Niagara Falls, Ontario

[Ngwira]

You can walk to the Rom from the hotel, it's a bit of a hike but you could leave the car where it is. You know that the best place to park for the Sheraton is under Nathan Phillips square? It is way cheaper.

Yes! I have printed out the specific garage. It's $15 Canadian a night! Hotel is $38!

 

[Ngwira]

So are you staying at the Four Points in St. Catharines or in Niagara Falls? Right now I'm looking on Groupon for hotels and I see both listed. St. Catharines is from $146 a night; Niagara Falls is from $177 a night.

Are you going to Canada THIS month?

 

[Ngwira]

You can walk to the Rom from the hotel, it's a bit of a hike but you could leave the car where it is. You know that the best place to park for the Sheraton is under Nathan Phillips square? It is way cheaper.

Anywhere good and cheap places to park at the ROM? How far is a hike?

 

[Narnia_girl]

Are you going to Canada THIS month?

No, second or third week of July.

 

[jevs]

Hi everyone,

Just read all 11 pages...

Thanks for the info and coupons..

Have a few questions..

I am from Australia so our exchange rate is horrible for Canada dollars and USA dollars....

So if I need to book the Clifton hill pass or the horn blower cruise, where can I get it...
People mentioned aaa but I don't think I can buy from there Costco I can't either...

So is there any suggestions for me..

We are arriving in Toronto on the 27th of June at about 8pm after a very long flight so I think that will be a write off of a night..
Might eat and sleep as this is the start of a five week trip...
Then the next day we have a day to discover Toronto, any suggestions would like to do touristy things related to Toronto...
Then the next day we are going to head to niagaria falls not sure how yet... We are a party of seven so either train or bus or something not sure yet.... Happy for suggestion and how long it will take...
Then spend the day doing all the touristy things boat cruise and behind the falls... Any suggestions happy to hear...
Also any coupons or places to get discounts happy to receive...
We are staying at Sheraton on the falls in Clifton hill, believe it's central...
Then the next day we are free to either look around again or start heading to buffalo airport
We fly out at 6pm
So we can head to the American side and look around there or stay on the Canadian side and just head to the airport later... But have read that the American side has another good tour...
If any one has coupons or discount suggestion happy yet again...
(Only thing is luggage what would we do with them if we go on a tour)
Is it realistic to drop off luggage at the airport then head back to the falls American side... I have no concept of distance and time frame it takes...
From buffalo we head to New York....

Would love to hear any suggestions and things to do for first timers we are a party of 7, 4 adults and 3 children (8,10,12) we really don't need theme parks or water parks as we are spending 16 nights in Orlando doing that there...
We want to do things that are interesting to do there and embrace the country...

Look forward to reading everything and I thank you in advance...

One CAD = $1.05 at the moment ie. today.

 

[NinaBella]

I checked with my banks: USAA and Navy Federal and neither of them exchange currency. A close friend works at Tampa Postal and they do not exchange money either. So I checked the foreign transaction fee and it's 1% with USAA and Navy Federal. Funny, I lived overseas for close to 6 years and had USAA and Navy Federal and never cared about the foreign transaction fee before. But reading the board, I just thought I would check. I have had my card compromised before and USAA does an outstanding job when cards are compromised, but I think for this trip I will just transfer money to Navy Federal and use that card. I do not use that checking account for anything. I just have a small loan (really my son's loan under my name) with them right now. So if the Navy Federal card is compromised, then there is less funds in the account to have to worry about someone taking.

Any other suggestions on where to exchange money? I am not too concerned with it. We typically are not the type to carry cash, but some cash on hand would be nice. I read there is a toll for the bridges? So I need coins for that? I am glad I read that because I wouldn't have had US or Canadian cash on hand. In Florida, I have a sunpass for driving tolls.

 

[sk8jdgca]

Anywhere good and cheap places to park at the ROM? How far is a hike?

From the Sheraton, turn right off of Queen and head north onto university, turn right onto Bloor. Just across from the ROM before you pass the Intercontinental, you will see a green P sign on the left, turn down that side road, parking on right.

Bloor is 4 major intersection (or subway stops) north of Queen.

 

[sk8jdgca]

This is a good website as it shows you current wait times for all the Niagara bridges

The toll on the Peace bridge is $3usd or $4cad.

Just another hint, check with your mobile phone company about coverage in Canada.

There are no other cash toll roads in Ontario. The 407 is a toll but they mail the bill to you

 

[Ngwira]

One CAD = $1.05 at the moment ie. today.

wow..really? It dropped 25 cents in a few days?

 

[Ngwira]

From the Sheraton, turn right off of Queen and head north onto university, turn right onto Bloor. Just across from the ROM before you pass the Intercontinental, you will see a green P sign on the left, turn down that side road, parking on right.

Bloor is 4 major intersection (or subway stops) north of Queen.

Thank you!

 

[buffalogirl]

I checked with my banks: USAA and Navy Federal and neither of them exchange currency. A close friend works at Tampa Postal and they do not exchange money either. So I checked the foreign transaction fee and it's 1% with USAA and Navy Federal. Funny, I lived overseas for close to 6 years and had USAA and Navy Federal and never cared about the foreign transaction fee before. But reading the board, I just thought I would check. I have had my card compromised before and USAA does an outstanding job when cards are compromised, but I think for this trip I will just transfer money to Navy Federal and use that card. I do not use that checking account for anything. I just have a small loan (really my son's loan under my name) with them right now. So if the Navy Federal card is compromised, then there is less funds in the account to have to worry about someone taking.

Any other suggestions on where to exchange money? I am not too concerned with it. We typically are not the type to carry cash, but some cash on hand would be nice. I read there is a toll for the bridges? So I need coins for that? I am glad I read that because I wouldn't have had US or Canadian cash on hand. In Florida, I have a sunpass for driving tolls.

Regarding the bridge tolls- if you are traveling by car over the Rainbow Bridge, the cost is $3.50 US or $4.75 CDN. If walking, it is 50 cents per person round trip (I've always used US quarters, not sure if the rate is different for CDN) Most places in Niagara Falls Canada will accept US currency, but you will get a more favorable rate if you use a credit card or exchange your cash at a bank or currency exchange service before. There are lots of places to exchange your currency. Some of the places we've used include a currency exchange booth just beyond customs, Canadian Banks on Lundy's Lane, 5743 Victoria Ave at Clifton Hill and the casinos.

 

[jevs]

wow..really? It dropped 25 cents in a few days?

Oops, no that was for CAD to AUD, sorry!

 

[Eureka]

wow..really? It dropped 25 cents in a few days?

I think that's Australian dollars not American.

 

[NinaBella]

Do you think the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass can be shared?

I am tempted to buy 3 of the Plus pass for my family. But I don't care about Niagara's Fury, so can my sister-in-law and her husband use those? Also, the two-day incline railway I would want sister-in-law to use as the steps would e hard for her, but my family would have no problem walking up anywhere. I don't think it would be a problem, but does anyone know for sure. So far, I have purchased the Firework Cruise in my names for everyone in our group but we are all getting on together on the same boat. We are still up in the air on our niece coming with the two younger girls. I think they will end up coming, but until we know for sure, she says not to buy tickets for them (I did buy the firework cruise before it sold out).


Editing to add, if I can, I think splitting the tickets up like this will work for us:

MY Family 1: My family of 4 (youngest is 13 so all adult prices)

Sister-in-Law: Family 2: SIL, SIL DH. Some challenges climbing stairs and walking long distance.

Niece Family 3: DN, DGN who is 7, DGN who is 4 and free at most places. Niece husband can’t come now as he is providing daily medical care to his dad who is terminally ill. Niece is also waiting from confirmation from her employer that she has approved vacation. She recently started a new job... so she says not to buy any tickets for her yet.

---- Niagara Falls Adventure Pass - PLUS ---
http://www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-deals/



Hornblower Niagara Cruise - My family of 4 – others purchase separately

Journey Behind the Falls – My family of 4. I don’t think the others will care about this.

Whirlpool Aero Car – SIL, SIL DH, DN, DGN, under 4

White Water Walk – My family of 4.

Butterfly Conservatory – Me, SIL, DN, DGN, under 4 (girl group)

Floral Showhouse - Me, SIL, DN, DGN, under 4 (girl group)

Niagara’s Fury – My DH, SIL DH, My DS (guy group - 1 ticket not used)

Two-day WEGO Access (My family of 4 – others purchase separately)

Two-day Falls Incline Railway – SIL, SIL DH, DN, DGN, under 4

 

[findmewdw]

As far as I can tell the full price cost on the Niagara Falls website for the Adventure Classic is $55 for adults and $37 for kids.

On Sam's Club it's $42.04 for adults and $28.26 for kids. Plus on Sam's Club I'd get Swagbucks or other cash back for booking through them.

My AAA doesn't offer Niagara discounts for some reason.

My AAA doesn't offer Niagara discounts, either. In looking at the Adventure Pass on Sam's Club it includes this:
Admission to: Journey Behind the Falls, Maid of the Mist, Niagara’s Fury and White Water Walk. Plus Bonus coupons for discounts to: Butterfly Conservatory, Whirlpool Aero Car, Sir Adam Beck Power Tour and 1812 Heritage Sites.
On the Sam's Club site, I put Ontario, but this is the only pass that shows. It has Maid of the Mist instead of the Hornblower Cruise. Narnia_girl, did you purchase this pass? Did the voucher list Hornblower? To my understanding Maid of the Mist is from the US side.

 

[Ngwira]

Do you think the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass can be shared?

I am tempted to buy 3 of the Plus pass for my family. But I don't care about Niagara's Fury, so can my sister-in-law and her husband use those? Also, the two-day incline railway I would want sister-in-law to use as the steps would e hard for her, but my family would have no problem walking up anywhere. I don't think it would be a problem, but does anyone know for sure. So far, I have purchased the Firework Cruise in my names for everyone in our group but we are all getting on together on the same boat. We are still up in the air on our niece coming with the two younger girls. I think they will end up coming, but until we know for sure, she says not to buy tickets for them (I did buy the firework cruise before it sold out).


Editing to add, if I can, I think splitting the tickets up like this will work for us:

MY Family 1: My family of 4 (youngest is 13 so all adult prices)

Sister-in-Law: Family 2: SIL, SIL DH. Some challenges climbing stairs and walking long distance.

Niece Family 3: DN, DGN who is 7, DGN who is 4 and free at most places. Niece husband can’t come now as he is providing daily medical care to his dad who is terminally ill. Niece is also waiting from confirmation from her employer that she has approved vacation. She recently started a new job... so she says not to buy any tickets for her yet.

---- Niagara Falls Adventure Pass - PLUS ---
http://www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-deals/



Hornblower Niagara Cruise - My family of 4 – others purchase separately

Journey Behind the Falls – My family of 4. I don’t think the others will care about this.

Whirlpool Aero Car – SIL, SIL DH, DN, DGN, under 4

White Water Walk – My family of 4.

Butterfly Conservatory – Me, SIL, DN, DGN, under 4 (girl group)

Floral Showhouse - Me, SIL, DN, DGN, under 4 (girl group)

Niagara’s Fury – My DH, SIL DH, My DS (guy group - 1 ticket not used)

Two-day WEGO Access (My family of 4 – others purchase separately)

Two-day Falls Incline Railway – SIL, SIL DH, DN, DGN, under 4

That's a good question, hope someone answers.

 

[Narnia_girl]

My AAA doesn't offer Niagara discounts, either. In looking at the Adventure Pass on Sam's Club it includes this:
Admission to: Journey Behind the Falls, Maid of the Mist, Niagara’s Fury and White Water Walk. Plus Bonus coupons for discounts to: Butterfly Conservatory, Whirlpool Aero Car, Sir Adam Beck Power Tour and 1812 Heritage Sites.
On the Sam's Club site, I put Ontario, but this is the only pass that shows. It has Maid of the Mist instead of the Hornblower Cruise. Narnia_girl, did you purchase this pass? Did the voucher list Hornblower? To my understanding Maid of the Mist is from the US side.

I checked again and made sure I searched Niagara Falls, Ontario. Here is the full listing from Sam's Club. It looks like in the first paragraph they do say Maid of the Mist, but in the details they say Hornblower. I have not bought this yet; I'll try to call them tomorrow, but I think it is the Canada side.

Niagara Falls Adventure Pass

Discover a whole new side of Niagara Falls through world-class attractions: Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara's Fury, White Water Walk and more!
Highlights / General details
Niagara Falls Adventure pass lets you experience, feel and hear the Falls from all perspectives, providing Admission to: Journey Behind the Falls, Maid of the Mist, Niagara’s Fury and White Water Walk. Plus Bonus coupons for discounts to: Butterfly Conservatory, Whirlpool Aero Car, Sir Adam Beck Power Tour and 1812 Heritage Sites.

Journey Behind the Falls: Take in spectacular views from observation decks at the foot of the Falls where you can actually feel the thunder of the crashing
waters. This exhilarating journey takes you down 150 feet below the heart of Falls
through tunnels that lead you behind the rushing wall of water.

Hornblower Niagara Cruises: Come Explore the Roar by sailing into the mist and crashing waters of the thundering Falls. No trip to Niagara Falls is complete without experiencing the thrill of the Falls.

Niagara’s Fury - The Creation of the Falls: Travel back in time 10,000 years to experience the Creation of the Falls. Be entertained by the animated pre-show then enter a specially designed 360 degree theatre, where you’ll witness the power and beauty of nature in 4D as the history of Niagara is revealed. You’ll feel like you were actually there when Niagara’s Great Gorge was formed!

White Water Walk: Take a walk like no other along a boardwalk at the very edge of the world’s wildest stretches of whitewater! After travelling down 230 feet to the brink of the rapids, you’ll marvel at the relentless power and beauty of nature as you walk along 1000 feet of whitewater rapids. Trillions of gallons of water are forced into this accelerating trough – a sigh that will take your breath away!

Butterfly Conservatory: This magical attraction features over 2,000 colorful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Paths wind through the rainforest setting, past a pond and waterfall and the Emergence window, where butterflies leave their pupae and prepare to take their first flight! The self-guided walking tour of the Butterfly Conservatory begins with a short, informative video presentation that is close captioned for the hearing impaired.

Floral Showhouse: For over 60 years visitors have come to Discover Paradise at this lush oasis, just a short walk from the Niagara Falls. Collections of orchids, succulents and other tropical plant species are on display throughout the year, along with floral shows that reflect the changing seasons. Flying throughout the greenery are colorful tropical birds that may sing for your entertainment!

Inclusion
Classic Pass: Admission to Journey Behind the Falls, Hornblower Niagara Cruises, White Water Walk, Niagara’s Fury plus optional two days transportation on the WEGO bus system. (Bus only runs along the Niagara Parkway.)
Nature Pass: Admission to Journey Behind the Falls, Hornblower Niagara Cruises, Butterfly conservatory, Floral Showhouse plus optional two days transportation on the WEGO bus system. (Bus only runs along the Niagara Parkway.)

Exclusion
Transporation to and from the attractions; Gratuities (optional).

Hours of operation
Available: Daily, May 1 to November 15; Bus runs every 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.

Duration
Approximately 1 day.

Location
Table Rock Welcome Centre, 6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Additional Information
All attractions are wheelchair accessible.

Policies
Should the Hornblower Niagara Cruises not be sailing the Whirlpool Aero Car will be substituted.
Lower observation deck closed due to winter conditions approximately December 1 to mid-April.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**

 

[Ngwira]

We booked dinner at the skylon tower.

 

[sk8jdgca]

The Niagara Falls Adventure Pass is the Canadian side. The Hornblower is the new name if the Canadian Maid of the Mist ( a new company took over it)

 

[Ngwira]

It's getting close. Called the car rental company to confirm our ressie. Does anyone know if you need a special document to drive into Canada?