Hotel finding adventure in Toronto

Had a nice drive on Saturday from michigan to Toronto. Smooth sailing thru the border checkpoint, never even asked to see Jalapeños papers!
Stopped along the way at an artisan cheese shop which was located on a farm near Woodstock, Ontario. A kind woman working there gave us some tips on a place to stay and a couple things to do. We also learned that the largest Caribbean parade festival was happening this weekend in Toronto, expecting over a million people!
Continued on our way down the 401 towards Toronto, while noticing how close niagara falls is on the map, so may take a detour to see that wonder of the world.
Pulled into the Toronto area around 6pm and decided to take a smaller street into the downtown area to try to locate the hotel which was recommended. Never did find that specific hotel…

We have become so accustomed to having our smart devices with Internet connectivity, so when that option is no longer available it becomes quite a challenge. Driving up and down a few streets in Toronto, I somehow chose the area of town with NO hotels… Back in the US, one of us could pull up a map or website to find the right directions, but was somewhat frustrating to not have that option.

Ended up driving back out near the airport where I remember seeing hotels on our drive into the city. Come to find out after 4 or 5 stops that every hotel appears to be booked nearby, and it’s getting to be 9pm at this point. Then I recalled additional hotels further down 401 near some shopping malls, not the best location to see the sights but hopefully a bed for some sleep!
Luckily they had a room available at the motel 6, which might be the nicest motel 6 I have ever seen. Checked in, got jalapeño situated in the room (amazing she could hold it the entire day in the truck and still impressed how well she has done on the long road trips), then headed to BW3s for a beer and some food. Not in line with our choice to avoid chains, but at 1030pm after a day of driving we ignored that “rule” temporarily.

While quite frustrating last night to not have the ease of information, I am looking forward to not using our phones or iPad on this part of the trip thru Canada. Teaches us a bit more of planning but more importantly to learn to stop somewhere and ask someone, what a novel concept!

Weather looks windy and rainy today, so may find some indoor attractions, then outdoor activities again on Monday.

Jalapeño had a bed to herself last night: