marian47617761

if there is already a designated spot for this topic feel free to move this post . I am new here and just now learning my way around. I live in the states and my husband and I will be taking a trip to niagra falls this September On the states side but we do want to go over to Canada and see what isthereamd look at their views.

So my question is to anyone one who wants to chime in and offer al the advice they can. Best affordable places to stay. Where to go and what to do and see . Thanks

tomfuller

Welcome to Fodors. A few questions. Where are you coming from and how long do you want to spend in western New York state? Depending on where you are coming from, you might want to fly to Buffalo or maybe take an Amtrak train.

There are train stations in Niagara Falls New York and in Niagara Falls Ontario served by a train called the Maple Leaf. The Maple Leaf goes from New York Penn station to the Toronto station every day mostly in daylight.
The Toronto station is within walking distance of the CN Tower and the baseball stadium where the Blue Jays play.
Many people say that the view of the falls is better on the Canadian side. After Labor Day, the prices on motels should drop on both sides of the border because of decreased demand. Currently $1US is worth about $1.25 Canadian.
A couple hours east of Buffalo is the great city of Rochester. Things to see there include the Eastman House and the museum of play which includes a huge doll collection

marian47617761

We are driving to ny from North Carolina September right after Labor Day weekend and stay three days

SusieQQ

Just north of Niagara Falls is a beautiful town, Niagara on the Lake. It has a Shaw Festival if you are interested in plays and is surrounded with wineries. It is actually a beautiful place to just stroll around in even if you aren't interested in the Plays or wineries.

KathyK

If you tell us what your interests are we can offer advice. Age? Fitness level?

tomfuller

Unless you are coming from western North Carolina, I would suggest coming north through Pennsylvania on US 15/I-99 to Painted Post NY. Take I-86 to I-390. If you want to avoid the New York State Thruway, head west on US 20 at Avon New York. US 219 north through PA goes through some very wild territory that you probably don't want to see.

garyt22

Niagara offers several options and prices for hotels... the Fallsview rooms are pricier and mostly on the Canadian side... the Hotels closer to the Falls on the US side are mostly major chain hotels plus the Seneca Niagara Casino... the cheaper motels are along Niagara Falls Boulevard (rt62) about 4 miles from the Falls near the Outlet Mall...

my son went to NC State so we did this drive several times... plan on about 8 hours from Raleigh and adjust accordingly to your location.

marian47617761

Thanks for motel information. Very helpful. We are in outer banks and I think our drive in close to 11 hours. But it will be worth it. We have not been to New York yet and are looking forward to this trip.

marian47617761

Thanks everyone for the advice and tips and suggestions. This is our first trip to New York let alone niagra falls. We picked September because I did feel this would be a little easier crowded and not as hot. Have a room booked already for three nights and the dates are September 3 through the 7th. Where is a good place to watch the fireworks and see the lights?

KathyK

Sounds like you will spending 4 nights. With that much time I would recommend spending two nights in Buffalo but I'm not sure what your interests are. What hotel did you book?

RoseOK

We go out to Niagara on the Lake at least once a year. We stay at the Brancliff Inn. It is one block from all the restaurants and shops in downtown Niagara on the Lake. We have taken the boat ride and the behind the falls tours and they are fun and wet. We have yet to see the Butterfly Gardens. Our friends have gone to the Shaw theatre, it is within walking distance from our B&B. There are also some historical battle fields to walk or bike around. There is also a golf course on the lake. We come out to Niagara for the wine. Big Head is one of our favorites. We stop in the Finger Lakes in upstate in New York on the way home. Yes, more wine, hiking and great restaurants.

tom42

Some suggested activities (just google these to find out more info)

Maid of the Mist
Cave of the Winds
Goat Island
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

If you are staying on the US side and want to see the Canadian side, you can walk across the Rainbow Bridge. No need to take a car, unless you want to explore the area away from the Falls.

Probably the nicest hotel on the US side, other than Seneca Niagara (which is a casino) is the Sheraton at the Falls. It's right across the street from the casino. There are also a number of other 2 and 3 star hotels in that area. The Canadian side has better hotel options, some of which will give you a view of the Falls from your room.

Please remember you need a passport to get into Canada.

schmerl

Make sure to see the falls at night. We were on the Canadian side and just watching the lights on the falls change color was spectacular.

BuffaloGirl

View the upper rapids (American side). See the lower rapids All the rapids are spectacular. You have two choices for the lower rapids. #1 - Walk down into the gorge (American side). But you have to walk back up and it's no picnic. #2 - view on the Canadian side. There's an elevator.

Visit all the vantage points on Goat Island. Walk over the Rainbow Bridge to view from the Canadian side. It's a pain to drive and park on Canadian side of the falls.

Take a drive to Old Fort Niagara.

It's the oldest fort and buildings on the Great Lakes going back to the French and Indian War. Beautiful and historic. There is a small, interesting museum and gift shop of course. The fort sits at the mouth of the lower Niagara where it empties into Lake Ontario (directly across from Niagara on the Lake). On a clear day you can see Toronto. There is a large grassy slope that goes down to Lake Ontario. The beach is narrow and not swimmable; however, it's a fun place to throw rocks and sticks and dig around for old pottery and sea glass. Drive along the river
(Rt. 18F) back to Lewiston. It's a small, historictown with some good restaurants. Or turn right when you get to Main Street and go down the hill to the river and have lunch on the outdoor patio at Water Street Landing.

Enjoy!