We've never been before and are considering going for a long weekend before Thanksgiving. I understand that Maid of the Mist stops running in October, but does anyone know of any other tour boats that run or is it just too cold? And speaking of cold...will it be too cold to really walk around and enjoy everything? Thank you!

It will likely be very cold. The avg. temperatures are in the 40's.

Did you choose late November becuase you will already be close-by?

If not, I would consider another time. Late spring, all summer, or early fall would all be much more pleasant.

I am crazier than you are as I stayed in Niagara Falls (Canadian side) in January several years back. It was very cold, but there were great rates and lots of things to do. To be honest, my daughter was quite young and enjoyed the goofy touristy stuff, and those places were all open. The Falls themselves were spectacular, and in the dead of winter very compelling. We had a great, if chilly time, and I enjoyed the perspective of the falls in winter. I hope this helps.
Madrigal

Thank you for the quick replies. We will have time off the week of Thanksgiving and my husband suggested Las Vegas or Reno for gambling and I wanted something different. We also do not have passports so I wanted to go before the new law takes effect.

we went in November, perhaps 10 years ago. The Falls were spectacular, but the flow of water ismuch less in the winter, without the dramatic mists you might expect. And all the tours -- boats, copters whatever -- were done for the season. Its really not the best time to visit. If you were going to be close by (we were!) it might make sense, but if you would be making a long trip to go, I would do it at another time.

just a thought...if the idea is to SEE something dramatic, why not go to Vegas, and take a tour/drive to the Grand Canyon? perhaps you could satisfy both of your wishes that way? without the cold?

I would go with your husband's idea.

By far either Reno or Vegas.

Thanks again everyone. We've been to Vegas, Grand Canyon and Reno before so that's why I thought of NF. But it sounds like it may be best to wait on the NF trip for another time.

Stay at the Niagara Fallsview Casino and your husband can gamble all he wants while you stare at the falls from your room...there's plenty to do and see and you will be paying off season rates.... the weather can be between 20 and 70 degrees in November and we haven't had much seasonal snow in the past few years (just freak storms)... come on up...

It will still be lovely to look at and with less people /crowds- SO much less difficult logistically. Every venue was packed and service people fried when we were there.

We happen to hit it during an all time record heat spell (consecutive days)as well, and it was not even the true summer months yet. And also it was so packed / crowded that it, to me, took away from some of the ambiance of sitting/standing/watching from different angles. We were literally being walked over. But it is a shame to miss "Maid of the Mist" because that was well worth doing.

We stayed on the Canadian side in the oldest hotel, the one they used for making the movie "Niagara" with Marilyn Monroe. I had a balcony to view the falls, but NO air conditioning. They said it was rarely needed. When we were there it was almost consistantly over 90 deg. F and that is isn't common, I guess.

I wouldn't mind seeing how it looks during the cold months.

Niagara Falls is beautiful any time of the year. The area has four seasons, and all are lovely in their own ways. Be prepared with clothing suitable for any type of weather, and you should do fine.

I was there in February - absolutely freezing cold - and I loved every minute. Get a room with a full view of the Falls, take a side trip to Niagara on the Lake, and enjoy!

I've been there late Oct...and was lucky, had good weather.

I have been there a few times.

The time I was there when the falls were partially frozen (frozen wall of ice from top of falls to bottom with water flowing over it and snow everywhere was magical). It was indeed not crowded at all.

It was one of my two favorite visits - the other was my first time to the falls, seeing it in person was an experience that was nothing like seeing it on TV. I did not expect to be impressed and amazed. I am one of those people who enjoy staring at the falls till dragged away.

Disclaimer - I love snow, rain and cold weather.

If you go, enjoy the view from your hotel. However, don't miss going in person and seeing it, no matter how cold.

I say go for it. I just absolutely love Niagara Falls. You must visit Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, and have lunch at the Prince of Wales Hotel. Have fun in all the little shops and bakeries.

What garyt22 said!

With the exception of freak storms, there won't be snow in November. And there won't be crowds, either.

November is totally "off season." Summer is the worst time of year to go.

Pack some warm clothes. Even if the weather is pleasant (and that's a distinct possibility), it's always colder near the falls. And PLEASE check out the American side. I LOVE Terrapin Point on Goat Island any time of year.

There are a couple of casinos on the Canadian side and one on the American side. Between all of them there are always decent entertainment venues. From stand up comedians to concerts.

You can take a ride along the Niagara Parkway to Niagara on the Lake, or visit Old Fort Niagara on the American side.

Buffalo has some wonderful neighborhoods. Thanksgiving is a great time of year to put on a turtleneck sweater and walk around to see the beautiful houses and neighborhood shops, bakeries, etc.

Have fun.

Afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales hotel is wonderful. Consider staying in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

I agree with all the posters who encourage you to go even in November. It's a fantastic sight no matter what season. I've been there at that time of year and it's not that cold. Yes it could be but most likely it will be just fine. I don't consider 40 degrees to be very cold though. That would be nice.

Seashell,

You mentioned your primary reason for choosing Niagara is that you don't have a passport because the new regulations haven't gone into effect. Please be aware that, while you can get INTO Canada without a passport, you'll need to show proof of application to get BACK into the US.

From the website:
U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air by presentation of a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007.

So keep a copy of your application, or if you have no plans to apply, you'll need to change your plans to the US side of the Falls.

Thanks again to everyone! Well...I think the trip is back on. We love to go places "off-season" to avoid the crowds and I don't mind the cold. The hotels with fall views all have great rates and cheap flights into Buffalo. Thank you for the info karameli, we will driving across the border and have our birth certificates handy. I will definitely look into Niagara-on-the-Lake and the suggestions by BuffaloGirl.