Now that the trip is over I can give some of my impression and perhaps helpful tips for whoever planning on a similar trip in the future:

1. Costco in Canada takes MasterCard. No Visa accepted.
2. Gas at Costco is no cheaper than local gas station. So don't go out of your way planning trip stops based on Costco location.
3. Lots of construction happening during non-winter season. If you plan to bike around the city, make sure you *love* dust.
4. This trip confirms my preference for small, less touristy cities so thumbs up to Quebec and Ottawa.
5. Get a fall view hotel room at Niagara Falls (doesn't really matter which hotel, as long as it's facing the Falls and within close proximity) It will be expensive but you will love it.
6. Journey behind the fall is meh.
7. Hornblower cruise is awesome.
8. Niagara on a lake is worth the 30 mins drive. Make sure to make a stop at the church. You know which one