We are flying into Buffalo in the morning, want to spend one day at the Falls before heading to Toronto for 2 days.

What MUST we see or do at the Falls (and in Toronto if you are so inclined) while we are there? We are going the last week in August if that makes any difference.

We are spending one night at the Falls so we will have part of the next morning if we feel we want to stay longer.

Thanks.

Donna

1. View the fall from both sides. The Canadian view is a panaramic view of the entire falls; the American view is up close to the falls themselves.

2. Maid of the Mist.

3. The walkway down along the lower Niagara river. The rapids down there are the strongest in the world and it is really something to see.

The above suggestions are what I would do if I just had one day. There are many other activities to choose from, however. You will get a lot of responses from people suggesting Niagara on the Lake. It is a wonderful, beautiful and historical town; however, with only one day to tour (and with kids in tow) I would skip it. It is really a place to spend a day or two strolling around and probably boring for kids. If you want to use some time the next morning, I would suggest Old Fort Niagara on the American side (www.oldfortniagara.org). It is a wonderful piece of American history and something both the adults and kids can enjoy. Have a great time.

Canadian side:
Maid of the Mist
Scenic tunnels
Spanish Aero car
American side:
Cave of the Winds
Maid of the mist can also be done on the American side

I would say your children would absolutely love The Maid of the Mist. Goat's Island Park is between the two falls and it gives you a view of the falls from an unusual angle. On the Canadian side on Clifton Hills, there are many fun houses and a Ripley's Believe It or Not. Also, you could lunch at Hard Rock Cafe.

Niagara Falls - sorry to be repetitive but Maid of the Mist is an absolute must. Very dramatic view of the Falls.

In Toronto - Casa Loma, Royal Ontario Museum, the zoo, Canada's Wonderland, Eaton Center, ferry to the islands.

CN Tower is not that exciting.

Ditto, ditto, ditto, but one more thing-just a short drive from the falls is the Butterfly Conservatory, a beautiful place with live butterflies everywhere. Wear bright colors and they will land on you. Its also by a beautiful floral clock. Another suggestion for toronto, if your family is into sports, is the Hockey Hall of Fame. Also, look at Fodors Canada travel talk-there is always lots of talk about N.F. and Toronto. One more fun thing to do is actually walk accross, rather than drive, the Rainbow Bridge-it gives a breathtaking view of the falls and its fun walking accross and international border and going thru customs that way. I think they cahrge a toll of about 25 cents

Thank you soo much for all the great input - keep it coming.

Do I need reservations in advance for Maids of the Mist?

Also, is there anyproblem driving a rental car across the border? We are flying into Buffalo, going to the Falls, Toronto, and back to Buffalo.

Thanks again.

Donna

I was just at Niagara Falls last weekend with my nephews and took them on Maid of the Mist. Check out their website at www.maidofthemist.com for information. You do not need reservations. If you are going to check out both the American and Canadian sides, I would suggest starting with the American side and then do the Maid of the Mist from this side, as the lines are not as long as they are on the Canadian side (because there are more tourists and generally more to do on the Canadian side).

I would recommend arriving to the American side early (i.e., 9 a.m.) and check out the Falls, do the Maid of the Mist (and even Cave of the Winds) from this side. Then go over the bridge to the Canadian side. I would recommend staying on the Canadian side over the American side.

When you go on the Maid of the Mist they will give you a plastic hooded "raincover" so in general your clothes won't get very wet. However, your feet will be soaked so be sure to wear shoes or sandals that can get wet.

Depending on the ages of your children, you might consider the jet boat ride from Niagara-on-the-Lake up the Niagara Rapids. It's somewhat expensive, but fun and exhilarating. It was the highlight of my trip when I went a couple of years ago.

as far as the rental car,Id call and ask..some agency don`t allow you to go out of the state let alone the US...and you should get a card from your insurance company that you have coverage...I always use my car insurance and don`t pay extra insurance..and also get an extra coverage card in Canada...and carry my insurance card like I use in my glove box at home...if you have an accdent you`ll need it.....

If you can't take your rental car to Canada, just leave it parked on the US side and you can walk over the Rainbow Bridge to the Canadian side. (The bridge is right in this area.) This would be another reason to arrive on the American side plenty early so you can park in the parking lot that is closest to the bridge (the one by Prospect Point) ... Last weekend this lot was full by at least 10 a.m. (when we arrived) if not earlier. However, don't worry if you end up in one of the further parking lots, there is a trolley service that runs along the park on the American side (for a small fee) or it is walkable if you want.

Just be sure to take your identification paperwork with you for Customs even if walking over the Bridge.

Just checked with the rental car company - and no problem bringing the car across the border. They just need to give me an authorization when I pick up the car.

We arrive in Buffalo around 10:30 and are staying on the Canadian side of the Falls. Are we best parking there and then walking back to the American side?

About how long a drive is it from the Buffalo airport to the Canadian side of the Falls?

Thanks.

Since you are coming from the Buffalo airport, I would recommend parking on the American side, spending your time seeing the falls from that side and whatever activities on that side you will be doing, then going over to the Candadian side. You should just probably park the car where your hotel on the Canadian side accomodate for that as finding a parking spot can be a bit challenging, especially on weekends. Then you can just walk from your hotel ... although I'm advising this assuming its right in the falls area.

It will take you about 30-40 minutes once you are on the road to get from Buffalo airport to the American side of the falls. The Canadian side is relatively minutes away from the American side, but the time to get there depends on traffic going across the Rainbow Bridge. (It only took us 5-10 minutes last weekend about 1:00 p.m. on a Saturday going into Canada.)

It's 20 minutes max from the Buffalo airport to the American side of Niagara Falls.

Take note of what Cheryl mentioned above - bring Passport or Birth Certificate + Photo ID (license) for border crossing. Great place for lunch on Canadian side with excellent view of falls is the Beer Garden at the Victoria Giftshops (right across the street from the falls). If the weather is nice, you can sit outside and dine.

Picking up your luggage and car and getting to your hotel on the Canadian side will probably take an hour or more (depending upon which bridge you take and the lines through Customs). So, I would recommend, with only one day, that you skip the American side. Once parked at your hotel, buy People Mover Passes, which will take you to all the attractions. Go to Journey Behind the Falls first. Timed admission tickets are issued. Depending upon the time you are assigned, you can walk around a bit, or do Maid of the Mist and come back. You can take the People Mover to the Butterfly Conservatory, and so forth. The "early bird" menus in the restaurants at Table Rock and Victoria Park are a bargain, but you must reserve before leaving home. See the Canadian Parks Commission website for an 800 number. Victoria Park has an outdoor deck with fabulous views of the falls. Ask for a table there when reserving.

Hi donna,

I live in Buffalo, and go to the falls often...I would definitaly do 'cave of the winds' which is picked up on Goat Island on the US Side..I perfer it to maid of the mist which is also good. with cave of the winds, there is a walk way that takes you right down to the rapids near the falls, then walks along and up to the 'bridal veil falls' which is a small section of the falls. On Friday nights (and possibly sat nite) thay have fireworks at about 9:45pm...if u do the walk then, it's less crowded, and your at the base when they shoot the fireworks off from across the river...an incredible experience your kids will never forget.