Niagara Falls, Ontario

[whatname]

Funny I ran across this thread - Dh and I were just talking about going to Niagara in March and then going to GWL there. Don't want to high jack the thread but do any of you have any different advice for going in March? I know Maid of the Mist doesn't run then. Any other tips for that time of year? Thanks for the info that is already here!

 

[Ngwira]

I bought the Royal Ontario museum tickets for when we do our day trip to Toronto. Costco Canada had them for $8.25 a piece.

 

[Ngwira]

Funny I ran across this thread - Dh and I were just talking about going to Niagara in March and then going to GWL there. Don't want to high jack the thread but do any of you have any different advice for going in March? I know Maid of the Mist doesn't run then. Any other tips for that time of year? Thanks for the info that is already here!

I read that march is a decent time. Low crowds but still cold. Great deals to be found. Look on groupon and wag jag.

 

[garrsmom]

Do they accept American money everywhere, even at the toll booths

 

[CarlisleMom]

My family plans on going in June or July. DH and DD love classic cars. Any car museums near the falls?

Thanks for all the tips.

 

[buffalogirl]

Do they accept American money everywhere, even at the toll booths

Yes, everywhere. Right now the American dollar is much stronger. To get a better rate, you may want to exchange your US $ at a currency exchange or bank. For larger purchases (hotel, dinner, shopping)use an American credit card that doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee. We went in December, our hotel was $147.60 CNDN, we were charged $106.03 US on our credit card.

 

[buffalogirl]

My family plans on going in June or July. DH and DD love classic cars. Any car museums near the falls?

Thanks for all the tips.

There is a Pierce-Arrow museum in Buffalo, NY. It's about 30 minutes from Niagara Falls. If you go, about 5 minutes from the museum, is Canalside, on Buffalo's waterfront. It's a year round family friendly tourist destination.

 

[Ngwira]

Hi everyone, still planning our trip. Waiting until March to buy our maid of the mist tickets.

 

[afan]

Yes, everywhere. Right now the American dollar is much stronger. To get a better rate, you may want to exchange your US $ at a currency exchange or bank. For larger purchases (hotel, dinner, shopping)use an American credit card that doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee. We went in December, our hotel was $147.60 CNDN, we were charged $106.03 US on our credit card.

I prefer to get money out from an atm. Yes you do often have an atm fee, but to me it's easier than finding somewhere to exchange it. And sometimes they charge to change it. You may be able to get Canadian money from your bank if you as with enough time before your trip for them to get it.

 

[Raimiette]

Thanks for the info. Is Marineland like Seaworld? After watching the blackfish documentary, I can't do Seaworld . We were also thinking about stopping at the Corning Glass Museum.

If you won't go to Seaworld due to animal welfare issues I do not recommend Marineland. It has a MUCH worse track record with regard to animal welfare than Seaworld. Seaworld at least has conservation programs and is working to educate/change with the times. Marineland is literally just a money-making venture. Recently some new legislation was passed here that makes it impossible for Marlineland to get anymore orcas which is nice so that should change up their model a bit I hope (this is actually a double-edged sword since they only have 1 orca now so she won't be able to have any companions which is sad).

It is basically a smaller, dingier, much more depressing Seaworld.

EDIT: to put this in perspective, I'm not opposed to properly funded zoos, aquariums etc. and I actually don't mind Seaworld as I find they do more help than harm but Marineland is basically a roadside zoo.

EDIT 2: I should probably add something to the actual topic lol

Does anyone in your family enjoy magic? The Greg Frewin Magic Show in Niagara Falls is quite entertaining. Very nice production values and the cost isn't too bad (there are usually groupons). http://gregfrewintheatre.com/

In addition if you'd like something stereotypically Canadian I would recommend the Oh, Canada Eh? dinner show http://www.ohcanadaeh.com/

 

[hrslvr142]

We are also planning a trip to the Falls and other NY locations at the end of August and really appreciate all the info here. Does anyone have experience with bringing a travel trailer into Canada? Loved one of the campgrounds we saw near the falls but not sure it is worth the hassle of going across & coming back.

 

[garrsmom]

So my Disney Visa charges 3% fees for charges made in Canada!! Anyone have a CC that does not charge fees for International transaction conversations?

 

[clori]

When we went the one touristy place we went to that didn't accept American money was the hydro power plant in Niagara Falls Canada.

 

[momof2gr8kids]

We are also planning a trip to the Falls and other NY locations at the end of August and really appreciate all the info here. Does anyone have experience with bringing a travel trailer into Canada? Loved one of the campgrounds we saw near the falls but not sure it is worth the hassle of going across & coming back.

What campground was it? We are looking to do a road trip that way as well this summer. Not sure if we will bring our trailer or not. We are from Canada, so no experience coming into Canada from US with trailer.

 

[CarlisleMom]

Love reading this thread! Please keep sharing your ideas.

 

[buffalogirl]

So my Disney Visa charges 3% fees for charges made in Canada!! Anyone have a CC that does not charge fees for International transaction conversations?

We use Discover (we were able to use it for our hotel, but it was not accepted at some stores and restaurants) and M&T Visa Signature. I googled looking for other options, Capitol One and Chase also offer cards with no transaction fees. I'm sure there are others out there-maybe credit unions? Hopefully someone else will comment with other options.
Be sure to contact your CC company before using your card internationally.

 

[Ngwira]

I prefer to get money out from an atm. Yes you do often have an atm fee, but to me it's easier than finding somewhere to exchange it. And sometimes they charge to change it. You may be able to get Canadian money from your bank if you as with enough time before your trip for them to get it.

To everyone looking for canadian currency, check with your local AAA! They are exchanging $200.00 US to Canadian for free because I am a AAA Plus member.

 

[Ngwira]

If you won't go to Seaworld due to animal welfare issues I do not recommend Marineland. It has a MUCH worse track record with regard to animal welfare than Seaworld. Seaworld at least has conservation programs and is working to educate/change with the times. Marineland is literally just a money-making venture. Recently some new legislation was passed here that makes it impossible for Marlineland to get anymore orcas which is nice so that should change up their model a bit I hope (this is actually a double-edged sword since they only have 1 orca now so she won't be able to have any companions which is sad).

It is basically a smaller, dingier, much more depressing Seaworld.

EDIT: to put this in perspective, I'm not opposed to properly funded zoos, aquariums etc. and I actually don't mind Seaworld as I find they do more help than harm but Marineland is basically a roadside zoo.

EDIT 2: I should probably add something to the actual topic lol

Does anyone in your family enjoy magic? The Greg Frewin Magic Show in Niagara Falls is quite entertaining. Very nice production values and the cost isn't too bad (there are usually groupons). http://gregfrewintheatre.com/

In addition if you'd like something stereotypically Canadian I would recommend the Oh, Canada Eh? dinner show http://www.ohcanadaeh.com/

Oh wow, I would never go there then. it looks a mess anyway. The website looks amateurish.

 

[Ngwira]

If you won't go to Seaworld due to animal welfare issues I do not recommend Marineland. It has a MUCH worse track record with regard to animal welfare than Seaworld. Seaworld at least has conservation programs and is working to educate/change with the times. Marineland is literally just a money-making venture. Recently some new legislation was passed here that makes it impossible for Marlineland to get anymore orcas which is nice so that should change up their model a bit I hope (this is actually a double-edged sword since they only have 1 orca now so she won't be able to have any companions which is sad).

It is basically a smaller, dingier, much more depressing Seaworld.

EDIT: to put this in perspective, I'm not opposed to properly funded zoos, aquariums etc. and I actually don't mind Seaworld as I find they do more help than harm but Marineland is basically a roadside zoo.

EDIT 2: I should probably add something to the actual topic lol

Does anyone in your family enjoy magic? The Greg Frewin Magic Show in Niagara Falls is quite entertaining. Very nice production values and the cost isn't too bad (there are usually groupons). http://gregfrewintheatre.com/

In addition if you'd like something stereotypically Canadian I would recommend the Oh, Canada Eh? dinner show http://www.ohcanadaeh.com/

I saw the groupon for the Greg Frewin but it expires in April, I think. waiting on the deals to extend into June. Thanks!

 

[Ngwira]

So my Disney Visa charges 3% fees for charges made in Canada!! Anyone have a CC that does not charge fees for International transaction conversations?

Yes! The Capital One Quicksilver. I heard all Capital One cards have no foreign transaction feature. Chase also does not charge foreign transaction fees.