Niagara falls
 

Going to the falls for the 1st time and would like ideas on the MUST see things! We'll be there 4 days and have transportation. Thanks

You really don;t need 4 days to see Niagara Falls - you can do it all in one day plus an overnight. You need to do the Maid of the Mist boat trip, the walk in the caves behing the Falls and see them from the Canadian (front) and US (top) side.

Make sure you stay in one of the hotels facing the falls on the Canadian side - we had a Sheraton with floor to ceiling views of the floodlit falls, a fireplace, jacuzzi etc. And you can do the casino for a little mild amusment.

I would spend the rest of the time in Toronto - only a little over an hour from the Falls - with many more things to see/do.

We were there last July, Here is some of what we did:
Maid of the Mist
Cave of the Winds
Journey Behind the Falls
White Water Walk
Visit Niagara On the Lake - beautiful town plus there are several wineries in the area as well.
Old Ft. Niagara
View the falls at night
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour (wanted to do this, but didn't have time, I hear it's a blast!)

Have a great time! I still can't get over how amazing the falls are.

Mrs. Jenn's list is a good one. Definitely agree to spend a day in Niagara on the Lake and the Whirlpool Jet boat is alot of fun. I also agree that if you're looking for something outside of Niagara Falls, Toronto is a good option. Depending on your interests, you could spend a day in Buffalo. What do you like to do?

You can do everything in Niagara Falls, both sides, in about 9 hours.

Check out our trip:
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...ls06/tpod.html

The Whirlpool Jet boat takes off out of Niagara on the Lake, which is has been stated, a lovely little town with winery's. So if you want to visit this place and do this jet boat, which looks like a blast, You need more than one day and one night. Also, Cave of the Winds is on Goat Island which is on the US side and Goat Island is a neat place to walk around and view the Falls up close and personal but I agree to stay on the Canadian side with a Falls view and Maid of the Mist is a must!

Just FYI, we were there for three nights. If we had been there four nights we would have had time to do the Jet Boat tour. So, don't worry about staying four days. You will find plenty to keep you busy at the falls and in the area.

Don't feel bad--we have planned a four night journey also--maybe we like to sightsee at a more leisurely pace? The Fodor's canada book has some ideas besides Falls activity. But I figure my kids will want to do all the touristy stuff on Clifton Hill, and go to the Marvel park, and us to the casino. Also Old Fort Erie and the power plant. We are going to Toronto after, so if we get bored in Niagara we will just head there a day early!

Don't miss the Cave of the Winds tour! Also, the jet boats looks like a blast.

The first time I went to Niagara Falls, I went for 1 day and 2 nights(arrived late in the evening on the first day). I felt rushed to get in all those activities and didn't get to do the Whirlpool Aero Car. I'm going again and spending 3-1/2 days this time.

As you'll be there to do a lot of the activities, look at the Adventure Pass from www.niagaraparks.com - it can save you some money on admissions.

KathyK, ya know we like to do gardens, museums, old dead stuff or beautiful and green. How about Toronto, sounds good but have done no research. Thanks. JB

We really enjoyed our visit to the butterfly conservatory. http://www.niagaraparks.com/garden/butterfly.php

We also liked our stay at Niagara-on-the-Lake, about 10 miles down the road from the Falls. ((b))

Toronto is the NYC of Canada. You can spend a day there or a week and not see everything. I would check the Canada board for more Toronto info. Its a little more than an hour from Niagara Falls. another place to visit is Lewiston, NY, a town along the Niagara River. It is home to Artpark, a NYS park, focusing on the arts. There are concerts and plays there all summer long. There are seats and lawn seating. I'm sure if you google Artpark, you'll come up with more info and a schedule. some are free, some you must buy tickets for. The village of lewsiton is quaint and has some cute shops and restaurants. Its a smaller version of Niagara on the Lake.

I agree that MrsJenn list is great. I love the Cave of the Winds Tour and you will too. That would be my "must". 4 days is perfect for seeing the falls area. If you want to splurge on dinner try the Skylon Tower. You do have to make reservations but the view is beautiful. It's a revolving tower on the Canadian side.
I also agree that you would enhance your trip with a fallsview room like described at the Sheraton. We stayed at the Fallsview Marriott twice and loved it both times. The Falls are lit at night and you will see that from your private room. If you decide to do that make sure you ask for a room that views the American, Horseshoe and the Bridal Veil Falls. Just an amazing view! Some rooms at the Marriott only view the Horseshoe Falls. It's worth the extra money to see all 3.
Have a great time! I love Niagara Falls!
try this website-
www.fallsviewmarriott.com

Hi.. it's very touristy..but the falls are gorgeous. Stay on the Canadian side at the Marriott, Ramada, or Hilton for the best fallsview rooms. There are two casinos there, there are wineries at Niagara on the Lake which is a 15 minute drive. There is a Ripley's believe it or not and lots of walking paths to view falls. Of course there are all the falls things to do (maid of mist etc) and don't forget to stop at the Duty Free shop. There is a great restaurant at the top of the Hilton and if you want to pay up there are some great views from teh new Niagara Casino fallsview resort. You really don't need an itinerary --all the hotels have tons of brochures and the concierges are helpful. Toronto is a great city but it is a different trip, you can just chill in Niagara.