Questions on visiting Niagara Falls
 

How many days would you stay and is Sept. a good time to visit? Thanks.

Ginger - September is a great time to visit the Falls... most of the kids are headed back to school and many of the vacation crowd have gone home...<BR><BR>Your length of stay depends on what you wish to do... a one day would include a quick look at the falls and a ride on the Maid of the Mist.<BR><BR>A three-day stay would allow a full falls experience along with a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake.<BR><BR>A six day trip would allow for the above along with some theatre and exploring the wonderful Niagara wine Region...<BR><BR>Take your pick... I recommend the full treatment... and if like to gamble, stop at the Casino and try your luck!

I like garyt's enthusiasm, but in all honesty, I would have a difficult time making more than a two-night stay out of Niagara Falls. Different strokes for different folks, however.

I just returned from a vacation that included Niagra Falls and Toronto. You really only need a couple of days in Niagra Falls......and the beautiful town of Niagra on the Lake is only 20 minutes away. <BR><BR>If you go to Niagra Falls you must visit Toronto...an hour and a half drive north of Niagra Falls.<BR><BR>The weather should be cool, but very comfortable in September.

The summer crowds will be gone by September. The weather can be cool or rainy, or warm and sunny. The weather turns a little around Labor Day, so it's hard to say what it will be. You should follow the weather reports up to right before your trip so you'll know what to pack.<BR><BR>Like garyt said, you'll need a least a couple of days for the full falls experience (Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, the walkway down to the lower rapids). There is also a jet boat ride on the lower rapids. Also, Niagara on the Lake (and the ride to it from the falls) can be a day trip. I always recommend to people that they view the falls from the Canadian as well as the American side. Two totally different perspectives. Old Fort Niagara is on the top of my list too...about a ten minute drive from the American side of the falls. It's a fabulous piece of American history. Check out www.oldfortniagara.org. Have a great time.

Thanks for the info, just what I was looking for. Sounds like 3 days will work well for me. And after the kids and summer vacationers are gone is just what I'm shooting for, but still want things like Maid of the Mist, etc. available. Is that jet boat ride just a rush or kind of dangerous?

I live in Toronto, which is down river from the Niagara River, and we only get about a dozen tourists washed up on our beaches after taking the jet boat ride.<BR><BR>No, wait -- those are just dead fish.<BR><BR>The jet boat doesn't seem to hurt anyone. Interestingly, it does not seem to get the praise and support of other attractions in Niagara Falls, but that may be because fewer people take it, so fewer talk about it.<BR><BR>Maid of the Mist is not at all as scary when you are on it as it may look from the top of the Niagara Gorge, and is a great trip to take.<BR><BR>If you are an animal fan, it's not too far to African Lion Safari, which is a wonderful place to visit in September, too. I like it better than any "real, official" zoo I've ever visited, because you can get closer to the animals.<BR><BR>And if you like live theatre, check of the Shaw Festival. The dates of the plays that interest you may determine your schedule. http://www.shawfest.com/<BR><BR>Back to "how long." If you want to spend an evening in the Casino and another evening at the Theatre, that could set your schedule.<BR>BAK<BR><BR>

Thanks BAK for the info. The Lion Safari sounds good, not all that interested in the casino but might give it an hour. The jet boat comment was fun but just so you don't think I'm totally wimped-I took a jet boat ride at Wisc. Dells (a real hoot) and he told us a story about a Niagara jet boat that sounded a little scary-maybe it was just for effect! Thanks again.

I'm sure the jet boat on the lower Niagara river is safe or they wouldn't run it; however, the rapids are major rapids and, thus, very scary.

Ginger - If you are really concerned about the rapids ride and the volume of water, they offer a glass domed jet boat that will protect you from the elements... if you choose the open boat, be prepared to get totally soaked and bring a change of clothing...<BR><BR> Your choice to ride the jet boat would be determined on how adventurous you are... if you would try white-water rafting, then go... if you are afraid of a pretty wild jolt through the rapids, then don't...<BR><BR>I will tell you, that based on my personal experience, that my visiting guests are thrilled by the experience.