envoyage222

We are 6 adults and 1 child planning an overnight trip to Niagara Falls on Oct 9-10.
Any suggestions for an itinerary would be appreciated.
Since we have 2 seniors among us, I am wondering if it might be better to hire a private guide/car.
We are not interested in wineries or shopping.
We will be flying in and out from Buffallo NY and staying at the Marriott Fallsview.

envoyage222

Any recommendations for tour operators and restaurants also welcome, TIA!

garyt22

You will be visiting during the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend... expect some delays at the border as well as bigger crowds... the good news is that everything is still open... and trees could be at peak colors...

To get around easily you can use the WEGO transport system, which will be operating at full schedule... it runs a full loop to the major attractions in Falls Canada...

Your major attractions for the group should include the Hornblower boat (replaced Maid of the Mist) and a ride along the Niagara Parkway to the village of Niagara on the Lake.

The ride is beautiful and all ages will enjoy the quaint village...

Good casual restaurants in Niagara on the Lake include the Harp Irish Pub, Olde Angel English Pub, NotL Golf Course.

A safe bet for a good meal in the Falls is The Keg, a steakhouse with a great view on top of the Embassy Suites.

The Fallsview Casino has several food choices accessible to the general public, but beware of restaurant chains in the tourist area as they overcharge for poor quality food...

Ideally you will have a minivan or van from the airport making it much easier to get around...

There is also a butterfly conservatory, whirlpool jetboats,and the cheesy tourist area known as Clifton Hill, but it's hard to guess your groups interests...

Let me know if I can help more...

envoyage222

Thank you Garyt22! This really helps. We have an 83 year old with us so I am worried about transport and the crowd. Do you think the Wego is hassle free or should we charter a tour guide/car to get around the sites?

We are really only interested in the the falls and not interested in the winery, shopping, and touristy kitsch like Clifton Hill.

We will arrive around lunch time on Sunday and leave Monday evening (flight back to NYC at 6pm). Any help in trying to come up with an itinerary for Sunday afternoon and Monday would be appreciated.

Per your suggestion, I made a reservation at the Keg for dinner Sunday night!

garyt22

On Sunday night at 10 is a fireworks display over the Falls... after dinner, wander down to the Falls, (or take the incline tram)... the Falls will be lit up in colors...

As far as a tour/driver, it might be fun to mini-bus or limo your group around to the attractions, but I have no direct experience... check with the hotel now and they can help you...

If it was my trip, I would do the following:

Sunday... arrive at airport and rent van... Drive to Goat Island on US side of Falls and view water going over... Consider Cave of the Winds tour and Maid of the Mist on US side... you will get wet, but it's worth it

Back in van and cross border to Canada (20-90 minutes)...

Drive the group through viewing area along Falls and then drive to hotel... check-in... snack and rest... prep for dinner...

Meet up and wander through casino complex (good photo ops) on the way to the Keg... have dinner with view... after dinner, wander down to Falls to see lighted water and fireworks at 10pm. Bedtime...

Monday... rent tour driver...there are several historical and picturesque stops... Consider the ride along the Parkway to Niagara on the Lake to the Village for lunch... it should be colorful... the village is small and worth wandering and offers the best lunch choices...

Return from tour and lunch, have another look at the Falls and get back through US Customs in time for your flight...

HAVE FUN!

kathybayer

Must visit the Daredevil Museum and walk along the gorge. The power of the water is incredible and up close!