Our family will be traveling from NYC to Niagara Falls (NF) Ontario at the end of June. Questions:
1)We will be staying at Renaissance Fallsview in NF Ontario. I know there is a casino just opened. Is this means the traffic is very congested at the Canadian side?
2)We will first stay at downtown Buffalo on Sat night then Sun morning we will drive to NF Ontario. Is the boarder crossing (Rainbow bridge???) takes a long time on Sunday around 11am to noon?
3)I heard Marineland is close by NF. Is this place fun for kids?
4)Any must do in NF Ontario? Any nice family restaurant you can recommend?
We will be staying NF Ontario for 2 nights then stay 1 night in NF NY then back to NYC.
Thanks

Mid-summer in NF means lots of tourists and lots of traffic. But the local government is such that the traffic tends to flow, albeit slowly, with few real bottlenecks. As for the Rainbow Bridge, given its central locale, it is always the most busy going to/from NF, Ontario. I doubt whether it being Sunday will make it less so. Be prepared for a wait to enter - how long -who knows? The longest I've waited was about 40 minutes, but it's been a few years and I never use it any more, opting for the Peace Bridge to the west or the Whirlpool Bridge to the east, both of which are faster simply because most non-locals don't know to use them as alternates. The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement maintains an updated website on border crossing times. In fact, some very nice person just posted the link to that website within the past week or so. Scroll down the postings and you'll trip across it.
Marineland is close and is virtually the same as others in the States. And yes, it is great fun for the kids. I also recommend the Butterfly Conservatory, and driving to the top of the dam between the Niagara River and Lake Ontario -very impressive. Finally, however long it may take crossing into Ontario, it'll be longer, perhaps much longer, recrossing back into the US. As a general proposition, US Customs/Immigration gives everyone a very close eyeball. I'd seriously consider using the alternate border crossings I've mentioned. Have fun!

Waltd: Can you tell us exactly where the Peace Bridge and Whirlpool Bridges are located? Will there be signs, or can you give us directions? Thank you!

I'll try to answer a few of your questions, and offer a few tips.

1. The Canadian side is always congested in the summer. Park your car and walk or take one of the people movers.

2. There "probably" will not be a major backup on any bridge on Sunday morning. No guarantees, though. (The earlier in the morning, the better).

3. Marineland is close by. It is fun for kids, but I do believe they have some complaints lodged against them by some animal rights groups for their upkeep of the animals. I have to admit, I was not impressed with the bear den and the deer feeding areas (and I'm not involved with any animal rights groups). However, they have rides and whale shows which are very good.

4. Must do's - there are so many - and they may depend on the ages of your children. Type Niagara Falls in the search box for related posts. You'll get tons of info.

I can't recommend any family restaurants. I live nearby in Buffalo and don't frequent the restaurants in Niagara Falls. Again, you'll get info. by searching the boards.

P.S. I always suggest viewing the falls from both sides. There are many vantage points on Goat Island (American side) where you can stand at the brink of the falls....it's truly amazing.

P.P.S. Also try posting on the American board. It gets more traffic than the Canadian board.

AUDRA: The Peace Bridge is in downtown Buffalo and crosses into Fort Erie, Ontario, which is west of Niagara Falls by about 10 miles. The Whirlpool bridge is just a short drive east of the Rainbow Bridge. The Rainbow Bridge is the shortest and closest bridge that links Niagara Falls, US to Niagara Falls, Ontario. It is literally in the center of it all.

The Peace Bridge connects downtown Buffalo to Canada. In the "old days", Sunday morning meant a long wait because of all the beach traffic going to the Canandian beaches. I don't know if that is the case anymore. Also, it always seemed to be a long wait as we were sitting in an unairconditioned car in the midst of all the humid weather!
Once you get over the bridge the ride on the Canandian side is quite nice as there is far less tourist traffic going to the falls.

Thanks for the info on the bridges. If we can get to downtown Buffalo, will we be able to find the Whirlpool Bridge? Is it clearly marked?

Also, what do you think traffic will be like on a late afternoon, early evening Friday?

Thanks again!

Re: choice of bridge to NF Ontario
Unless regs have changed very recently the Whirlpool bridge entry to Canada from the US is restricted to NEXUS passholders only. If you Google Niagara Falls bridges you should get several hits with info and maps. There should be directions on the Fallsview Renaissance website as well.

I would definitely opt for the Peace Bridge (Buffalo/Fort Erie) or Rainbow Bridge (NF/NF) depending where you are staying in Buffalo. If you arrive early AM you should not have major backups. At 11 AM or later all bets are off.

Once you arrive at your hotel, I would either walk or use the People Mover for NF sightseeing and only drive if going to Marineland or Niagara-on-the-Lake. Links to info here - click on 'plan a trip'. www.niagaraparks.com

I won't duplicate other suggestions but I do recommend a drive along the parkway for lunch at Queenston Heights -- casual outdoor patio dining available or in NOL where there are several great family style restaurants right on the main street. It's a charming town and not to be missed. A lovely respite for you from the atmosphere of Clifton Hill -- which your kids will probably love! Depending on the age of your children they might also enjoy Fort George in NOL. www.niagaraonthelake.com

As to a family restaurant closer to your hotel our favourite is Betty's in Chippawa. Just ask for directions at the desk -- someone local will know or check: www.bettysrestaurant.com

Enjoy your visit!