Best Niagara Falls adventure??
 

Won't have a long time to spend here. Have two granddaughters, age 10 and 11 and we'll have time to do just one activity at the Falls..I'm thinking either Maid of the Mist or the Behind the Falls tour..Any suggestion as to which they would enjoy the most?

Either one will please the kids. I used to live in Buffalo and we often took visitors on both. Caveat: The Behind the Falls tour will Get You Wet!!! So, too, the Maid of the Mist, but not to the same degree. On both tours you get a thin plastic poncho, which you can keep. But getting wet is half the fun. So, Perhaps leave it to the kids to decide, or perhaps toss a coin. Have fun.

It's me again. Just remembered that if you decide on the Behind the Falls tour, it gets backed up pretty much in tourist season. However, you obtain a timed ticket in advance. That way, if a wait for the tour is too long to stand in line ( and with kids that age, that's not a good thing), getting the timed ticket enables you to wander around a bit and then come back for the tour. For the Maids of the Mist, even though LOTS of people line up, the boats come and go pretty quickly, so the wait in the lines are not that bad. You might find more helpful info on their respective websites. Hope this helps.

It's me again (3rd time's a charm!). Given your name, it appears that you are Canadian. Since you plan on crossing the border, please ensure ample time to cross both ways. With the higher security status now, the wait at the entry ports are longer. And in the summer the crossing at the rainbow Bridge and at the Whirlpool Bridge (if it's open) tend to be quite long anyway. So, given you will be pressed for time, you might check that out by calling your immigration/custons office at the border to get updated info on the border wait. Expect the US side to be more cautious, and have identification for everyone in your car. When we lived in Buffalo, we used the Peace Bridge n tourist season rather than having to negotiate through the Rainbow Bridge. Of course, the drive out to it is about half an hour to the west, but it was always much quicker than waiting...and waiting...and waiting, and...You get the point.

We'll be going up to Niagara Falls Memorial Day weekend, from Ohio, will have me and my husband, out two kids and two of their friends, plus my parents. Should I have my kids birth certificates with me, and what about their friends, someone told me a notarised letter from their parents, will that be enough? Anyone know for sure what I will need to cross the boarder, with kids with us?

Everyone needs proof of citizenship, not to get into Canada, but to return to the USA. Unless you have passports, a birth certificate, an original with a raised seal, is your best bet.

IN ADDITION, you may have to produce (assume that you will) a written, notarized, affidavit from the parents stating that you have their permission to travel into Canada with them. Best bet is to consult an attorney familiar with this requirement.

You may not be requested to produce documentation in either direction, but, if you are, you had better have it.

I agree with DJKBooks. You must have original birth certificates for everyone to go both ways. I was in Canada last month and my documents were checked in both directions. As for the friends, it depends on their age. If they are under 16 then you'll need a notorized letter from a custodial parent, including their birth certificates. With heightened security, more likely than not your documents will be checked. You'll need not consult with an immigration attorney, though. Until recently I lived in Buffalo and made many crossings. The birth certificates and the notorized letter for other kids will do just fine. Actuially, the most aggravating thing about the crossing will be the wait. Memorial Day is always busy, particularly if the weather is good. Review the above hints for dealing with this. Have a great time. P.S. If you'll need Canadian currency, use an ATM machine on the Canadian side-- they accept virtually every credit or debit card. You'll get the official exchange rate without commissions.

I've done both the Behind the Falls and Maid of the Mist. If you only have time to choose one, I would definitely recommend the Maid of the Mist. Expect long lines for both but they move along relatively well. Also, you can embark on the Maid of the Mist on the American side as well as the Canadian side. The lines on the American side are usually shorter. If you do go over to the American side then you can also view the Falls from the tower and can walk over to Goat Island where you can literall stand right next to the rapids. Have fun!

I was just up on Saturday. Crossed from the Buffalo area at the Lewiston Queenston Bridge (sp??). NO traffic either way...and Yes I know it is farther out of the way but NO traffic is worth it. Granted we weren't going to Niagara this time (headed up to the IKEA at Burlington).

Plus we like the Duty Free shop better than Rainbow or Peace!

WE only used our Driver's Licenses. We did get questioned more by the US Border Guard than ever before but we were only across the border for a few hours whereas normally we spend 2 nights. SO I don't doubt them for being suspicious!

We also bought more alcohol than we were technically allowed but they duty free shop just tacked on an extra 10-15% they told us. The Border Guard was a bit surprised about that!

Normally I don't admit to purchasing alcohol but this time I told them everything. I usually just them "clothing, tourist items."

I guess for kids you will need Birth Certs since they aren't old enough for driver's licenses ;-)

Behind the Falls is cool but I think I would prefer Maid of the Mist.

BUT our favorite things are the Spanish Aero Car and the Butterfly Conservatory.

What is the Spanish aerocar? I was at the Butterfly Museum about 5 years ago-any significant changes?

http://www.niagaraparks.com/attractions/aerocar.php

I have only been to the Butterfly place 1x so not sure if it has changed in 5 yrs. I went last April (2002).