Southern Girl’s First trip to Niagara!!
Jul 26th, 2006, 10:26 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Southern Girl’s First trip to Niagara!!
Southern Girl’s First trip to Niagara!!
I will be traveling to Niagara Falls for a one day trip on Thursday, August 10th, 2006. Please help me critique my trip!
Here is my trip itinerary:
Arrive -- BUF International Airport @ 9:32 (AM)
Rent a car and drive to Niagara Falls
Park rental car and use the “People Mover” for the remainder of the day
1st Attraction -- New York State Observation Tower ($1.00)
2nd Attraction -- Maid of the Mist Tour (AM) ($11.50)
LUNCH @ Skylon Tower (1:00 reservation)
3rd Attraction -- Cave of Winds
4th Free Daredevil Museum -- Located near the IMAX Theater
Drive back to the Airport @ 6:00
Flight Back Leaves @ 8:30 (PM)
Does this sound feasible to you?
Here are my Questions::
How is the traffic between Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Niagara Falls especially during around 10:00 and 6:00?
Has anyone been to Skylon Towers? If so how is the dress?
Has anyone been to the Daredevil Museum? I heard it is small…Is it worth the trip?
How are the lines at the Maid of the Mist, & Cave of winds?
Do I have too much packed in this day?
Your help is greatly appreciated!!
I will be traveling to Niagara Falls for a one day trip on Thursday, August 10th, 2006. Please help me critique my trip!
Here is my trip itinerary:
Arrive -- BUF International Airport @ 9:32 (AM)
Rent a car and drive to Niagara Falls
Park rental car and use the “People Mover” for the remainder of the day
1st Attraction -- New York State Observation Tower ($1.00)
2nd Attraction -- Maid of the Mist Tour (AM) ($11.50)
LUNCH @ Skylon Tower (1:00 reservation)
3rd Attraction -- Cave of Winds
4th Free Daredevil Museum -- Located near the IMAX Theater
Drive back to the Airport @ 6:00
Flight Back Leaves @ 8:30 (PM)
Does this sound feasible to you?
Here are my Questions::
How is the traffic between Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Niagara Falls especially during around 10:00 and 6:00?
Has anyone been to Skylon Towers? If so how is the dress?
Has anyone been to the Daredevil Museum? I heard it is small…Is it worth the trip?
How are the lines at the Maid of the Mist, & Cave of winds?
Do I have too much packed in this day?
Your help is greatly appreciated!!
Jul 26th, 2006, 11:32 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not sure if you realize it, but The Skylon Tower and the Daredevil Museum are on the Canadian side of the falls. Be certain to bring proof of U.S. citizenship for your return to the U.S. A passport will do; otherwise, bring a certified birth certificate and your photo driver's license.
If you can afford it, why not take a shuttle or taxi from the airport instead of taking up time to get a rental and returning it? It will, however, cost you approx. $40 - $50 one way. You won't have to worry about directions or parking. For shuttle and taxi information, google NFTA (Niagara Frontier Transportation Assoc.) and click on Buffalo Airport for that info.
Driving on the Canadian side of the falls is VERY confusing if you don't know the area. And it's crowded and congested. I don't advise it.
Your 1:00 lunch reservation might screw you up a bit. You can take the people mover on the American side, which will take you past the upper rapids and onto Goat Island where you will view the falls from the very brink at many different vantage points. Cave of the Winds is there, too....I think.
You could probably skip the observation tower, especially if you're going to the Canadian side. From there you will get a panoramic view of the American and Canadian falls anyhow.
The daredevil museum is interesting, but I wouldn't go out of my way to see it during such a short stay, unless I really wanted to see the IMAX. The IMAX theater is slightly out of the way and a bet of a trek if you're on foot.
You're probably gonna get really wet, so you better bring a change of clothes in a backpack.
Perhaps you can go to the Canadian side first, check out the view from there....have an earlier lunch at Skylon? Then head back to the American side to do the attractions there.
Whether you drive or take a taxi or walk over to the Canadian side once you arrive by one of these two ways, I would do the Canadian side first in case there is any type of backup or problem at the border. Although late afternoon on a Thursday shouldn't be bad. But you never know.
P.S. On a Thursday morning, it will be a 20 minute commute to the American side from the Buffalo airport.
I really hope this helps. And don't worry, there are a few other locals on this board that can give you way more NF info. than I can. They'll show up soon with more details.
Have fun!
If you can afford it, why not take a shuttle or taxi from the airport instead of taking up time to get a rental and returning it? It will, however, cost you approx. $40 - $50 one way. You won't have to worry about directions or parking. For shuttle and taxi information, google NFTA (Niagara Frontier Transportation Assoc.) and click on Buffalo Airport for that info.
Driving on the Canadian side of the falls is VERY confusing if you don't know the area. And it's crowded and congested. I don't advise it.
Your 1:00 lunch reservation might screw you up a bit. You can take the people mover on the American side, which will take you past the upper rapids and onto Goat Island where you will view the falls from the very brink at many different vantage points. Cave of the Winds is there, too....I think.
You could probably skip the observation tower, especially if you're going to the Canadian side. From there you will get a panoramic view of the American and Canadian falls anyhow.
The daredevil museum is interesting, but I wouldn't go out of my way to see it during such a short stay, unless I really wanted to see the IMAX. The IMAX theater is slightly out of the way and a bet of a trek if you're on foot.
You're probably gonna get really wet, so you better bring a change of clothes in a backpack.
Perhaps you can go to the Canadian side first, check out the view from there....have an earlier lunch at Skylon? Then head back to the American side to do the attractions there.
Whether you drive or take a taxi or walk over to the Canadian side once you arrive by one of these two ways, I would do the Canadian side first in case there is any type of backup or problem at the border. Although late afternoon on a Thursday shouldn't be bad. But you never know.
P.S. On a Thursday morning, it will be a 20 minute commute to the American side from the Buffalo airport.
I really hope this helps. And don't worry, there are a few other locals on this board that can give you way more NF info. than I can. They'll show up soon with more details.
Have fun!
Jul 26th, 2006, 12:47 PM
#3
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We went about that time of the year and were shocked at how uncomfortably wet and cold it was. We bought sweatpants, sweatshirts to wear. After the Maid of the Mist tour, we walked around in the cold drizzle before going back to the hotel for hot chocolate and sitting in the jacuzzi.
Don't get me wrong - it is a great trip. But it is a big weather change from summer in the South.
Don't get me wrong - it is a great trip. But it is a big weather change from summer in the South.
Jul 26th, 2006, 01:03 PM
#4
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just went at the very end of May and it was an all time record high temperature and we boiled. It's been hot there this year.
My opinion would be to skip the Skylon with all else you have going. It's not that nice of a place, and I would eat elsewhere, IMHO. It is very, very crowded everywhere you walk and the lines to get the elevator up/down are not quick either. I just don't think you have enough time all around to enjoy each venue properly.
IMHO, the Maid of the Mist leaving from the Canadian side was much better.
In summer, crossing the border is not as fast as I was told it would be ANYWHERE.
Do not drive on the Canadian side. It took us at least 1 hour to get into the circular complex and park. Parking is only free if you go into the casinos and get slot or players' cards.
Bring money. You can do it and have a good time, but don't expect the crowds to let you "move" this fast. And eat where you land. It's mostly over-priced fast food anyway.
My opinion would be to skip the Skylon with all else you have going. It's not that nice of a place, and I would eat elsewhere, IMHO. It is very, very crowded everywhere you walk and the lines to get the elevator up/down are not quick either. I just don't think you have enough time all around to enjoy each venue properly.
IMHO, the Maid of the Mist leaving from the Canadian side was much better.
In summer, crossing the border is not as fast as I was told it would be ANYWHERE.
Do not drive on the Canadian side. It took us at least 1 hour to get into the circular complex and park. Parking is only free if you go into the casinos and get slot or players' cards.
Bring money. You can do it and have a good time, but don't expect the crowds to let you "move" this fast. And eat where you land. It's mostly over-priced fast food anyway.
Jul 27th, 2006, 08:33 PM
#5
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I live less than an hour from Niagara Falls, Canada and the temp here today (and predicted for the next couple weeks) was in the high 80's - well into the 90's with the humidity - so no need for sweats.
I drive over to the US often to do some shopping, etc and I rarely have any delays. You can check the border wait times at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html
Have fun.
I drive over to the US often to do some shopping, etc and I rarely have any delays. You can check the border wait times at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html
Have fun.
Jul 28th, 2006, 07:54 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 808
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nia Tra-you're getting some good tips. I dont think your'e itinerary is impossible, but there's no roo for any sort of glitch. I would defininitely consider leaving your car on the US side and walking across the Rainbow Bridge to Can. Its a beautiful view and even though you still go thru customs, there's usually far fewer pedestrians than cars, so it moves more quickly. Also, the traffic patterns on the Can. side are really confusing. Even us locals get confused. I would also skip the Skylon Tower unless you have your heart set on it. Theres' lots of restaurants in Niagara Falls, and frankly, i havent found any that are that great. We go to NF to sight see (or in our case, to take visiting sightseers) but not to ear. Much better food in Niagara On the Lake or other Ontario towns. You would probably have a better lunch in one of the casinos.
Do be prepared with photo id & birth cert or passport for customs. I've never been asked for them (We go across the border on a regualr basis) but it's only 20 minutes from our house to get them I would hate to be stuck in Canada and refused entry to US.
finally, check the weather a day or so before you travel. While our summers are usually pleasant, we have occasional heatwaves or cold fronts. There's nothing like the maid of the mis on a hot day. and then, there's nothing like the maid of the mist on a cold day.
Enjoy your visit. You'll want to stay a few days the next time.
Do be prepared with photo id & birth cert or passport for customs. I've never been asked for them (We go across the border on a regualr basis) but it's only 20 minutes from our house to get them I would hate to be stuck in Canada and refused entry to US.
finally, check the weather a day or so before you travel. While our summers are usually pleasant, we have occasional heatwaves or cold fronts. There's nothing like the maid of the mis on a hot day. and then, there's nothing like the maid of the mist on a cold day.
Enjoy your visit. You'll want to stay a few days the next time.
