Hello everyone, my family and I (6 of us) will be driving from NYC to Niagara Falls on June 2nd. With about 8 hours driving, I figure we should reach Niagara Falls by 6-7 pm. And we'll be leaving to Orlando from Buffalo airport on June 3rd. at 5:00pm.

I need some ideas, suggestions and tips from all you lovely people:

1. Is there anything interesting on the way from NYC to Niagara Falls? Any nice spots (scenery etc)?

2. We'll reach there by 6-7pm. Is there anything to do in Niagara Falls at that time? or should I stay in the hotel (in Buffalo) and come back the next morning?

3. On the second day, we really only have half day. We need to leave by about 3pm since the flight is at 5pm. What's the best thing to do on the second day? Do I have enough time to try the attractions like maid of the mist and others?

Any help will be cordially appreciated.
Thanks.

James

If you like Casino's, you can go there. Yes you will have time to go on the Maid of the Mist. It runs all days long. You have to do that at least once if you have never been to Niagara Falls. I personally like the Canadian side better.

The Buffalo airport is about 30 minutes from Niagara Falls USA also allow 60 minutes for customs if you are staying in Canada... normally less, however it is the second day of the new Passport ID law and it will probably be a mess at US customs.....

I would recommend the following... drive to Canada on night 1 and enjoy the view of the falls, take in some of the area and possibly visit the Casino... get an early start on June 3, cross the US border and park on Goat Island... there you can visit Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist and stop for lunch before heading to the airport....

to make it easier, stay on the US side and walk across the border to Canada on night 1... you will avoid all of the traffic on the bridge, and also have a place to change your wet clothes on day 2 before checking out...

First,most of the good stuff at Niagara Falls is on the Canadian side - so to get back to Buffalo airport for a 5 pm flight I would leave Niagara Falls by 1 pm (crossing the border can take along time). And be sure you all have your passports with you.

Do not stay in Buffalo - stay on the Canadian side of the Falls which are lit up at night and are incredibly beautiful. I would also take a walk along the park on the Canadian side as soon as you arrive- since it will still be light. Find out the earliest time for Maid of the Mist boat ride in the morning and start there, then see what else you can fit in before you have to leave.

The three main Falls activities (Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls and Cave of the Winds) will be closed for the night when you arrive. The first Cave of the Winds tour is at 9 a.m. and the first Maid of the Mist is at 10 a.m. (US side).

I agree with Gary's suggestion to stay on the US side for the night and walk over to the Canadian side. It will be quicker to go through customs walking than in the car, and you won't have to worry about delays at the border when trying to get to the airport.

The night you arrive, walk over to the Canadian side and just enjoy the view of the falls, visit Clifton Hill (it's like a carnival midway) if you have kids in the group or the Casino if you have all adults.

The next morning, get up early and head to the ticket booth on the US side for Cave of the Winds. Get there by 8 a.m. so you can go down the elevator at 9 a.m. when it starts up for the day.

Then head over to the Maid of the Mist for the boat tour.

Aftewards, take a few more looks at the Falls from the US side, change and check out of your hotel and have lunch before heading to the airport.