Niagara Falls
 

I am on a business trip in NYC but my sechedule allows me to plan a 2-day trip to Niagara Falls in early July. Intend to fly to Buffalo from NYC (too long a drive - 7 hrs, I believe) and stay on the Canadian side.

I am not keen on driving hence is thinking of staying at Sheraton on the Falls which I read is about a block away from Rainbow Bridge and I would be able to walk to the hotel.

Need some advice:
1. What is the best way to get from Buffalo Airport across to my hotel in the Canadian side? Price and timing?

2. If driving is the best way, should I consider changing the hotel (chose Sheraton on the Falls coz I think it's within walking distance)?

3. Any other suggestions is most welcome.

Do yourself a favor and just take a cab from the Buffalo/Niagara airport to your hotel on the Canadian side (better selection). (You might want to check with your hotel beforehand to find out if they have a shuttle). I can't give you hotel advice....I live in Buffalo and don't need to stay overnight in the falls...but a quick search on this site will give you all the info. you need.

My best advice is that you view the falls from both sides. You can view the falls from the Canadian side from a panoramic situation. It's beautiful, (panoramic) and somewhat of a distance to take it all in. The American side offers an up-close (several different vantage poings) , right at the brink view of the water as it goes over the edge. It is awesome!

If you're confused, keep in mind that the Rainbow Bridge is a short (bridge) option between the two sides. It doesn't matter where you stay, you can easily access both sides. Have a great time.

Once you get to Niagara Falls, Ontario, there's a good shuttle service from hotels to the main tourist attractions, and you will be fine without a car.

Thanks guys. Guess I will just catch a taxi from Buffalo. Would avoid driving if I can... free myself from parking problems.

Anyway, found out that I could get the airport shuttle to Ontario for $30.

There was a color supplement in the NY Times yesterday on Niagara Falls. Check DiscoverNiagara.com for info and maybe some special offers. It says there are fireworks every Fri, Sun and holiday night at 10pm and the falls are illuminated nightly at 9pm during July.

jetblue.com will probably have the best airfares.

We just spent the July 1-4 weekend in Toronto and tried to cross Rainbow Bridge on July 5th. There were no words to describe the traffic jam. It took 2 hours in line to get to the entrance of the 2 laned bridge and another 30 minutes crossing. Never underestimate the crossing on a holiday weekend. The wait was longer than the Mexican border crossing into San Diego.

The Sheraton on the Falls (not to be confused with the other Sheratons) is THE best located hotel on the Canadian side - just opposite Maid of the Mist.

The "People Mover" shuttle runs a route along the attractions - not from the hotels to the attractions. But, there's a stop right at Maid of the Mist.

Tip-If you want to exchange US for Can funds, do it at the casinos instead of hotels.

The absolute worst day to travel from Canada to the U.S. at the Rainbow or Peace Bridge is the last day of the 4th of July holiday weekend. On the 3rd and 4th there were no delays, but the 5th was awful at both bridges.