Niagara Falls help

[Good Ol Gal]

My MIL is coming for a visit (this is a good thing ) and she's bringing two of our nieces, 12 & 13.

They live in CA and have only been to CA and Mexico. We are thinking of planning a trip to Niagara Falls but I need help on where to stay!!

We would be going in less than 3 weeks so I need to get the planning started.

Does anyone have any good suggestions?

This is an unplanned trip, so I would prefer NOT to break the bank. We'd have to get two rooms, and we'll have to drive two cars.

My dh would feel better if we stayed on the NY side so we don't have to worry about passports/birth certificates, but over on the community board they've suggested that I head over hear b/c the Canadian side is sooo much nicer!

Do you need passports now? I can't seem to find that in all the sites I've looked at

Any suggestions on attractions? We would like to take them on the Maid of the Mist.

thanks :

 

[SherylR]

there's much more to do.
We're regular visitors of the Falls and it changes every year!
We tend to say at the Comfort Inn on Clifton Hill. It's not fancy, but it's clean, reasonably priced, includes a nice breakfast and has a good pool. The parking is free and your centrally located to a lot of attractions.

Cool things to do?
The Aviary
The Butterfly Conservatory
Skylon Tower
There's a new giant ferris wheel on Clifton Hill now but I haven't been on it
Behind the Falls
Maid of the Mist
Clifton Hill is always interesting! Kind of a tourist trap but there's no law that says you HAVE to spend money!

Meals tend to get pricey. We often take a big cooler of food but if you're going over the border, I'm not sure what the restrictions are for food coming from the US to Canada.
There's a great spot we always picnic at called Dufferin Islands. It's just about a mile down the road from the Falls.

Have a wonderful time!
Edited to add that NO, you don't need passports to drive into Canada (yet!).

 

[mtry]

http://www.fallsviewwaterpark.com/hotels
Here are 3 hotels all connecting to an indoor water park. Considering the ages of the kids I'd bet they would like this. These hotels are within walking distance to the falls. Have fun!

 

[sean-1966]

The farther you are from the Falls the cheaper it is. There are some nice hotels along Lundys Lane. Things are really slow down there right now. You might be able to get a deal. No passports are needed as long as you are driving across the border. No restrictions bringing food across. Again the farther you are from the Falls the cheaper the food will be. Niagara on the Lake is nice for a day trip. There is a great Henry the Eighth dinner at the Buttery. Good for a laugh. Any other questions PM me.

 

[buffalogirl]

Canadian side is definitely more "touristy". No passports needed yet, just birth certificates for everyone and another form of I.D. for adults (driver's license). Lots of nice hotels in the "Fallsview" area. N.F. Canada hotels charge daily parking fee (not always disclosed when quoting rates-be sure to ask).

We live about 20 minutes from N.F., so we take lots of day trips with the kids. We enjoy walking over the Rainbow Bridge between Canada and the U.S. It's a pleasant walk on a very pedestrian-friendly bridge. Great views of the falls. Bring proof of citizenship, quarters for the toll and a camera to take pictures. There's a plaque marking the Canadian/U.S. border, we usually have one child stand in each country for pictures.

N.F. is quite popular from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.

 

[Good Ol Gal]

ok, so the Canadian side it is then!

Now, I just have to figure out where the heck we're going to stay!

 

[Hug the Mouse]

This link should provide all the info you need

http://niagaratourism.com/

Enjoy your visit. Be sure to stand next to the rail at the brink of the falls...awe inspiring!!!

 

[Scornelius]

The farther you are from the Falls the cheaper it is. There are some nice hotels along Lundys Lane. Things are really slow down there right now. You might be able to get a deal. No passports are needed as long as you are driving across the border. No restrictions bringing food across. Again the farther you are from the Falls the cheaper the food will be. Niagara on the Lake is nice for a day trip. There is a great Henry the Eighth dinner at the Buttery. Good for a laugh. Any other questions PM me.

Actually, this isn't completely true. There are some restrictions, of which the enforcement is completely arbitrary. Sometimes you can bring a cooler full of stuff, including fruits and veggies, and sometimes they'll confiscate it at the border. DH's family lives right by the Windsor/Detroit border, and what we're allowed to bring back with us when we cross over varies from trip to trip. I know this isn't completely helpful, since I'm not giving you a cut and dried answer, but I just don't want you to fill a cooler full of goodies and lose it at the border! (This has happened to several people I know!) Fruits and veggies are often a no-no, as can be meat.

As for things to do in Niagara, I second the recommendation for the Butterfly Conservatory. It's quite lovely.
There's also an IMAX theatre that shows an amazing movie about the history and legends of the Falls. It's absolutely incredible, and I'd say it's definitely worth a visit.
I hope you have a terrific time!!

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Once you get to a hotel the brochure rack will be filled to capacity with tourist attraction information and discount coupons.

In the meanwhile, call 1-800-ONTARIO and they'll mail you a province map and other information for the Niagara Falls area. I believe they can also make hotel reservations for you, searching options in your price range.

BobK/Orlando

PS - If you like buffalo wings, be sure to stop by for lunch or dinner at the Anchor Bar in nearby Buffalo......where buffalo wings were invented!

 

[aGoofyMom]

I will chime in on the Butterflies too! Excellent & Maid of the Mist of course! Don't fall for the catchy jingle for Marineland - not worth what they charge.
DH & I stayed at the Americana a few years back. I have driven by since & would stay there again but I don't know their rates - they were putting in a water slide when we stayed so they have likely gone up. If you happen to be in the area of the Floral Clock it is a good place to stretch your legs & snap a picture, but not completely worthy of being a destination for you.

I will also recommend the Flying Saucer restaurant for a good "burger" style dinner. They are mentioned on the above Niagara Tourism web site.
Have a good trip.