Going to Niagara Falls this weekend

[Sweet Freedom]

(Canadian side)

Any suggestions of things to do? Places to eat? Things to avoid?

BTW: It's just a day trip...arriving early afternoon on Saturday.

Thanks!

[Joe Shlabotnik]

1. I used to live and work near there,

but I avoided the touristy parts. Much of Clifton-hill area is pretty tacky, and the traffic will be congested at this time of year. There are 2 casinos, but from what I understand they're nothing to get excited about. The Flying Saucer, on Lundy's lane is a good quirky place for lunch.

Many of the nicer things are along the Niagara Parkway. The butterfly conservatory and botanical gardens are popular, and if you keep following the parkway you'll pass through some lovely wine country, and then Fort George and the historic town of Niagara on the Lake.

[Sweet Freedom]

3. Thanks!

We're definitely not casino people, so no loss there. Wine country, Fort George and Niagara on the Lake sound promising.

Do you know if any of the tour-type activities are worth it? The Maid of the Mist or the tour behind the falls?

[ConcernedCanuk]

2. A MUST DO - dine in the Skylon Tower's revolving Restaurant!

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http://www.skylon.com/niagara-falls-dining/revolving-dining-room/



It over looks the falls in a tower similar to the CN Tower in Toronto.

I dined there once decades ago.

The whole restaurant revolves slowly inside the tower, giving you different views all the time.

I don't know if they resolved one small problem, set your drink on the edge of the window,

and it disappears down to another table!

Waiters were constantly retrieving people's drinks for them.

I dined there for 3 hours over 30 years ago (frigadee - forgot how long ago that was) with my g/f at the time.

Above the restaurant is a lookout deck (elevator takes you up).

You can walk around looking through glass at the total view of Niagara Falls, including looking stateside.

Enjoy.

CC

[Sweet Freedom]

4. I had looked into that

unfortunately, I think the dinner prices are out of our range. Maybe we can just have dessert and a glass of wine.

[ConcernedCanuk]

8. dig deep - you will not regret it

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You asked, I answered -

Having a dinner up there (yes it is expensive) will be a memory you will cherish for life.

I do.

I think you may kick your own butt for not doing so -

you would be so close, but not have enjoyed one of the best experiences Niagara Falls has to offer.

If I ever am encouraged (that would require a partner which at the moment I do not have) to visit Niagara Falls,

The revolving restaurant would be a must do.

The views are awesome..

CC

[Sweet Freedom]

5. If anyone is interested in some history

Here are some pictures of the dewatering of the Falls in 1969

http://www.cliftonhill.com/falls_blog/historic-photos-of-niagara-falls-dry/

[sharp_stick]

6. The Maid of the Mist

and the journey behind the falls are a lot of fun. The Niagara Fury 4D movie is fun if you have kids, not really necessary for adults IMO. We also blew off the whitewater walk because my Mother In-Law wasn't going to enjoy that many steps.
The Flying Saucer restaurant was a lot of fun and there are plenty of others too.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g154998-Niagara_Falls_Ontario-Vacations.html

Take a look at the Adventure Pass if you plan on doing all the falls related stuff (maid of the mist, journey behind the falls, whitewater walk and Niagara Fury) it will save you some cash if you're doing everything. It also provides a 2 day WEGO bus pass which you can use to get around town without a car. You probably won't have time to do it all so I'd concentrate on the behind the falls and the Maid of the Mist if I had to make a choice.

http://www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-deals/vacation-packages.html

You could also look at the aero-car over the Niagara whirlpool.

http://www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-attractions/whirlpool-aero-car.html

[handmade34]

7. have been there

many times (traveling between Michigan and Vermont)... I always try to get to the falls very early am... just before sunrise... and enjoy the mist and beauty without the crowds