Kay

My Mom is 82 and wants to see Niagara Falls. Thanks to earlier posts I am planning to fly into Buffalo, rent a wheelchair as her walking ability is limited, then head up to Niagara for a couple of days. I'll call ahead to places to check accessibility, but I find your firsthand experiences helpful. <BR> <BR>I think I'll splurge on a falls view room for her. Suggested hotels? An earlier poster mentioned the Sheraton. The Marriott has a good rate. Will the Maid of the Mist be too rugged for her--the site says accessible. Any viewing areas that would be especially good for a wheelchair? Which tower view do you recommend?

Dennis

Well, I think you need to take the elevator ride down to view the falls from the bottom. wow! it was amazing, and should be suitable for a wheel-chair. Astonishing view from down there - and tho they provide you with flimsy plastic ponchos, you WILL get wet! <BR> I did not go on the Maid of the Mist, but I saw the boats, and they were packed in jeek-by-jowel. I would guess it would not be a pleasant experience for someone in a wheelchair...

Ellie

Yes, go! And do it from the Canadian side,much prettier,there is a small tree shaded parking lot above the building for the falls and a tram rail car that takes you down the hill; the pedestrian promenade connects you to the boat rides and the staff is very helpful-I don't know about wheelchairs but anything is possible-I've taken my grandparents on many a trip.There is also a Fort George on the way to Niagra-on-the-Lake is small town with lots of Victorian charm; lots of theater in the summer-the whole Canadian side is wonderful!!! There is also the Royal Botanical Garden in Hamilton further north but if you fly in from Toronto and go south it is easily reached-or it's a 1.5 hour drive from Buffalo.

Donna

Yes, Maid of the Mist is conveniently wheel chair accessible and we saw several wheel chair patrons both times we went on the boat. The folks are amazingly accomodating (employees and other passengers).

Kay

Thanks for the help. The Sheraton service was great. The view from the 15th floor room was great for the American falls and OK for the Horseshoe falls--we could open the window and hear the roar. We took the incline railroad down to the river--received assistance with the wheelchair at one end but I had to carry at the other. The Maid of the Mist was no problem--I took the chair right on board and parked her on the lower level. The walkway along the river was perfect for her sightseeing. We also really enjoyed the flowers and birds in the greenhouse just up from the falls. My mother also enjoyed the dinner theater "Oh Canada, Eh?".