Niagara Falls

[michael2480]

I posted this on another forum but thought I would try it here too. My wife and I are planning on going to Niagara Falls this September and are looking for suggestions on things to do (falls and non-falls related) and places to stay. I have been told the Canadian side is cleaner and you can see more falls from there. From those of you that have experienced both sides do you agree and what should we not miss? Thanks for any input... Mike

 

[07BlueCSC]

Canadian side is better and has better views of the Falls. The ride from Lewiston to Youngstown, NY is short but scenic.

The only reason to go on the American side of the Falls would be to go on Goat Island to do The Cave of the Winds and

possibly do The Maid of the Mist Boat ride.

Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown, Letchworth State Park, Allegheny State Park.

Lockport, NY has many ERIE Canal related tours and displays.

Train ride from Lockport to Medina to a small RailRoad museum.

Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario has many nice B & B's and Hotels.

There are many wineries on both sides of the border.

 

[bongobobny]

NY wineries MUCH better than Ontario wineries! September you will still have decent enough weather without the tourist crowds. Make it early Sep though as by the end of Sep it starts to get cold. Shame you can't make it late August, Venturerider.org is having a 4 day regional rally and I am posting it on this site to invite anyone interested in attending.

We have some very nice roads in this area and I'll be glad to organize a ride if I'm in town!!

 

[michael2480]

Thanks for all the information. We really appreciate the suggestions on what to do and see and especially the offers to show us around.

 

[Oldmsocko]

Thanks for all the information. We really appreciate the suggestions on what to do and see and especially the offers to show us around.

Please remember you will need a pass port.

 

[cscsonny]

Hi
Been to Falls several times,stayed on American side for better room rates but last time hotels are not American owned anymore and hotels were on the not-so-clean side.American food was a little hard to find in Niagra.Had to travel to small towns not far away to find any good food.Casino food was okay.
We did a full bus tour from the American side,was worth the money and took us to all places we wanted to see.Saved money on taking the bike across due to high cost of parking.Most lots at that time were charging $25 just to park and see attractions.You don't pay that on the bus tour and they give you plenty of time to look at things.Going back to the American side the bus will be check by Customs for ID and anything you may have bought.
Do the jet-boat ride on the river,it was a blast and the little town you go to for the ride is great for food and to walk around.
Hope this helps a little.

 

[michael2480]

Thanks, this helps a lot. Appreciate it.

Hi
Been to Falls several times,stayed on American side for better room rates but last time hotels are not American owned anymore and hotels were on the not-so-clean side.American food was a little hard to find in Niagra.Had to travel to small towns not far away to find any good food.Casino food was okay.
We did a full bus tour from the American side,was worth the money and took us to all places we wanted to see.Saved money on taking the bike across due to high cost of parking.Most lots at that time were charging $25 just to park and see attractions.You don't pay that on the bus tour and they give you plenty of time to look at things.Going back to the American side the bus will be check by Customs for ID and anything you may have bought.
Do the jet-boat ride on the river,it was a blast and the little town you go to for the ride is great for food and to walk around.
Hope this helps a little.

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Yes sir, thank you.

Please remember you will need a pass port.

 

[Woolie]

We enjoyed Fort Niagara and Lockport also.

 

[oldtimer1]

Stayed on the Canadian side back in late Sept. The weather was cool but bearable for a Fla. guy. Took the full bus tour and was well worth it. No parking issues or trying to find your way around. Food was a bit pricey but fine. Lots of nice roads to tour the entire north east. We were in New England area for 35 days and can say plenty left to see. Buy the way the Victory CSC was flawless.

 

[bongobobny]

Ahh, yes! Dining prices and tipping in Canada vs US. Unlike the US where waiters and waitresses are paid less than minimum wage due to their tips being considered as part of their wages, the Canadian counterparts are actually paid a somewhat livable wage. To compensate for this, restaurant owners have to charge more for their meals. Their raw products also cost a little more as well, so that is the other contributing factor.

Now, considering the worker's wages US vs Canada, tipping in Canada is generally less. Always tip, but about 1/2 of what you tip in the states. They do not have a set standard percentage but theirs is usually 5 % to 10% (more for exceptional service) as opposed to the US being 15% to 20%. Also keep in mind their tax rate is much higher than our rates and unless you like tipping the government remember to tip on the total for food and beverages before tax.

Although close, the Canadian dollar vs the US dollar fluctuates with the US dollar usually worth more. Exchange rates bite off a little when you convert your currency. US money is almost always accepted with only very rare exceptions. When using plastic, most credit cards also tack on a foreign transaction fee as well. Discover card does not, but many Canadian merchants won't accept Discover, probably for that very reason. There are a couple of Master Cards and Visas that don't, but most of them do.

 

[Bikerbozo]

If you can afford it, go for a room overlooking falls on Canadian side. Clifton Hill amusing to visit, in a touristy way. Riding north towards botanical gardens nice. Plenty of cheaper rooms further from falls. I think casino might voucher parking. I usually seem to win when I go there. There is a bar overlooking falls that has giant spotlights aimed at falls at night. Great view.

 

[michael2480]

Thanks for the information. Do you have a suggestion on where to stay overlooking the falls?

If you can afford it, go for a room overlooking falls on Canadian side. Clifton Hill amusing to visit, in a touristy way. Riding north towards botanical gardens nice. Plenty of cheaper rooms further from falls. I think casino might voucher parking. I usually seem to win when I go there. There is a bar overlooking falls that has giant spotlights aimed at falls at night. Great view.

 

[Bikerbozo]

I've stayed at at least 3 different hotels overlooking the falls. The last one was the Sheraton By The Falls. Well within walking distance of lots and indoor parking garage.

 

[michael2480]

Any experience with either of the Marriott locations?

I've stayed at at least 3 different hotels overlooking the falls. The last one was the Sheraton By The Falls. Well within walking distance of lots and indoor parking garage.

 

[427dave]

2 summers ago my wife and I and another couple rode to Niagara Falls from northern Wisconsin. We rode the SS Badger from Manitowoc to Ludington, Mich. Then across Michigan to Port Huron to enter Canada then on to Niagara Falls. We stayed at a Budget Motel within walking distance to the falls on the Canadian side. We were very near the rotating restaurant. We also took the bus tour which was nice and rode the cable car across the river. We rode back to Wisconsin going north to Sauble Beach and then on to Tobermory where we rode another ferry the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry. It was a good thing we had made reservations for the ferry because of the holiday. We rode in Early August and found out Canada has their biggest holiday that weekend. We had a hard time finding a place to stay in Tobermory.<br />
<br />
We ended up finding a bed and breakfast in Wiarton that someone had just cancelled.

We went to a holiday picnic in Wiarton where we found the B&B. We then rode back into the US via Sault Ste Marie. It was a very nice ride. It was also quite HOT on the trikes with a lot of traffic due to the holiday.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Have fun on the trip. Do NOT forget your Passports, they are needed.<br /><br />
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[bongobobny]

The enhanced driver's licences also work!

 

[michael2480]

Sounds like you had a good ride. Do you remember the name of the motel you stayed at? I'm having a hard time swallowing $200.00 plus a night to stay at the falls. That just seems a bit steep, I know it's probably worth it but still! We have passports so as long as we don't forget them we will be fine.<br /><br />
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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>427dave</strong><br />
<a href="showthread.php?p=218492#post218492" rel="nofollow"><img class="inlineimg" src="images/buttons/viewpost-right.png" alt="View Post" /></a><br />
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<div class="message">2 summers ago my wife and I and another couple rode to Niagara Falls from northern Wisconsin. We rode the SS Badger from Manitowoc to Ludington, Mich. Then across Michigan to Port Huron to enter Canada then on to Niagara Falls. We stayed at a Budget Motel within walking distance to the falls on the Canadian side. We were very near the rotating restaurant. We also took the bus tour which was nice and rode the cable car across the river.<br />
<br />
We rode back to Wisconsin going north to Sauble Beach and then on to Tobermory where we rode another ferry the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry.

It was a good thing we had made reservations for the ferry because of the holiday. We rode in Early August and found out Canada has their biggest holiday that weekend. We had a hard time finding a place to stay in Tobermory. We ended up finding a bed and breakfast in Wiarton that someone had just cancelled. We went to a holiday picnic in Wiarton where we found the B&B. We then rode back into the US via Sault Ste Marie. It was a very nice ride. It was also quite HOT on the trikes with a lot of traffic due to the holiday.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Have fun on the trip.

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Do NOT forget your Passports, they are needed.<br /><br />
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[07BlueCSC]

If you get on some of the social sites--Living Social, Groupon etc.--, a lot of times they have
deals on Niagara Falls hotels(US & Canada).

 

[427dave]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>michael2480</strong>
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<div class="message">Sounds like you had a good ride. Do you remember the name of the motel you stayed at? I'm having a hard time swallowing $200.00 plus a night to stay at the falls. That just seems a bit steep, I know it's probably worth it but still! We have passports so as long as we don't forget them we will be fine.</div>

</div>
</div>
</div>It was the Best Western near the falls.<br />
<a href="http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/CA/ON/Niagara-Falls-hotels/BEST-WESTERN-Fallsview/Hotel-Overview.do?propertyCode=66003" target="_blank">http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwest...ertyCode=66003</a><br />
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It was less than $100. Motorcycle parking outside.<br />
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[RdKnB]

The enhanced driver's licences also work!

Only a few border states have the enhanced drivers license as far as I know

 

[Paul1606]

Hello. The Oaks Hotel is very nice and close to the falls. packages from $99. Remingtons is very nice and they have singing waiters. Niagara on the lake is very nice with lots of shops. Niagara Parks has the Adventure packages that is very good. Both have info on their web sites. Gourmet Getaway Package from $99

• $50 Gift Card for Remington's of Niagara
• $20 Gift Card for Applebee's Grill & Bar
• BONUS: $25 Fallsview Casino Slot Voucher
• Wine tastings, free WiFi & more
  
  
  
  Valid May 1 to October 24
  • Save over 30%
  • Four top attractions
  • 2-day access to WEGO
  • Timed-ticketing
  • Bonus Coupons

 

[michael2480]

Thanks for the information. I will have to look into the package deals. Since we will probably never go again we want to make sure we have a nice place this time and if we can get it cheaper than their published rate that will be a bonus.

Hello. The Oaks Hotel is very nice and close to the falls. packages from $99. Remingtons is very nice and they have singing waiters. Niagara on the lake is very nice with lots of shops. Niagara Parks has the Adventure packages that is very good. Both have info on their web sites. Gourmet Getaway Package from $99

• $50 Gift Card for Remington's of Niagara
• $20 Gift Card for Applebee's Grill & Bar
• BONUS: $25 Fallsview Casino Slot Voucher
• Wine tastings, free WiFi & more
  
  
  
  Valid May 1 to October 24
  • Save over 30%
  • Four top attractions
  • 2-day access to WEGO
  • Timed-ticketing
  • Bonus Coupons

 

[Paul1606]

Hello. The Oak is nice but make sure you look at the Tower section not the cheaper area that looks like a Motel. We had a corner room with a Jacuzzi and it was $160 a few years ago. The shuttle for Remington's picks you up at the lobby. I recommend the Maid of the Mist, the walk behind the falls and if you like water and speed the jet boats at Niagara on the Lake. Stay away from all the very expensive museums that are on the main drag as they are not worth it. Check out the light show at night. The drive from Niagara to Niagara on the Lake is very nice. If it is something that you like, check out the Adam Beck Power station as for a cost you can go right down into the generating area.

Have fun. Niagara was a weekend getaway as a teenager so I was familiar with the area but if you have never been it is very nice. We always had to take relatives to Niagara and the CN Tower in Toronto.

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Also lots of wineries. Jackson Triggs is a nice one as for free you walk through from the grape field to the processing area and then they teach you how to drink wine, not a wine drinker but it made the wine taste better. You can sit out on the patio and order food and wine. They even have summer concerts. It is on the way to Niagara on the Lake.

 

[michael2480]

Only 10 weeks away! Still looking for suggestions of things to see and do in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virgina and Kentucky on our way to and from. If anyone has any suggestions we would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance,

Mike

 

[thumperjlb]

I just returned from a trip to the falls last month, stayed on the American side on Grand Island (whole house rental). Went to the Canadian side to visit Fort George and the falls, rode on the new Hornblower cruise (highly recommended). Some great little restaurants in Niagara on the Lake. Also took the cruise up and down the Erie Canal in Lockport, NY. This is a NOT TO BE MISSED in my opinion.

If you make it to Grand Island, NY be sure and eat at a restaurant called Dick and Jenny's Bake and Brew - best meal I had on the entire trip.

I had been to the falls about 40 years ago but only visited the American side, the Canadian side is sooooo very much better.

Have a great time.
[h=3][/h]

 

[michael2480]

I just returned from a trip to the falls last month, stayed on the American side on Grand Island (whole house rental). Went to the Canadian side to visit Fort George and the falls, rode on the new Hornblower cruise (highly recommended). Some great little restaurants in Niagara on the Lake. Also took the cruise up and down the Erie Canal in Lockport, NY. This is a NOT TO BE MISSED in my opinion.

If you make it to Grand Island, NY be sure and eat at a restaurant called Dick and Jenny's Bake and Brew - best meal I had on the entire trip.

I had been to the falls about 40 years ago but only visited the American side, the Canadian side is sooooo very much better.

Have a great time.

Thanks thumper, I didn't know about the Erie Canal Cruise. How much time did you spend in the Niagara Falls area? We have 2 weeks to make the trip but we don't cover a lot of miles each day, like to stop and see stuff along the way. It's the first time in my life I've been up that way so probably quite a bit to see!

 

[The Captain]

We were just at the falls on the US side a couple weeks ago. Too bad the area directly around the falls has turned into a flea market & beggars paradise. What a dump. We were there several years ago and it wasn't that bad. I'd rather take a barrel ride over the falls...Never again!

 

[michael2480]

We were just at the falls on the US side a couple weeks ago. Too bad the area directly around the falls has turned into a flea market & beggars paradise. What a dump. We were there several years ago and it wasn't that bad. I'd rather take a barrel ride over the falls...Never again!

I heard the Canadian side is better, sure hope so.

 

[michael2480]

Highway 20

I'm wondering how highway 20 or 5 is from the Cleveland area to Buffalo? Would either be a decent alternative to 90 which turns into a toll road at the New York line I believe. I would prefer to stay off of 90 if possible and be able to see some sites but not be traveling at 30 mph the entire time. Never been in the area so any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Gorilla]

I heard the Canadian side is better, sure hope so.

Just got back a couple of weeks ago from the Canadian Side. It was GREAT. Enjoy