niagara falls touring both sides...too much trouble?

[tekmom]

We're staying on the Canadian side this month. We're doing the Maid in the Mist /Canadian side and other stuff. We would like to do Cave of the Winds on US side, while we're there. Is is a PITA to go back to US just to do the cave and then go back to the Canadian side? Do we walk or drive?

We're staying at Sheraton on the Falls. Thanks.

 

[Tracy Savage]

I'd walk. The traffic at customs is usually heavy. Besides the time it will take you to walk means less time in the over priced gift shops! Have fun. Also, my son went on the Whirlpool rapids boat ride--accessible from either side-- and had a blast! You will get wet!

 

[tekmom]

Thanks! I wasn't sure if we were allowed to walk over. Is it the Rainbow Bridge that we would take?

 

[Tracy Savage]

I believe so. I hate that we need pass ports now. We used to go after Thanksgiving. Light crowds and the room rates were really low. There are holiday programs too. It's only 2 hour or so from us, it made a nice quick trip.

 

[tekmom]

I believe so. I hate that we need pass ports now. We used to go after Thanksgiving. Light crowds and the room rates were really low. There are holiday programs too. It's only 2 hour or so from us, it made a nice quick trip.

I know, we've never been, we're about 7 hours away. We'll have passports. I'm looking forward to the trip.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

NIAGARA FALLS!!!....Slowly I turned, step by step, Inch by inch......

 

[cabanafrau]

Thanks for the question and responses. I was curious about the same since we've only done the Canadian side before & now I've heard enough about Cave of the Winds to make me want to consider venturing to the US side just for that.

Has anyone actually walked the bridge before? The traffic is always so stacked up I've been relieved we've never had a reason to cross that way before. I didn't realize walking was an option.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

We just got back, stayed on the Canadian side also. Our plan was to stop by Cave of the Winds on our way home, eg we'd have to cross/go through customs anyway. We didn't, only because DD8 was such a pain in the butt on Maid of the Mist and Journey behind the Falls. ("I don't want to get wet, I don't want to get wet!!" (ugh) We actually ended up driving down and crossing in Buffalo (which was a piece of cake).

Highly recommend getting the Canadian Parks pass. (We got ours at an even greater discount than they advertise, by getting it at AAA at home. It included 2 days on the bus. We got up early and on the first Maid of the Mist. (Very short line) The lady at the information booth booked our times for JbtF, the Niagara movie (which was sort of dumb, by the way...) and the whirlpool rapids walk= only minimal line for those.

We added on the aerocar (1/2 price with the pass). The bus went up there too.

We also did the Oh Canada Eh show. Corny as heck, but we all had a lot of fun. (Says alot when DS13 is even laughing! :0)

 

[Tracy Savage]

http://www.attractionsontario.ca/index.cfm?DSP=Chapter&ID=19

printable coupons.

 

[escape]

Hi tekmom!

I'm going to Niagra Falls next weekend and staying at Sheraton on the Falls as well. Can't wait.

Thanks for asking the questions and thanks, all, for the advice! The pass sounds like the way to go and thanks, Tracy, for the coupon link.

 

[elgerber]

We walked the bridge this summer, it's a very nice walk, with some cool views, different from either side. I would walk over, and go to the cave. We didn't have time, but I really wanted to do it, we looked down on it from up top and it was so cool!

 

[locolala]

I would walk if I were you, I did it about 2 years ago and had a blast. I called my gran from the bridge and did the "I'm in the US/I'm in Canada/I'm in the US/I'm in Canada" thing. Was really funny! Keep in mind you have to have change to go through the turnstile on the way back to the US, I think it was a quarter.

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

We stayed on the Canadian side last summer (2008) and walked over the Rainbow bridge to do MOTM and COTW on the US side. Spending most of our time on the Canadian side and actually loving Clifton Hill, I really enjoyed the US Parks side along with the trolley that we used between the attractions. We had a fabulous time.

There is a great thread about this from last year, let me see if I can find it. I'll link in an edit if I can.

Here it is - check out post #12
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1688224&highlight=niagara+falls

 

[tekmom]

thanks for all the replies! The coupon print out is a good idea, too. We'll walk over. Good to know about the quarters for the turnstile.

Escape, when you get back, come back and post about your trip. Have fun!