Niagra Falls...do you have a side preference???

[December99]

We are going to be venturing out to the Cleveland area in May and dd and I are looking for something to do on Friday while dh is in meetings - dd and I have been to the Canada side of NF and thought it might be nice to drive up to NF on that Friday.

First of all - about how far is it from Cleveland - it doesn't look that far to me on the map but sometimes those are deceiving? Second - which side do you prefer if you've been on both sides? I know we could just drive over to the Canada side and that wouldn't be a problem but just wanted some opinions.

 

[Sonya]

I think it's about 6 hours from Cleveland, not quite sure though. We like the Canada side best, it's more dramatic.

edited to read: I'ts been a long time since we've done the Clev. to Niagra route!

 

[smileybrat]

i personally like the canada's side better. i live in pittsburgh, pa and it takes us about 4-4.5 hours to get there. i would guess from cleveland it would take about 2-2.5 hours to get there.

 

[travelbug24]

Niagara Falls is my #1 vacation destination this April or May too. Please, please people give us your opinions. What else is there to do there? Any suggestions on where to stay?

 

[December99]

travelbug...I know on the Canada side there is alot of things to do. Not only at the Falls itself but up the street there are alot of things to "touristy" do. DD and I just walked up and down the streets when we were there - didn't venture off and do anything except at the Falls. And there we did the Under the Falls thing and the Maid of the Mist boat ride - that was fun!!!!!

 

[smileybrat]

here's a site for many of the attractions at niagara falls:

http://www.nfcvb.com/attractions/index.html

 

[Steve H.]

Definitely do the Canada side -- the US side doesn't have nearly the same view, plus Niagara Falls, NY is not a very nice area.

And it's approximately 3 1/2 hours from Cleveland to Niagara Falls (depending on the part of Cleveland you're starting from). Let me know if you need directions to the Falls -- I've done that drive like 5 times in the last 2 or 3 years.

 

[travelbug24]

Thanks December99 and thanks smileybrat for the link! I'm sooooo excited.

 

[elgerber]

I haven't been in years, but I always loved the Canada side. I remember being nothing but a big giant tourist trap, which is why I loved it!

Erika

 

[smileybrat]

i checked mapquest and it said it takes about 3.5 hours to get to the ny side of nf from cleveland. hope that helps.

 

[December99]

Thanks Steve and smiley...it appears that won't be in our plans. We are only going to be in the area for the weekend (coming in on late Thursday night and leaving on Sunday) and we do know we want to try and go to Cedar Point on Sat afternoon when dh is done with his meetings. So I may be hooking up with a friend that lives in Pittsburgh that day and getting into trouble I mean...not getting into trouble!!!! ROFL

 

[Steve H.]

Hey, don't worry -- the Falls aren't going anywhere! You can always get back there another time. Enjoy CP (and Cleveland, for that matter). Let me know if you need any recommendations for spending the day in Cleveland.

 

[caitycaity]

casino niagra, on the canadian side, is an awesome casino too!

i agree the canadian side is nicer; the us side is one big tourist-trap and the view is not as good.

 

[nativetxn]

The Canadian side is one big tourist trap too, but we always stay on the Canadian side. The American side of the falls is the prettiest and best viewed from the Canadian side. Besides the American dollar goes quite a long way in Canada

It takes us about 5 hours to drive from mid Michigan.

 

[Beauty]

I would also recommend the Canadian Side. We had so much fun!! Although the Canadian/American money conversion was a little complicated! We went on the tower and under the falls which was so much fun!! We were there in November and the boats weren't running .... would have loved to do that. There is also a long row of things to do....kind of like I-Drive in Orlando but not nearly as long. I think I remember a Ripleys and a carnival and putt putt area.

We enjoyed it! Have fun!

 

[Fire14]

Cdn side would get my vote. I have always stayed at Skyline Inn. It's cheap close enough and I can actually find it LOL. It sits right behind Casnio. Hard Rock cafe is on front of Casino, Planet Hollywood is to you Left from Hotel. Hershey store is kaddy corner from PH. Falls are within walking distance. Lots of tourists things to do. My favs being Maid of the mist and Wax museums.

 

[Towncrier]

Another vote for the Canadian side. And confirmation that you can indeed make it from Cleveland to Niagara Falls in 3.5 hours at that time of year.

What weekend are you going to be in Cleveland?

 

[chernabog]

I live about 15 minutes from the Falls, on the American side. There's not much to do on my side of the border, unless you like to gamble. A new casino just opened up and I doubt that that's something that would appeal to your dd. You can do a Cave of the Winds walking tour on the American side though. It's pretty neat, you can walk down to the base of the Falls and truly appreciate it's awesome power. Maid of the Mist tours are boarded on the Canadian side, plus the Clifton Hill area (the entertainment district found on the Canadian side) has plenty of sites to see. Harry Houdini museum, Ripley's believe it or not, Madame Toussad's wax museum and plenty of shops! Plus you get a far better view from the Canadian side. Hope the weather is nice when you drive up!

 

[grinningghost]

I also live close to the Falls and say go with the Canadian side if you have to choose one. I do like the American side on Goat Island though. The Falls are really beautiful. If you go when they're running, the Maid of the Mist is still one of the best tourist values anywhere. We go once a year - on the hottest, most humid day we can - just to get wet and feel the awesome power of the Falls. Around here, we tend to take them for granted, which is wrong.

 

[damo]

Hey chernabog, we're going to be in North Tonawanda this weekend for a hockey tournament. Is it easy to find the Hockey Outlet rink from the Queenston Lewiston bridge? We've got a game at 9:05 Friday morning so most of the team (from Toronto) will be driving in the dark to get there. Any suggestions?