Niagara 2015

[buffalogirl]

I also recommend you spend an afternoon Canalside on Buffalo's waterfront. It's about 30 minutes from Niagara Falls. The past few years there have been many improvements. It's family-friendly and fun!

http://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/things-to-do/canalside/

 

[chevblazer02]

Def stay on the Canadian Side, US side is pretty bad unfortunately. Hate to say it as I am from New York State.

I'm about 3.5 hrs out of Niagara Falls so we go quite frequently so I'll give my recommendations like most have done.....


US Side
-New York State Park at the Falls
-Cave of the Winds (best attraction in all of NF, US or Canada)
-The Aquarium is alright

Canadian Side
-Jet Boat (on both sides actually)
-Maid of the Mist (both sides)
-White Water walk is so so
-Butterfly Conservatory - Awesome for kids

 

[elaine amj]

I also like the Sheraton Fallsview - its connected to the waterpark there which is fun for the kids. Clifton Hills is tacky tourist FUN! Oh and I really loved the "Oh Canada Eh" dinner show. I thought they did a fabulous job (in a Hoop Dee Doo kinda way). I would totally do it again (waiting for the right tourist to visit me - I end up back at the Falls with visiting family/friends every once in a while). Niagara on the Lake has a fabulous wine region and a very charming touristy town with plenty of shopping. I like sampling jams

I actually find the package deals are often good deals. Not always - so u have to pay attention. They are much better in the offseason. Avoid the Dennys - super overpriced.

If u want to go to the Falls in the summer, do book early and expect to pay more. The major hotels on Clifton Street or with Fallsview can and do sell out. My coworker had a hard time finding a hotel last summer (of course, she wanted pretty much on Clifton Street and 3 star or better). She ended up having to pull a string or two. There are lots of decent motels surrounding the area that are fine, if a slightly longer walk.

Also, try to do the Maid of the Mist as early in the morning as possible. On summer weekends, I think a 1 hr lineup is typical from late morning onwards.

For someone doing the Falls on a very tight budget, one summer, we stayed at the local college - in their residence 2 bedroom apartments. Adequate and clean (if sparse) with free continental breakfast and use of their (very nice) gas bbq for dinner. All for $60.

 

[Angel Ariel]

A few years back we got passports for our Disney cruise. This year we want to use them for a brief trip to Niagara Falls while DS12's is still valid. We're in the NE, so travel is not a big deal. Not sure where to stay. As long as we're going to do it, I think we'd like a hotel with a falls view. Is this just Canada ? Its been far too many years since I was there as a kid, so the only attraction that comes immediately to mind is The Maid of The Mist. Wondering what my fellow DISers can tell me about Niagara in the 21st century. Where to stay. What to see. Fill me in.

Forgive me, but I didn't see it posted (I could have missed it) - what time of year are you going to the Falls?

I grew up about 20 mins from the Falls and still visit frequently. I have some thoughts, but they're dependent on what time of year you're going

 

[dpswift]

The Canadian side is beautiful and there is lots to do. As in any resort area everything is super expensive. Figure a budget and then add more.

I love seeing the falls at night. The attraction package deal is a great idea.

Also either before or after your trip take some time to explore the American side it is so worth it. I have been to the Falls many times and did not explore the American side until our last trip.

 

[pigletto]

Definitely stay on the Canadian side IMO. Born and raised there. If you check Groupon Getaways there are ton of good deals. I also highly recommend going to Niagara on the Lake. The drive down the parkway is beautiful and it is a lovely little town to wander around for an afternoon.

 

[rramsr]

How many days do you think is a good amount to visit?

 

[v.t.]

Our kids loved the Cave of the Winds on the American side.
We also went to eat at The Silo, in Lewiston, NY. It was featured on Man vs. Food, yum!

 

[alohamom]

I am not going to slam any particular hotel but it is wise to Google Bedbugs and Niagara Falls before you book anything.

 

[okstate_angel]

we stayed the weekend between Christmas and New Years at the Marriott that was not the Fallsview but was the Gateway and had a great time. The 2 marriotts are very close to each other and I don't think you could go wrong with either.

We splurged and did a really nice room so it was pricier than we normally pay but it did come with the free breakfast (which was buffet and really good with an omelet station) and a $25 gift cert for their restaurant and a wine tour. Our room had an amazing view and was actually a 2 story loft and I think we paid just under $200 CAD. We will do that again in the summer and take our kiddo next time. this was just a weekend getaway to check it out. I'd post pictures if i had a clue how

 

[solfan68]

Forgive me, but I didn't see it posted (I could have missed it) - what time of year are you going to the Falls?

I grew up about 20 mins from the Falls and still visit frequently. I have some thoughts, but they're dependent on what time of year you're going

Wow. Thanks so much to EVERYONE for their thoughts on this. Those pictures really whet my appetite to get this thing booked.

Although we haven't set a date, we will likely try to do this trip in early June just after my teacher-wife and DS have finished up for the school year. Also looking at mid-week in hopes of slightly better rates. Keep the thoughts coming folks. I've sharpened my pencil and I'm taking lots of notes.

 

[elaine amj]

Mid-week is so much better - for crowds and for hotel rates. NF is very much a weekend getaway type of destination