Am planning a trip to niagara falls in late june 2004. will be driving from York,pa Does anyone know how the drive is going up hwy 15, or is it better to go up I-81 even though it is farther?
Also plan to spend 2 nites in Niagara falls, canada and then 2 nites looking around Toronto. Also, how is the weather at that time.
Any advice on what to see and where to go is greatly appreciated. Thanks [email protected]

Hi,
Well, the weather will be just about what you have in Pennsylvania.

There is so much to see around Niagara that it really depends on your particular interests.

The 'Maid of thje Mist' boats are fun and provide a damp, noisy perspective on the huge amount of water that pours over the Falls.

The Clifton Hill tourist area is a 'must' if you have kids. Lots of wax museums, arcades , haunted houses etc.

The Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum is heavily advertised but even the kids in our groups have found it boring.

There is a quite good Marineland, an IMAX theatre, and a busy Casino.

The drive along the Niagara Parkway from Niagara Falls north to the town of Niagara on the Lake is one of my favourites. The parks and gardens along here will be in full bloom and there are many scenic overlooks along the River.

The Butterfly Conservatory was closed this winter for renovations but should be reopened by June. It is interesting -- if you like butterflies.... but can be uncomfortably hot on a warm afternoon.

For a taste of Canadian history visit Queenston Heights Park and learn the story of Gen. Issac Brock and his troops. For an even more interesting story visit the Laura Secord house and learn about this Canadian folk heroine.

There are several boutique wineries along this route, each with its own specialties and remarkably good local wines.

Niagara on the Lake itself is a charming town, great for strolling and exploring with plenty of boutique shops and restaurants.
The Shaw Festival here offers excellent live theatre.

These are just a few thoughts on the Niagara region. Please advise what some of your particular interests are and I am sure we can think of lots of other possibilities.

cheers
Jerry
Toronto

We drove Route 15 last July from Gettysburg to where it forks with Route 14 north of Williamsport on our way to the Finger Lakes Region. The highway is in good condition, but like any two lane roadway your progress is determined by the driver in front of you and there are few opportunities to pass as you cross the mountain ridges. There are some very scenic spots that run parallel the Susquehanna River Valley which we enjoyed. It really depends on your time factor... we're retired and enjoyed seeing the back country, but if you want to make time take I81. If you do decide to go by way of Route 15, I'd suggest stopping at the Corning Museum just west of Elmira just east of where Route 15 joins up with I390. I'd also recommend stopping at Fort Erie (the fortress, not the town). Exit I190 at Exit 9 for QEW. The Welland Canal Locks west of Niagra Falls (city) might interest you. They allow large ocean vessels to move between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

If you have enough time you should visit the state park on the U.S. side. The views are more up close, but be careful in some places there are no guide rails. Journey Beneath the Falls is a must. It is also in the New York State park. You take an elevator to the bottom of the american falls and walk on a boardwalk surronding the bottom of the american falls. Spectacular views. You will be wearing a poncho, but you will still get wet.

Clifton Hill and Lundy's Lane is a must if you have kids or not. Very busy, but nice casino. Casino Niagra has the best USD-CAD exchange rates. Marineland is very nice. You can pet whales and deer, see dolphins, many fish, bears, and many more animals. Not many rides and very spaced out. Has a very nice roller coaster-the longest in the world(if your into that sort of thing)

There is one restaurant in niagra falls that is a great bargain. I'm sorry I forgot the name but I think it starts with a D, and it is on Lundy's Lane. THey have a $4.99 Can. Breakfast Buffet. Great food. all you can eat.

The drive to Toronto on the QEW is an average drive. It has some great views of the lake but also some not so great views of steel mills and other factories. If your not used to traffic, Toronto can be horendous. The traffic begins to pile up around Hamitlton, and expect delays especially around rush hour. Driving in Canada can be a bit different from the U.S. People tend to drive much faster (altough the speed limit is about 65), merge in and out of lanes without using blinkners, and break suddenly. So be careful.

Toronto is a very nice city, and very safe. The subways and trolleys are extremely clean, and do not be afraid to use them since driving downtown is very busy and I do not suggest it. Ontario Place, In my opinion is a very big rip off. The Canadian Exhibition is nice like a world's fair, but I dont know if it open that part of the year. The CN tower is great. Beautiful Views. People even say you can see niagra falls on a clear day. But expect to pay a high price to go up there. Paramount pictures Wonderland theme park is okay. Not my favorite, but can be fun if you get there early and leave late. Is very crowded. The casa loma I hear is really nice I've never been. Giant castle, nice artwork.

I hear there is a ferry now that takes you from Toronto to Rochester. You should look into that. It could save you some time back home to York.

I would also like to advise you that in Canada there is a 15 % tax on almost everything.

Have fun. Be safe. Good luck

Thanks loads for the info.
Has anyone stayed at the Comfort Inn on Lundys Lane in Niagara. Seems the rates are much lower in that area. What would be the disadvantages? Know of any inexpensive hotels/motels in the fallsview area?
Also, in Toronto I think it might be a good idea to stay somewhat out of the downtown area to avoid the traffic and to take the subway, bus or whatever from there. Is this a good plan? Also, any ideas about Toronto places to stay?

You should try the Comfort and Quality inns on clifton hill. Good prices; right in middle of the action. Also try the radisson on the Northern part of town. They usually give give good packages this time of year. free dinner, addmission to marine and the Minolta tower. The ones on Clifton Hill do not gie any view of the falls, and for the radisson, you will be paying much more for a fall view room.

Hi gandb7;
Travelling Hwy 15 to Painted Post (17 to 390) is a great drive -- lovely scenery and major highway improvements since we first started using it. Many divided, 2 lane sections now. We usually bypass Williamsport though and take 1-80 to 180. Not too far out of your way, and less tedious -- we sometimes do the same at Harrisburg. IMHO the I-81 to #17 southern tier stretch through Binghamton to Corning is not as scenic and not worth the extra miles. Unless they've improved the asphalt recently it's awful -- transport ruts etc.

You can also cut off 390 at Exit 7 (Mt. Morris/Letchworth St. Park) -- I believe it's highway 36 but since I'm going by memory here check your map. Just through Mt. Morris and past the entrance to Letchworth there's a good diner on the west side (Bob's American Diner) should you need a break. Hwy 36N connects to 63W which will take you to Batavia and I-90. Bob Evans just before the entrance to the thruway if that's your style. Once you're on I-90W it's clear sailing through to 290 Niagara. You've rec'd lots of NF advice, so I'll refrain.

As to the TO portion of your visit my suggestion would be to plan your arrival at off hours. Leaving NF around 9 AM should miss the worst of the QEW slowdowns coming into and through the Burlington/Oakville parking lot. Should you wish to enjoy fair Burlington (a truly lovely spot by the lake) the GO transit system from Oakville next door is excellent. You park and take the train to Union Station in the heart of the city. No traffic woes/no parking $$ -- a stress free experience. ($10.60 cdn return) If you're interested do a search for GO train on this Ontario board -- something should pop up. If not, holler back and I'll fill in the gaps.

BTW Pennsylvania is one of our favourite haunts -- just love your scenery and your hospitality. Hope you find our hospitality reciprocal.

Please see my post to the Toronto-Niagara Falls recent thread before you head to Marineland. Thanks.

FYI -Frank's Tomato Pie on Lundy's Lane is a good family restaurant.

Hi, i wondered if anyone knows which hotel has the best indoor / outdoor pools? These motels advertise pool slides also,

*Howard Johnson by the Falls
*Courtyard by Marriott
*Quality Inn Clifton Hill

Does anyone know which is the best pool-slide arrangement? Some slides are so small that older kids (and adults!) can't use them.

Thank you for any suggestions you might have!

For Toronto, stay downtown as that is where most attractions are, very walkable or hop on the transit system. This is especially true if you are just going forr 2 nights, unless budget is a major consideration. There have many postings on this site on downtown hotels.

Hi dial, not quite sure if your post was a reply to mine, but if so, the motels i asked about above are located in Niagara Falls. I'd love to go to Toronto again but its not possible this time.

Would still appreciate anyone's opinions on the above motels and their pool-slides. Thanks so much for ANY and all feedback!

Can anyone please give me info about these hotels and their pools?

*Howard Johnson by the Falls
*Courtyard by Marriott
*Quality Inn Clifton Hill

Its obviously nothing like the tremendous vacations others are planning this summer, but to us, this little getaway means alot.

I would appreciate any feedback anyone can give. Thank you.

topping - anyone?

Hi- I'm from Lancaster and work in York. I used to live just south of Buffalo and when in process of relocating here I drove between York and Buffalo almost each weekend for 4 months. I recommend taking 83 to Harrisburg and then 11/15 all the way to Corning (I think the road is numbered just US 15 around Williamsport or thereabouts). Around Corning, NY you'll turn onto I-390 all the way to the NY State Thruway-I-90-and then west to NF. Actually, you can save some time and miles by getting off the 390 around Geneseo and taking Rt 63 til you intersect with the Thruway at Batavia, essentially cutting the corner. Take a look at a map and you'll see what I mean. From York to NF will be somewhat under 8 hours, depending on traffic, weather, etc. Not a bad drive, and fairly scenic. I strongly advise stopping for gas just this side of the PA/NY line since NY state gas taxes really push the price upward.
(In Canada the gas is priced by the litre -only looks cheap-ha!) Once you start approaching the NF area, I also recommend that you take the Lewiston Bridge across into Canada rather than going all the way into NF. The Rainbow Bridge is too busy and you'll just be sitting in line waiting to cross along with a gazillion other tourists. Also, Lewiston restricts commercial traffic.

Toronto is a great city, though really huge in area. From NF you'll take the "Qweenie" (QEW) into the city, about a 2 hour drive along Lake Ontario. While I agree with gannetmusic that the Parkway via Niagara-On-The-Lake is more scenic, it takes longer than the QEW and it looks like time is not on your side. If you could add a day, I'd opt for the Parkway, too. Since you've only 2 days in Toronto, I recommend going to the top of the CN Tower if the day is fairly clear. Actually, on a very clear day you can see Niagara Falls! China Town is also a great walk-around, and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)is very nice. If you have kids, Ontario Place on the Lake is fantastic, though it's so big that alone could take up an entire day.
Finally, perhaps you might consider a different return route instead of backtracking. You might stay in Canada and drive the 401 east (follows the shoreline of Lake Ontario, past Kingston to the Thousand Islands Bridge back into the US, and then turning south on I-81. Not a bad route to take. Have fun!

www.americananiagara.com is where I just booked for early July, 2004. What sold me was the brand new indoor waterpark.