Niagara Falls - Memorial weekend tips
 

Hi all,
We are going to Niagara Falls (Canadian side) over Memorial weekend. We will be there for 48 hours from around 11am Saturday through Monday at noon.
I realize that going on a holiday weekend is not ideal but we have limited timing options . . . It would be great to get feedback about:

(1) Strategy to beat the crowds: What is the best strategy to minimize waiting in lines? does it help to buy tickets in advance? arrive when they open?

I assume we do not need to buy one of the package full-day tours (unless they are fabulous and help bypass lines):

(2) Itinerary for active family (11 & 12 year old active boys) - any tips?

Top priorities:

• Maid of the Mist
• Cave of the Winds
• Goat Island

Other options: Old Fort, Niagara Gorge trail? (how many hours does the trail take for active people?)

Thanks so much! --- Musetta

The lines at Niagara move fast but you can check the booth and they may issued timed passes if the attraction is backed up...

​​​​​Purchase Niagara Falls Discovery Passes on line for a big discount... they are $46 for adults, $35 for the kids... the pass includes Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, the discovery center, Aquarium, Adventure theatre, and a free trolley pass... also consider adding Whirlpool JetBoats to your attraction list... it's the best thing at the Falls... you will get wet, but it will be in the 80s this weekend...

for your hike, park or trolley to Whirlpool trail and hike down and along the Niagara Gorge to Devils Hole.... the hike will be 2 to 3 hours with stops at the bottom...

Fort Niagara is interesting and hollidays usually have a schedule of special events... check their website..have fun

Gary - you are AWESOME. Thanks so much for all the tips!!!