Niagara Falls for the 1st time -HELP!!!

[Tammi67]

Did you have to pay to park there?
Was the free breakfast good?
Could you walk to many things or did you have to drive?

I don't remember, regarding your first 2 questions, but here is a link to reviews on trip advisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...t_Inn_Clifton_Hill-Niagara_Falls_Ontario.html . According to that parking is free. It's just a few blocks walk down the hill to the falls and the falls area attractions. We also drove around and explored a bit.

 

[DISdreamin']

When we went to Niagara Falls, we stayed at Great Wolf Lodge - it's a hike from the falls, but the kids loved it. Us big folks, not so much. That said, we're headed back in January for two nights as the kids just had a blast there!

As far as the drive, I don't know what Mapquest would show, but I'd think about 5 hours or so, of course depending on traffic at the border.

A couple suggestions, depending on the level of interest. First, on the way up if you are driving through Rochester and are up for a stop, there is the Strong National Museum of Play - both my kids LOVED this place! It might not be convenient, but I thought I would mention it if your trip took you up through Syracuse and across the Thruway (not sure it will). Also, in Niagara Falls, my kids really enjoyed the falls themselves. I've also really enjoyed the butterfly conservatory when I went there. The walk along the bottom of the gorge is really nice too, if the weather allows (and free!).

As others have pointed out, NF is fairly pricey when it comes to food and parking, for the most part. If you want a nice treat before you head up, stop by and Anderson's in Buffalo for roast beef sandwiches, curly fries and custard for dessert. Also, don't forget to try the Loganberry drink if you stop - it seems to be a regional drink, and it's yummy and non-carbonated so my kiddos enjoy it. Anderson's is really inexpensive, and one of my favorite treats when visiting western NY!

Hope you have a great time if you decide to go!

 

[Pugsley]

We just stayed at the Comfort Inn last month. It was close enough to walk to almost everything, and what you couldn't walk to you could just hop on the bus. The only things I didn't like are: It's a little farther up the hill than I expected. The walk down to the falls was easy, but the walk back up wasn't much fun. Also, if it is a crowded time, walking up and down Clifton Hill is like walking through WDW at it's busiest times. Some of the time we couldn't fit on the sidewalk and had to walk in the street. There were some delicious looking ice cream places on the street but I couldn't deal with the lines and I STILL regret not getting ice cream. (This was on Labor Day; the next day it was fine.) The hotel was fine; parking was free; breakfast wasn't too exciting - typical Comfort Inn breakfast with cereal, bagels, fruit, hard boiled eggs. They had waffles but they were pre-packaged (not bad though). If I had it to do over I'd probably stay at a hotel with a falls view, but it is a lot more expensive.

The must-dos imo are Maid of the Mist (either side) and Cave of the Winds on the American side.

 

[loveysbydesign]

I don't remember, regarding your first 2 questions, but here is a link to reviews on trip advisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...t_Inn_Clifton_Hill-Niagara_Falls_Ontario.html . According to that parking is free. It's just a few blocks walk down the hill to the falls and the falls area attractions. We also drove around and explored a bit.

Thanks for the link and info!

 

[Tammi67]

Thanks for the link and info!

You're welcome. PM me if you have any other questions. Happy planning!

 

[MonkersMama]

Absolutely UNTRUE that everything is more expensive in Niagara Falls. I live here. I have lived on one side of the border or the other for the past 16 years. If you want less expensive, you simply stay further away from the brink of the falls. The area around the outlet mall (where I live) has new hotels built within the last 6 months, a Holiday Inn Express and...can't think of the other one right now. Both on Niagara Falls Blvd. This is about a 10 minute drive to the falls. The restaurants that are beside the falls are jacked up, but get outside of the tourist areas there is an Applebees, a new Chili's, a terrific Mexican restaurant (very reasonable!) called LaGalera all in the same price ranges you'd find in your own hometown.

As a PP stated, you won't be able to cross the border without passports, but you can still do the Maid of the Mist from the US side, and Goat Island is a great viewing spot for the falls and fireworks. DH just took DS for a hike at Goat Island on Wed night, if you saw "The Office" episode last night - this is where Jim & Pam got married, they filmed around Goat Island.

 

[big_red_s]

'
Do you happen to have a link to the place you stayed at? I googled it but can't find it

The Fyfe & Drum Inn, as far as I can recall, doesn't have a website. I googled "youngstown, ny hotels" and came up with a list: http://www.google.com/search?q=youn...t:*&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1

 

[loveysbydesign]

We just stayed at the Comfort Inn last month. It was close enough to walk to almost everything, and what you couldn't walk to you could just hop on the bus. The only things I didn't like are: It's a little farther up the hill than I expected. The walk down to the falls was easy, but the walk back up wasn't much fun. Also, if it is a crowded time, walking up and down Clifton Hill is like walking through WDW at it's busiest times. Some of the time we couldn't fit on the sidewalk and had to walk in the street. There were some delicious looking ice cream places on the street but I couldn't deal with the lines and I STILL regret not getting ice cream. (This was on Labor Day; the next day it was fine.) The hotel was fine; parking was free; breakfast wasn't too exciting - typical Comfort Inn breakfast with cereal, bagels, fruit, hard boiled eggs. They had waffles but they were pre-packaged (not bad though). If I had it to do over I'd probably stay at a hotel with a falls view, but it is a lot more expensive.

The must-dos imo are Maid of the Mist (either side) and Cave of the Winds on the American side.

Thanks for the review!

 

[big_red_s]

The must-dos imo are Maid of the Mist (either side) and Cave of the Winds on the American side.

I agree.

 

[TIAMOMMA]

We stayed at Comfort Inn last year and was very pleased with the accomodations. Google Betty's Restaurant, delicious and better value for your money, by far our best meal there.

I would also suggest Journey Behind the Falls (big hit with my family) and the Butterfly Conservatory. Unfortunately, my daughter acted as though the butterflies were flying cockroaches and was freaked by the whole experience, but the rest of us thought it was the coolest thing.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

We stayed at the Americana hotel a few years ago. It has a nice water park - you don't have to pay to park- and there is a bus stop right in front of the hotel.

 

[mach5]

From what I understand, kids 16 and under do not need a passport. A birth certificate will do. That's what customs told us last time we crossed over.

 

[Pugsley]

One more thing I can highly recommend...the Mandarin Chinese Buffet which is about a 10 minute drive from the falls. All you can eat of all kinds of Chinese food, shrimp, king crab legs (not available every night), sushi, desserts. It was fantastic and I think around $20pp.

 

[TupperMom7]

Found this passport info!
http://www.nfcourtyard.com/index.php/screen/usvisitorinformation

Thanks! I'm going to pass that website on to my sister.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

We stayed this summer at the Courtyard you posted. We had a good package deal that included a full breakfast. We did have to pay for parking (it wasn't $30, I want to say $15??) It is up the hill from the falls, about a 10-15 minute walk.

I'd be iffy going this time of the year. I'm not sure (?) if they close up the Maid of the Mist boats, but I'd surely not want to be on it getting wet in the cold. Likewise, Journey Behind the Falls (Canadian alternative to Cave of the Winds) is a soggy attraction. (They give you flimsy plastic raincoats but you still get soaked.)

A budget way to see the sights is the Can.. Parks Pass (I think it was Great Gorge Pass). It covers Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, a how the falls was made movie (not that exciting, but interesting), the walk along the Niagara rapids and bus service for 2 days. (Several bus stops along the way to stop at, again, about 10 minutes walk from that hotel.) You also get 1/2 off for several other attractions- we only did the whirlpool aerocar, but that was neat (and only like $4). Get the pass at a AAA office before you go, it's even less expensive!

I don't know that things were necessarily any more expensive than any other touristy area/city. Our hotel included a full breakfast, so we did snacks/light lunch things at a snack bar, then usually drove out of the downtown area (toward Lundy Lane) for suppers. The usual array of fast food/etc places out there that weren't a mint. The Flying Saucer restaurant is fun. They have have an inexpensive breakfast, but were average priced for supper. Unique/fun at any rate.

We also liked Oh Canada, Eh, which is a corny as heck dinner show. It's close to $50 per person, so not budget except if you book online (we did it same day), children under 16 are free! Made it certainly worthwhile for dinner and a show. It's hokey as all get out, but even my 13 year old DS liked it, which is a plus for me!

 

[tlh0726]

from the us dept of state website

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html



ALL PERSONS traveling by land and sea outside of the United States are required to present a passport book/card, or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States.

The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website:

Effective June 1, 2009, all U.S. citizens are now required to present a passport book, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document when entering the United States.
Please Note: Children under age 16 will be able to continue crossing land and sea borders using only a U.S. birth certificate (or other form of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate.). The original birth certificate or a copy may be used. See the Department of Homeland Security's Ready, Set.. Go! for more information on the changing travel requirements.




We always have used the original birth certificates for the kids - never took the chance on a copy
DH grew up in Tonawanda. We always stay close to there visit family and drive over for the day and evening.
Canadian side is much better view.
Pretty chilly up there all ready. MIL complains about it everyday.

 

[luvmickey5374]

Hi! I live in upstate ny about 45 mins from NF. It is very expensive and it used to be not so bad with the exchange rate. Now our money is worth about the same. There are a lot more taxes you have to pay on stuff as well, it's not just one tax when you buy stuff, its 2!! I wouldn't do anything water related at this time of year as it will be COLD!! Theres a ton of stuff to do on Clifton Hill but it can get expensive and because its off season it closes early. We usually stay at Sheraton on the Falls which is directly across the street from the falls and right at the bottom of clifton hill. Since its off season the prices are probably good! There is a Hershey's Store, wax museums, super hero museum and arcade. Lots of fun stuff to see! I WOULD NOT waste your time on the ny side!! It is not a good area, very run down, most businesses are boarded up...it looks like a third worls country!!! It makes us sad everytime we drive through it because there could be so much potential!! Hope you have a great time but if there is anyway you could put it off til nicer weather, you may want to.

 

[hsmamato2]

at AAA before we left,we bought an all inclusive ticket for about 30.00 that got us a Maid of the Mist ride,butterfly place entry and a few other things I can't remember,but it was a good deal! Niagara also has a pretty easy bus system for walkers, we had a cheap hotel back of Clifton hill,walked over the hill to the falls,and took the bus line to see farther away attractions. Maybe the AAA pass was for the bus line too....sorry I'm forgetting

 

[hsmamato2]

oh,also,when we went, there was a nice buffet cafeteria style restaurant right across from the horseshoe falls, it was right near a much more expensive place, very reasonable meals,we ate there every night!

 

[merrily]

We stayed on the American side at Comfort Inn the Point. Nice, close to the falls, free parking and breakfast. There are more touristy things to do on the Canadian side though. We just walked across the bridge to get to Canada. You will need passports and $.50 each to walk back over the bridge. If you get in your car and drive about 10 minutes in NY you can find much cheaper places to eat.