Help with Niagara Falls itinerary
 

We have a list of things we would like to see and do in Niagara Falls. At this point we plan to spend about 5 days(Aug 10-15). I was hoping you could comment on if our list seems manageable in light of our time frame and if you can suggest which things we might be able to group together and do in one day.
Appreciate all the help. Thanks!
Our list:
Maid of the Mist
White Water Walk
Journey Behind the Falls
Butterfly conservatory
Waves Indoor Waterpark
Movieland Wax Museum
Galaxy Mini Golf
Whirlpool Aero car
Marineland
Skywheel
Whirlpool Jet Boats
Cave of the Winds
Goat Island

For 5 days, I think you can do it all. Here's a suggested itinerary:

Day 1 - Maid of the Mist at 9 a.m., timed ticket for Journey Behind the Falls for around 11 - 12. Movieland Wax Museum, and Skywheel for the afternoon and evening.

Day 2 - Waves Indoor Waterpark and Galaxy Mini Golf.

Day 3 - use the People Mover and do White Water Walk, Whirlpool Aero Car, and Butterfly Conservatory in the morning. Walk over Rainbow Bridge and see Goat Island and do Cave of the Winds in the late afternoon and evening. Return to the Canadian side at your leisure.

Day 4 - Marineland.

Day 5 - drive along the Niagara Parkway and stop at some of the historical sights if interested, do Whirlpool Jet Boats, continue to Niagara on the Lake and have a nice lunch. Visit some wineries if interested or visit the Welland Canal.

Thank you. Your suggestions help a great deal. It's great to be able to get help from someone familiar with the area!

sailingsailing
You are going to have a great trip! The cost for your activities might be offset by recommendations for cheaper eating. Let me recommend the Swiss Chalet http://www.gusto.com/canada/niagaraf...s-R141071.html
I understand Tim Hortons is reasonable for soup and sandwiches. I've never been there but they have a good reputation.

Good point about the cost of eating...Swiss Chalet and Tim Horton are good suggestions. SC is a full restaurant with a liquor license and does way more than the chicken it was originally famous for.

Tim Horton is everywhere, its a coffee place primarily and can offer quick breakfasts and lunches to go or to eat in. They make very good soups and a decent chili, too.

Have a great time on my personal fave, Maid of the Mist. We have taken guests many times over the year and never tired of that part.

Avoid TGI Fridays at the Falls. It is expensive and the food was horrible (Jan. '08).
Tony Romas wasn't bad (i've had good and bad experiences there).
Tim Hortons will get you a sandwhich and drink for $5, or a bagel and coffee at for $3 (altho' i prefer Second Cup's coffee).

Get yourselves over to Niagara on the Lake, a 15 minute drive from the Falls. It's a quaint little town with a "Main Street USA" feel in some respects, with plenty of shops and a few candy/fudge shops where you can watch them make their goods.

Toedtoes suggested a good itinerary.

Enjoy!

Shoeless Joe's at the Fallsview Casino had pretty decent prices for lunch I thought ($7 for a sandwich or burger).

What is goat island?

Oh, and I think you definitely can accomplish your itinerary in five days.

amelie
Goat Island is the American side of the Falls. It is where you go for Cave of the Winds which is wonderful. You can walk up close and personal to the Horseshoe Falls, It is really VERY up close and personal. A restaurant that we have not been to but have heard is very good, and a great way to spend a few hours.

Oh! I didn't know it was called that, I've never been on the American side. Hopefully next time. Is it easy to drive to from the Canadian side?

Absolutly, drive across Rainbow Bridge, first intersection past customs turn right, the bridge to Goat Island is about 2-3min down. It is marked.

Amelie, don't even bother driving from the Canadian side. Walk across Rainbow Bridge, turn right and walk into the State Park and get a trolley pass for $2 for the day. Then hop the trolley and ride it to Goat Island, hop on and off as you desire along the way.

Then at the end of the day, walk back across Rainbow Bridge to the Canadian side.

thanks toadtoes, that sounds perfect!