We're driving this Sunday from Boston to Niagara and staying at the Marriott Fallsview Hotel.
We have 4 full days to soak it all up!

Any suggestions for breaking the main Niagara Falls attractions into 2 days versus rushing through them in one day? List is the Visitors Center, Park Trolley ride, Niagara Gorge Discovery Center for exhibits and short walks, Observation Tower, Maid of the Mist, Cave of the WInds, Crow's Nest, Park gardens, Top of Falls restaurant.

Others: Botanical Gardens & Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara on the Lake visit and winery tour somewhere, Boat cruise if still open, White Water walk and Whirlpool Aero Car.

Like is doing the full Trolley Tour route before we jump into the Fall activiites a good idea?
What would you do before the water activities?

We were up at Niagara Falls for 2 nights then 3 nights in Niagara on the Lake this last August... The Park Trolley Ride took us to Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Park Gardens and the White Water Walk... the other attractions you mentioned - we didn't do so I can't comment on them. We did the above mentioned in one day - which was enough for us in Niagara Falls.. the Park Trolley is wonderful for getting around - because parking is expensive. We bought a 2 day pass with those attractions - $44 from our B & B. The drive up to Niagara on the Lake is beautiful. Niagara on the Lake with several of its wineries can be done in a day.. but, plan on a late lunch or dinner in NOTL.. and bring snacks while you visit the wineries. Our favorite was Peller, they took you out to the vineyard, the cellar and explained a lot of what goes into making wine. Peller also has a store in town too. Its really very pretty driving around - it was hard to imagine all the vineyards and how young that business is up there. We had lunch at the golf course, it looks out on Lake Ontario - I recommend it.. also had dinner at the Irish Restaurant on King Street... wonderful... too bad you can't spend a few nights in NOTL... we spent 3 nights at a Newark B & B...

It's been a long time since I've been up to the Falls, but I'm a bit mystified that one could fill FOUR DAYS doing anything there. I think we barely had to spend 24 hours doing things at Niagara Falls and we were completely done, and then we sped across the border to wonderful Toronto!

Now I'm curious too (my husband has a mild curiosity about seeing the Falls): What IS there to do in the Niagara Falls area? Other than wineries (which we can do out here), is there interesting stuff up there?!

To explain: I went to Niagara Falls, then Canada, with my parents. Which tells you it was a LONG time ago. I doubt it could have changed that much... or could it?

Did you pre book your visit to Peller or the other wineries?

We have never been to Niagara Falls or the surrounding area. We're not in a rush and looking for some down time between the activities. We chose the Marriot because of the location and the indoor pool/spa features.

We also enjoy military history so my husband may want to do some related activities there.

I noticed some of the closing hours are earlier and with the earlier sunset the day will go by
quicker than we realize.

I highly suggest Old Fort Niagara on the American side in Youngstown. The fort is in outstanding condition - it sits at the end of the lower Niagara where it feeds into Lake Ontario. It has the oldest buildings on the Great Lakes.

Standing on a bluff above Lake Ontario not far from Niagara Falls, Old Fort Niagara has dominated the entrance to the Niagara River since 1726. The colorful history of the site began even earlier, and continues to the present day.

"The fort played an important role in the struggles of France, Great Britain, and the United States to control the Great Lakes region of North America, and also helped shape the destinies of the Iroquois (Six Nations) peoples and the nation of Canada."


Here's the link:

http://oldfortniagara.org/

If it's a beautiful day, walk outside of the fort over to the grassy hill that slopes down to the lake. On a clear day you can see Toronto and there are usually lots of sailboats on the water. You can't swim, but there is a rocky shoreline to walk along and large rocks and driftwood to sit on and stick your feet in. I often find beach glass and pottery pieces along there.

A lot of people spend their time in Niagara on the Lake on the Canadian side and overlook the gem that Old Fort Niagara is just across the river.

It's a great time to come to the Falls because the kids are back in school and the attractions are still in full swing...

weather will be perfect (high 70's) so even the water attractions will be refreshing... here are some of my personal favorites for your stay...

assuming you will be arriving on Sunday afternoon, cross the Rainbow Bridge and take about a half hour just driving along the Falls Gorge and take in the views from the car in both directions... then drive up the hill to the hotel, check-in and explore the area around the Hotel... you are near the Fallsview Casino if you are gamblers, and you might consider dinner at the nearby "The Keg" steakhouse

first of all, the "WEGO" transportation system on the Canada side is a series of Busses that run in loops around Niagara... www.wegoniagarafalls.com ... two day passes are $11.50 and can be purchased at your hotel... you are on the BLUE loop and can ride to the terminal and catch the green loop wego...

Spend your first full day catching everything on the green loop that interests you... green loop includes Clifton Hill, Victoria Park(with great Falls views),
White Water walk, Whirlpool Aerocar, a fun Souvenier City (bring the camera), The Butterfly Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and the Floral Clock.... that will fill your entire day... (wait for Maid of the Mist until Day two)

Day Two... after breakfast... jump in the car and head to the US side to Goat Island State Park...(your parking fee covers you for all State Parks so save the ticket) purchase a Niagara USA Discovery Pass that includes the Trolley, Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, amazing views of the water going over the Falls and the rapids as well as the Discovery Center, Aquarium, and a niagara legends movie...

After lunch at Top of the Falls, consider a drive up the Robert Moses Parkway with a stop at Devil's Hole Park (same parking ticket) and then north to Fort Niagara State Park (same ticket) where they are celebrating the War of 1812... tons of history and an amazing view of Lake Ontario...

I'll be back later with a third day of Niagara on the Lake and wine tours... stay tuned....

Thanks everyone for all the replies and tips. I started to check the wineries and the fort websites.

garyt22: A reason we picked this time was as you cited (kids are back in school). We thought
the crowds would be lessened to enjoy everything. So looking at my park map I see how you put together Day two. I don't know if our pace wlll be as fast but everything opens early and Maid of the Mist starts at 945am. Your loop idea sounds great!

Day three- Wine Trail/Niagara on the Lake

After breakfast, head along the water by car to the Niagara Parkway.... Winston Churchill once called this "one of the World's most beautiful Sunday drives". there are a few scenic overlooks, several farm stands, picnic areas, B&B's and million dollar homes... you will also begin to encounter the regions vineyards... there are over 200 wineries in the region, from major producers to mom&pop outfits... Icewine is the regions sweet treat, however these producers also have quality reds and whites...

Along the parkway, consider stops at Reif, Inniskillen,and Peller Estates for tastings... then drive into the Village of Niagara on the Lake for a walk through the quaint shops and boutiques... Greaves is the home of jams and jellies (my favorite is Tripleberry) and there are several interesting looksee shops...

If theatre is your thing, look into play tickets at one of the three stages of the Shaw Festival...

There are great lunch choices in all price ranges, from high end at the Prince of Wales and Peller, to great outdoor dining at the NotL Golf Course with a great view of Fort niagara... you can also lunch at the historic Angel Inn Pub, Canada's oldest Pub... or have lunch at a vineyard restaurant just outside of the Village. My favorite is Hillebrand Trius on rt 55 and you can also take a great winery tour there...

...grab a wine tour map at www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com and feel free to make your own way around... bus tours and bike tours of the region are also an option

Sometime during your stay, you might also consider adding Whirlpool JetBoats as an attraction... many consider this the best attraction at the Falls, however you will get very wet, so this may be better on day two...

You can also add a walk up and down Clifton Hill for a look at the touristy side of the Falls, hang at the hotel spa, golf at nearby championship courses, shop at the US Outlet Mall, visit the culinary schools on both sides of the border, or gamble away your life savings at three different casinos... have fun!

I second Old Fort Niagria. Had a great time there.

Here are some suggestions of things to do in September within this blog (events and such)...also navigate your way through the www.cliftonhill.com website for additional information pertaining to events and attractions, etc. Have a read!
http://www.cliftonhill.com/falls_blo...e-fall-season/

Gary is an expert on Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake. I would follow his advice. Make sure you see the American Falls and Three Sisters Island. There really isn't much else to see on the American side. Top of the Falls might be a disappointment depending on what you are looking for. Very basic boring menu. Please report back on your experience.

thank you Kathy for the compliment... I gave Top of the Falls for lunch because there is little choice in the Park, however there is a Hard Rock Cafe and Savor, the Culinary School eatery right near the Rainbow Bridge...

Gary has given excellent advice! You will enjoy your hotel be sure to ask for a Fallsview room so you can see the Falls from your room lighted at night.
We loved walking around Goat Island before taking Cave of the Winds.
We also loved lunch on the patio at the Golf Club. You are right across the water from Old Fort Niagara, a beautiful view! We also enjoyed going thru the fort.
Have fun, we go to the Falls every other year and never tire of the sights.

Niagara Falls Report: Sunday, September 8 - Wednesday, September 11

We had a pleasant drive from MA to Niagara on Sunday. A reminder for rest stops: Once you pass the Mass Turnpike Exit 1 rest stop, there is none directly on the highway until you get to the NY Thruway. I think it’s roughly 45-60 miles so plan accordingly.

The Marriott FallsView Spa & Hotel was a great choice for our stay. The valet handles the luggage and car and passes you off to the bell hop. It was like Vegas. (Tip $5.00)
When the bell hop opened the curtains for us, WOW. The views from our room of the Niagara Falls and the river way were absolutely stunning. We stayed on the 16 floor in a superior falls view room. The services at the hotel were all in top form. The bell hops were awesome and full of local information and tidbits to help with our stay. (Tip $6.00)

Sunday: After settling in we walked over the hotel’s connecting bridge way to the Incline Rail. My husband was like a kid at Christmas and insisted we use it. Out came $5.00 pp (credit cards only) to get our round-trip tickets from the machine. There was always an attendant for assistance. For $6.00 you can buy an all day ticket. For $3.50 you can buy a one-way ticket. The funicular provides the easiest way down the hill. However, you can access the Falls from the stairway in front of the FallsView Casino to save on your wallet. (Cost $10.00)

We spent almost two hours walking along the Falls stuck in “Wow” mode. The weather was clear and warm and no one seemed to want to leave. Then they increase the river flow and the mists kick up to a point where if you remain you get very wet. After a few sprays we returned up hill.

After a day of driving our appetites were light. We went to Tony Roma’s. Yuck! Hubby loves their ribs. I had crusted sesame salmon and a glass of ‘Pellar Merlot’. I choked on the calamari to where I needed assistance. A bigger yuck but good to know the staff is trained in these matters. The service was good but the food is below mediocre. Ah-the things we do for love. The Pellar was too acidic for me. Cost $55/$10 tip (65.00)

We were told there were fireworks at 10pm. We bought a bottle of ‘Inniskillin Pinot Grigio’ from the FallsView Lounge and took it upstairs for the show. The fireworks didn’t happen and we took in the amazing displays of the nightly illuminated waterfalls. Cost $39.99/Tip $2.00 (41.99)

Monday, September 9
For $19.99 pp we tried the Marriott’s BB breakfast. My omelette was good but short on eggs as they use poulettes versus full size eggs. The al a carte menu was too expensive and the maitre d’ even suggested we go with the BB. He seated us at what he called, his mother’s favorite table. It was a lovely table by the window. It was located at one of those corners by the way they design the tables on a diagonal so everyone can see the view. We arrived for 845am so had no wait. By 930am there was a line. Cost $39.98/Tip $8.00 (47.98)

As suggested we used the WEGO but started on the green loop. Due to the off season hours the first Blue bus wouldn’t arrive at FallsView until 1020am yet down the hill the first green bus arrived at Table Rock for 10:07am. We retraced our walking route of yesterday and went down, yes, the Incline Rail, once again! Each line is color coded and marked. There are small signs flashing the arrival times of the next buses and attendants available for assistance. There are ticket attendant booths at Table Rock and at the Queen Victoria Park welcome center for your convenience. We bought our tickets at the hotel’s gift shop. Costs were $7.00 pp for a WEGO 1-Day Pass (14.00). RT Incline Rail total for 2 pp $10.00, (24.00)

Green Loop: Soaking up the views was relaxing. We hopped off at the RiverWalkway and enjoyed our time there immensely. There is no limit on your time so take your time here. Enjoy the many views of the river’s rage. There is signage along the boardwalk explaining many facts and historical notes of the Niagara. Cost $10.50 pp (21.00)

Our next WEGO stop was the Whirlpool Aero Car. It is a brief ten minute across the river whirlpool. Not much of a whirlpool below but the vantage points at the bend in the Niagara River put it into perspective. There is one small platform at the entrance to see the whirlpool where Captain Jonas landed his boat safely. You exit of course by way of the gift shop as most attractions today are designed. Cost $10.95 pp (21.90)

We ended up in the middle section at the front of the car. At the halfway point the people on the left and right sides of the car switch. Everyone sees both sides. Of course we could see both being in the center. It is raised up so you are above the sides and at the end there is enough of a space where there is no suspension cable for photo shots.

We hopped back on the WEGO and went up to the Botanical Gardens. I wanted to do the Butterfly Conservatory but DH didn’t. We walked around some of the Garden areas and then did the horse & buggy ride. Cost-Gardens are free; Buggy ride $20.61pp /Tip$2.00 (41.22)

Afterwards we rode all the way back to Table Rock. We had lunch at Elements Restaurant accessed by the Welcome Center. The weather was still wonderful and we had continued delights of the Falls. The food was good but not great. Service was very good. Cost $65/Tip$10 (75)

In the evening we walked next door to dine at the Keg Steakhouse. Yes, we should have called ahead but didn’t. At 7pm we had a one hour wait. We got comfortable in the reception lounge which reminded me of a school cafeteria. The exception was the bar where you ordered your drinks from and the gigantic flat screen that was featuring the Men’s Final Open and a side screen featuring the slumping team of the famed NY Yankees.

Between 4pm-7pm there were free light nibbles and a beverage buffet was open for free soft drinks, sweet tea, and water. Hubby just made the free sugar hit and I went for my new fix, a cold Inniskillin Pinot Grigio. We shared chips and salsa. The Keg wait quickly grew to 90 minutes and we couldn’t wait to see what the hype was all about. The busgirl here was working her FitBit off keeping the lounge tables cleared and cleaned. Cost $14.00/Tip $2.00 (16.00)

Promptly at 8pm our buzzer went off and we were seated in the front of the restaurant at a second row table. We were seated in the front section but in the second row. Our stomachs were less concerned about the view. These tables have poor reading lighting as the duct system runs overhead providing no direct lighting. The waiter gave us his cell phone to see the menu.

I indulged on the field green salad and the Oscar filet with extra vegetables versus having another carb. DH had his usual Ceasar salad and then tried the 8-oz filet over mash. We shared the yummy bread and sweet butter. We each tried the Inniskillin Riesling suggested by the waiter. I preferred this to their Pinot Grigio. Our food was delicious.

The service performed well under such busy conditions. Definitely make a reservation or call ahead else be prepared for a long wait. Our waiter was busy but continually checked in with us to see how it was going. By 10pm we each felt like one of those barrels people used to go over the Falls, so we rolled ourselves back to the hotel. Cost $130/Tip$20 (150)

My head was heavy as my allergies had kicked up during the day. After admiring the evening Falls view I did my best to get some sleep. By Tuesday morning I felt worse.

Tuesday, September 10
In the morning I had the pounding headache due to the head allergy pressure. I pushed fluids, took a steam shower and took an Aspirin. We drove the car to Perkins Bakery Restaurant on Bender Street. It is next door to the older casino. I ordered an omelette again. This one needed a truck driver to finish it. The order came with pancakes or toast, home fries or those fried potato things. Our breakfast averaged $4.00 pp less than the Marriott buffet and tasted just as good.
Cost $13.00 pp /Tip$5.00 (31.00)

The drive over Rainbow Bridge was scenic and slow. We had a later start today and crawled for 30 minutes to reach the American side. There was spot checking of vehicles or the inside of car trunks. Nothing unusual to us.

At Goat Island Niagara Falls Park we parked in Lot#2 in the second row. It was not very busy. At the Caves of the Winds complex we bought our 1-Day Discovery Pass and got our trolley wrist bands. We hopped on the trolley loop. The brief scenic ride was pleasant and informative. We hopped off at the Visitors Center. First we took the Maid of the Mist Boat journey. The lines were short and the wind was evident as you tried to put on your souvenir blue poncho.
Costs: Parking $10.00, Discovery Pass 33.00 pp (76.00)

How many times can a person say WOW in one day? I lost count after this experience. It is an exhilarating sight and over too quickly. I wanted to buy another ticket just to do it and see it again. You need to decide beforehand if you want to take many photos or just a few to enjoy it.
I’d suggest taking one photo at the beginning, take one from your approaching side and then one from the other side after the boat turns. Or you can go overboard and take tons but probably miss most of the visual and altogether experience of this journey.

Afterwards only myself ventured over to the Crow’s Nest. I was amazed at seeing a rainbow sitting just above the water. I didn’t go all the way up as people were being blown sideways on the stairs. From there I dried up a bit and we spent time a top the Observation Tower.

After completely drying off we went inside the Visitor Center to watch the film, “Niagara Legends...” in the adventure Theater. It is 45 minutes in length and worth the time. Then we viewed the few exhibits before having an uneventful lunch from the Cafe stand. Make a note that you can buy wraps and pre-made salads from inside the Cafe. Outside you can only buy fried food items and beverages. After lunch we spent time at a bench just admiring the rapids between the American Rapids Bridge and the Pedesterian Bridge. Cave of the Winds Cafe Cost for a salad with chicken, a hamburger and two small lemon-aides was $20.00.

Hopping back on the trolley we returned to our starting place. The parking lot was now almost full. I walked to our car to grab two bottled waters. There was a steady line for the Cave of the Winds and I walked past the line with my Pass. There is a staged photo op which you can decide on after your experience. Later we passed on the $27 purchase price for a package of an 8”x10” and (2) 4” x6”s photos.

In my fav required yellow poncho and cave sandals I went 170’ underground in an elevator with a group of strangers. Now my DH wasn’t feeling well so he stayed up in the shade on a bench. I was still fighting my nasty allergy attack but determined not to miss out on these incredible sights. The walkways and stairwells are slippery. Be careful and watch what you’re doing.

I saw two rainbows in the mist and spent a lot of time just admiring the volume and power of the natural water falling overhead. You get very wet even if you don’t stand under the most raging portion of the Bridal Falls on the Hurricane Deck. At times people were knocked over purposefully by standing there to receive the burnt of the Bridal Falls’ force.

I was impressed through out the entire Park at what man overcame to design and structure these natural sights. To make and perserve them as attractions for those of us today and future generations was an entire new level of WOW for me.

We capped off our day with treats of an ice cream cone for my DH and a strawberry/mango smoothie for myself. Cost $12.00

The ride back over Rainbow Bridge was literally a breeze. I politely asked the Canadian Border Patrol for a stamp on my passport and he gladly obliged me and added his signature.

Back at the hotel I did some more steam shower work and tried to relieve my system of the allergy blockage. My DH called the desk to inform them we’d be checking out a day earlier. Our plan was now to do a winery day tomorrow then head home.

After a quick shower and change of clothes we walked over to the FallsView casino. The walkway and view points there are wonderful of the River and the Falls. DH found a table and I walked around as much as I could. It was a nonsmoking casino else I wouldn’t have stayed. We met for dinner and ate at Canyon Creek within the Galleria complex. We both had small appetites. The food was good and the service excellent. The waitress noticed we were both a little under the weather. She said their ragweed runs the worst at this time of the year and she has to have a shot for it. Duh!

My head was pounding like a drum and my husband was having cold symptoms again.
Back at the hotel I took an allergy pill and he took an Aspirin and we both hit the pillow early.

Wednesday, September 11
In the morning neither of us felt well enough to warrant another evening at the hotel so we called to say we were leaving today. It was a smooth transaction with no incurred fees. It was disappointing to pass on the winery area but it just wasn’t to be this trip.

For breakfast we ate at the Falls Manor, a bell hop recommendation. It was our best breakfast of the entire trip and the meals came with the same amount of food as the other breakfasts. After a few minutes there you feel like a local. Cost $20.00/Tip $5.00 (25.00)

The wait over Rainbow Bridge was short. We listened to the NYC 9/11 Memorial service on the Sirrus radio. It was powerful sitting in the car a top of the Niagara River and seeing our beloved flag at half mast at the Canadian-American border. It’s unexplainable when I knew we had crossed into the U.S.

FYI: The Discovery Center at Niagara Falls Park is closed during the week after Labor Day. The Aquarium was opened but we passed to use our energy on the Caves.

The exchange rate at the Park was advertised as par for par. On the Canadian side it was a mixed bag. Due to these methods being used we never did an ATM currency exchange.

All the links provided in the previous posts are accurate. Additional information:
Falls Manor, 7104 Lundy’s Lane, ON, L2G 2W2, Tel(905)-358-3211, www.fallsmanor.com
There are additional Perkins closer to the Embassy Suites and on Stanley Avenue.

The Marriott offered an afternoon winery tour for $89.00 from 1p-430p. This included an Inniskillin wine tasting, a Pellar chocolate & red wine tasting, and a Trius wine cellar tour and tasting. An additional day tour was offered for $149.00 which included lunch at the Pinnacle at the Pellar Winery.

We booked the Marriott in April.

Thanks for everyone’s assistance with our trip planning. Now can I post all of this WOW as one reply?

I'm glad you had a great time. I never get sick of looking at the falls. It's a shame you weren't feeling well and had to cut things short. I'm certain you would have enjoyed Old Fort Niagara or Niagara on the Lake. Next time, I'm sure.

April is very "iffy" weather wise, so keep that in mind.

Thank you for a great report, I am sorry you and hubby both were under the weather!