Niagara vs. Niagara on the Lake?
Jun 16th, 2005, 09:27 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Niagara vs. Niagara on the Lake?
We are planning a trip with our two children (10 and 13) to Niagara in August as part of a trip to Toronto. Can anyone give me their thoughts on if we should stay in Niagara or in Niagara-on-the-Lake? We will be coming from the Midwest and visiting family in the Buffalo area. Your thoughts would be very much appreciated.
Jun 16th, 2005, 09:46 AM
#2
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stay in Niagara Falls. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautiful little town but I don't see that there would be much to do there with kids that age. Plus, Niagara is right at the US border so that would make it easy to see your family.
Jun 16th, 2005, 09:49 AM
#3
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,494
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think you may mean "Niagara Falls" when you say "Niagara". Are you debating b/t staying in Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara-on-the-Lake? Niagara is the name of the region. So, both NF(Ontario) & NOTL are located in the Region of Niagara.
As b/t NF & NOTL, I think that NOTL is the more interesting. Go to NF for a "day visit" ( or part of a day...they are located very close to each other) but stay in NOTL. NOTL has a wide range of lovely Hotels & B&B's. The Shaw Festiavl is also located in NOTL so maybe you cld take in a play & dinner one night. Shaw also has afternoon shows.Your children wld probably enjoy the Maid of the Mist boat experience in NF!
As b/t NF & NOTL, I think that NOTL is the more interesting. Go to NF for a "day visit" ( or part of a day...they are located very close to each other) but stay in NOTL. NOTL has a wide range of lovely Hotels & B&B's. The Shaw Festiavl is also located in NOTL so maybe you cld take in a play & dinner one night. Shaw also has afternoon shows.Your children wld probably enjoy the Maid of the Mist boat experience in NF!
Jun 16th, 2005, 10:20 AM
#4
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I suggest right next to Clifton Hill in the Quailty or Comfort. They also offer package deals.
I am asking my kid right now (girl 14) What is "quaint"? answer = Uh a word. What is "charm"? answer = the ability to be out going. What is nostalgic apothicary? answer = Never heard of it. Nostalgic Drug store? answer = It would help if I knew what nostalgic meant. What does a world famous Niagara waterfall bring to mind? answer = Water. fun. What about a wax museum? answer = Nifty and exciting. Arcade? answer = Lots of fun. Rides? answer = Even more fun than an arcade if the right kind.
If you are looking to please the kids stay in Niagara. If to please the Adult senses probably -per pretty much universal report - stay in NOTL But my senses (45 yrs old) will appreaciate Niagara as well
I am asking my kid right now (girl 14) What is "quaint"? answer = Uh a word. What is "charm"? answer = the ability to be out going. What is nostalgic apothicary? answer = Never heard of it. Nostalgic Drug store? answer = It would help if I knew what nostalgic meant. What does a world famous Niagara waterfall bring to mind? answer = Water. fun. What about a wax museum? answer = Nifty and exciting. Arcade? answer = Lots of fun. Rides? answer = Even more fun than an arcade if the right kind.
If you are looking to please the kids stay in Niagara. If to please the Adult senses probably -per pretty much universal report - stay in NOTL But my senses (45 yrs old) will appreaciate Niagara as well
Jun 16th, 2005, 10:54 AM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,944
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Being a fan of kids' travel, since my father and I used to travel a lot, my advice is based on the children.
In part, it depends on how many nights, but leaving that aside, those in favor of Niagra Falls, a genuine little city with lots of hiogh rise hotels and a big casino and lots of souvenir stores and the falls itself, which you can get really, really close to, is the place to stay.
Niagara on the Lake is a nice little town, and there's stuff there for kids, for a few hours. Buy some fudge, and go visit the Tricia Romance Art Gallery in a big old Victorian House just off the nmain street, opposite the park. Especially if one or both kids are girls.
Niagara Falls, the city, will be full of action even late into the evening. I was there a few years ago with a six year old and he loved the pace and the mood and the fireworks, and the stuffed toy rabbit his cousin bought him.
It's hard to describe Clifton Hill, downtown Niagara Falls, at night, except to say its a happen' place, even for children.
If you leave NF in themorning, you can drive to Niagara on the Lake, buy the fudge and visit the art gallery and play at the old fort, and then head for Toronto via the Welland Canal -- watch the ships -- and St. Catherines.
On the other hand, for other readers, if there are no kids, and you are not gamblers, Niagara on the Lake could well be a better bet.
BAK
In part, it depends on how many nights, but leaving that aside, those in favor of Niagra Falls, a genuine little city with lots of hiogh rise hotels and a big casino and lots of souvenir stores and the falls itself, which you can get really, really close to, is the place to stay.
Niagara on the Lake is a nice little town, and there's stuff there for kids, for a few hours. Buy some fudge, and go visit the Tricia Romance Art Gallery in a big old Victorian House just off the nmain street, opposite the park. Especially if one or both kids are girls.
Niagara Falls, the city, will be full of action even late into the evening. I was there a few years ago with a six year old and he loved the pace and the mood and the fireworks, and the stuffed toy rabbit his cousin bought him.
It's hard to describe Clifton Hill, downtown Niagara Falls, at night, except to say its a happen' place, even for children.
If you leave NF in themorning, you can drive to Niagara on the Lake, buy the fudge and visit the art gallery and play at the old fort, and then head for Toronto via the Welland Canal -- watch the ships -- and St. Catherines.
On the other hand, for other readers, if there are no kids, and you are not gamblers, Niagara on the Lake could well be a better bet.
BAK
Jun 17th, 2005, 09:56 AM
#6
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One thing I don't see mentioned much on the board is that NF has grown to much 'more' in the last few years. I visited often during college ('Canadian Ballet' is a big draw for students who can drive to NF), and thought of it as a trashy tourist town, think Daytona/Virgina Beach, Lake George, etc...
Last year I went with my dad and step family and my half-brothers, 13 and 16, thought the falls themselves were out of the world! Clifton Falls has been cleaned up, sparkled up, and really has turned into a family attraction.
Again, I'm basing this on seeing NF only over the past 10 years, but I now find it an enjoyable destination. I'm headed to NOTL this weekend, so I enjoy it there, but I wouldn't recommend it for a family on vacation with pre-teens. Make sense? Anyone else been there recently and feel NF is worth another look?
Last year I went with my dad and step family and my half-brothers, 13 and 16, thought the falls themselves were out of the world! Clifton Falls has been cleaned up, sparkled up, and really has turned into a family attraction.
Again, I'm basing this on seeing NF only over the past 10 years, but I now find it an enjoyable destination. I'm headed to NOTL this weekend, so I enjoy it there, but I wouldn't recommend it for a family on vacation with pre-teens. Make sense? Anyone else been there recently and feel NF is worth another look?
Jun 17th, 2005, 09:57 AM
#7
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
shalenrd - there is one large hotel near the new casino (Hilton??) that has a nice pool/waterslide area that I know people I work with find enjoyable with their kids. You may want to look into that. Also, there is an indoor water park in the works, but that's not what I mean - this is just a hotel with a nifty pool area.
Jun 20th, 2005, 09:20 AM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you for all of the responses. It sounds like the verdict is to stay in Niagara Falls itself (on the Canadian side). I am off th search for a hotel - the Hilton sounds appealing with a pool. Any other hotel suggestions are always welcome. Thanks again.
Jun 20th, 2005, 10:13 AM
#9
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Shalenrd, I stayed at the Hilton that is across from the new casino and was not that impressed. We were up on the 23rd floor and it was very noisy. The breakfast was expensive and the views marred by the new casino. IMHO, I would consider the Sheraton or even one of the "budget" hotels like the Best Western. We've also stayed there and found it perfect.
