Niagara Falls....

[kydisneyfans]

Also looking at a quick 3-4 day trip, but likely American side only. I can't justify $400-500 for passports that would likely never be used again. Keep the ideas coming...

 

[StarWarts]

If you are driving to Canada and you have the new enhanced driver's license you won't need a passport to cross the border.
I am planning to go to Niagara soon and I'm wondering if the magic show is better than the "Oh Canada" show.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I am planning to go to Niagara soon and I'm wondering if the magic show is better than the "Oh Canada" show.

Two totally different experiences. I have been to both and would highly recommend both .

If you are looking for campy, sing-y, clappy, hokey-humour kind of fun, then Oh Canada Eh! is the one you should pick. Its the furthest away from the "tourist area", at the far end of Lundy's Lane (maybe 5-10 minutes by car from the Falls).

If you are looking for a more polished, "Vegas-style" production and are into magic and illusion, then Greg Frewin's show is the one for you. You can walk to the Greg Frewin Theatre from the Clifton Hill area. It will take you about 10 minutes or so.

Oh Canada Eh! comes with dinner included. Its served family style and is all-you-care-to-enjoy.

Greg Frewin's show comes with or without dinner. For those who select the dinner (which we did not.....so I can't comment on the quality) I know its buffet and served in advance of the actual show. So you would go early, eat, then watch the show with other guests who are attending the show-only. Drinks can be purchased by either group for enjoying during the production.

Both are excellent choices for family entertainment. At Oh Canada Eh! we were singing and laughing and had a great time. At Greg Frewin, we were mesmerized by his illusions.....left speechless at how he managed to do the things he did. I don't think you could go wrong with either.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Also looking at a quick 3-4 day trip, but likely American side only. I can't justify $400-500 for passports that would likely never be used again. Keep the ideas coming...

If you are staying on the US side exclusively, you may want to check into this pass:

http://flash.destinationcinema.com/niagarausa/discoverypass.html

All attractions are worth doing except for the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center (its a "skip it" in this family's opinion).

There is also this option:

http://www.visiticket.com/NiagaraFalls/attractions_all.aspx

Some changes for 2012 make it less appealing than when we used it last summer, though. Last year, they offered Whirlpool Jet Boat tickets for $25 pp with purchase of the Power Pass (regular adult ticket prices are $59). But it does offer several area attractions just outside of the Niagara Region, including a couple in Lockport.

 

[lisaross]

I think the Oh Canada show might be fun - do u think boys ages 10 and 12 will enjoy it? also do u think i need to buy tickets in advance or can i buy them once i arrive?

Two totally different experiences. I have been to both and would highly recommend both .

If you are looking for campy, sing-y, clappy, hokey-humour kind of fun, then Oh Canada Eh! is the one you should pick. Its the furthest away from the "tourist area", at the far end of Lundy's Lane (maybe 5-10 minutes by car from the Falls).

If you are looking for a more polished, "Vegas-style" production and are into magic and illusion, then Greg Frewin's show is the one for you. You can walk to the Greg Frewin Theatre from the Clifton Hill area. It will take you about 10 minutes or so.

Oh Canada Eh! comes with dinner included. Its served family style and is all-you-care-to-enjoy.

Greg Frewin's show comes with or without dinner. For those who select the dinner (which we did not.....so I can't comment on the quality) I know its buffet and served in advance of the actual show. So you would go early, eat, then watch the show with other guests who are attending the show-only. Drinks can be purchased by either group for enjoying during the production.

Both are excellent choices for family entertainment. At Oh Canada Eh! we were singing and laughing and had a great time. At Greg Frewin, we were mesmerized by his illusions.....left speechless at how he managed to do the things he did. I don't think you could go wrong with either.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I should have started with, I have made this a not so budget friendly trip! We will be staying two nights at the Embassy Suites with a falls view two room suite!
We will get the adventure pass and do all of those things on the Canada side as well as the Clifton Hill fun pass. On the American side we will do the Cave of the winds tour. Not sure what else we should do there.
We arrive June 25th and check out on the 27th and head to Toronto for two nights at the Delta Chelsea, I got a great deal on Groupon a couple of weeks ago!
We will get the Toronto City Pass and do those things. Any other must do things there?

We will be traveling with a 10 year old boy, 7 year old girl and a 1 year old girl!

For your time in Niagara, you will likely have enough to fill your 2.5-3 days with the purchase of the Adventure Pass and the Clifton Hill pass. You might want some time to chill and cool off mid-day in the hotel pool, splitting up your day up to hitting the most popular attractions during the coolest parts of the day (early morning and early evening). If you do find yourself with extra time, I would suggest the Aviary (its excellent....and indoors....so good for either a scortchy sunny day or a wet and damp one). For an "attraction" that will also cover a mealtime, the Oh Canada Eh! dinner show would be a great add-on.

For Toronto, again, with the CityPass you will probably have lots to do for two days. The Zoo can be a full day all on its own (they have a great little splash park if you are bringing kids.....be sure to take swimsuits along). When you are downtown, try to hit the St. Lawrence Market (they have some wonderful fresh baked goods, awesome fruit stands, meats and cheeses to buy and snack on). Also, the Hockey Hall of Fame is fabulous for hockey enthusiastes and reasonably priced.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I think the Oh Canada show might be fun - do u think boys ages 10 and 12 will enjoy it? also do u think i need to buy tickets in advance or can i buy them once i arrive?

I think your boys would have a great time. My son was 15 when we went last year and we all had a blast. There was a wee little fellow (maybe 2?) who danced the night away at the next table. It really is suitable for all ages! Lots of singing and the actors come right down through the tables (the actors are also your servers.....so you might just be brought your soup by a Mountie or perhaps a fur trader ).

Definitely buy tickets in advance. Its a very popular show, particularly during peak season.

 

[lisaross]

I will buy tickets in advance - thanks...

I think your boys would have a great time. My son was 15 when we went last year and we all had a blast. There was a wee little fellow (maybe 2?) who danced the night away at the next table. It really is suitable for all ages! Lots of singing and the actors come right down through the tables (the actors are also your servers.....so you might just be brought your soup by a Mountie or perhaps a fur trader ).

Definitely buy tickets in advance. Its a very popular show, particularly during peak season.

 

[colleenw]

I'm from Buffalo so we always take the Peace Bridge. It can be crowded at times. There is the rainbow bridge also. The Canadian side has alot more things to do--Clifton Hill(arcade, skywheel,fun houses, museums). There is Journey behind the Falls(take an elevator down and tunnels to go through to see the falls), butterfly conservatory down the road as well as the floral clock. On Fridays (possibly Sundays, not sure) there are fireworks over the falls. Also horse and buggy rides down the main street. I love the Canadian side and go at least once or twice a summer.
The American side does have the not to be missed Cave of the winds. You wear a raincoat and slippers and the falls goes over you. There is some shopping here but for the better view I would stay in Canada. There is such a variety of hotels in Canada-name ones like the Sheraton, Embassy, Marriott.ask for a fallsview upper floor room for the view.. There are plenty of coupons at the visitor center in Canada. On Clifton Hill my daughter and I had our hands molded together in wax. They might still have that. I don't see if you said when in June you're going but June 15 Nik Wallenda will be attempting to cross the falls on a tightrope so I think that will be very crowded. Good luck. I can't wait to go back again in a month or so.

 

[colleenw]

Wow. I posted a reply and walked away for a minute and didn't send it and came back and sent it and noticed all the other replies in the mean time. So their info is good. I might learn a thing or two more about the falls, lol.

 

[lisaross]

after staying in Niagra Falls for 3 nights we are heading to visit friends in Dunkirk! Any suggestions for that area with 2 boys?

thanks

I'm from Buffalo so we always take the Peace Bridge. It can be crowded at times. There is the rainbow bridge also. The Canadian side has alot more things to do--Clifton Hill(arcade, skywheel,fun houses, museums). There is Journey behind the Falls(take an elevator down and tunnels to go through to see the falls), butterfly conservatory down the road as well as the floral clock. On Fridays (possibly Sundays, not sure) there are fireworks over the falls. Also horse and buggy rides down the main street. I love the Canadian side and go at least once or twice a summer.
The American side does have the not to be missed Cave of the winds. You wear a raincoat and slippers and the falls goes over you. There is some shopping here but for the better view I would stay in Canada. There is such a variety of hotels in Canada-name ones like the Sheraton, Embassy, Marriott.ask for a fallsview upper floor room for the view.. There are plenty of coupons at the visitor center in Canada. On Clifton Hill my daughter and I had our hands molded together in wax. They might still have that. I don't see if you said when in June you're going but June 15 Nik Wallenda will be attempting to cross the falls on a tightrope so I think that will be very crowded. Good luck. I can't wait to go back again in a month or so.

 

[colleenw]

You will like the Delta Chelsea because it's in a good location to things. There is the Casa Loma (castle tour), Eaton Centre (shopping on Yonge St.), Canadas Wonderland (amusement park), CN Tower (take an elevator up to walk around deck and has a glass floor). All of these cost so you could pick and choose or just go down by the water at Queens Quay at the end of Yonge St. and shop a little.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

you can save a little here:

http://www.attractionsontario.ca/in...&ACT=Coupon-Info&Coupon_ID=196&Member_ID=1107

"Kids Free" or $10 off per couple

And actually, the Attractions Ontario website has some great coupons for Niagara Falls, ON and Toronto venues, both mentioned in this thread. You can check out the list here:

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

You can also order the magazine free of charge by calling 1-800-ONTARIO. Lots of great ideas for all different regions within the province.

 

[colleenw]

not much in Dunkirk. I thought they had a little amusement park but I think it was for little kids. Can't think of the name. You will see Lake Erie and that's about it. I'm sure your friends probably have an idea what to see.

 

[Lucky4me]

Mama Mia's on the Canadian side has the best lasagna and the prices aren't as outrageous as some of the other restaurants.


I can't believe how much they jack up hotel rates for the summer.
This year seems to be worse than ever. Saturday nights are crazy!

You can book a cancellable hotel, then closer to your dates, book a 3.5 or 4 star on Hotwire.
There is also Priceline, which comes up a bit cheaper, but you don't have to bid for Hotwire.
Deals are hard to find on summer Saturdays, but during the week you can find them.

 

[LisaMc]

We live in FL and have never been out of the country. We got new DL's when we moved to FL in 2006 - is that all we need for Canada or do we need passports? Also, I'd prefer not to get a car. What's the best airport to fly into and the best way to get to the hotels? It looks like once we are in the area almost everything is within walking distance. Any suggestions for newbie? I've been reading the thread and gotten great stuff so far. Thanks!

 

[StarWarts]

Thanks everyone for the many tips.
From what I understand, you don't need a passport if you are travelling to Canada by land. If you don't have a passport, you will have to fly into Buffalo and take a car (bus or train too maybe?) to cross into Canada.

 

[loveysbydesign]

Thanks everyone for the many tips.
From what I understand, you don't need a passport if you are travelling to Canada by land. If you don't have a passport, you will have to fly into Buffalo and take a car (bus or train too maybe?) to cross into Canada.

Nope...you def NEED a passport to get back into the USA if you cross over into Canada!

 

[StarWarts]

An enhanced driver's license is all you need to get you back home to USA (citizens only) if you travel by LAND into Canada. Make sure though that your state is part of that program and that your driver's license is an EDL. If not you will need a passport.

 

[WVMomof3]

Looks like only Washington, New York, Vermont and Michigan offer the enhanced drivers liscence. I could be wrong, but that is what it looks like from the website I just went to.