kp

We’re in the early planning stages of our annual trip to visit DD and SIL. They have already used all their vacation days for this year so we’re limited to a weekend. We’ll visit in July or August.
Because they’ll have other family members visiting them this summer we thought it would be fun to do something “different” and a day trip to Niagara Falls came to mind.
Various companies offer day tours or tours that include a one night stay. I also noticed that it's possible to hire a car & driver at the airport. Anyone have experiences they could share?

Thanks in advance.

tchoiniere

Its a 7 hour drive each way so not quite sure how to do that in a day trip. There may be companies that use a bus. Just seems like too much of a long day that you won't be able to enjoy too much.

I found one that does it by air that would work better but is costly.

http://www.viator.com/tours/New-York...87-2625NIAGARA

elberko

NYC to Niagara Falls is 455 miles, 6+ hours. I'm not sure that counts as a "fun" day-trip!

~Liz

kp

You're right--we'd have to fly.
I also checked the train--about 9 hours each way.

Thanks for the suggestions. Keep them coming.

J62

How about a weekend trip to Saratoga Springs? It
s about 3hr drive from NYC.

The thoroughbred track opens ~mid July and the season runs through August.

mclaurie

This is a really long day but it can be done. You'd want to fly. Jetblue.com often has decent fares. Better to do the arranging on your own than go with a tour. There are tours of the falls that pick up from Buffalo, NY airport. There are lots of other ideas for day trips but we have no idea where you've already been etc. or where exactly they live.

garyt22

When you arrive, grab a rental car at the airport and head to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls... the best lodging is at the Niagara Fallsview Casino and resort... also the Embassy Suites, Marriott, Hyatt, and Oakes Hotel near the Casino... You have several choices and might decide between a more active or calmer itinerary...

Active... Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds(US side), Whirlpool Jet Boats, Whirlpool Aero Car, Clifton Hill, Fallsview Casino...

Less Active ... Maid of the Mist, Walk across Rainbow Bridge, Cave of the Winds... stroll along scenic fallsview... and if you are wine fans, the hotels offer winery tours of the Niagara Region through vineyards and tastings...

Theres plenty to do ... especially if you're a go go bunch...

tchoiniere

Gary, they don't want lodging. This would be a day trip.

kp

DD and SIL live in Brooklyn. We usually stay in the Times Square area-we plan to arrive on a Thursday and then visit the Falls on Sat.
On prior trips we've visited many of the museums and taken part in a couple different food tours. We've also walked many miles enjoying the parks and architecture.
We always see a show and enjoy a couple great meals.
Since other relatives are planning to visit NY City this summer, their first trip, I thought it would be best if we plan something “different”.

I'll check into the different activities suggested—we all enjoy being active! Our DS might come along and he doesn't have a passport so staying in the US would be easiest.

After checking into trip insurance for the group tour, it looks like the best choice would be doing the trip on our own. The thought of spending $2,500 for a day trip during a thunderstorm isn't too attractive.
Thanks for the suggestion of Jet Blue--the air fare is very reasonable.

garyt22

Tchoin... if you read the post fully, you would see that they were talking about... "a one night stay" ...

kp... DS needs a passport or the "Enhanced NY State Drivers License"... you are wasting your trip to Niagara if you cannot cross the border... the best views and attractions are in Canada.... Passports are less than $100, Enhanced DL are available at DMV for $30 extra... if thats too much... pick another day trip... it wouldnt be worth it to come all this way and only see a part of the Falls... good luck

kp

Gary--Thanks for the information. Looks like it will be easy for DS to get a passport card.

cd

I agree with Gary. If you couldn't go into Canada, IMO it would not be worth the trip.

happytrailstoyou

This makes for a very tiring and unpleasant day of travel.

One of our favorite day trips from NYC is to drive up the Hudson to the Vanderbilt Mansion, FDR Library, and West Point.

Another is to visit Old Bethpage Village and Theodore Roosevelt's home, Sagamore Hill, on Long Island.

nytraveler

It can be done as a day trip only by air - and even then you won't have time to see much. And be sure you have your passports with you - since most of the best views are on the Canadian side.

Bowsprit

If you do go, plan to stay overnight on the Canadian side. Niagara on the Lake is a fabulous little upscale town that is convenient to the Falls and also the vineyards and wine trail there. You can pick up a great bottle of ice wine for much less than you'd get it nearly anywhere else.

Everytime I read of a NYC visitor trying to 'do' Niagara Falls as a daytrip, I always think of Chevy Chase in the National Lampoon Vacation movie nodding his head in acknowledgement of the Grand Canyon after hours and hours of driving. And then leaving after a brief 30 second glance.

michelleNYC

I cannot imagine doing this as a day trip, whether flying or driving. If flying (really your only option), you must factor in the time getting to the airport (if Jet Blue, JFK), going through security, arriving at your destination, getting to the sights, going across the border, crossing back over, getting to the airport, going through security, getting from the airport back in to Manhattan. Honestly, that's just insane.

kp

Thanks everyone--guess we'll plan to do this when we have a couple days.

kp

TTT