Niagara Falls Anyone?
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DebbieG · 06-15-2006, 08:03 PM

Well, a couple of days ago, we were headed to Montreal! I think we have changed our plans, and are instead headed to Niagara Falls. We may stay at the new Great Wolf Lodge for a couple of nights, and perhaps somewhere less expensive for another night or 2.

From my research thus far, it looks like we should probably get the Niagara Falls Great Gorge Adventure Pass, which includes Maid of the Mist, White Water Walk, Journey Behind the Falls and the Butterfly Conservatory. Does anyone else have any suggestions? How many days should we plan to stay? We have an 8 year old and a 5 year old.

Thanks for your help!

Debbie

Happymommy · 06-15-2006, 08:48 PM

We did the Maid of the Mist and the Behind the Falls tour. Not to be missed!!!! Loved it!!!! With the exception of the Grand Canyon, I haven't seen anything as impressive as looking down at the horseshoe falls! Have a great trip!!!

JennyinMD · 06-15-2006, 09:21 PM

I lived near Niagara Falls when I was 10-13 years old, but haven't been back in 25 years. So I'm not really familiar with the tourist attractions of late. The ones you mention sound familiar and bring back nice memories.

Back then (late 70's) my sisters and I enjoyed touring the historic Fort Niagara, located in Youngstown NY (13 miles north of the falls on the corner of the river and Lake Ontario). Your kids might be just the right age for a family tour through there. I believe it's either a state park or a national park. The fort dates from the French and Indian War era.

Also, there used to be tours available at the electric power generating dam in Lewiston, NY, just down-river from the falls.

Finally, back at that time, we always thought the Canadian side of the attractions were prettier than the NY side - the view of the falls was better from there, the parks and open areas were better kept, the flowers were always blooming, and it just was cleaner. However, since then maybe NY has cleaned up its act a bit?

We were actually thinking of taking our kids up to Niagara Falls this past spring, but the dates didn't work out so we haven't been yet. Will be interested to hear how your trip goes.

Have fun!

masonsmousermom · 06-15-2006, 10:53 PM

Make sure you check out Clifton Hill...it is a totally tacky street near Niagara with TONS of weird stores, lots of neon and unusual people.

We also LOVE the casinos, and spend most of our evenings (and money!) there. The new casino is gorgeous!

There should also be fireworks there daily now over the falls.

We went for 3 days, 2 nights, and got to see all of what we wanted to see.

Jennifer2003 · 06-15-2006, 11:49 PM

Some advice from a local: There is much more to do on the Canadian side than the American side. [ QUOTE ]
However, since then maybe NY has cleaned up its act a bit?

[/ QUOTE ]
Sadly, they haven't. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] They built the Seneca Niagara Casino which is really nice, but you can't go there with kids. Goat Island is great for getting super close to the Falls, (it houses The Cave of the Winds, too) but aside from that, there is nothing to do on our side.

If you are interested in Fort Niagara (which is cool!! I was there last year) I can give you specific driving directions that will get you there safely.

The Canadian view is amazing. The Maid of the Mist can not be missed. (Or should that say MIST? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] ) Clifton Hill is "tacky" but has a lot of neat little things you can't see anywhere else. They just added a climate controlled ferris wheel to the mix. I'm not sure if it's open or not yet. Dolly (jensfriend) has been to the Butterfly Conservatory and loved it. Niagara-on-the-Lake is really nice, and the drive from the Falls is really pretty along the Niagara River. N-O-T-L is across the river from Fort Niagara.

PM me if you need anything!!
Jennifer

Edited to Add:
Here's a link for my mini report from April. Niagara Falls Pictures
And I forgot one attraction in Canada...MARINELAND! I've been dying to go as I haven't been since I was a kid. It's a little pricey, but really nice according to some recent visitors! www.marinelandcanada.com
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

DebbieG · 06-16-2006, 07:21 AM

Thanks everyone! Fort Naigara sounds very interesting, as does Marineland! We'll be sure to check out Clifton Hills. Goat Island sounds interesting too!

Debbie

fourdrawfs · 06-22-2006, 06:20 PM

wow that brings back memories,,dh and I went there for our honeymoon, we stayed on the canadain(?)side. but that was 20 yrs ago! I would love to take the kids, maybe next yr, disney comes first!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img]

blondie · 06-22-2006, 08:32 PM

Don't forget ... you will need proper identification for yourselves and your children to get across the border (drivers license and birth certificates). We have passports and they work the best. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

KrisLuvsDisney · 06-22-2006, 08:35 PM

Can't answer your question, but wanted to say have a wonderful time!

DebbieG · 06-23-2006, 08:34 AM

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! My DH and I have our passports, and we have the kids birth certificates, so we are all set with that. We have some great brochures and maps that Jennifer sent us - [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img] Jennifer. We have reservations for a cheap Hampton Inn for Sunday and Monday nights. Then on Tuesday, we check into the new Great Wolf Lodge at Niagara Falls for 2 nights! We are keeping this a secret from the kids, and they are going to be SO excited when they see it!

I'm sure we will have a great time, and will let you know how it goes. It's so great to have a place like Passporter where you can come for help with planning any kind of trip, not just a Disney one!

Thanks again!

Debbie