorgeous view at night) and grab a bite.
If you still have energy (I didn't), the Toronto streetcar transit system can take you around. As stated in a few travel articles, a must-do thing is to experience sitting upstairs at Union Station during rush hour. With commuters scrambling to catch trains and cramming subway platforms, you can catch a glimpse of Toronto's "city life". The Station's ceilings upstairs offers a reprieve to all the commotion as you admire the stunning architecture while the chaos goes by around you.
10ish (or even later, depending on how much of a party animal you are)
Make a quick stop to the Hockey Hall of Fame Museum on Younge St. to finally figure out why Canadian's are such hockey fanatics. (Note: It closes around 5-6pm on Weekends). Since I could care less about violently smashing small objects into a net with sticks, I instead took a stroll around the building before heading to bed.
But if you choose to stay up late. Grab a beer and bite at the Beer Bistro on King Street and enjoy Toronto's nightlife ambiance.
5am Sunday
Whether you stayed up late partying or caught some decent z's, you get yourself out of bed and to the airport for an early departure. (The 7am flight will get you back to SF a little after 9:30am). By the time the cabin doors close on your flight back home, you'll already be snoring.
A few tips:
1. To avoid international airline taxes, some visitors opt to fly to Buffalo NY, rent a car, and drive to Niagara Falls from the U.S. side. Flying into Pearson International can be a pain with customs as well.
2. Visit Toronto.com for upcoming events happening around the city. Anything from street festivals and live music events can be found here.
