Niagara Falls on a dime?

[angierae]

I live in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. I always recommend to visitors to stay at a hotel as close to the Falls as possible. All of the big chain hotels are near the Fallsview Casino and generally have terrific views of the Falls. My personal favourite is the Embassy Suites. If you stay in one of these larger hotels, they will have their own tour desk. The cost is higher than the Niagara Parks adventure pass, as they take you around on a tour bus. The Wego system is basically visitor/public transportation, and it runs fairly efficiently. Here is a link to the tour offered by the Hilton, https://niagarafallshilton.com/sightseeing/. The Niagara Parks is run by the Province, so everything associated with the NPC is really good. A new attraction just opened last year, http://wildplay.com/niagarafalls/. My family has yet to experience these new attractions. We will wait for some kind of Niagara Falls resident appreciation day, that will eventually happen. In my opinion the best attraction is the Hornblower, previously called the Maid of the Mist. Teens always seem to like the tacky tourist traps on Clifton Hill. Adults with a taste for wine will thoroughly enjoy Niagara On The Lake, https://www.niagaraonthelake.com/. As a friendly reminder, your U.S. currency is currently going for $1.31 Canadian. So there is great value for staying in Canada. Lastly, this July 1st is Canada's 150 birthday. So if you visit at that time, it will be very busy.

We stayed at the Embassy Suites in a Fallsview room and it was amazing!

 

[Jimsig]

One thing to watch out for at some of the hotels is "fees" that can jack up the price of your room. Using the Sheraton Fallsview for example prices start at $199 a night and in the end you pay over $256 a night after they add on taxes plus (a given) and around a $27 a day in total fees.

This is whats listes at the Sheraton Fallsview
Tax Policy:
13 PCT Harmonized Sales Tax

Fee Policy:
5.9% Promotional Fee per night plus Tax

$15.95 CAD daily plus tax, the Resort Fee includes:

• WiFi access with endless devices

• Unlimited long distance calls from your room to anywhere in USA or Canada

• Unlimited local calls

• 2 bottles of complimentary water per day

• In-room Starbucks Coffee & Tazo Teas

• Unlimited access to Sheraton Fitness by EXOS

• Printing of Boarding Passes

• 2 WEGO tickets (this state of the art bus system connects accommodations and tourism attractions throughout the City of Niagara Falls and Niagara Parks – 24-hour - retail value $14

• E-Family portrait at Hershey Chocolate World

• A sampling for 2 at Niagara Brewing Company

It's ok if you are going to use those things but adds up quickly if you are not. I'm not exactly sure what a "5.9% Promotional Fee per night plus Tax" is. Sounds like, 'hey we are giving you a promotional rate but charging you a few for it" IMO.

 

[bababear_50]

Here is a Link to the Fireworks schedule
It is a lovely way to end the day.
Pop some popcorn in your room ,grab some water bottles and head out for
a fun show.
Hugs Mel

https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/fireworks/#/gallery/recent

I have not done this but reviews say it good.
Falls Illuminations cruise

 

[bababear_50]

Wow, I learned something. I had no idea that there were Hershey's Chocolate World's outside of Hershey, PA (which we frequent as Hersheypark season passholders). I see there is one on the Strip in Vegas. I'll have to check it out while we are there this weekend.

I have to admit the Fudge they have there is a weakness with me.
Hugs Mel

 

[misse336]

Here is a Link to the Fireworks schedule
It is a lovely way to end the day.
Hugs Mel

https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/fireworks/#/gallery/recent


Falls Illuminations cruise

So it looks like they aren't having fireworks the Friday (June 9th) we'll be there according to that schedule.

I was going my this one when I scheduled everything and I can't change it now. Kind of disappointed we'll miss them as I would have planned a later trip had I known.
https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/attractions-and-tours/fireworks

 

[bababear_50]

So it looks like they aren't having fireworks the Friday (June 9th) we'll be there according to that schedule.

I was going my this one when I scheduled everything and I can't change it now. Kind of disappointed we'll miss them as I would have planned a later trip had I known.
https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/attractions-and-tours/fireworks

Hi Hon
Well I hope my schedule is wrong Hon,so sorry.
I know last year they were every Fri night in the summer months.
I wonder if there is a way to find out for sure,
I just emailed the Niagara Parks commision ,,I will let you know what they say(I quoted both our links). I specifically asked about Fri June 9th.
Hugs Mel

Link to Niagara parks
https://www.niagaraparks.com/
go to contact us.

 

[misse336]

Hi Hon
Well I hope my schedule is wrong Hon,so sorry.
I know last year they were every Fri night in the summer months.
I wonder if there is a way to find out for sure,
I just emailed the Niagara Parks commision ,,I will let you know what they say(I quote both our links). I specifically asked about Fri June 9th.
Hugs Mel

Link to Niagara parks
https://www.niagaraparks.com/
go to contact us.

Wow, thanks for looking into it. If you don't hear back, I'll email them too. Really hoping that it's the Friday I'm there.

 

[pigletto]

Love DiCamillo's!

That's a good tip about cell phones. It's easy for your phone to get confused about which country it's in. I've definitely been on the Rogers network without entering Canada at all. I've heard you can call your carrier, and they will normally reverse charges... fortunately, I haven't had to test it. Also, T-Mobile gives free texting and low speed data in Canada. Probably double check that before you go crazy, though! That could really run up the bill if it's changed.

This is an issue for us on our side too. We live very close to the border and when driving the Niagara parkway on the Canadian side I've been hit with roaming fees a bunch of times. They do reverse them quickly, but imagine how annoying for anyone who lives too close to the river.

OP.. go to Niagara on the Lake. It's a beautiful little town, and just walking around and browsing the shops or stopping for an ice cream in inexpensive and worth a few hours. You travel the Niagara Parkway for 20 minutes or so to get there from the Falls and it's a beautiful drive. There are bike/walking paths as well so I'd even see if you could rent bikes to do it. Plenty of places to stop and see the gorgeous view along the way. Queenston Heights park is my favourite park in the region, and a wonderful place for a picnic.

 

[ronandannette]

Marineland!!
http://www.marineland.ca/mobile/

 

[kathy884]

Make your stay as short and possible and decide what you are going to do ahead of time and stick go that. It's a lot of fun, but there are so many tourist trap things that look like they are fun to do and each one seems to cost about $30 pp. // With the exception of the falls it really and truly is a tourist trap place big time.

 

[bababear_50]

Wow, thanks for looking into it. If you don't hear back, I'll email them too. Really hoping that it's the Friday I'm there.

Hi Misse336
Fireworks update email

Hello,


Unfortunately, there are no Fireworks displays scheduled for June 9. The Falls Fireworks series (the Fireworks display that takes places over Niagara Falls) will be running on a Monday – Friday schedule beginning on June 12. The dates listed on Niagara Falls’ State Park’s website are incorrect.


You can find updated info on the Fireworks display on our website: https://www.niagaraparks.com/events/event/niagara-falls-fireworks-series/

Thank you for writing to beautiful Niagara Parks.

Your purchases help great things happen! Every dollar you spend with us helps protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River. Niagara Parks has operated without tax dollars since 1885.


The Niagara Parks Commission
P.O. Box 150, 7400 Portage Road
Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 6T2, Canada
Tel: 905.356.2241 | Toll Free: 1 (877) 642.7275
Fax: 905.356.9237 | npinfo@niagaraparks.com
www.niagaraparks.com

 

[misse336]

That is what I was afraid of. Thanks for checking for me. At least we'll get to see it lit up at night.

Hi Misse336
Fireworks update email

Hello,


Unfortunately, there are no Fireworks displays scheduled for June 9. The Falls Fireworks series (the Fireworks display that takes places over Niagara Falls) will be running on a Monday – Friday schedule beginning on June 12. The dates listed on Niagara Falls’ State Park’s website are incorrect.


You can find updated info on the Fireworks display on our website: https://www.niagaraparks.com/events/event/niagara-falls-fireworks-series/

Thank you for writing to beautiful Niagara Parks.

Your purchases help great things happen! Every dollar you spend with us helps protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River. Niagara Parks has operated without tax dollars since 1885.


The Niagara Parks Commission
P.O. Box 150, 7400 Portage Road
Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 6T2, Canada
Tel: 905.356.2241 | Toll Free: 1 (877) 642.7275
Fax: 905.356.9237 | npinfo@niagaraparks.com
www.niagaraparks.com

Hi Misse336
Fireworks update email

Hello,


Unfortunately, there are no Fireworks displays scheduled for June 9. The Falls Fireworks series (the Fireworks display that takes places over Niagara Falls) will be running on a Monday – Friday schedule beginning on June 12. The dates listed on Niagara Falls’ State Park’s website are incorrect.


You can find updated info on the Fireworks display on our website: https://www.niagaraparks.com/events/event/niagara-falls-fireworks-series/

Thank you for writing to beautiful Niagara Parks.

Your purchases help great things happen! Every dollar you spend with us helps protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River. Niagara Parks has operated without tax dollars since 1885.


The Niagara Parks Commission
P.O. Box 150, 7400 Portage Road
Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 6T2, Canada
Tel: 905.356.2241 | Toll Free: 1 (877) 642.7275
Fax: 905.356.9237 | npinfo@niagaraparks.com
www.niagaraparks.com

 

[misse336]

Any recommendations for good/inexpensive places to eat on the Canadian side close to the falls? I've been reading different threads and reviews online and many of the reviews/posts say that the food is very expensive or not very good at many of the restaurants. I will be there with my 3 kids so we aren't looking for something super fancy, just nice and hopefully not too expensive.

 

[Gitts2008]

Also, be mindful of roaming charges. I highly recommend that you eat at Tim Horton's and try Smoke's Poutine. Both can be found on the Canadian side. If you do venture on the American side, Goat Island is nice. Everyone suggested the Canadian side to us but I really like the America side better. I was able to stand 6 feet from the falls on the sidewalk. Be mindful of parking fee's. We usually park on the street for quick visits and pay the meter. My daughter's BF is Canadian so we are up there often. Fort Niagara is also nice and a short drive from the falls. Check Groupon for deals. I found that everything is expensive in a tourist area. The Sheraton on the American side has TGI Fridays and a Starbucks. The Days Inn on the American side has a nice restaurant. Again, look for coupons. You can find coupons along the highways at rest stops. I did the boat tour and did not like it It was very wet. Have a fabulous trip.

 

[Jimsig]

On the Canadian side there is a Perkins http://www.perkinsrestaurants.com/ near the Sheraton Fallsview. The front desk of our hotel recommended the Flying Saucer Restaurant, a couple miles from the Falls, for breakfast and it was very good. http://www.flyingsaucerrestaurant.com/ The further from the falls the cheaper things get of course.

We found that we were able to get AT&T on the Canadian side within a block or so of the falls. Once you went any further the cell phones would switch over to Rodgers or Tellus so we would then switch to airplane mode.

 

[Tikitoi]

Hi
We visit Niagara Falls regularly-1/2 hour drive from our home.
You will be coming at a peak tourist seasons so a lot of crowds and higher prices.
I am currently planning a 3/4 day stay for next Christmas. "Deck Halls in Niagara Falls"

Paramount Foods is our go to place for good food.
https://www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com/dining/business/paramount-fine-foods

Tim Hortons is good for a inexpensive quick morning sandwich and coffee/Tea.
OR lunch sandwich/wrap and ice coffee.

Wendys
https://www.cliftonhill.com/restaurants/wendys-restaurant

Kelseys Bar /Grill
https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/eat/casual-dining/kelseys-bar-grill/

Try Groupon for deals
https://www.groupon.com/local/niaga...ource=rvs&utm_medium=afl&utm_campaign=7599938

Niagara Butterfly conservatory

https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/butterfly-conservatory

Hersheys Chocolate World
https://hersheyschocolateworldniagarafalls.ca/

My kids love the Indoor Water Park
https://www.fallsviewwaterpark.com/?utm_source=Google+Adwords&utm_medium=Waterpark&refid=2623

Always refreshing Coke shop
https://www.niagarafallshotels.com/niagara-falls-attraction/always-refreshing-soda-shop/

Rainforest Cafe Niagara Falls
https://niagarafallsrainforestcafe.com/

(pack lots of water/juice/snacks as the area stores and hotels charge quite a premium for these things).

Have Fun planning
Hugs Mel

Ahh memories...But also the Anchor Bar that is located on the American side is worth a stop if you're looking for some delish wings...

 

[LilTinkFan]

We are now looking at first of August. Thanks for all the tips!

 

[rigs32]

I second the recommendation of Smoke's Poutinerie. We ordered two larges to split among 5 adults and it was enough for us.

If you want to eat on the cheap before entering Canada, stop by Ted's for the best charcoal grilled hotdogs. Their onion rings are more like a blooming onion. Or stop by Anderson's for custard.

If you choose to go up the Skylon Tower, go right before sunset so you can see everything in daylight, capture the sunset, and then the falls as they are lit up. We spent an hour or more up there for our $12 CAD, but I was also with a bunch of photographers (professional and amateur).

It is possible to go to the bar inside the revolving restaurant for drinks, too.

I have Verizon and I pay $2/day to use my normal phone plan when in Canada. I caught so many pokemon that day, it was well worth the $2.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Bumping this for myself to read later - we are booked for a late spring 2018 3 day trip...I'm planning to hit the NY side on the drive in (kids want to see the power plant, unless that's a fail) and then enjoy Canada for 3 nights...

 

[connie254]

We stayed at Sheraton on the Canadian side twice. First time I opted for the cheaper room. The room was right next to the conference room and the fake window looked right into the conference room itself. Opt for the fallsview room if you stay there. That room includes a sitting area with a fireplace. And we asked about obtaining a third WEGO ticket for my son-gave it to us without charging. If we go again, I would stay at the hotels just on the top of Clifton Hill. You can have a picnic in the park on the Canadian side so we will probably get a lunch to go somewhere close. We did walk from the bridge all the way to where the Horseshoe Falls starts-nice even walk and if there is a breeze, you can cool off with the mist.