What to do in Niagara Falls now?

[jtdl]

I've got the mid-winter travel itch and just booked a two-night mini trip to Niagara Falls. I booked the Doubletree which has a nice pool area, so we can sit there and pretend to be at WDW! But other than the Butterfly Conservatory what indoor attractions are there that would be good for a 4 year old and 14 year old? We've never been in the winter. I'd be content just to sit at the pool for 2 days, but just in case we get bored, I need some ideas. Also any recommendations for a nice, reasonably priced restaurant for dh and I for a nice relaxing dinner one night?

 

[SandraC]

Hi ~ Clifton Hill has added loads of family entertainment facilities in recent years. The whole family can enjoy Rainforest Cafe or dinner at Minola Tower or the Skylon Tower. We love Niagara Falls! ENJOY! Sandra

 

[jinglesmountjoy]

I actually live and work in the area. There is a new indoor water park at the Great Wolf Lodge that's supposed to be awesome. The Americana Resort and Conference Centre also has one although I think theirs may be smaller but still quite exceptional.

The Butterfly conservatory is kind of neat but there is also The Niagara Falls Aviary which is similar to the Conservatory but with birds.

The Clifton Hill area does have a lot of things to do but be prepared to drop A LOT of money doing them and remember...they don't call them tourist traps for nothing.

This may seem like an out of the way adventure but, if you fancy the drive to Toronto (1hr to 1.5hrs), the Ontario Science Centre is one of the best indoor attractions in the Province and will keep your kids busy for a FULL day.

For dinner, I'm not sure what you would consider (a) nice and (b) reasonable. The Rainforest Cafe (on Clifton Hill) is beautiful but you will pay HEAVILY for the pleasure.

Let us know what you were looking to spend on dinner and I can certainly recommend a few places for you. I've worked in that industry and my wife still does, so we have quite a few favourite places in several different price brackets.

$50-$75 per person...
Hillebrand Estates Winery Restaurant (My DW works there)
Stoneroad Cafe (this one is interesting...very small place but fantastic atmosphere and food. And NO sign...just the plastic sign above the entrance that reads "Rest" with the "aurant" obviously faded away. Opened about 3 yrs ago and it's one of the gems that the locals frequent).

...both of the above are in Niagara-on-the-Lake and about a 20-30 min drive.

$40-50 per person...
Copacabana - this is a newer place that friends of mine have been to twice and if you love meat...any meat, you have to go. It's almost across from the new casino and just down from Doubletree. It's a Brazillian steakhouse that has latin dancing. It's buffet style appetizers, and then when your are ready for the entrees, you just flip over a card on your table and out come a bunch of servers with skewers full of meats like fillet mignon, lamb, beef tenderloin...etc, and they will keep coming until you say your done. Hit the cardio clinic after this one.

$20-30 per person...
The Beef Baron - right at the top of Clifton Hill and looking in, you'll think tacky and touristy but we had to go one night when our reservations at Montana's around the corner had to be cancelled due to their power being out. The group of us (all locals) decided on this place and I was disagreeing the entire walk there (tourist trap...rip off...etc) but the place was actually quite good. The prime rib was excellent! Although not my first choice, this place is certainly worth the money.

Spicy Thai - this is in St. Catharines (10-15min) and certainly has ambiance. The food is teriffic and unique. One of our favourites.

Salah Thai - just down from Spicy Thai and see above for thoughts.

Casa Mia - great atmosphere and not a tourist destination but still in the Falls. As soon as you walk in you'll be impressed. I've not been (it's actually next on our tour...if we can ever get out without the kids) but I've heard great things.

Carpaccio's - On Lundy's Lane in the Falls and a decent wine selection to boot. Never have actually had the food but the upscale atmosphere (think martini/wine bar) are nice and the kitchen (if memory serves) is open concept.


...gotta post now...just got DING!!!

Hope I helped

 

[Scratch42]

There's always shopping across the border!

That's what DD and I are doing this coming weekend!

janet

 

[SnowWhite]

We booked a couple nights for the March Break as well!! We love Niagara Falls, its our second favourite place after Disney! We don't mind the "tourist trap" thing, the tackier the better!!! There are lots of things to do on Clifton Hill if you are willing to spend some bucks. There is the Great Canadian Midway which is a token game place that you redeem the tokens you win for prizes (we love it as much as the kids!) and now they have Cosmic mini golf as well (glow in the dark indoor mini golf) as well as Ripleys and the 4D moving theatre (which I think is better than Soarin, please no comments, its just my opinion)

If you like to shop there is PLENTY of cross border shopping nearby and the Canada one outlets on Lundys Lane. The butterfly conservatory is cool too.

I could easily spend a week or more there but it would cost me more than Disney!!! Have Fun!!!!!

 

[jtdl]

Thanks, guys! We haven't been to the Falls in about 7 years, so I'm glad to hear there are some new attractions on Clifton Hill. I'd really like to go to the Bird Aviary, but one website says it is closed right now but reopening soon, hopefully before we go.

Jinglesmountjoy - thanks for the great restaurant options! I think we'll take the kids to Rainforest Cafe since we couldn't get a ressie at DTD last trip. Copacabana sounds like a good place too. Anyway, I'll print your suggestions, take them with us and decide what we feel like when the time comes. Casa Mia - I'm assuming that's Italian? Do you know if they serve steaks as well. I'm partial to Italian but dh likes his steaks.

 

[ruby2sday]

Don't overlook visiting the Fallsview Casino just because your kids are with you. My son is 9 and has enjoyed visiting the casino complex with us a couple of times. Obviously, children cannot enter the actual casino itself, but there is quite a lot in the complex for a family to do.

The Doubletree is not that far from the casino, but if you do drive, park in the casino garage, then have you or your spouse go into the casino proper, visit the PAC desk, and upon showing identification, receive a free PAC (preferred access club?) card. That will entitle you to park for free (just show the card upon leaving the garage).

In the main lobby of the casino there is a huge futuristic fountain, very Orwellian in design. Every hour on the hour, starting at about 6 pm or 7 pm, there is a light and sound show at the fountain that your kids will love. Often, they will also have living "statues" on display in front of the fountain; you can have your photos taken with the young man or lady (tips appreciated, of course!)

There is a shopping arcade with some fun shops for the kids, like Turtle Pond toy store, and there is also a fudge and candy shop (very popular to watch the employees make the fudge and peanut brittle - free samples, too!)

There are quite a few restaurants in the complex. Johnny Rockets is a fun diner style restaurant with really great shakes and burgers. My son likes the ice cream from Pazzo Matto. The Grand Buffet is also really good at the casino; however, only adults are allowed there as you must pass through the casino to get to that restaurant.

If you visit on a Friday night, just before 9:00 pm, go down the escalator at the back of the shopping arcade and go right outside the doors to the falls overlook. Turn to the left, and voila! ... a beautiful fireworks display.

Just across the corner from the Fallsview Casino (I think at the corner of Fallsview Blvd and Murray Hill) is a two storey building housing Wolfgang Puck's on the main floor, and Cafe Tu Tu Tango on the second floor. I dined at Wolfgang Puck's last summer and really liked it. I haven't been to Cafe Tu Tu Tango yet, but I hear it's good, and I have also heard that they have art classes for kids on Sunday afternoons from 12 noon to 2 pm. This might be something you'd like to check out.

Good luck, and have a great trip!

 

[jinglesmountjoy]

...Casa Mia - I'm assuming that's Italian? Do you know if they serve steaks as well. I'm partial to Italian but dh likes his steaks.

I'm not sure, but you shouldn't have to worry about ressies at this time of year so just get out the phone book and give them a call once you arrive. If your husband likes meat as much as me, you HAVE to hit Copacabana.

If you guys want a non-touristy breakfast destination, go to Cippy's Place on Stanley Ave., just north of Lundy's Lane. The owner, "Cippy" was friends with Frank Sinatra and there are some pics on the wall of the two of them chumming around. It's a VERY small greasy spoon but he is great!! Engage him in some conversation, he's more than happy to chat while he preps your meals (yes, it's that small). It's only open for breakfast though but you could walk (5 min) from Doubletree.

Or check out the Flying Saucer on Lundy's Lane. It used to be one of those '50's restaurants where the servers rollerskate out to your car with your meals. It's shaped like a giant flying saucer and is a favourite among the locals at any time of day or the wee hours of the morning. Order the Great Canadian Triple Burger

Good luck in your search

 

[Scratch42]

I'll second that Cippy's is a great place for breakfast.

They may or may not be opened due to a family "situation" at the moment.

We're gonna miss out this time around since we have a breakfast voucher included in our stay.

janet

 

[jinglesmountjoy]

I'll second that Cippy's is a great place for breakfast.

They may or may not be opened due to a family "situation" at the moment.

We're gonna miss out this time around since we have a breakfast voucher included in our stay.

janet

Drove by this morning....it's open!! Incidentally, do you know what the 'situation' is??

 

[TLPL]

I think the Niagara Falls Aviary is still closed. Their water main broked last month, they were forced to close the whol place down fo repair.

 

[gidge]

CASINO...........YEAH