niagra falls
Mar 14th, 2001, 03:16 AM
#3
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There is a casino on the Canadian side now if you are into that. Travel up the Canadian side to the mouth of Lake Ontario - don't remember the name (Fort Niagra?) but it was a nice ride. Scenic overlooks of the whirlpool rapids along the way; farm stands with great produce; a pretty drive overall. We took a jet boat ride down the Niagra River from that town - not for the faint of heart!! Some neat sites, but a wild ride!
Mar 14th, 2001, 05:00 AM
#4
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After viewing the falls on the American side, view from the Canadian and then drive to the lovely town Niagara on the Lake. The American side has been tacky for years, always in a time warp, but the park was designed by Olmstead, the bridal vail falls and Goat island are beautiful. Do the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds . Rent the movie Niagara. You will enjoy.
Mar 15th, 2001, 04:47 AM
#5
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Ditto the recommendation to go to Niagara on the Lake. Check out shawfest.com. You can get info on the festival that is held in Niagara on the Lake every spring through fall. There are many plays to choose from, a lot of them written by George Bernard Shaw. There's also a jet boat ride that takes you up the Niagara river into catagory 5 rapids. It might sound risky to you, but it's completely safe and a blast. You will get wet. I read some where that Niagara on the Lake was voted "Prettiest town in North America".
Mar 17th, 2001, 11:05 AM
#8
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As Penny said, definitely do Maid of the Mist & the caves at the Falls. The Canadian side is much more scenic than the US side (don't even bother stopping there). Depending on your age/whether you have kids/budget:
Niagara on the Lake -- the scenic drive from the Falls is really great. Depending on when you're planning to visit, you might want to book a play at the Shaw Festival.
Jordan Ontario -- Lots of wine tours and a wonderful five star restaurant called "on the 20" which features local food.
Toronto -- I'm biased since it's my hometown and consider Toronto pretty boring but it's only 2 hours at the most away and is probably worth spending a day or so. Americans seem to find it "nice" and "clean".
Niagara on the Lake -- the scenic drive from the Falls is really great. Depending on when you're planning to visit, you might want to book a play at the Shaw Festival.
Jordan Ontario -- Lots of wine tours and a wonderful five star restaurant called "on the 20" which features local food.
Toronto -- I'm biased since it's my hometown and consider Toronto pretty boring but it's only 2 hours at the most away and is probably worth spending a day or so. Americans seem to find it "nice" and "clean".
Mar 17th, 2001, 02:36 PM
#9
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Hi Dot, I agree with Penny, maid of the mist,etc. We were there 2 summers ago and did the helicopter ride above the falls. Our photos are outstanding! Also, try and see the Butterfly Conservatory, its near the helicopter pad. Really a wonderful sight. We went to the casino, same old same old. There is a Planet Hollywood behind the casino which is at the entrance of the Rainbow Bridge. You can walk to the American side. I wouldn't bother, our side is way nicer.
There are a bunch of wax museums-I say save your money..Even Denny's restaurant is expensive.No breakfast at Dennys should cost 30.00 Canadian.(about 25USD)
and that was for 2. There are plenty of places to eat. Go to the Imax-they have a small museum inside with all the old contraptions people have used to "go over the falls" really interesting. The Imax theatre is up on the hill behind the Skylon tower and Minolta tower. Great view from the Skylon tower.
The falls are illuminated at night from the Canadian side, multicolored and really a wonderful sight. Hope this help.
Dona
There are a bunch of wax museums-I say save your money..Even Denny's restaurant is expensive.No breakfast at Dennys should cost 30.00 Canadian.(about 25USD)
and that was for 2. There are plenty of places to eat. Go to the Imax-they have a small museum inside with all the old contraptions people have used to "go over the falls" really interesting. The Imax theatre is up on the hill behind the Skylon tower and Minolta tower. Great view from the Skylon tower.
The falls are illuminated at night from the Canadian side, multicolored and really a wonderful sight. Hope this help.
Dona
Mar 20th, 2001, 06:19 PM
#10
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As a Buffalo, NY resident (14 miles up-river), let me clarify a few things that the some of the previous posts mentioned and add a few suggestions of my own.
Stay and view the Falls from the Canadian side, but definitely visit the American side, but for the sole purpose of viewing the falls from a completely different angle. On the American side, you can stand at the railing right where the water drops over the falls. You could almost reach out and touch it (however, I am NOT recommending that). On the Canadian side, you view the Falls in its' entirety from a distance. Also on the American side, visit Goat Island and Three Sisters Islands - see the upper rapids up close and personal! Then, take a drive to Old Fort Niagara (American side, also). I recommend this if you enjoy American history. The fort is in excellent condition. It was built and saw battles from the French & Indian war, the Revolution, War of 1812. The drive is short and very scenic. It sits at the mouth of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. This is directly across river from Niagara on the Lake, a beautiful, old, picturesque (expensive) town worth spending a day in. However, it is on the Canadian side and best saved for another day. Toronto is definitely worth a visit, but if you're not familiar with the city, I don't suggest driving! I'm sure the larger hotels offer tours, or better yet, Amtrak runs from the Falls to Toronto. There's always the Maid of the Mist, the caves, and there's also a walkway down to the lower river, which is worth doing because you see the rapids up close and you see how high the gorge really is when looking up. The rapids there are among the most dangerous in the world. Have fun. P.S. If none of this sounds like fun, come to Buffalo, take in a Sabres game, and have a few Canadian beers and some wings!
Stay and view the Falls from the Canadian side, but definitely visit the American side, but for the sole purpose of viewing the falls from a completely different angle. On the American side, you can stand at the railing right where the water drops over the falls. You could almost reach out and touch it (however, I am NOT recommending that). On the Canadian side, you view the Falls in its' entirety from a distance. Also on the American side, visit Goat Island and Three Sisters Islands - see the upper rapids up close and personal! Then, take a drive to Old Fort Niagara (American side, also). I recommend this if you enjoy American history. The fort is in excellent condition. It was built and saw battles from the French & Indian war, the Revolution, War of 1812. The drive is short and very scenic. It sits at the mouth of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. This is directly across river from Niagara on the Lake, a beautiful, old, picturesque (expensive) town worth spending a day in. However, it is on the Canadian side and best saved for another day. Toronto is definitely worth a visit, but if you're not familiar with the city, I don't suggest driving! I'm sure the larger hotels offer tours, or better yet, Amtrak runs from the Falls to Toronto. There's always the Maid of the Mist, the caves, and there's also a walkway down to the lower river, which is worth doing because you see the rapids up close and you see how high the gorge really is when looking up. The rapids there are among the most dangerous in the world. Have fun. P.S. If none of this sounds like fun, come to Buffalo, take in a Sabres game, and have a few Canadian beers and some wings!
Mar 21st, 2001, 04:00 AM
#11
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I have warm memories of our weekend at Niagra. We stayed at the Skyline Foxhead on the Canadian side. (Be sure to get a room with a balcony.) We had a great view of the falls and kept our balcony door open all night, falling asleep to the sound of that magnificent water. The rooftop restaurant is nice for dinner. You can watch the changing colored lights on the falls. The Canadian side has beautiful gardens and flowers everywhere. We avoided the ticky tacky main street with all the souvenir shops,"museums" and crowds. We drove the countryside and stumbled across a bed and breakfast inn with a wine and cheese tasting room. They just happened to be having an outdoor wedding, complete with string quartet. I wish we had had more time to explore the fabulous botanical garden. I would avoid Niagra-on-the Lake. It is so touristy and crowded, not to my taste. There is some great information at:
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...034020776.html
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...034020776.html
