My mom and I are going to the Buffalo area July 4-6 for my cousin's wedding on the 6th.

We are debating staying in Hamburg, close to the wedding, and driving to the falls for the day on Friday the 5th. I've been reading to be sure to see the Canadian side as well, and we'll be sure to do that.

The other option is to stay near the falls and drive down to the wedding. If we do this, packages we are looking at offer the hotels Travelodge Fallsview in NY, or Best Western Fireside in Ontario.

I read that Maid of the Mist was closed in April for construction. We definitely want to do this, do you think it will reopen by July 5th? Also, is the fact that our trip will have to be July the 4th weekend going to make this a total nightmare?

Any input is greatly appreciated!

We visited the Falls last year during the week of July fourth (actually arrived on the fifth), and,although there were a fair number of tourists there, I didn't feel that it was unpleasantly crowded. I just looked at the web site for the Maid of the Mist; the boats from the Canadian side started operating on April 8, and the ones on the American side are scheduled to begin on Memorial Day Weekend, pending completion of a new observation tower there by then. Boats depart about every 15 minutes, and even if it looks like there's a long line, the wait really isn't that long.

I'm sorry that I can't comment on the hotels that you asked about, but do keep in mind the difference in the exchange rate between U.S. and Canadian dollars when comparing hotel rates.

I would stay in Hamburg for the wedding and plan a day trip for the falls. If you do end up in Hamburg, cross into Canada at the Peace Bridge, and proceed up the QEW highway to Niagra Falls. This should save you at least an hour in traffic at the Rainbow Bridge. Since you will be on the Canadian side, I would make a side trip up to Niagra on the Lake. The drive is short, approx 15-20 miles, and it is thru a beautiful park. On your return, you can either come back over the Lewiston Bridge, north of the falls or come back over the Peace Bridge.

If you do decide to stay in the falls, I recommend either of the Hampton Inns or the Courtyard by Marriott. If you book early, I have found rates as low at 59.00 USD. Have a great trip.

DK: Given the small amount of time you have, I would suggest you stay in Hamburg so you are close to the wedding and any other activities that go along with it. It is a very short ride to the falls. Because you will only have one day, skip Niagara on the Lake. It is wonderful, but you shouldn't try to do Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake in the same day - it's too much!

I'm sure Niagara Falls will be very crowded on July 5th. My suggestion would be to arrive EARLY on that day. It's only a 30 minute drive from Hamburg. The Maid of the Mist operates from both sides, and you should view the falls from both sides, if time permits. Have a great time.

On 4th of July weekend the traffic at the Peace Bridge could be pretty bad. I would suggest going across to Canada very early in the day, before all of the beach goers cross. You're probably safe around 9:00 a.m. but the return trip could take some time. I agree, stay close to the wedding and take a day trip to Canada. Definitely do the Maid of the Mist.