Hi, <BR> <BR>My husband and I are planning on a 4-day trip to Niagara Falls the end of July and we would like to know if "Maid of Mist" (The boat that takes visitors to get very close to the falls.) is something we should try. Do we need to reserve our tickets if we want to take the boat? What else we shouldn't miss? (We are in early 40s, outdoor type of people, and amateur photographers.) Any information is greatly appreciated. <BR> <BR>Betty

Betty - The Maid of the Mist trip should not be missed, try on do it on the warmest day you are there, but that should not be a problem the end of July. You do not need to reserve your tickets in my opinion. The Niagra Parks Commission runs many exhibits connected with the Falls that should not be missed. They have a combination ticket (Explorer's Passport) that includes the People Mover, (bus to get to most spots, Great George Adventure, Niagra Spanish Aero Car, Journey Behind the Falls, Butterfly Conservatory, Fort Erie, McFarland House, Secord Homestead and Mackenzie Heritage Printery. Individual tickets would cost $42.25, package is either $18.65 and maybe another $4 for People Mover. I went to Great Gorge, Spanish Aero Car, Journey Behind the Falls and Butterfly Conservatory. All were worth it, especially the Butterfly Conservatory, a do not miss attraction, and the Spanish Aero Car, a platform on cables that takes you over a whirlpool area. We did all of these events in one day starting about 10 AM, but kept moving. 4 days should be very adequate to see it all. We had a nice dinner, with a window table right next to Horseshoe Falls at the Table Rock Restuarant. Go up the Skylon, and maybe the Minolta Tower. <BR> <BR>Just north of Niagra Falls, 10 or 15 minutes is Niagra on the Lake, a quaint town that has a Shaw Play festival, 3 theaters with afternoon and evening plays. Check that out if interested, and this is also a area with many wineries. <BR> <BR>I did not get the see the Forts, but would have liked to have seen Fort Erie and Fort George, close to city. Read up on the War of 1812 to appreciate this area before you go. <BR> <BR>Picture opts are abundant. <BR> <BR>Any questions let me know. <BR> <BR>Gary

Gary said t all but don't miss St. Catharines and the Canal It's just a short drive. ALso all the Nature conservatories and provincial park <BR>call 1-800=ONTARIO and they send you info

Don't miss a ride on the Maid of the Mist. If you're driving from the US, I'd recommend a visit to the American Falls area (although the view of both falls is far better from the Canadian side!). Take the elevator from the look-out tower to the base of the falls and get a ticket for the boat ride there. The waiting line is usually much shorter here than across the river in Canada.

Forgot something. One of the better spots on the American side is Old Fort Niagara which is well worth a few hours of your time. It's located right at the spot where the Niagara River empties into Lake Ontario.

I also enjoyed the greenhouse near the falls with its flower displays and birds. If I had been with my husband on the trip we would have rented bikes to ride the trail along the gorge up to NOTL. It is next to the road, but still looked like a nice option. The hike down to the water (the glade?) sounded like something I would like to do, but I had my elderly mother with me. The botanic gardens around the butterfly conservatory should be interesting for a stroll at that time.