Niagara Falls Fun - Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls Canada

History Behind the Holiday

The United States Celebrates Memorial Day on the last Monday of May.  Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War.   By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  As a marker it typically marks the start of the summer vacation season,  it also became a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, and trips to the beach.

Niagara Falls Has it All

If Memorial Day is about family, fireworks, and a little shopping you won’t go home empty handed from the Falls, because family friendly adventures  can be found all along Clifton Hill, and beyond.  If you want to be right in the middle of all the action, waking up with all the attractions, and the falls 10 minutes from your hotel room you can plan to stay at The Comfort Inn Clifton Hill.  Known as a great family location most people enjoy the free continental breakfast, and wi-fi, as well as the convenient access to the adjoining restaurant Kelsey’s.  When you book any number of packages you get a free coupon you can use at  the newly renovated Kelsey’s or Boston Pizza, also just steps from the hotel.  It is always a good idea to try and book your hotel in advance especially when it comes to a long weekend as availability gets slim if you wait to the last  minute.  For more details on the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill Click Here.

Getting Here from the United States

If you are driving your car you may need to know a few things before you cross the border.

1. Know what ID is necessary:  All visitors arriving to Canada need a passport or passport equivalent.  If you are travelling soon, you can get a passport within 24 at Rushmypassport.com.

2. At the border be ready to address the officer:  Passengers should pass their passports and other ID to the driver before reaching the border services booth. In addition, take off your sunglasses, turn off radios and cellphones – don’t start doing these tasks once you’ve arrived at the booth.

3. Have a note for children traveling without both parents:  Adults traveling over the border into Canada with children who are not their own should have a written note from the parents or guardians giving permission for the children to leave the country. The permission should include the name and contact information of the parent / guardian.

(Children under the age of 16 can present an original copy of their birth certificate, passport or NEXUS card as preferred identification.  Anyone over 16 MUST have a passport to cross the border.)

4. Know what you can and can’t bring into Canada.

5. Have your car registration available.

6. Check/empty your trunk:  Unnecessary items in your trunk may be a source of questioning by border officials and may add time to your border crossing.

7. Be prepared to answer questions.

9. Roll Down the Front and Back Car Windows When You Pull up to the border officer’s  window.

72% des mères veulent plus…

Bien que nous célébrons des anniversaires et des fêtes ici, il y a toujours une journée spéciale à chaque année où nous commémorons toutes les mamans qui travaillent fort à élever leurs enfants, c’est la fête des mères! C’est un jour pour dire merci et de donner à son tour. Les fleurs sont un bon début, mais un sondage de Forbes dit que maman veut un petit peu plus cette année.

Une raison parfaite pour une évasion avec maman

Vous pouvez vraiment montrer à maman que vous l’aimez avec un voyage à Niagara Falls cette année. Gâtez-la avec un tour sur le mondialement célèbre SkyWheel de Niagara qui offre des vues splendides des chutes, quand elle descend elle se sentira comme elle vient de faire un mini-voyage au spa. On sait bien que les mamans méritent de prendre congé de la cuisine, et avec tout les superbes choix à Clifton Hill, les mamans qui aiment bien la pizza peuvent goûter une tranche d’une des pizzas de viande célèbres de Boston Pizza. Votre maman va également avoir beaucoup de choix sur le nouveau menu de Kelsey’s, alors qu’en bas de la rue Mama Mia se vente de sa cuisine Italienne extraordinaire. Cliquez ici si vous souhaitez voir plus de restaurants.

Chocolats, friandises et fudge, Oh là là!

Maintenant maman est toute pleine, heureuse, et elle a même gardé de la place pour le dessert!  Bien sûr, il y a des offres délicieux sur le menu du restaurant, ou bien vous pouvez descendre à quelques pas sur Clifton Hill, et juste à côté du Great Canadian Midway vous allez retrouver le Fudge Factory. Rappelez-vous du sondage dont on parlé plus tôt? Eh bien, 37% des mamans ont également dit qu’elles aimeraient des cadeaux de confits pour leur journée spéciale!  Vous retrouverez des friandises, et d’autres produits irrésistiblement délicieux, et peut-être une petite collation de supplémentaire pour plus tard.  Maman n’aura pas à se sentir coupable pur un peu plus de sucre dans son régime alimentaire, car Clifton Hill mène directement à la Promenade du Niagara où vous pouvez prendre une longue marche à côté des chutes dans les sentiers bordés de fleurs.

Bonnes nouvelles, mamans

La Fédération Nationale aux Détaillants dit qu’une personne normale va dépenser plus sur leur maman cette année!  Au total, les dépenses pourraient atteindre 18,6 milliards. Si vous allez dépenser l’argent, pourquoi ne pas procurer quelque chose

Source: Bullet News

BREAKING NEWS: Maid of the Mist out – Hornblower Canada awarded contract to run Falls boat tours
PETER CONRADI and JOHN ROBBINS/Bullet News

NIAGARA FALLS – Hornblower Canada, a California-based cruise company, has been named the successful bidder to run boat tours at the base of Niagara Falls.

The announcement was made during a press conference at 4.p.m. this afternoon.

The surprise decision means Maid of the Mist Steamboat Company will no longer hold the lucrative Niagara Parks Commission contract.

The new agreement is estimated to generate in excess of $500 million in revenue to the NPC over the 30-year span of the contract – representing an increase of more than $300 million in revenue compared to previous agreements. (more…)

Niagara Falls Review:
Click here to read the Niagara Falls review article on this new development: Hornblower takes the helm

Hornblower Corporate:
Also, click here to visit Hornblower’s corporate website: http://www.hornblower.com

Watch some recent video on the former Maid of the Mist boat service:

The day has come after much long deliberation the Maid of the Mist contract will be decided later today! Follow the link for more details on the announcement! http://www.thespec.com/news/ontario/article/674962–ontario-cabinet-to-approve-new-contract-for-maid-of-the-mist

History (from Wikipedia)

The Maid of the Mist is a boat tour of Niagara Falls. (The actual boats used are each named Maid of the Mist, followed by a different Roman numeral in each case.) The boat starts off at a calm part of the Niagara River, near the Rainbow Bridge, and takes its passengers past the American and Bridal Veil Falls, then into the dense mist of spray inside the curve of the Horseshoe Falls, also known as the Canadian Falls. The tour is available starting from either the Canadian or American side of the river, returning to the starting point in each case.

Maid of the Mist is run by the Maid of the Mist Steamship Company of Niagara Falls, Ontario, but owned by the Glynn family of Lewiston, NY since 1971. Boats are registered in St. Catherines, Ontario.

The first Maid of the Mist was launched in 1846 as a ferry service between the Canadian and American sides, pre-dating by two years the construction of the first Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge at the site. However, with the opening of the suspension bridge, the ferry service lost business, and by 1854, became a tourist attraction instead with the launch of a more luxurious boat. The current captain of the Maid of the Mist is Captain Mark Keith of St. Catharines, Ontario.

Find us on facebook for more details as they happen…  http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1370671268

Can you believe in less than 4 weeks it’s Labour Day? Where did the summer go?

If you haven’t had a chance to get away for a few days this summer it’s time to start planning. Quite often I’m asked, “As someone who lives in Niagara, how would you spend two days here?”

Assuming I was coming from Toronto for a 2 day getaway, as a couple or with family, my itinerary would look something like this:

Not being an early riser, I would arrive in Niagara Falls around noon and would stay at the Comfort Inn on Clifton Hill of course. While check in isn’t until 2PM,  the bell desk will store my bags and we  would grab a quick bite to eat at Tim Hortons or Wendy’s.

Then it would be off to the Whirlpool Jet Boats in Queenston or simply stroll to the bottom of Clifton Hill for a ride on the Maid of the Mist. The refreshing coolness of being on the water, accompanied by splashing waves on the Jet Boat or the Falls bellowing mist while sailing on the Maid, is sure to wake you up after the drive to Niagara and lunch. Either way, its way more fun than a shower!

Next it’s off to the Niagara Glen across from the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. Taking the staircase down into the Glen, you will feel like you are entering a different world. It feels like the temperature drops 10 degrees as you hike the trails of the Glen at your own speed. You can get right up to the river at this point sitting on the rocks you can wave at the Jet Boat as it comes and goes out of the whirlpool.

The next part of my day would be either exploring the fruit belt, between Queenston and Niagara-on-the–Lake, stocking up on fresh fruit for later, or stopping at a winery or two for gourmet wine samples.

Then it’s back to the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill for check–in and to relax for an hour to recharge and get ready for a fun filled night on Clifton Hill! Before dinner we’d pick up our Fun Passes at the SkyWheel, then enjoy a delicious meal at Kelsey’s, with its prime view of either Clifton Hill or Victoria Ave from its open air patios and great food at reasonable prices!

Then with Fun Pass in hand, it’s off to let loose on The Hill! The Clifton Hill Fun Pass is the best deal in town, 5 of the top attractions in the city plus Great Canadian Midway tokens for $24.95 is less than $5 for each attraction. The Skywheel is spectacular at night as is Dinosaur Adventure Golf; They set the stage for a fun-filled evening the whole family can enjoy.

Clifton Hill is still hopping right into the wee hours of the morning, and is a great place to end the evening with a night cap at Boston Pizza / Strike Rock and Bowl.

The next morning would start with a satisfying breakfast provided free with your hotel room at the Comfort Inn. Then we would either take a stroll down to the Falls or if we had purchased the Marineland package as part of our hotel stay it would be off to Marineland for the day.

Then it’s homeward bound after enjoying a great mix of excitement and relaxation for 2 days. The combination of great deals and free activities makes this trip affordable as well as fun for couples or families.

That’s how I would spend a two day getaway in Niagara Falls.

How would you spend your two day getaway to Niagara?

A few weeks ago we were contacted by professional photographer Ken Cranney, who recently visited Niagara Falls with his wife Ina and son Riley. They traveled all the way from Holland and met up with some close friends, who drove in from New Jersey. Ken is actually a Canadian living in Holland while his wife and son are Dutch. They all converged on Clifton Hill’s World Famous Street of Fun by the Falls to kick off a fun filled weekend!

According to Ken the two families started at Planet Hollywood where they walked and enjoyed browsing the unique stores along Falls Ave. on their way to Clifton Hill’s main tourist area.

We enjoyed so much the activity and all the people taking in the amusements on the Hill.

They spent most of the first day browsing the stores and all the oddities of Ripley’s Believe It or Not and seeing all the wax figure’s at Movieland and Louis Tussauds. Luckily the weather was nice that day and they went for a short walk to the American and Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and shot photographs. According to Ken “We just took in the sites and action near the river like the Maid of the Mist running to and from the Falls. It was a fun filled day!” Although at this point, they had not seen Clifton Hill’s colorful transformation at night!

Later that evening they ventured out again, but this time with the lights of the night, which was even more fun according to Ken. “We strolled by the Dinosaur Adventure golf which was a total blast to see with all the huge dinosaurs and the Skywheel, which was amazing, just to even watch as people loaded on and off.” To cap the evening with the kids they all shared an ice cream and headed back to their hotel rooms to unwind.

Once everyone was settled and enjoying the evening comforts of their room, Ken headed back alone to the Illuminated Falls to shoot more photographs until midnight, and after they turned off the lights on the Falls. He then walked to the centre of Clifton Hill by the SkyWheel and shot even more images of all the fun in and around the SkyWheel and Dinosaur Adventure Golf.

Click on the images above to expand.

We all had so much fun here in Niagara Falls that I am sure we’ll be back again.. as soon as we can. The people were all so friendly and accommodating it was truly a pleasure for us all. We look forward to our next visit to Niagara Falls!

We are very grateful for Ken sharing his memorable experiences with us and providing some spectacular photos! We greatly look forward to their next visit!

To see more of Ken’s photo work please visit: Riker Video Productie & Fotografie – www.rikervp.nl

Victoria Day Weekend Niagara Falls 2011
Victoria Day: The kick off to summer, shake off the soggy spring and get out and enjoy beautiful Niagara Falls!

Victoria Day: Monday, May 23, 2011
The official long weekend starts Friday May 20th, 2011 until Monday May 23rd, 2011

Victoria Day is a federal Canadian statutory holiday celebrated on the last Monday on or before May 24, in honour of Queen Victoria’s birthday. It also informally marks the beginning of the summer season in Canada. This 3-day weekend offers the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy a short trip with the family after a long winter season. Chances are the weather will be good in Niagara Falls and much warmer than a northern Ontario retreat due to Niagara’s southerly location.

Niagara Falls Canada marks each Victoria Day weekend as the official launch of the summer vacation season, and celebrates by setting off a massive fireworks display over the Falls near Queen Victoria Park. Below are a details of this and many other vacation activities to help you celebrate the holiday or any future getaway on the horizon:

Clifton Hill: The World Famous Street of Fun by the Falls
Clifton Hill is the one vacation destination where you’ll find incredible experiences that everyone can enjoy! Try soaring 175 above the Falls on the Niagara SkyWheel and be amazed by the spectacular views. Also be sure to explore Clifton Hill’s dazzling array of attractions, restaurants, gift shops, nightlife and so much more. Your vacation starts at Clifton Hill, where “FUN” happens everyday!
Victoria Day Weekend: Everything will be open. Please call 905-358-3676 for specific hours.

Maid of the Mist
Water rushes all around as you “soak” in the excitement and explore the roar of the Falls. A historical ride aboard the world-famous Maid of the Mist is a half hour thrill of a lifetime! North America’s oldest tourist attraction, millions of visitors have enjoyed the boat tours since 1846.
Victoria Day Weekend: May 21 – May 22 9:45am to 7:45pm; May 23 – May 27 9:45am to 5:45pm

Marineland Canada
Marineland offers a rare glimpse into the enchanting underwater world of marine life. It’s also a haven where thrill-seekers can be dropped, shaken and swirled on some of the world’s most exhilarating amusement park rides.
Victoria Day Weekend: Admission booths are open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily – weather permitting.

Niagara Falls Fireworks
Canada’s longest running fireworks series will light up the skies every Friday, Sunday and holidays at 10 p.m
Victoria Day Weekend: Friday May 21st and Monday May 23rd. Fireworks over the Falls will start a 10pm – weather permitting

Niagara Falls Illumination
Every evening beginning at dusk the Falls are lit in the colours of the rainbow – don’t miss the unmatched beauty of the Falls at night!
Victoria Day Weekend: Each night from 9PM til Midnight the Falls will be lit.

Greg Frewin Theatre
If you’re looking to head out with your family Victoria day weekend Greg has several scheduled performances of “Beyond Belief” Magic. A little bit of mystery is waiting to be found in Niagara Falls. Discover it for yourself at the Greg Frewin Theater where you will be amazed by The International Grand Champion of Magic. Purchase Tickets
Victoria Day Weekend: Matinee & Evening Performances at the Greg Frewin Theatre

Direct from Nashville – Hot New Country Tour
This is your opportunity to experience two great new acts from Nashville before the world discovers their amazing talent. Pearl Heart and Mikelle have combined their two concerts into one powerful concert presentation. Tickets start at $20
Victoria Day Weekend: Matinee & Evening Performances at the Fallsview Casino.

Victoria Day Weekend Getaways in Niagara Falls
During Victoria Day weekend, the thrill of Niagara Falls and Clifton Hill moves up a notch, and is a great time to stay overnight and enjoy Niagara’s best offerings.

To simplify your Niagara vacation plans; the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill offers some great packages to get you started on your trip:

Go Train Service Starts!
For vacationers coming from the GTA there will be Go Transit rails service starting Victoria Day weekend: On Friday, May 20, a GO train leaves Union Station at 6:20 p.m. to Niagara Falls and returns from Niagara Falls at 9:40 p.m. Three trains operate daily Saturday, May 21, Sunday, May 22 and Victoria Day, Monday, May 23, leaving Union Station at 9 a.m., 4:15 and 8:10 p.m. with trains leaving the Niagara Falls VIA Rail Canada Station at 11:30 a.m., 7:20 and 10:30 p.m. Regular summer weekend service will run from June 24-Sept. 5th.

Below is a great post by Tasha and the Brown Family about their recent trip to Niagara Falls and Clifton Hill…includes some amazing photos!

Source:  The Brownsky’s + 1 1/2

Out of Cleveland Hello Niagara Falls!

Since Ryan has been a little hard-working man so much we decided to take a family trip to Niagara Falls & Toronto. We are so glad that we did- it was great to bond as a family and enjoy my hubs. Niagara Falls was only three in a half hours away so we were able to get there relatively fast. We started off the day doing the beloved “Maid of the Mist” adventure. We were told it is a “must” and they were right. We had a blast! It is a ferry that takes you up close to the Falls- to both Canadian and American Falls. You get sprayed with water and get to see a breath-taking view. We can definitely see why it is called one of The Seven Wonders of the World. I have always wanted to go to Niagara Falls- so I am glad that the hubs took the time off to spend with the fam. It was a much needed and fun vaca! (more…)

Great video of the Maid of the Mist Ride and some close up shots of the Niagara River.

Printed originally in Canoe.ca

Exploring America’s Niagara Falls
By GEORGE BAILEY, QMI Agency

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — I admit, it’s been a long time since I’ve explored this sister city to Niagara Falls, Ont. And what I found was this American city is no slouch when it comes to thing to do. Best of all, it’s close, and you can convince yourself you’ve travelled hundreds of kilometres for a day of adventure. You’ll still have an undeniable away-from-it-all feel. (more…)