OT Niagra Falls vacation

[imsayin]

We've decided to go to Niagra Falls for vacation this summer. We includes DH, DD12, DS9, and me. Current plans include staying on the CN side, splitting time between a falls view hotel (1-2nts) and something cheaper (rest of the time), probably around Clifton Hills. Our only must do, so far, is the Maid of the Mist, and visiting the falls on the US & CN sides. I read a previous thread on the DIS and got a few ideas, but have a few questions for those that have been there:

How many days is a good amount to spend in the area (this is my biggest question)?

What would you definitely do? definitely avoid?

Any tips on discount hotel bookings, coupons, etc.?

Any other tips or comments are welcome. TIA.

 

[pixiechick]

no suggestions, looking for ideas too!

Last night, DH and I were discussing this as a possibility for June. We looked at the Canadian side as well. It seems like the hotels were a little more reasonable. Some of the hotels include packages, but they seemed very high in cost. If I find anything, I'll send you the info.

 

[MELISAZACK]

We were there in march for a hockey tourney - we stayed at the clarion suits which is on Stanley st - Nice directly across from the Double tree - had an indoor pool -clean and under 100.00 for suites...You could walk to clifton hill from there with no problem it takes about 10 min...and in nice weather no big deal...We were there for 6 days and most of the time spent that at rinks but even though we could see it all in 2 days max...but you can take the hour ride to toronto or go to niagra on the lake and make a day of each of t hose...have fun. don't forget to see the arieal whirlpool which is about 5 min drive from the falls. Also there is a Marine Land I believe in Ca. which is 5 min from the falls in Onterio you could add that to your trip to extend it seemed nice but closed when we were there. sort of like a mini sea world.

 

[MELISAZACK]

Oh let me add the cost of food is VERY VERY HIGH! in Canada...Dennys for 3
which was 2 adults and a child was over 60.00 for breakfast!!!!!!!
be ready for that nothing is cheap in that area!

 

[Merriwind]

We love Niagara Falls--visited there a lot when we lived in CNY. It was a lot easier on the wallet when the dollar was stronger. Oh for the days of $1.50+ exchange rates...

Definitely stay on the Canadian side. The NY side is pretty seedy. The few bucks you save would not be worth it imho. We always stayed at the Marriott Fallsview, great views, lovely hotel, right near the trolley-thing that takes you down to the Falls, nice restaurant. Probably pricey, but a good value for what you get to us.

Definitely, definitely do the Behind the Falls tour. That was the best part of our trips. Maid of the Mist is great too. They sell some combo pack that includes those, plus transportation and a Butterfly place (not great for us) and maybe someplace else. It was a discount over buying individual tickets. There is a AAA discount on the combo ticket.

We've eaten a couple of times at the Skylon tower. Really good food, good wine list, outstanding view. Pricey, though, and the fact that you have to pay to ride the elevator to the restaurant after paying to park irks me. DH loves it though, so we went.

Never did hit the casinos; no appeal for us. The chain restaurants are unbelieveable pricey and somehow not as good (not that they're great) as in the US. There are pretty gardens, statues and such along the main strip at the Falls.

We have great photos and memories of our trips to the Falls--enjoy!!!

 

[kmccain]

I am so glad someone posted this!

I booked a campground on the Canadian side for July and I am anxious to get everyone's ideas!

I think I am going to purchase a Adventure Pass from AAA. It is for 4 attractions
Maid of the Mist
White Water Walk
Journey Behind the Falls
Butterfly Conservatory

It includes Priority Access Time Ticketing (what ever that is) and the
People Mover transportation. I read in a AAA tour book that that is $10.

The cost of this ticket is $30.72 per adult.

Please let me know if it is cheaper anywhere else.

Also, I put the $52.43 deposit on my CC and it only charged $46 and change so I must have gotten some kind of an exchange rate. I wonder if I should pay in full for everything before I go up. Do I still get an exchange rate on my CC if I use it up there?

We decided to go now because we heard that they are going to require passports in 2007.

Thanks!

 

[ckoncurat]

We really LOVED the whitewater walk, which is where you walk right next to some of the most impressive rapids. Its not as dramatic as the falls of course, but you get much closer to the water. My kids also loved the butterfly conservatory. We bought a pass from AAA that gave us entrance to the maid of the mist, journey behind the falls, whitewater walk and some other stuff I can't remember at a great discount. Call you local AAA and ask.
We stayed at the Embassy Suites fallsview, and the view was AMAZING. I think 3 days is more than adaquate for this area.

Try to get a free breakfast deal- the previos poster was right about the food. We ate at a TGI fridays on the drive up, then again once we got there, and the prices were almost DOUBLED.

 

[cslittle999]

I am so glad someone posted this!
Also, I put the $52.43 deposit on my CC and it only charged $46 and change so I must have gotten some kind of an exchange rate. I wonder if I should pay in full for everything before I go up. Do I still get an exchange rate on my CC if I use it up there?

Your CC company converts all purchases to your currency at time of purchase. On Friday $1 US = $1.11 CDN. Your CC company doesn't always give the best exchange rate. The Canadian dollar has been rising against the US dollar recently so you might think about paying in full now but it would only save a penny or two per dollar. A good exchange rate site is http://www.xe.com/.

We decided to go now because we heard that they are going to require passports in 2007.

To be accurate the US government is going to require a passport to enter the US (end of this year by plane and the end of next year by car). The Canadian government has announced any restrictions.

 

[LisaNJ25]

I am so glad someone posted this!

I booked a campground on the Canadian side for July and I am anxious to get everyone's ideas!

I think I am going to purchase a Adventure Pass from AAA. It is for 4 attractions
Maid of the Mist
White Water Walk
Journey Behind the Falls
Butterfly Conservatory

It includes Priority Access Time Ticketing (what ever that is) and the
People Mover transportation. I read in a AAA tour book that that is $10.

The cost of this ticket is $30.72 per adult.

Please let me know if it is cheaper anywhere else.

Also, I put the $52.43 deposit on my CC and it only charged $46 and change so I must have gotten some kind of an exchange rate. I wonder if I should pay in full for everything before I go up. Do I still get an exchange rate on my CC if I use it up there?

We decided to go now because we heard that they are going to require passports in 2007.

Thanks!

The Adventure Pass is the best way to go. We got it on yoru trip. You could of gotten it niagara falls and still received the AAA rate.

You can always look on priceline for a room. We staryed for $25.00 a night at the hotel across form the new casino ( I cant think of the name now).

As far as charges everywhere we went they took american $$ and gave you the american total.

We had a grea time on out trip, sadly we will probalby never go back because I will not get a passport just to go there.

It will be interesting to see what happens to tourism next year.

 

[Twende]

We prefer the Canadian side also except for the Cave of the Wind tour on the Amercian side and the campgroud that we stay at in NY called 4 Mile Creek: https://www.reserveamerica.com/jsp/...ew_resv&l=1&r=250379&s=6/30/2005&a=NY&index=2


Link to Tour: http://www.niagarafallslive.com/cave_of_the_winds.htm

We can easily spend a week there and just take our time and see something different every day. We camp so it is very easy on the budget, both food and lodging.

If is a fun area to visit.

 

[robyn27]

We went to Niagara Falls last May for vacation. We stayed on the Canadian side at the Embassy Suites with the fallsview. It was pricey, but we didn't regret it at all. We had an awesome time. We could see and hear the falls from our room. It is amazing. We stayed for 5 days and enjoyed every minute of it. These are some of the things we did--Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk, Butterfly Conservatory, and one day we drove to Cambridge, On and went to The African Lion Safari, which was awesome too. We can't wait to go back! We also used the People Mover instead of driving and it worked out great, but we did go in May before school was out, so there wasn't too many people.

I read posts before we went and was afraid of going to the restaurants because of what everybody said about the prices, but we really didn't notice it being too bad. You have to remember if you are on the Canadian side, your price will be in Canadian money. We used our charge for EVERYTHING--and ended up with even better prices then what we figured on because the bank uses their exchange rate. If you exchange money there everybody has their own rate.

One tip--save all your receipts hotel/souvenirs etc and stop at the duty free shop on the way out--they will refund part of what you paid for tax. We got over $100 back and it only took 10 minutes!

 

[redsoxfaninme]

We will be going in June. We were looking into going to Marineland while we were there. Has anyone been there?? Thank You!!!!

 

[Daisysmom]

I went 2 years ago and stayed at a very nice Hampton Inn (across and down a little bit from the falls) on the Canadian side. The room was $72 a night. We ate at the Skylon once; it was nice, but pricey. There was a good little Italian restaurant on one of the streets across from the falls (not the main drag). Lots of little shops. The Maid of the Mist was fun albeit WET. The falls at night are awesome with the colored lights shining on them. I truly would not stay more than 3 days. There really isn't a lot to do. We also went to the Butterfly conservatory, and drove past the huge electrical company. Does that help?? I would highly recommend the Hampton...

 

[NancyK]

As far as charges everywhere we went they took american $$ and gave you the american total.

We had a grea time on out trip, sadly we will probalby never go back because I will not get a passport just to go there.

It will be interesting to see what happens to tourism next year.

I would try to buy Canadian money before you come here. The local merchants decide what kind of exchange rate to give you, and let's just say that it isn't as favourable as using a bank.
As far as the passports go, it is my understanding that you won't need a passport to get INTO Canada. It is the U.S. government who is requiring everyone to have a passport to re-enter the States. Our local officials are very concerned about this because we realize that we are going to lose tourist dollars. Unfortunately, we can't do anything about it since it is a U.S. Customs issue.

 

[imsayin]

I would try to buy Canadian money before you come here. The local merchants decide what kind of exchange rate to give you, and let's just say that it isn't as favourable as using a bank

What about using credit cards? Is it better to have cash?

 

[samepoohdifferentday]

We will be going in June. We were looking into going to Marineland while we were there. Has anyone been there?? Thank You!!!!

Marineland is quite spread out. It is a lot of walking. Our kids liked the kiddie rides. Free parking which is nice. Fun to feed the whales and the bears. Cost about $7-8 to feed whales. About $3 to feed the bears a (ice cream) cone full of corn pops. It can be quite hot in June. You will pay around $2.50 for a bottle of water.

You can get more information posting on the Canadian Trip Planning Board.

 

[patsal]

Do check out the Hershey store--the candy bars are different in Canada(better). Some of the attractions are kitchy(wax museums, haunted houses, etc), but they can be fun, be careful of the arcades as they will suck the $$ out of you.Usually there is a pass for most major attractions on one side of Clifton Hill and another pass for most of the most popular attractions on the other side of the hill--these will save you some $$ if you want to do them. Definately do the Maid of the Mist, the Cave of the Winds, if you like butterflies try the butterfly conservatory. Wine tours at Lake Niagara are nice, Maybe Marineland or Fantasy Island (really inexpensive amusement park in Grand Island NY not too far from the falls--small water park, and about 15-20 rides). Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock and Rainforest are all there, but the food is not as good as in the States. There is a Hardrock on the US side right over the bridge. To get the best exchange rate on your money once in Canada, go into the casino. The fallsview is beautiful, but children are not allowed on the shuttle bus that moves you from the Fallsview to the other Casino on Clifton Hill, so you will have to walk or drive that. On a nice day the walk is fine. Even if you are not planning on gambling get the Casino's player's advantage club card usually it will get you discounts on the hotel and food as well as free parking.

I wouldn't think more than 4 days unless you are planning a full day of pool time. One day to do all the Niagara Falls tours, One day to tour Clifton Hill, One for an amusement park and one to check out Niagara on the Lake/Art Park.

 

[patsal]

We will be going in June. We were looking into going to Marineland while we were there. Has anyone been there?? Thank You!!!!

Marineland is nice and very spread out. There is a kiddie side and bigger rides as well. You can feed fish (ice cream cone filled with fish food, the bears--ice cream cone filled with marshmellows, deer--deer food pellets,The whales, and I think goats. Plan on a good amount of money for the feeding frenzy especially if you have young children. There are three, maybe four shows as well. They have a mascot named King Waldorf--he's a walrus--you can get your photo with him. A not so great memory for my DS who is now 14 when he was 4 he was visiting withthe Walrus when the extra person with him said last kid--Waldorf quick posed with him and then pushed him out of the way so he could get out of there--it was July so I'm sure the costume was very hot, but my DS still sings their theme song with "Waldorf will push you out of his way...everyone loves Marineland"
The food is really expensive--I remember about $8.00 for a hotdog and $2.50 for bottles water.

 

[flagdaytwins]

I JUST got back this morning from 3 days in Niagara Falls!!!! I went with DH, and my twin toddlers.

Didn't read all responses, so pardon repeats.

Stay on Canadian side. Doesn't even compare to NY side. though if you have an hour or so, park on goat island ($8) and walk to see both american and horeshoe falls from the u.s. perspective. this is where cave of the winds is.

Bring kid's birth certificates. US immigration will want to see them.

We stayed at Sheraton Fallsview (NOT Sheraton on the Falls). Paid $169 CAN per night. Would stay more on the Clifton Hill end (there is a Sheraotn there: Sheraton on the Falls) in middle of action (Maid of Mist is a short walk from there).

Went on Maid of the Mist. Definite must. We got soaked!

Didn't find that we needed more than 2 days in Niagara Falls. Clifton HIll is very small with junky tourist attractions -- save your money, don't go to any of them, IMO. Do more falls related stuff (cave of the winds, etc.).

Eat at Zappi's pizza on Stanley Ave. right behind the Sheraton Fallsview. Awesome pizza, friendly staff, clean, nice environment to enjoy some grub. Can't miss the place, tho it is tiny, it is all by itself. Free parking.

Eat at Fallsview Manor on Lundy's Lane for breakfast. Hot, reasonably priced, decent breakfast. Also Frank's Tomato Pie on Lundy's Lane is awesome, I heard.....never got there!

Watched ships come through Welland Canal Lock 3 in St. CAtherine's (an exit or two up from Niagara on the QEW). FREE FREE FREE!!!! There is a museum there ($$) and an interactive center (free) that your kids might enjoy.

Do you like wine? Many wineries in Niagara......we did a quick tasting at Inniskillin Winery ($1 a glass), didn't love the wine, but it was a new experience for me. My toddler twin girls were well behaved there.

Had no problems using credit card. Don't use USD you'll get back change in canadian and you'll get screwed. Although once I did use USD (Starbucks) and asked the clerk to give me back USD if she had any -- she had plenty to give.

If you like Starbucks....they are everywhere....seemingly in every hotel.

We went for broke and stayed a 3rd night at the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park in Niagara Falls (all but a mile from the falls I'd say EASY to get to).

Drive the Niagara River Parkway (or whatever it is called). Just gorgeous -- views, parks, really pretty.

Keep in mind everything costs $$ somehow -- parking down by the falls is $12 a car. So you'll want to pick a hotel that you can easily walk to everything from. It is a cinch to get around by car, but there is no free place to park (and believe me, we looked).

Also, some times the hotel charges $20 per DAY to park. But they also have cheaper lots some times (like at our Sheraton, the cheap lot was across the street behind the hotel, kind of a pain, but saved $$) for just $10 a day.

Port Dalhousie (in St. CAtharine's) has a carousel to ride for just .5 cent if you are into that, it was closed when we were there. It's on the beach, there is a boardwalk, and ice cream places. Quaint little place.

 

[amp078]

I live on Grand Island- approximately 15 minutes from the Falls. Fantasy Island is a really nice amusement park and has much more than 15-20 rides that was posted earlier on this thread. You can definitely spend the day there. It has a great kiddie land and the water park has 2 tall water slides, toddler water slides, a wave pool, and a kiddie pool. We have season's passes and use this weekly. It has a really great roller coaster- the Silver Comet- for older children and adults. The park also has many rides geared for the older kids and adults. They have shows, a western shoot-out, a petting zoo, and a train that goes around the park. There are also many places to have a picnic if you bring a lunch. There is also free parking.

I haven't been to MarineLand in years- we keep saying that we are going each year and never get around to it. Maybe this year!! I remember going when I was a kid and I really liked the roller coaster because it went upside down. The only drawback that I can remember is that it was really spread out and you got really tired of walking.

I would definitely go to the Maid of the Mist on the American Side- you can get a combo ticket that will also get you into Cave of the Winds. I did this for the first time last year and loved it!! I highly recommend it to everyone now!!!

I would stay on the Canadian side because the hotels are much nicer there. They also have one with an indoor water park that is only minutes from the falls. The Seneca Indians just opened a huge Casino on the American side and they built a high rise hotel that I heard is nice but I really don't know what the price is to stay. The rest of the hotels on the American side are dumps from what I hear.

I will keep an eye out for coupons for the "tourist traps" on Clinfton Hill. If you want to PM me, I can give you more info.

Have a great time and I hope I could be somewhat helpful to you!!!