I have yet ANOTHER question.... we have the option to use the free shuttle from our hotel (Embassy Suites) in Niagara falls. Would you use it, walk or drive? Is it better to use it for some things and not others? How difficult is it to take a stroller on? Looking at our itinerary, what do you suggest on getting to each place?
June 25th Monday- Niagara Reservation Park, LUNCH Picnic Prospect Point, Terrapin Point, Three Sisters Island, Goat Island (Cave of the Winds) DINNER Zappis Pizza
Aero Car (9:00-8:00, last ticket sold at 7:30), Cliffton Hill, Laser maze, Laser Tag, Captain Jacks mini golf The Cliffton Hill stuff is free with our package, if we don't get to it, we won't be worried. Skywheel (MAYBE), Dave & Busters (for games, we are getting a free $100 card with our hotel deal, we may do some of this the next day)
June 26th Tuesday- Maid of the Mist, Table Rock, Journey Behind the Falls White Water Board Walk, LUNCH Picnic Queen Victoria Park, DINNER/Magic show @ 6:30/8:00-10
First off- LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Embassy Suites! We have stayed many times and are still awestruck by the view of the falls from our room. (I'll post some pictures this weekend). Definitely worth the extra $20 or so for the fallsview room upgrade. We love the complimentary breakfast and the view from The Keg restaurant. The only negative thing about Embassy is that they only offer valet parking and charge $20 and $30 a night for it. Their parking lot is not on site, it's a few blocks away. You can't just run to the car to get something and you'll have to wait at least a few minutes for them to retrieve your car each time you want to drive somewhere.
Regarding June 25, everything before dinner is on the U.S. side, you'll need your car and I would bring the stroller. IMO The American side is more scenic, it's a state park next to the falls. It's really pretty, lots of great photo ops.
I don't know where Zappi's Pizza is, but for Clifton Hill I would take the shuttle. Clifton Hill is really busy even during off times. Lots of people and lots of things to do! Parking can be expensive ($20!) and sometimes difficult to find. We've used the shuttle and found it to be reliable and easier than worrying about parking. The buses they use are like the Magical Express-comfy high backed seats, not like a typical city bus. They share the shuttle with other hotels in the area, but we've never had a problem getting seats.
If you are going to anything on Lundy's Lane you will find free parking near most restaurants and businesses. Lundy's Lane is great if you are looking for fast food, a grocery store or Swiss Chalet chicken
. It's not too far from the Fallsview area that you're staying, maybe 2 miles. It's a little more residential and commercial than touristy.
You can board The Maid of the Mist either the U.S. or Canadian side. They take parallel routes, but the U.S. side is cheaper. Even with the rain ponchos they give you, you are probably going to get wet. We usually wear
Crocs so we're not dealing with wet shoes.
Regarding your June 26 schedule, I haven't actually done any of those (other than the Maid of the Mist), so I can't offer any advice.
Some other things to consider:
*If you have a credit card that doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee, bring it! Most cards charge 1-3% on each purchase in Canada.
*If you need to purchase gas, buy it on the American side-much less expensive.
*Crossing the bridge generally takes between 10-45 minutes depending on traffic. The really long waits usually come on holiday weekends.
*Canadian ice cream is yummy!
*You can walk across the Rainbow Bridge. It's pedestrian friendly and you get a great view of the falls. Remember to bring passports and birth certificates. I'm pretty sure it's just 50 cents per person, only when entering U.S.
*The customs inspectors are usually all business and not too friendly. Oh well, just doing their jobs I guess.
