Niagara Falls - Memorial weekend tips
 

Hi all,
We are going to Niagara Falls (Canadian side) over Memorial weekend. We will be there for 48 hours from around 11am Saturday through Monday at noon.
I realize that going on a holiday weekend is not ideal but we have limited timing options . . . It would be great to get feedback about:

(1) Strategy to beat the crowds: What is the best strategy to minimize waiting in lines? does it help to buy tickets in advance? arrive when they open?

I assume we do not need to buy one of the package full-day tours (unless they are fabulous and help bypass lines):

(2) Itinerary for active family (11 & 12 year old active boys) - any tips?

Top priorities:

• Maid of the Mist
• Cave of the Winds
• Goat Island

Other options: Old Fort, Niagara Gorge trail? (how many hours does the trail take for active people?)

Thanks so much! --- Musetta

Check your post in the Canada forum for all the answers...