Niagara Falls

[treacheroustexan]

My girlfriend and I last minute planned a small trip to Niagara Falls (canada side) this weekend. Were leaving early saturday and will come home sunday morning. I haven't been there since I was a kid with my parents, so I don't remember much. Any suggestions on what to check out? Were staying at the Howard Johnson by the falls.

So far we just have tickets to the ripleys museum and that's pretty much all we have planned. Just gonna wing the rest of it, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Biscuits]

My wife and I just took our daughter there, and met up with my in-laws, at Niagara...we camped not far from it in NY. We crossed to the Canadian side for a bit to check it out as well. Honestly, the area seems a little run down...a lot of stores and shops are closed and it seemed kind of eerie. We still had a good time but we stuck with the basics and went to the aquarium (US side)...

I would say, definitely do the Maiden in the Mist...I think the Canadian one is Horn Blower or something to that effect, and try to make it at night when it is all lit up...not really sure what else there is to do in the area...it rained a lot when we were there so we didn't get to really explore as much as we hoped we would've.

 

[Psylocide]

My wife and I just took our daughter there, and met up with my in-laws, at Niagara...we camped not far from it in NY. We crossed to the Canadian side for a bit to check it out as well. Honestly, the area seems a little run down...a lot of stores and shops are closed and it seemed kind of eerie. We still had a good time but we stuck with the basics and went to the aquarium (US side)...

I would say, definitely do the Maiden in the Mist...I think the Canadian one is Horn Blower or something to that effect, and try to make it at night when it is all lit up...not really sure what else there is to do in the area...it rained a lot when we were there so we didn't get to really explore as much as we hoped we would've.

Do you mean it seemed a little Erie?

Eh? Eh?

Sorry. I'm out.

 

[SevenOaks]

Niagara Falls ... slowly I turned, step by step, inch by inch ...

 

[invictusbrew]

Do you mean it seemed a little Erie?

Eh? Eh?

Sorry. I'm out.

Zing!

I haven't been to Niagra Falls in a couple decades, but I do want to take the kids there someday, so I'm subbing to see what all is around there.

 

[Psylocide]

Paging @TheCADJockey

He loves that stupid waterfall. Probably.

 

[pshankstar]

If you enjoy casinos there is one right there. At night with the light show, that is pretty cool! I second the "Horn Blower" ride on the Canadian side! There is a large ferris wheel that is pretty cool to see the falls from a different view. There is also a restaurant that looks like the tower in Seattle, WA but I think that's pretty $$$, so the ferris wheel ride may be cheaper to get a similar view. Also, there is a mirror maze (I believe near the Ripley's museum across the street) that was a lot of fun!

Also, don't forget your passports!!!!!!

 

[Homercidal]

I've been twice, but both times were years back. I've heard it's getting run down.

We enjoyed the walk behind the falls, the Maid in the Mist and a bunch of the tourist traps in the area, such as Ripley's etc. The street vendors were cool as well.

I'd be curious to see what's changed.

One memory I have is one of the museums in the tourist area have an electrocution machine on display and you can pull the switch and watch a mannequin get fake fried. It's pretty sweet. Be prepared to see the frightened faces of little kids and disproving looks from others.

 

[TheCADJockey]

Hey man! Thats like 10 minutes from my house. My wife and I went there on our honeymoon since we were relatively broke and didn't have much vacation time so it was convenient. We ended up having the time of our life.

http://canyoncreekrestaurant.ca/

We went to this restaurant our first night there, just on a whim since the Japanese restaurant across the way had a line out the door and around the corner. There was no wait. We walked right in, they were super kind and when they found out it was our honeymoon the gave us a table with an amazing view of the falls and fireworks. The food was unbelievable.

That is the only place I can suggest eating. We went to Hard Rock Cafe the next day, ended up paying almost double for a few drinks and burgers. At the previous place, we had unbelievable service, aged prime rib, super food.

Clifton Hill is a good place to just walk, if the weather is decent which it looks like it should be. That is where Ripley's is. Most of those attractions are quite expensive as well, but its a really fun walk. We wanted to go to the Aviary, but ran out of time. She did make me go on the Skywheel though. I'm not a huge fan of heights, and it was windy that day... amazing view, but I almost passed out. Was stupid.

Dude being that close to everything, just start walking. I can't wait to go back.

- Remember to call your bank and tell them you are going to be in Canada for the weekend so they don't deactivate your card for suspicious purchases.

- The mall attached to the casino has some fun stores and restaurants.

- The bar in the lobby of the Holiday Inn, across from the casino, had some really nice craft beer. Menu looked great too but we didn't eat there.

Have fun man!

 

[Psylocide]

Hey man! Thats like 10 minutes from my house. My wife and I went there on our honeymoon since we were relatively broke and didn't have much vacation time so it was convenient. We ended up having the time of our life.

http://canyoncreekrestaurant.ca/

We went to this restaurant our first night there, just on a whim since the Japanese restaurant across the way had a line out the door and around the corner. There was no wait. We walked right in, they were super kind and when they found out it was our honeymoon the gave us a table with an amazing view of the falls and fireworks. The food was unbelievable.

That is the only place I can suggest eating. We went to Hard Rock Cafe the next day, ended up paying almost double for a few drinks and burgers. At the previous place, we had unbelievable service, aged prime rib, super food.

Clifton Hill is a good place to just walk, if the weather is decent which it looks like it should be. That is where Ripley's is. Most of those attractions are quite expensive as well, but its a really fun walk. We wanted to go to the Aviary, but ran out of time. She did make me go on the Skywheel though. I'm not a huge fan of heights, and it was windy that day... amazing view, but I almost passed out. Was stupid.

Dude being that close to everything, just start walking. I can't wait to go back.

- Remember to call your bank and tell them you are going to be in Canada for the weekend so they don't deactivate your card for suspicious purchases.

- The mall attached to the casino has some fun stores and restaurants.

- The bar in the lobby of the Holiday Inn, across from the casino, had some really nice craft beer. Menu looked great too but we didn't eat there.

Have fun man!

See.

 

[noswillthanks]

The area you'll be staying in, Clifton Hill, is largely geared towards encouraging kids to spend their parents money for a short-lived thrill. There are, however, several pretty cool attractions to visit.

As mentioned, journey behind the falls is one. It gets you close to the action with a different perspective. Haven't been there in years, though.

Also as mentioned, Hornblower/Maid of the Mist cruises are better at night. Even better on a Friday, Sunday or a holiday, when they have fireworks. Sorry about your luck, there! The natural acoustics of the gorge are amazing.

A new brewery just opened up on Clifton Hill, but I haven't visited yet. Mixed reviews from friends.

Walking distance from your hotel, there's a restaurant called Bravo Pizza that has a large beer list from all over the world.

Driving distance, there's a bar called the Old Crow that has a lot of craft beer from Ontario. The lineup is small, but it rotates pretty quickly.

 

[noswillthanks]

Hey man! Thats like 10 minutes from my house. My wife and I went there on our honeymoon since we were relatively broke and didn't have much vacation time so it was convenient. We ended up having the time of our life.

http://canyoncreekrestaurant.ca/

We went to this restaurant our first night there, just on a whim since the Japanese restaurant across the way had a line out the door and around the corner. There was no wait. We walked right in, they were super kind and when they found out it was our honeymoon the gave us a table with an amazing view of the falls and fireworks. The food was unbelievable.

That is the only place I can suggest eating. We went to Hard Rock Cafe the next day, ended up paying almost double for a few drinks and burgers. At the previous place, we had unbelievable service, aged prime rib, super food.

Clifton Hill is a good place to just walk, if the weather is decent which it looks like it should be. That is where Ripley's is. Most of those attractions are quite expensive as well, but its a really fun walk. We wanted to go to the Aviary, but ran out of time. She did make me go on the Skywheel though. I'm not a huge fan of heights, and it was windy that day... amazing view, but I almost passed out. Was stupid.

Dude being that close to everything, just start walking. I can't wait to go back.

- Remember to call your bank and tell them you are going to be in Canada for the weekend so they don't deactivate your card for suspicious purchases.

- The mall attached to the casino has some fun stores and restaurants.

- The bar in the lobby of the Holiday Inn, across from the casino, had some really nice craft beer. Menu looked great too but we didn't eat there.

Have fun man!

What they said... Canyon Creek is delicious. Steak just melts. View is great.

I did not know about the Holiday Inn bar, though. Thanks for the heads up! That's stumbling distance from my house!

 

[treacheroustexan]

The area you'll be staying in, Clifton Hill, is largely geared towards encouraging kids to spend their parents money for a short-lived thrill. There are, however, several pretty cool attractions to visit.

As mentioned, journey behind the falls is one. It gets you close to the action with a different perspective. Haven't been there in years, though.

Also as mentioned, Hornblower/Maid of the Mist cruises are better at night. Even better on a Friday, Sunday or a holiday, when they have fireworks. Sorry about your luck, there! The natural acoustics of the gorge are amazing.

A new brewery just opened up on Clifton Hill, but I haven't visited yet. Mixed reviews from friends.

Walking distance from your hotel, there's a restaurant called Bravo Pizza that has a large beer list from all over the world.

Driving distance, there's a bar called the Old Crow that has a lot of craft beer from Ontario. The lineup is small, but it rotates pretty quickly.

Thank you! Anything else good within walking distance?

 

[passedpawn]

Take your drone!

 

[soccerdad]

Hey man! Thats like 10 minutes from my house.

Love Canal ??

 

[joesmink]

Silversmith brewery in Virgil about 15 - 20 min from the falls
they make their own beers and they're tasty too
I've personally checked them out and would recommend a taste there

 

[noswillthanks]

Most of what TheCADJockey said is walking distance. The Fallsview area has more well known restaurants.
There's a new burger place, The Works, near your hotel. Quite tasty.

 

[madscientistbrewNq]

Oast, butterfly museum, whirlpool tour, horn blower, rent bikes and hang out a bit at niagra on the lake

 

[z-bob]

Niagara Falls?!? "Slowwwly I turned, inch by inch, step by step..."

 

[treacheroustexan]

Hey man! Thats like 10 minutes from my house. My wife and I went there on our honeymoon since we were relatively broke and didn't have much vacation time so it was convenient. We ended up having the time of our life.

http://canyoncreekrestaurant.ca/

We went to this restaurant our first night there, just on a whim since the Japanese restaurant across the way had a line out the door and around the corner. There was no wait. We walked right in, they were super kind and when they found out it was our honeymoon the gave us a table with an amazing view of the falls and fireworks. The food was unbelievable.

That is the only place I can suggest eating. We went to Hard Rock Cafe the next day, ended up paying almost double for a few drinks and burgers. At the previous place, we had unbelievable service, aged prime rib, super food.

Clifton Hill is a good place to just walk, if the weather is decent which it looks like it should be. That is where Ripley's is. Most of those attractions are quite expensive as well, but its a really fun walk. We wanted to go to the Aviary, but ran out of time. She did make me go on the Skywheel though. I'm not a huge fan of heights, and it was windy that day... amazing view, but I almost passed out. Was stupid.

Dude being that close to everything, just start walking. I can't wait to go back.

- Remember to call your bank and tell them you are going to be in Canada for the weekend so they don't deactivate your card for suspicious purchases.

- The mall attached to the casino has some fun stores and restaurants.

- The bar in the lobby of the Holiday Inn, across from the casino, had some really nice craft beer. Menu looked great too but we didn't eat there.

Have fun man!

Thanks man! I appreciate it!

 

[The10mmKid]

Hard Rock Cafe is right there if you've never been to one.

 

[treacheroustexan]

Hard Rock Cafe is right there if you've never been to one.

I'm actually surrounded by the hard rock cafe and hard rock rocksino here in cleveland Thanks though! My girlfriend and I go every once in a while before a concert or something.. way overpriced. But i like going there!

 

[treacheroustexan]

The area you'll be staying in, Clifton Hill, is largely geared towards encouraging kids to spend their parents money for a short-lived thrill. There are, however, several pretty cool attractions to visit.

As mentioned, journey behind the falls is one. It gets you close to the action with a different perspective. Haven't been there in years, though.

Also as mentioned, Hornblower/Maid of the Mist cruises are better at night. Even better on a Friday, Sunday or a holiday, when they have fireworks. Sorry about your luck, there! The natural acoustics of the gorge are amazing.

A new brewery just opened up on Clifton Hill, but I haven't visited yet. Mixed reviews from friends.

Walking distance from your hotel, there's a restaurant called Bravo Pizza that has a large beer list from all over the world.

Driving distance, there's a bar called the Old Crow that has a lot of craft beer from Ontario. The lineup is small, but it rotates pretty quickly.

Tried to go to Bravo and they had no roof and had a sign on the door that they were closed due to an electrical fire lol. So we went to Rainforest Cafe. We had a great time! Niagara Brewing company was actually pretty neat. It's 3 floors high and goes outside to the roof. Beers were nothing spectacular but solid.

 

[unionrdr]

I still have a tee shirt from the Hard Rock by the falls from I think the early 90's. Must've been there for awhile? It shows a Les Paul going over the falls with " Rock the falls" in the artwork.

 

[ErieShores]

Goat Island on the American side.

 

[TheCADJockey]

It's 3 floors high and goes outside to the roof. Beers were nothing spectacular but solid.

Haaah... that guy giving you the hairy-eyeball between tanks in the first picture. Awesome.

 

[nutty_gnome]

Niagara on the US side is, frankly, run down and in need of serious gentrification and rehabilitation. Was there last year and oh-boy.... if it wasn't for the falls..... The hotel I stayed at the Giacomo, (https://thegiacomo.com/) was nice... but it felt like a small enclave of sanity in a bad area.

Anyway - Lewiston is a small walking town on the US side near the falls and IS a pretty place to walk around and experience. There is an amazing BBQ place there. http://www.brickyardpub.com/ LOTS of beer and bourbon. Reasonable prices, fun atmosphere - kid friendly so long as you're not there very late on a weekend.

I had a chance to take the jet boat tour out of Lewiston. Check out https://www.whirlpooljet.com/ It was a LOT of fun, very exciting, and you get to shoot some amazing rapids. Bring a change of clothes.

When I go back with the kids, I will stay in Lewiston and drive to see the falls.