06-28-2005, 04:59 AM
Pages: 1 2
06-28-2005, 07:22 AM
I went there 3 years ago for 25th... the state park on NY side is real nice and worth a few hours of your time... we stayed on Canada side... which is where most of the attractions are. bring your credit card.. they will convert the $$$$ automatically .... or get canada cash before going. the green house with the birds is nice.. so is the butterfly house. If u can get reservations... do dinner at the tower resturant .. if possible do it after sunset... its like eating dinner in a plane overlooking the town. the town of niagra on the lake is nice as well..
06-28-2005, 07:30 AM
If i were going with the guys I'd hit a couple of the strip clubs on the Canadian side and maybe a casino or two. Those French Canadian girls cannot be beat!
Anyway, since you're going with your wife and daughter...still plenty of good things to do. You can probably read about all the attractions online (Maid of the Mist, Cave of the winds, etc...)
The Canadian side is clearly where the action is as the Canadian Gov't has spent millions to keep that place thriving and the landscaping beautiful. The NY State gov't is just now in the midst of putting some $$ into the american side. There are still some gems in NY like Goat Island. There are trails you can walk on right up to the rapids. No fence or anything....it's very cool to see the power that close up. YOu also might want to check out the Seneca Niagara casino. They converted the convention center a couple years ago to try to compete with the Canadian casino's. Free parking, Free drinks as long as you are in the gaming area and from what i hear...a really good buffet.
On the Canadian side you will wind up on Clifton Hill where all the wax museums, carnival rides, restaurants and general mass of humanity congregates. It's a fun street to hang out on. The new Fallsview casino is the highest building on either side and it's gorgeous. You should check that out. Take a drive about 10 miles north to Niagara-on-the-lake, Ontario. It's a quaint little town that your wife will love and sits where the niagara river dumps into Lake Ontario.
If the Rainbow bridge into Canada is really backed up with summer traffic (or under construction) follow your map north and go over the Lewiston Queeston bridge (closer to Niagara on the Lake).
Good luck, have fun and stop by Buffalo to get some wings...
Anyway, since you're going with your wife and daughter...still plenty of good things to do. You can probably read about all the attractions online (Maid of the Mist, Cave of the winds, etc...)
The Canadian side is clearly where the action is as the Canadian Gov't has spent millions to keep that place thriving and the landscaping beautiful. The NY State gov't is just now in the midst of putting some $$ into the american side. There are still some gems in NY like Goat Island. There are trails you can walk on right up to the rapids. No fence or anything....it's very cool to see the power that close up. YOu also might want to check out the Seneca Niagara casino. They converted the convention center a couple years ago to try to compete with the Canadian casino's. Free parking, Free drinks as long as you are in the gaming area and from what i hear...a really good buffet.
On the Canadian side you will wind up on Clifton Hill where all the wax museums, carnival rides, restaurants and general mass of humanity congregates. It's a fun street to hang out on. The new Fallsview casino is the highest building on either side and it's gorgeous. You should check that out. Take a drive about 10 miles north to Niagara-on-the-lake, Ontario. It's a quaint little town that your wife will love and sits where the niagara river dumps into Lake Ontario.
If the Rainbow bridge into Canada is really backed up with summer traffic (or under construction) follow your map north and go over the Lewiston Queeston bridge (closer to Niagara on the Lake).
Good luck, have fun and stop by Buffalo to get some wings...
06-28-2005, 07:58 AM
zrb2 Wrote:If i were going with the guys I'd hit a couple of the strip clubs on the Canadian side and maybe a casino or two. Those French Canadian girls cannot be beat!In Niagara Falls?
That's like seeking Peruvian culture in Lima, Ohio.
06-28-2005, 08:27 AM
Schadenfreude Wrote:Oh my friend,,,,, the Canadian side is where the real fun is. You would like this place.zrb2 Wrote:If i were going with the guys I'd hit a couple of the strip clubs on the Canadian side and maybe a casino or two. Those French Canadian girls cannot be beat! In Niagara Falls?
That's like seeking Peruvian culture in Lima, Ohio.
<a href='http://www.mintsstripclub.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.mintsstripclub.com/</a>
06-28-2005, 11:51 AM
3 words
Duty
Free
Store
Cheap smokes and booze! :bluethumb:
Duty
Free
Store
Cheap smokes and booze! :bluethumb:
06-28-2005, 03:56 PM
George Costanza says "I like to shop at the duty free shop."
06-28-2005, 04:43 PM
zrb2 Wrote:If the Rainbow bridge into Canada is really backed up with summer traffic (or under construction) follow your map north and go over the Lewiston Queeston bridge (closer to Niagara on the Lake).You can park on the American side and walk across the Rainbow Bridge. Can save time sometimes and parking is cheaper.
06-28-2005, 06:21 PM
The view is DEFINITELY better from the Canadian side. Plus you can ask your wife to redo the "walk" by Marilyn Monrow.
<a href='http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046126/' target='_blank'>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046126/</a>
The Maid in the Mist boat tour is fairly quick, but worth it, especially on a hot day. If in Canada w/o Canadian money, don't worry. They will accept US money with a 3-5% surcharge. The best bet is to use your credit card. That way you will get the EXACT exchange rate.
If in Buffalo, catch a Buffalo Bisons baseball game if they are in town. (AAA ball)
Have fun!
<a href='http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046126/' target='_blank'>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046126/</a>
The Maid in the Mist boat tour is fairly quick, but worth it, especially on a hot day. If in Canada w/o Canadian money, don't worry. They will accept US money with a 3-5% surcharge. The best bet is to use your credit card. That way you will get the EXACT exchange rate.
If in Buffalo, catch a Buffalo Bisons baseball game if they are in town. (AAA ball)
Have fun!
06-28-2005, 06:54 PM
FirstYrEagle Wrote:The view is DEFINITELY better from the Canadian side. Plus you can ask your wife to redo the "walk" by Marilyn Monrow.I am curious, what do you need to cross into Canada these days? Passport?
<a href='http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046126/' target='_blank'>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046126/</a>
The Maid in the Mist boat tour is fairly quick, but worth it, especially on a hot day. If in Canada w/o Canadian money, don't worry. They will accept US money with a 3-5% surcharge. The best bet is to use your credit card. That way you will get the EXACT exchange rate.
If in Buffalo, catch a Buffalo Bisons baseball game if they are in town. (AAA ball)
Have fun!
06-28-2005, 07:13 PM
I don't believe so YET. You just need your drivers license at most. Also, don't get cute in answering any questions they might ask.
They usually just ask me my nation of citizenship and purpose for entering. Sometimes they ask how long. Only once have I been randomly selcted for vehicle inspection. I was on my way in 10 minutes. I answered all questions politely and with several "yes sir" and "no sir" responses.
They usually just ask me my nation of citizenship and purpose for entering. Sometimes they ask how long. Only once have I been randomly selcted for vehicle inspection. I was on my way in 10 minutes. I answered all questions politely and with several "yes sir" and "no sir" responses.
06-28-2005, 10:47 PM
Apologies to zrb2 as much of this just expands on his comments, but I'm obligated to contribute to this thread as a self-proclaimed cheerleader for the region (plus I work in Niagara Falls). Since you're with your family, I'll skip the ballet (but there's nothing wrong with French Canadians!)
Just to warn you, the later in the day you want to cross the border, the bigger the backup on the bridge. Over a holiday weekend, it could be a nasty surprise. (an hour or 2). I'd make plans in advance and get over to whatever side of the border that you're spending the day. There are plenty of bargain hotels, motels, and B&B in the area. I'd check Hotwire or one of the consolidators, but it may be tough to get a deal on a holiday weekend. Passports are not necessary, but you may need a birth certificate for your daughter. It just speeds things up.
First of all, be sure to stop at one of the storefronts all over the place that have Falls information. They have plenty of coupons available for Falls attractions.
Attractions on both sides- Maid of the Mist, Whirlpool Jetboat. Both worth doing. The Whirlpool jet starts in Lewiston on the US side and Niagara-on-the-Lake on the Canadian side, both a few miles north of the falls, but worth the drive. <a href='http://www.whirlpooljet.com' target='_blank'>http://www.whirlpooljet.com</a> Note on the whirlpool jet- bring dry clothes!
American side- much of the city is urban blight but Goat Island is worth a visit. The Cave of the Winds on Goat Island is worth doing. Pretty cool. Goat Island gets you right up close and personal to the falls, but the better view is from the Canadian side. The Casino does have free parking and a nice buffet. Lewiston is a pretty little town a few miles north of the Falls. After an hour of riding the Whirlpool jet boat, you can have dinner on an outdoor patio overlooking the Lower Niagara River and the gorge. Artpart, the summer home of the Buffalo Philharmonic, is in Lewiston, but I don't see anything going on that weekend. <a href='http://www.artpark.net' target='_blank'>http://www.artpark.net</a>
Canadian side- There's the usual stuff along the water. Kept very clean and pristine. You can park away from the tourist area and take a shuttle back in. Stay away from Marineland- not worth the money. Your daugher will enjoy Clinton Hill, especially during the evening. Of course there are the casinos.
<a href='http://www.cliftonhill.com/niagara_falls_events/fallsview_casino_concerts' target='_blank'>http://www.cliftonhill.com/niagara_falls_e...casino_concerts</a>
If you do nothing else on your trip, get on the Niagara Parkway and drive north (just keep the river on your right) and drive until you hit Lake Ontario. The whole stretch is one big provincial park of the gorge left behind by the receding falls over the centuries. There is one place where you can hike down into the gorge- fun hike until you have to hike back 8 stories up. You'll enjoy the drive and Niagara-on-the-Lake is worth a visit. <a href='http://www.niagaraonthelake.com' target='_blank'>http://www.niagaraonthelake.com</a> On a clear day, you can see the Toronto skyline across Lake Ontario.
Along the Niagara Parkway, the Botanical Gardens are actually worth a stop (even without your wife). You'll also be passing some great golf courses, which were a much better bargain a few years ago when the Canadian dollar was going for ~$0.65 US.
Hope this helps. Have a GREAT trip.
Just to warn you, the later in the day you want to cross the border, the bigger the backup on the bridge. Over a holiday weekend, it could be a nasty surprise. (an hour or 2). I'd make plans in advance and get over to whatever side of the border that you're spending the day. There are plenty of bargain hotels, motels, and B&B in the area. I'd check Hotwire or one of the consolidators, but it may be tough to get a deal on a holiday weekend. Passports are not necessary, but you may need a birth certificate for your daughter. It just speeds things up.
First of all, be sure to stop at one of the storefronts all over the place that have Falls information. They have plenty of coupons available for Falls attractions.
Attractions on both sides- Maid of the Mist, Whirlpool Jetboat. Both worth doing. The Whirlpool jet starts in Lewiston on the US side and Niagara-on-the-Lake on the Canadian side, both a few miles north of the falls, but worth the drive. <a href='http://www.whirlpooljet.com' target='_blank'>http://www.whirlpooljet.com</a> Note on the whirlpool jet- bring dry clothes!
American side- much of the city is urban blight but Goat Island is worth a visit. The Cave of the Winds on Goat Island is worth doing. Pretty cool. Goat Island gets you right up close and personal to the falls, but the better view is from the Canadian side. The Casino does have free parking and a nice buffet. Lewiston is a pretty little town a few miles north of the Falls. After an hour of riding the Whirlpool jet boat, you can have dinner on an outdoor patio overlooking the Lower Niagara River and the gorge. Artpart, the summer home of the Buffalo Philharmonic, is in Lewiston, but I don't see anything going on that weekend. <a href='http://www.artpark.net' target='_blank'>http://www.artpark.net</a>
Canadian side- There's the usual stuff along the water. Kept very clean and pristine. You can park away from the tourist area and take a shuttle back in. Stay away from Marineland- not worth the money. Your daugher will enjoy Clinton Hill, especially during the evening. Of course there are the casinos.
<a href='http://www.cliftonhill.com/niagara_falls_events/fallsview_casino_concerts' target='_blank'>http://www.cliftonhill.com/niagara_falls_e...casino_concerts</a>
If you do nothing else on your trip, get on the Niagara Parkway and drive north (just keep the river on your right) and drive until you hit Lake Ontario. The whole stretch is one big provincial park of the gorge left behind by the receding falls over the centuries. There is one place where you can hike down into the gorge- fun hike until you have to hike back 8 stories up. You'll enjoy the drive and Niagara-on-the-Lake is worth a visit. <a href='http://www.niagaraonthelake.com' target='_blank'>http://www.niagaraonthelake.com</a> On a clear day, you can see the Toronto skyline across Lake Ontario.
Along the Niagara Parkway, the Botanical Gardens are actually worth a stop (even without your wife). You'll also be passing some great golf courses, which were a much better bargain a few years ago when the Canadian dollar was going for ~$0.65 US.
Hope this helps. Have a GREAT trip.
06-29-2005, 12:19 PM
klingon288 Wrote:American side- much of the city is urban blight but Goat Island is worth a visit. The Cave of the Winds on Goat Island is worth doing. Pretty cool. Goat Island gets you right up close and personalDoes CE know about this?
He's fascinated with people who "do" goat caves.
06-29-2005, 12:35 PM
I think you can buy real Cuban cigars in Canada instead of cheap Dominican copies. There's a nice (well it was nice in 1999 when I was there) restaurant on top of the needle on the Canada side. And a Hard Rock Cafe where you can buy burgers and t-shirts of seemingly equal nutritional value.
06-29-2005, 01:02 PM
There's a Hard Rock on both sides, if that's your thing...
06-29-2005, 10:46 PM
sarasotahuskie Wrote:More information for CE on Goat Island. Don't know where it got its name, but maybe CE would find the natives "friendly" . :wave:klingon288 Wrote:American side- much of the city is urban blight but Goat Island is worth a visit. The Cave of the Winds on Goat Island is worth doing. Pretty cool. Goat Island gets you right up close and personalDoes CE know about this?
He's fascinated with people who "do" goat caves.
<a href='http://www.niagarafallslive.com/goat_island_in_niagara_falls_new_york.htm' target='_blank'>Goat Island</a>
06-30-2005, 03:46 PM
I go to the Canada side of the Niagara Falls a few times a year. I stayed at the hilton the last time. Pretty nice view looking down at the falls...The new casino hotel has the best view of the falls. Is it CasinoNiagara? I can't remember the name.
Niagara is where it started for me and my girlfriend...good memories! It gets pretty expensive even with the conversion...better brings some $$$. My hotel was about $350.00 a night...probably $250.00 or so american money.
Niagara is where it started for me and my girlfriend...good memories! It gets pretty expensive even with the conversion...better brings some $$$. My hotel was about $350.00 a night...probably $250.00 or so american money.
06-30-2005, 04:54 PM
It's a holiday weekend for both Canada and the US so expect a lot of people there and long waits at the border.
06-30-2005, 10:43 PM
The Zips played host to Niagara in the ESPN Bracket Buster this year...yet Niagara isn't on the schedule for the Zips 2005-6 hoops season? What's up wit dat?
07-02-2005, 09:11 PM
zrb2 Wrote:Oh my friend,,,,, the Canadian side is where the real fun is. You would like this place.Niagara Falls, Canada is a breathtaking mosaic of sophisticated culture and its crowning jewel is the Burger King with Frankenstein's monster on top. The town is only rivaled in class by Wildwood, NJ and Myrtle Beach, SC.
![[Image: NFONfrank.jpg]](http://www.roadnoise.com/photos/NFONfrank.jpg)
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Quote:Steven Wright Quote of the day - Tell a man that there are 400 billion stars and he'll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint and he has to touch it.
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