Niagara Falls: Canada And USA
                                                              September 26 - September 28, 2019

 

 

Niagara Falls

Schedule

 

Sept. 26

(Thurs)

Sept. 27

(Fri)

Sept. 28

(Sat)

 

Canadian Sights and Adventures

The Canadian side is popular since the views of the falls are supposedly nicer, and the city is cleaner.  Cross the Rainbow Bridge to get there.  At popular times, it will take an hour to cross, but can take as little as 20 minutes.  Wait times and crossing information is available at www.niagarafallsbridges.com.  Here's proposed stuff to see and do while on the Canadian side of the border:

 

Purchase an Adventure Pass at the Ontario Parks Welcome Center (near the base of Clifton Hill).  A better idea may be to reserve through their website at www.niagaraparks.com.  Including tax, the cost of the Adventure Pass for an adult is about $75.00.  Maybe should do this a few weeks or so before the trip?  The ticket includes Journey Behind the Falls, the Hornblower Cruise, Niagara's Fury, and the White Water Walk.  All the literature cautions that you will get soaked on the cruise and behind the Falls.  Wear sandals, shorts/ capris, and V-neck tops, and change afterwards.  Protect electronics under the poncho.  Keep the poncho after the trip for the Journey Behind the Falls.  As a side note, the USA side offers the similar Maid of the Mist tour at a substantial discount, but all the passengers need to stand.

 

The Hornblower Cruise and Journey Behind the Falls are walking distance from each other.  Here's a map of the area: {Map}  Journey is by the Table Rock Welcome Center.  At the rear of the Welcome Center is a great view of the Horseshoe Falls.

 

If there's time, we can explore Queen Victoria Park (across from the Welcome Center).  This is a nice place to view the Illumination of the Falls, which are lit until midnight.  Within walking distance is Dufferin Islands and the Floral Show House.  We can also get around with the WEGO bus service, which is included in the Adventure Pass.  With the WEGO, we can get to the White Water Walk and the Whirlpool.

 

Clifton Hill is a touristy area known for a circus type atmosphere, including a Ripley's Believe It Or Not, fun houses, and wax museums.

 

Canadian Nightlife

There are two main casinos:  Fallsview Casino Resort, and Casino Niagara.  The Fallsview casino is much larger and more popular.  After dusk, the Falls are illuminated by 21 lights until midnight.  A panaramic view of the Falls is at the Skylon Tower, open until minight.  At 52 stories, the observation deck offers a 360‑degree view to appreciate the nighttime beauty of the Falls.

 

USA Sights and Adventures

Niagara Falls on the US side is experiencing an economic slump.  Souvenirs and attractions will be cheaper here.  The US counterpart of the Hornblower is Maid of the Mist.  Some differences between the two are discussed here {link}.  Based on tour guides, Niagara Falls State Park is worth visiting {see Map}.  Some attractions here are Cave of the Winds, Terrapin Point, Three Sisters Islands, Luna Island, Prospect Point, Tesla Statue, and the Observation Tower.  The park provides the Niagara Scenic Trolley to help transport us to each attraction for only $3 a day!

 

Shopping

On Saturdays, the Canadian side features a year round Farmer's Market with a handful of sellers and vendors.  The main shopping mall of about 40 stores may be found at the Canada One Outlet on Lundy's Lane. 

 

Canadians however, will travel to the USA side where there are lower prices and taxes.  A recommended place for souvenirs is Made in America, while a mall for clothing and electronics is at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Mall.

 

Food

On the Canadian side, the best value and view is at the Grand Buffet, in the Fallsview Casino Resort.  The cost in 2017 was $25, not including a $4 discount if you sign up for a player's card.  Fine dining recommendations include AG and Elements on the Falls.  A recommended Japanese restaurant (but with a drab exterior) is Taki Restaurant, whose owner is Japanese. 

 

The USA side has a Little Italy, and the recommended restaurant here is Como Restaurant.  This is where the mob ate in the 1960s, with large portions and good atmosphere.  The food however, is not as good as La Cucina Di Mamma, where reservations are recommended.  A good place for American food is Red Coach Inn; the desserts are decadent, and meant to be shared.

 

 


                                                                      Itinerary & Trip Costs: {Link}