Niagara Falls

[sue1013]

I'm considering taking a trip there May or early June. Anyone have any suggestions for hotels, restaurants? Any preferance USA or Canadian side?
Thanks!

 

[GIOny]

I only went there once, long time ago, don't know about hotels but you could check hotels.com or expedia any of the internet travel sites but I am pretty sure the better side to view the falls from is the Canadian side.

 

[cabmom]

Here is a hotel I have stayed at, on the American side. Hope this helps.
http://www.niagarafallsriverview.com/sp_hotpackdeals.asp
My preference would be the Canadian side for the view, but I go across for the shopping!
Marilynn

 

[Pam]

Last time we stayed there was 13 years ago and that was on the American side. I concur with the others - I would definitely stay on the Canadian side - better view - and the hotels and the prices over there both seemed better.

Do the Maid of the Mist boat ride!!!!

 

[hockeymom7691]

I live about 2 hrs away from the falls and both sides are nice depending on what you're looking for. The American side is more like a park where you can walk along the trails by the river and the falls. The Canadian side is where all the "action" is as far as museums, shops and so fourth. I personally would check out both sides!

 

[maryann4086]

As you can probably tell by my location I know a fair bit about Niagara Falls. When you come to visit, take time to enjoy all of Niagara, including the beautiful Niagara on the Lake, a wine tour perhaps. Of course, theres the casinos, and tourist spots, but many beautiful parks, and historic things to see. As far as restaurants we do have, Rainforest cafe, planet hollywood, and the hard rock cafe, as well as many other chain restaurants. Here are a couple links for you to try.
http://www.tourismniagara.com/
http://www.niagaraonthelake.com/
http://www.niagarafallslive.com/restaurants_in_niagara_falls.htm
funny thing is, Ive lived here over 20 years and have not been on the Maid of the Mist, haha. Have a good time,let me know if I can help.

 

[Bichon Barb]

The Hilton on the Canadian side is nice. We stayed in a falls view room with a jacuzzi tub a couple of years ago for around $100 (American). Make sure you shop around for hotel rates, and be careful with hotel locations. They may have one Marriott that is right next to the falls, but another Marriott (under a slightly different name) that is a mile from the falls.

Don't forget to stash away quarters for the casino!

 

[grinningghost]

I also live in the shadow of the Falls and highly recommend the Maid of the Mist. I mean, this is a DO NOT MISS. I've lived here all my life and still ride it every summer. It is very exciting and awe inspiring.

As for which side, it all depends on what you're into. Both sides are nice, but if you're into a "Vegas" like experience, visit Clifton Hill on the Canadian side. Lots of museums and touristy stuff there. It gets quite busy during the on season.

There are also 2 great casinos - Casino Niagara on the Canadian side and Seneca-Niagara Casino on the American side. Either one can make you broke or rich - so I guess that's a gamble either way.

 

[sue1013]

Thanks for the replies. Maryann, I'll check out the links, I'll let you know how Maids is. Barb hotel locations can be confusing when you don't know a city, thanks for your recommendation.

 

[mazzarafe]

In 2000 me and DH stayed at the Marriotts Fallsview in a jacuzzi suite. Breathtaking view and we stayed 3 nights for our 10th anniversary in May and we had a package deal. We spent about $350 US for the 3 nights and it included 2 breakfast buffets each and a voucher toward a dinner.

Definately check it out, especially if you can go before the busy season starts, you can get great rate.

 

[mtemm]

we spent a weekend last May at the Marriott fallsview with a jacuzzi/falls view room. OUTSTANDING. The view from our room was breathtaking, we really had a great trip.

 

[sue1013]

Jsut went to Marriott Fallsview site it looks great. Thanks so much.

 

[kilee]

I'm about 45-50 minutes from the Falls. DH and I were just up there for Valentine's Day. While I would love to see NY get the tourism. There is soooo much more to do on the Canadian side. There are casino's on both sides now. NY does have a really great outlet mall only a few minutes from the falls, with A LOT of stores. Canada has Clifton Hill, which is a tourist trap, (in a fun way). You'll get more bang for your buck in Canada, due to the exchange rate. Just exchange your money at a "station". The exchange rates at the stores and resturants is only like 25%. But the rate at the banks and such are closer to 45-60%. So your money will go farther.

We were only up there for the day and we had DS (11) with us. It was actually our first time crossing the border again since 9/11. There was almost an hour backup getting into Canada. Then coming back they were really strict with checking ID's and such, even for DS. We ate at the RFC, and did some of the museums (Ripley's Type), as well as did a carriage ride through the park at the falls. It's great for a day or 2, but there's not too much more to do.

 

[Bacrd]

We just returned from the Falls (Canadian side) last weekend. What an awesome sight in the winter (alto the weather for walking around was not wonderful!!). The falls are gorgeous when they are partially frozen. The current casino is surrounded by the Sheraton, Brock & Skyline and is right at the tourist area of Clifton Hill. But the new casino is scheduled to open "Spring of 2004". (For some reason they are being very secretive about this). and it will be further down the falls with a Hyatt (I believe) connected to it. Friends last spring stayed at the Marriott Fallsview and loved it!!
Also, the Sheraton has a Penthouse Fallsview Buffet that is awesome at night while the light show is going on at the falls! Try http:www.discoverniagara.com It has some good package deals.
Have a wonderful time and bring plenty of film!!!!

 

[hentob]

What days fall into the "busy season"?

TIA-
Hentob

 

[WDWfan uk]

We went on a day trip from Toronto to see the Niagara Falls and our trip included lunch at the Sheraton Penthouse Fallsview Buffet (all you can eat) - it has a great view, you are nearest to the American Falls and get a super view of these from the full length windows in this restaurant, it also has a small balcony which is great for taking photos - a professional photographer takes over the balcony on and off, but our server tipped us off when the photographer was on a break so we could take our own photos !!

My sons and DH also took a helicopter flight over the Falls - beware - if you are sitting in the middle seat it is difficult to see, but the DS and DH on the outer seats really enjoyed the experience.

We took the Maid Of The Mist which gets as close to the Horseshoe Falls as it can - the last passengers to board will find it tough to get to the rails of the boat, to get the best view - my sons had to squeeze through to see anything at all over the adults, but it is a great experience (ponchos are supplied!)

My favourite experience at the Falls was standing as close as you can get to where the water actually tips over the edge of the Horseshoe Falls - it is just like being on a ride - really exhilerating! I didn't notice at first how WET I was getting!!!

However in the center close by - where you can line up to walk behind the falls - the restrooms have driers to help you dry off a little!! BTW, the line to walk behind the falls was really long when we were there and we didnot have enough time to experience this.

The Canadian side is thought to have the best views - we saw the people descending along a path next to the American Falls but I don't think they'd get much of a view of the Horseshoe Falls which are more spectacular.

 

[mazzarafe]

hentob,

When we went in 2000 we were their the weekend of 5/10 and that was the last weekend they offered the package. Seems that after they have their annual floral parade that the busy season starts. Worked out great for us because our anniversary is 5/12. The savings to go before the packages are over is very much worth it. We had great weather and the restaurant at the Marriott had excellent food and the view was amazing. We also went to the Skyline and ate at the rotating sit-down restaurant. They also have a buffet there, and the ride up on the elevators was awesome.

Me and DH had this big rock/boulder that we were constantly watching at the edge of the falls waiting for it to go over. Watching the falls change colors at night from our sitting room at the hotel was great. Nothing like wanting to get up during the night to go to the bathroom so you can sneak another peek out the window!

 

[sue1013]

Thanks again everyone for all the good advice!!

 

[faithinkarma]

Definitely the Canadian side. And one other thing.....

if you can squeeze it in PLEASE make the 10 minute drive to visit Niagara on the Lake. It is what Winston Churchill called the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world.

Niagara Falls is an awesome site, but it is VERY commercial.....lots of neon and it can be jarring to your senses.

Niagara on the Lake always makes me think it might have been planned by Walt Disney. It is an absolute gem of a small town on the lake. It also is very touristy, due to the shaw festival theaters , http://www.shawfest.com/index.php but it is a very different kind of vacation place.

It is like stepping into another era. The main street is lined with old fashioned stores. No Neon or chain restaurants to be found.
www.niagara-info.com/drive.htm

There are several wineries in the area that offer excellent tours.

I sound like I work for their tourist bureau don't I? LOL I t is just one of the places I truly love to visit. And the first few times I visited Niagara Falls I was not even aware the other town existed.

 

[kilee]

I think most weekday's are pretty quiet up there, especially in the non-summer months. Even most weekends are quiet with the exception of holiday weekends. Remember some Canadian Holiday's are different than American one's. Pretty soon they'll be into honeymoon season with all the May and June weddings. So tourism will pick up alittle.

Just remember we can stay chilly here up through June, or it can be blazing hot in April. 2 years ago on Father's Day I was STILL in long pants and sweaters. Last year it wasn't until close to the middle of June we could break out the shorts. Hoping for an early start to summer this year, since the last 2 have been kind of lousy!!