hope_t

I and my 10 years old daughter are coming by train to Niagara Falls (US site) around 4:00 pm and we will continue travel to Toronto by train around 4:00 pm next day.
Is it ok to be without car and see both sites? Where should we stay overnight?
We can walk a lot.

LPCJr

I would say that you will probably be able to do ok without a car. Provided that the weather is good, you should be able to walk to the attractions if you stay at one of the numerous hotels that are near the Falls. I would suggest staying on the Canadian side (you can walk across the Rainbow Bridge from the US). Most of the major attractions (with the possible notable exception of the Cave of the Winds Trip, and the Maid of the Mist, which you can access from either side) are on the Canadian side, and the Niagara Parks Commission runs a bus service up and down the Niagara Parkway that stops at all the major attractions.

As for where you should specifically stay, that will obviously be driven in part by your budget. I generally like to stay at Marriott properties (I've for the most part have had good experiences with Marriott as a frequent business traveler) and Marriott has two properties that have views of the Falls.

I hope that this information will be helpful to you!

rkkwan

Since you're taking the Maple Leaf, you should just stay on to Niagara Falls, Ontario on the Canadian side. Go to your hotel, and then if you really want to see the Falls from the US side (which I have little idea why), walk across the Rainbow Bridge back to the US to do so.

The Niagara Falls, NY station is at least 3 miles to the Falls. I don't think you should waste time trying to go there on the first day.

rkkwan

I mean if you want to see from the US side, go back on the 2nd day to do it.

hope_t

Thank you for your replay! I am not sure about budget for hotel yet (max $150), but try to stay on Canadian site.

rqf

A car is not necessary if you confine your activities to the area near the Falls on either side. On the American side be sure to do the Cave of the Winds and take the tram that circles the area. You should also do the Maid of the Mist. It operates from the American side as well as the Canadian side. On the Canadian side visit the Scenic Tunnels and the Greenhouses near the Scenic Tunnels. It is a short walk across the bridge connecting the two countries. If you cross the Bridge have proof that you are an American citizen - passport or Birth certificate. You need this when you return to the US side.

OJudy

The train station in Niagara Falls, NY, is in an industrial area, several miles from the falls itself, as well as from any hotels. It is not a good area, and most of the city is rather run down. I too would recommend staying on the Canadian side where it is much cleaner and safer.

FainaAgain

What a great ingineering achievement - people can go through the falls in a car now???

Wonder how this feels... like going through a car wash, perhaps?

rhl269

We just returned from Niagara Falls in June and we parked our car the first day and never used our car the entire 4 days we were there. We stayed at the Hampton North of the Falls near the Whirlpool Bridge (I think the train crosses this bridge). They have a free shuttle service to the 2 casinos every 1/2 hour. We traveled with 3 small children and walked all over.
We also crossed over to the US side and used the Parks trolley - great way to get around. We did not go to Toronto. Enjoy!!

JJ5

We just went at the end of May. We didn't use the car at all for most of a 2 day period, but it is rather "a captive audience" when you do that- so the prices are high- just to warn you. A hot dog with nothing on it was $4.50, for example. A bottle of water was routinely $3 to $4.

There is a very old hotel connected to a waterpark- your daughter may love to go into the waterpark complex for a few hours- it is attached.

It's the original hotel and OLD. Marilyn Monroe stayed there for her movie, Niagara. You have to like old- but for that time period it might be just right. It also has balcony and window view rooms on the 11th and 12th floors. But be warned- the a.c. barely works in those view rooms, although the rooms are fine and the views are spectacular. Rack rates aren't bad, but I got it on Priceline.

Its the:
Brock Plaza Niagara Falls, Ontario- and you can walk to everything mentioned above. You can get a modern room if you go with the lower levels.

Your daughter will like the surroundings, water park, and all the carnival like arcades etc.

JJ5

Oh the Brock is connected to a casino as well- and the buffet there held excellent fresh fruit, seafood and items cooked individually on order for breakfast. Many venues are so high in $$ and mainly fast or processed foods that it was the freshest/best value I found there.