Hi:

A group of us (about 12, split between adults, young teens and smaller kids) are thinking about doing a Niagra Falls trip sometime this summer. Having never been there before we are in need of recommendations on where to stay, how long we should plan to be there for, tips of Maid of the Mist and other such things, cheap places to eat and so forth. I don't know if we'd be staying on the US or Canadian side...we welcome suggestions on that too.
We are budget concious but don't want to go ultra cheap. Thanks.

canadian exchange although not the best its been, may still save you some if you go to the canadian side. compare rates. Canadian sites often quote in canadian dollars, so you need to make sure you are comparing the dollars correctly. this site is a currency converter site :

http://www.xe.com/ucc/

good luck

I have seen the views from both (US and Canadian) sides of the Falls countless times and if you're thinking of having a Falls view from your hotel, it would be so much better to get a hotel on the Canadian side, albeit more expensive.

I was just there a few weeks ago. I'd recommend staying on the Canadian side - many more choices in hotel and restaurants, thought the food choices are pretty awful. It's all touristy chain places - Hard Rock, Rianforest Cafe, Fridays, etc. I didn't see much that was cheap - even Denny's isn't cheap there. For cheap hotels, there were a lot of Comfort Inn level hotels a block or 2 from the falls. So no view from the room but walk a block and get great views. There are firewords every Friday, Sunday and holiday nights during the summer.

We drove over to the US side and it was such a pleasant change. So quiet comparably and you get some really interesting views of the top of the falls. We walked all around goat island - a perfect break from the crowds on the CAN side!

My only tip for the Maid of the Mist is that you will get SOAKED any part that isn't under the ponchos they give out. Our sneakers, socks, and the bottom half of our jeans were soaked through so afterwards we went back to our room and changed. So wear shorts & sandels or be prepared to change!

We really enjoyed driving through the Niagara Pennisula and stopping at all the wineries for ice wine. Not really an option with young kids though....

If going to the Canadian side - and I highly reco this for the best views/activities - be sure you have all your passports or papers in order - even for the little kids.

I lived in the area most of my life.

Check the calendar for performances at ArtPark in Lewiston, about a 10 minute drive north of the Falls. Could be something of interest to young and old.

There are inexpensive motels on the US side, but certainly nicer places along the Canadian.

There are a couple outlet malls on the US side for shopping.

If there's still access, a trail on the American side goes down to the river, from where you can hike to Devil's Hole (about 3 miles), over boulders and along the rapids. Being at the river side at that point is an incredible experience. I did this about 30 years ago, so it may no longer be available

Canadian side is better in every respect.

We went to Niagara Falls (Canada)a couple of years ago and they had a discovery pass that you could purchase that gave admission to various Niagara Falls attractions at a much reduced price. I don't know if it is still available but it's worth a try.

Try doing a search for printable on-line coupons on your favorite search engine. just type in something like niagara falls + coupons

Here's a link:

www.niagaraparks.com/nfgg/discountpass.php

I've only ever been to the Canadian side (left my passport in the hotel in Toronto - D'oh! If you want to visit several attractions in one day it's definitely worth buying one of the day passes (when we went there were several to choose from) which give admission to the bits you're most interested in AND include transport on the big articulated busses that shuttle up and down the riverside all day long.
Maid of the mist - yes, definitely shorts and sandals. Put the waterproof cape over your rucsac / backpack (camera inside here!) or everything will be soaked. Unless you have a waterproof camera it's not worth the risk trying to get photographs. "Journey behind the falls" near the top end of the resort is good. Go early, book your time for later, do othe rhtings and go back at the appointed time - better than queueing for hours. For something different, visit the Buddhist temple further down river.