Help with Niagara Falls trip

[MammaBear]

We are going to take the keet to Niagara Falls for a few days in June.

We are planning on staying on the Canadian side....

Any phriends up that way have suggestions for hotels, other things to do (the keet is 14), places to eat? Hubby was there when he was a keet (long long time ago!!) and I have never been.

We are planning on driving from PA on a Sunday evening/Monday morning and need to back in PA by Friday - also thinking of touring Thousands Islands (Bolt Castle)...perhaps a side trip to Newboro/West Port, Ontario (Stirling lodge,,,our honeymoon site!).

Any input from our phriends up north would be greatly appreciated!!!!

[SMLCHNG]

Hubby was there when he was a keet (long long time ago!!)

Same with me!! I have great memories of The Maid Of The Mist

http://www.maidofthemist.com/en/

AND the one where you can stand behind the falls. Would love to go back!

[mommar]

went there for our honeymoon 30 yrs ago and we ate at this Italian Restaurant twice...........we love, love, loved it.

http://www.thecasadoro.com/

[CUparrot]

My husband is from that neck of the woods, so we've been there a few times together. Definitely do Maid of the Mist and be prepared to get WET. It wasn't named that for nothing.

We did the tour behind the falls once and thought it was kind of a rip off. You walk through all these tunnels and there are a few places cut out where you look at the back of the waterfall--basically you're just looking at a wall of water. And that was about it. JMO--not worth the money for us.

There's a neat aviary there....all kinds of different birds and you can feed lorakeets and stuff like that. http://www.niagarafallsaviary.com/

[shakerofsalt]

We stay here (Sheraton on the Falls) when we visit the Falls.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/ ... rtyID=1330

We haven't been there since they added the waterpark, but the hotel is pretty much in the complex where all of the action is! The casino, Hard Rock, Marvel, Rainforest Cafe, and tons of stores are in the complex. Ripley's museum and other tourist attractions are just a very short walk up the hill! The falls view rooms are awesome! Some have doors to open to listen to the falls.

[SMLCHNG]

We did the tour behind the falls once and thought it was kind of a rip off. You walk through all these tunnels and there are a few places cut out where you look at the back of the waterfall--basically you're just looking at a wall of water. And that was about it. JMO--not worth the money for us.

I think I was 9 when I went and I thought it was HUGE!!

[CUparrot]

We did the tour behind the falls once and thought it was kind of a rip off. You walk through all these tunnels and there are a few places cut out where you look at the back of the waterfall--basically you're just looking at a wall of water. And that was about it. JMO--not worth the money for us.

I think I was 9 when I went and I thought it was HUGE!!

For a kid, it probably would be awesome! For an adult.....not so much.

[cdnkeywest]

Ok, since we have made the trip to NF about 4-5 times in the last year (we only live about 1 hour from there) and our last trip was 2 weeks ago here are a few recommendations from me.

1) Definitely do the Maid of the Mist tour (well worth it - you will get wet).

2) If you want a more economical place to stay - look at the Hampton Inn
http://www.niagarafallshotels.com/hampton/index.php
You can get the packages with the water park (and if you have little kids the Hampton Inn also has a pool in the hotel for more quiet swimming).
The Hampton Innn is right across from Perkins restaurant and the old casino and a 5 minute walk to Clifton Hill.

3) We are not a "wax museum" family but if you are interested there are about 6-7 of them within a 10 minute walk of the hotel.

4) Food is VERY expensive in NF - even Denny's for a family of 4 will run you $70 for breakfast (no $4.99 Grand Slam in NF). TGIF's is reasonable for dinner and there is always Wendy's on Clifton Hill for you.

5) There is a "Hershey's" chocolate store attached to the Hard Rock Cafe (by the old casino) - some amazing chocolates for sale and the best part FREE SAMPLES!

6) Of course the Falls themselves are breathtaking and on Friday/Saturday night they "light them up" and this makes for some spectacular pictures.

7) For the adults the Casinos are very good and the new casino gets some pretty good entertainment (Reba Mcentyre, The Moody Blues, Brian Wilson, etc).

Have a great time!

[The_Polly_Roger]

Here's an excellent site:

http://www.bb.net.nz/

[Dr.Corona]

I concur with others saying to do The Maid of The Mist!! AWESOME!!

[MammaBear]

Thanks to all for the input!!

We are looking at both hotels and will certainly do Maid of the Mist.

All of your suggestions are appreciated!

[MammaBear]

Here's an excellent site:

http://www.bb.net.nz/

Polly Roger....tooooo funny!!!!!

Thanks!!!!!!

[unclejohn]

We went a couple years ago and stayed at the Best Western Cairn Croft. It was nice and the staff was great! Indoor pool and whirlpools in the courtyard. Restaurant was reasonable.
Maid of the Mist was fun.
Did alright in the casino and won some money, but spent it later going to the museums.
Have fun!!

[IrishPirate]

My keets enjoyed Marineland. It's a small amusement park & marine animal exhibit.

[PhxPhin]

i grew up in upstate NY and would make the trip every so often

we used to love marineland - the killer whale shows and dragon mountain coaster - this one is pretty close to the falls

http://www.marinelandcanada.com

also we would go to African Lion Safari a lot - which is about another hour into ontario

http://www.lionsafari.com/contact.asp

my niece loved the butterfly conservatory

http://www.niagaraparks.com/garden/butterfly.php

maid of the mist is a great call and a lot of fun

this looks like a blast, although I've never actually have been on it

http://www.whirlpooljet.com/

have fun!

[sabresparrothead]

I know it's a bump to an old topic, but how was your trip? I'm from the area and was just wondering..

To follow up on a few of the comments before, Journey Behind the Falls is not much of anything. If you really want something amazing do Cave Of The Winds on the American side. You get to walk along decks at the base of the Bridal Veil Falls...there's one point where you can get within about 20 feet of them. It's pretty cool.