Niagara Falls Attractions - what to do & what to skip?!
May 5th, 2009, 04:48 PM
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Niagara Falls Attractions - what to do & what to skip?!
Hi All,
hoping for some advice!
there are quite a few Niagara Falls attractions and I am thinking a few must be similar. don't want to be over saturated with the same thing over and over again.
what can be skipped? what should not be missed?
I think I want to do maid of the mist, butterfly conservatory, aero car and cave of the winds.
But what about the white water walk and journey behind the falls?
Also of course now that the great gorge adventure pass eliminated the butterfly conservatory and replaced it with the niagara fury, the pass isn't as attractive as it used to be to me. However it might still work out better price wise to go with the pass anyway as they still discount on the butterfly conservatory.
is the people mover pass necessary? We are 30 something and don't mind walking a lot. hoping to try to hit these main attractions in about 2 days.
any idea what the discount is on the aero car if you have the great gorge pass?
thoughts?
sorry for the long list of questions!!!
thanks so much!
hoping for some advice!
there are quite a few Niagara Falls attractions and I am thinking a few must be similar. don't want to be over saturated with the same thing over and over again.
what can be skipped? what should not be missed?
I think I want to do maid of the mist, butterfly conservatory, aero car and cave of the winds.
But what about the white water walk and journey behind the falls?
Also of course now that the great gorge adventure pass eliminated the butterfly conservatory and replaced it with the niagara fury, the pass isn't as attractive as it used to be to me. However it might still work out better price wise to go with the pass anyway as they still discount on the butterfly conservatory.
is the people mover pass necessary? We are 30 something and don't mind walking a lot. hoping to try to hit these main attractions in about 2 days.
any idea what the discount is on the aero car if you have the great gorge pass?
thoughts?
sorry for the long list of questions!!!
thanks so much!
May 6th, 2009, 05:59 AM
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Consider the USA Niagara Discovery Pass... It includes the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds as well as people mover scenic shuttle and others...Its only $33 and well worth it... and the Maid lines tend to be shorter... Skip Journey behind the Falls in favor of Cave of the Winds.... Make shure you add Whirlpool Jet Boats if they are running when you come... also a discount for booking online...
As for the Butterflies... I think its overpriced to walk around a greenhouse and try to find butterflies... my kids thought it was a ripoff and we were there for about 20 minutes... however if you go, consider stopping at the Niagara Parks Golf Course nearby for a reasonably priced sandwich and beer on a patio overlooking the 18th green... good food great spot to relax...
As for the Butterflies... I think its overpriced to walk around a greenhouse and try to find butterflies... my kids thought it was a ripoff and we were there for about 20 minutes... however if you go, consider stopping at the Niagara Parks Golf Course nearby for a reasonably priced sandwich and beer on a patio overlooking the 18th green... good food great spot to relax...
May 7th, 2009, 04:15 AM
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Hi LizaMarie,
I'm so envious that you're going to NF! I'd love to go again.
You must do the Maid of the Mist - the queues are quick and the experience of getting so close to the falls is fabulous. I would recommend that you wear flip-flops on the boat because you will get soaked, but that's part of the fun!
Try to walk along the Rainbow Bridge - lovely views and you get to bypass the traffic and the crowds.
Niagara's Fury is aimed at kids, but it's okay if you don't have anything else to do. Beware of the overpriced gifts in the shop as you exit
I really enjoyed JBtF, although the queue was really long.
It is possible to spend a day in NF and not get sucked into the tacky casinos etc.
The AdventurePass is well worth purchasing as it meant I spent less time queuing for attractions.
I've got a TripReport on Montreal/Ottawa/Toronto/NF, which you may find useful!
I'm so envious that you're going to NF! I'd love to go again.
You must do the Maid of the Mist - the queues are quick and the experience of getting so close to the falls is fabulous. I would recommend that you wear flip-flops on the boat because you will get soaked, but that's part of the fun!
Try to walk along the Rainbow Bridge - lovely views and you get to bypass the traffic and the crowds.
Niagara's Fury is aimed at kids, but it's okay if you don't have anything else to do. Beware of the overpriced gifts in the shop as you exit
I really enjoyed JBtF, although the queue was really long.
It is possible to spend a day in NF and not get sucked into the tacky casinos etc.
The AdventurePass is well worth purchasing as it meant I spent less time queuing for attractions.
I've got a TripReport on Montreal/Ottawa/Toronto/NF, which you may find useful!
May 8th, 2009, 08:04 AM
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I have been to the Butterfly Pavilion several times and love it. I sit down every time I see a seat and let the butterflies come to me or I hang by their feeding stations - works like a charm. I have had several giant blue Morphos sitting on my shoulder and by sitting quietly I have been able to see some of the more exotic ones. The gardens are also quite pleasant and at the right time of year you will see some native butterflies there.
I also like any walks along the river - I can't get enough of the views. The Niagara parks Commission greenhouses are lovely too.
I also like any walks along the river - I can't get enough of the views. The Niagara parks Commission greenhouses are lovely too.
May 8th, 2009, 11:18 PM
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I would do them all if you have two days. While they are similar (they show you a view of the falls), they have their own distinct joys:
Maid of the Mist - there's something about watching the falls come closer and closer to you; you really experience the size of the falls standing on the boat.
Journey Behind the Falls - while it's not as "exciting" as Cave of the Winds, the perspective of the Horseshoe Falls from the side is amazing; it looks like a wool blanket trimmed in satin - kind of rough except for the soft and silky edge; the view behind the falls is kind of trippy also with the light taking on a green hue from the cascading water.
Cave of the Winds - it IS exciting; you really experience the power of the falls with this activity; it's a huge rush.
White Water Walk - this would be the least exciting of the bunch, but it is neat; I went right at 9 a.m. and there were very few people there - it was a bit eerie walking through the tunnel all alone; the walkway itself isn't very long, but it's serene and peaceful under the trees - then you watch the water tumbling past in the rapids; I don't know if I would have enjoyed it as much if there had been crowds there.
Whirlpool Jet Boats - I haven't done this yet, but it gets very high recommendations; it's the Niagara Falls "thrill ride".
Spanish Aero Car - it was built in 1906 and hangs over the whirlpool (where folks have died) on a few wire cables; seriously - you can't skip it (unless bad weather hits and they have to close shop for the day - next time I'll be on it).
I enjoyed the butterfly conservatory, I also enjoyed the Niagara Aviary. They made for a nice break from the water (and a good place to get out of a sudden spot of rain).
If you want to do the Butterfly Conservatory, White Water Walk, Spanish Aero Car, etc., then you will want to use the People Mover pass - it's too far to walk.
I found that the Canadian pass saved me more money than the US pass would have saved. The best thing to do is add up the individual costs for the activities you want to do on each side of the falls (not including MotM) and then see which one saves you more money (taking out the MotM admission from the pass price). Go with whichever one saves you more money.
I believe the discount for the Spanish Aero Car is $2. That's what it was before.
Maid of the Mist - there's something about watching the falls come closer and closer to you; you really experience the size of the falls standing on the boat.
Journey Behind the Falls - while it's not as "exciting" as Cave of the Winds, the perspective of the Horseshoe Falls from the side is amazing; it looks like a wool blanket trimmed in satin - kind of rough except for the soft and silky edge; the view behind the falls is kind of trippy also with the light taking on a green hue from the cascading water.
Cave of the Winds - it IS exciting; you really experience the power of the falls with this activity; it's a huge rush.
White Water Walk - this would be the least exciting of the bunch, but it is neat; I went right at 9 a.m. and there were very few people there - it was a bit eerie walking through the tunnel all alone; the walkway itself isn't very long, but it's serene and peaceful under the trees - then you watch the water tumbling past in the rapids; I don't know if I would have enjoyed it as much if there had been crowds there.
Whirlpool Jet Boats - I haven't done this yet, but it gets very high recommendations; it's the Niagara Falls "thrill ride".
Spanish Aero Car - it was built in 1906 and hangs over the whirlpool (where folks have died) on a few wire cables; seriously - you can't skip it (unless bad weather hits and they have to close shop for the day - next time I'll be on it).
I enjoyed the butterfly conservatory, I also enjoyed the Niagara Aviary. They made for a nice break from the water (and a good place to get out of a sudden spot of rain).
If you want to do the Butterfly Conservatory, White Water Walk, Spanish Aero Car, etc., then you will want to use the People Mover pass - it's too far to walk.
I found that the Canadian pass saved me more money than the US pass would have saved. The best thing to do is add up the individual costs for the activities you want to do on each side of the falls (not including MotM) and then see which one saves you more money (taking out the MotM admission from the pass price). Go with whichever one saves you more money.
I believe the discount for the Spanish Aero Car is $2. That's what it was before.
May 9th, 2009, 10:46 AM
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How long will you be there? We can offer some sample itineraries on getting the most out of your stay if we know how long you will be there (and if you want to see anything else during your stay - NOTL, Toronto, etc.).
May 9th, 2009, 02:36 PM
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Hi toedtoes!
that would be great. I'd love advice/itineraries. THANKS SO MUCH! here is my loose outline of planning so far:
-we are driving up on a Thursday from Boston. will leave early, around 6 am. google maps says 7 hours and 43 minutes!!
-staying Thurs night and Friday at the embassy on fallsview blvd
-staying sat and sun night at britaly b&b in notl.
- got the wine and herb weekend pass for notl, so we will definitely want to concentrate on hitting as many as the 21 wineries participating!
-definitely want to do maid of the mist, cave of the winds, spanish aero car and butterfly conservatory. also want to walk over to goat island, etc.
that would be great. I'd love advice/itineraries. THANKS SO MUCH! here is my loose outline of planning so far:
-we are driving up on a Thursday from Boston. will leave early, around 6 am. google maps says 7 hours and 43 minutes!!
-staying Thurs night and Friday at the embassy on fallsview blvd
-staying sat and sun night at britaly b&b in notl.
- got the wine and herb weekend pass for notl, so we will definitely want to concentrate on hitting as many as the 21 wineries participating!
-definitely want to do maid of the mist, cave of the winds, spanish aero car and butterfly conservatory. also want to walk over to goat island, etc.
May 9th, 2009, 05:18 PM
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OK. Let's work with the idea that after the long drive, you'll want to take it fairly easy on Thursday night.
Thursday p.m. - Journey Behind the Falls; starting in June it will be open until 8:30 p.m. This would be a nice evening of watching the Horseshoe Falls from Table Rock and from below and behind.
Friday:
9 a.m. - Maid of the Mist; doing this first thing in the morning means less crowdedness.
Hop on the People Mover and head north
11:00 a.m. - White Water Walk
12:00 p.m. - Spanish Aero Car
Lunch (you could do a picnic lunch at the Niagara Glen or stop at the Whirlpool Restaurant (I haven't eaten there, but the menu runs about $10 for a burger or sandwich, etc.)
2 p.m. - Butterfly Conservatory
Hope back on the People Mover and head south to Rainbow Bridge
Walk across Rainbow Bridge
Hop on and off the trolley as desired to see Goat Island and the Three Sister Islands
6 p.m. Cave of the Winds
Walk back across Rainbow Bridge and watch the fireworks and have dinner
Saturday morning head out to NOTL and start the day with the Whirlpool Jet Boats.
I added WWW, JbtF, and WJB so you can add them in if you'd like. If not, you can slow down the pace a bit.
The Adventure Pass should still provide timed tickets for JbtF and WWW. When you arrive Thursday, go to Table Rock and get your timed ticket for JbtF.
On Friday morning, go to the Information Booth at the bottom of Clifton Hill and get your People Mover free pass for the day and your timed ticket for WWW, then head straight to the MotM. You might have to go to Table Rock for the WWW timed ticket - check and verify when you get your JbtF ticket the night before.
If you get to MotM by 8:30 a.m., you should be able to get on the first boat out. If you run a bit late, its OK as you've got a bit of room to fudge.
Each activity takes about 30 minutes on average. By doing MotM first thing in the morning, and the timed tickets for JbtF and WWW, you reduce the majority of the waiting in line. Your longest wait will be with CotW, but it's worth it.
Hope that helps. I normally figure two activities per day when I travel so I have plenty of time to relax, but in Niagara Falls it's easy to do a lot in a little time. With this itinerary, you'll be able to spend the rest of the weekend doing the wineries without feeling that you missed something in Niagara Falls.
Just be sure to spend some time simply watching the water fall over the edge of the Horseshoe Falls. There was a woman, years ago, who had simply walked into the water above the Falls. Luckily, they were able to rescue her before she went over. When they asked her WHY?, she said she didn't have any intention or desire to commit suicide, but as she was watching the water, she just felt this need to be a part of it. It sounds weird, but the water does hypnotize you if you let it. I believe that if you want to enjoy Niagara Falls to the fullest, you have to let it hypnotize you, and once it does, it will be forever in your soul. Those who think it was "not worth it" never let the water seep into their souls.
Thursday p.m. - Journey Behind the Falls; starting in June it will be open until 8:30 p.m. This would be a nice evening of watching the Horseshoe Falls from Table Rock and from below and behind.
Friday:
9 a.m. - Maid of the Mist; doing this first thing in the morning means less crowdedness.
Hop on the People Mover and head north
11:00 a.m. - White Water Walk
12:00 p.m. - Spanish Aero Car
Lunch (you could do a picnic lunch at the Niagara Glen or stop at the Whirlpool Restaurant (I haven't eaten there, but the menu runs about $10 for a burger or sandwich, etc.)
2 p.m. - Butterfly Conservatory
Hope back on the People Mover and head south to Rainbow Bridge
Walk across Rainbow Bridge
Hop on and off the trolley as desired to see Goat Island and the Three Sister Islands
6 p.m. Cave of the Winds
Walk back across Rainbow Bridge and watch the fireworks and have dinner
Saturday morning head out to NOTL and start the day with the Whirlpool Jet Boats.
I added WWW, JbtF, and WJB so you can add them in if you'd like. If not, you can slow down the pace a bit.
The Adventure Pass should still provide timed tickets for JbtF and WWW. When you arrive Thursday, go to Table Rock and get your timed ticket for JbtF.
On Friday morning, go to the Information Booth at the bottom of Clifton Hill and get your People Mover free pass for the day and your timed ticket for WWW, then head straight to the MotM. You might have to go to Table Rock for the WWW timed ticket - check and verify when you get your JbtF ticket the night before.
If you get to MotM by 8:30 a.m., you should be able to get on the first boat out. If you run a bit late, its OK as you've got a bit of room to fudge.
Each activity takes about 30 minutes on average. By doing MotM first thing in the morning, and the timed tickets for JbtF and WWW, you reduce the majority of the waiting in line. Your longest wait will be with CotW, but it's worth it.
Hope that helps. I normally figure two activities per day when I travel so I have plenty of time to relax, but in Niagara Falls it's easy to do a lot in a little time. With this itinerary, you'll be able to spend the rest of the weekend doing the wineries without feeling that you missed something in Niagara Falls.
Just be sure to spend some time simply watching the water fall over the edge of the Horseshoe Falls. There was a woman, years ago, who had simply walked into the water above the Falls. Luckily, they were able to rescue her before she went over. When they asked her WHY?, she said she didn't have any intention or desire to commit suicide, but as she was watching the water, she just felt this need to be a part of it. It sounds weird, but the water does hypnotize you if you let it. I believe that if you want to enjoy Niagara Falls to the fullest, you have to let it hypnotize you, and once it does, it will be forever in your soul. Those who think it was "not worth it" never let the water seep into their souls.
