Niagara Falls Fun - Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls Canada

Come to Niagara Falls for Victoria Day Weekend in 2012
Victoria Day: The kick off to summer, shake off the soggy spring and get out and enjoy beautiful Niagara Falls!

A Little History Behind the Holiday
Victoria Day is a federal Canadian public holiday celebrated on the last Monday before May 25, in honour of Queen Victoria’s birthday. The date is also, simultaneously, that on which the current reigning Canadian sovereign’s official birthday is recognized. It is sometimes informally considered as marking the beginning of the summer season in Canada.

The holiday has been observed since before Canada was formed, originally falling on the sovereign’s actual birthday, and continues to be celebrated in various fashions across the country on the fixed date. In Quebec, the same day was, since the Quiet Revolution, unofficially known as Fête de Dollard until 2003, when provincial legislation officially named the same date as Victoria Day the National Patriots’ Day. It is a statutory holiday federally, as well as in six of Canada’s ten provinces and three of its territories.

Planning Your Trip
You may be packing up the car, but if you are letting someone else do the driving for you there is a great service called the GO train running from Toronto and Niagara Falls, with special hours for Victoria Day long weekend.  For their schedule click here .

If you are driving Monday is Family Day in Ontario and Family Day Weekend has become one of the busier cross-border weekends in the Niagara–Fort Erie Region, with the busiest day being Family Day Monday. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) anticipates higher than average volumes this year. Travellers cross-border shopping or taking advantage of the many cross-border destinations and activities on Family Day should consider some of the following border crossing tips to facilitate their return to Canada.

Ensure that you have proper identifications for yourself and everyone in the vehicle readily available when crossing the border. In compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all travellers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, need to present an approved travel document to enter the United States by land and sea such as a valid passport, U.S. Passport Card, a NEXUS card or an Enhanced Driver’s License. These are also acceptable documents for entry into Canada.

Niagara Parks Annual Fireworks Display
Just like previous years you can count on the annual array of colourful explosions in the sky above the falls.
The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is pleased to announce a number of exciting events taking place over the Victoria Day Long Weekend as well.  The first long weekend of the summer marks the return of Canada’s longest-running fireworks series. The fireworks will take place on Friday, May 18, Sunday, May 20, and Monday, May 21 at 10 p.m., and will continue every Friday, Sunday, and holiday throughout the summer until September 2. The best views are in Queen Victoria Park overlooking Niagara Falls. Please note: all dates are subject to change and dependent upon weather and wind conditions.

Long Weekend Coca Cola Concert Series Lineup
Free concerts take place at 8 p.m. at the Illumination Tower Stage, located in Queen Victoria Park at the bottom of Murray Hill, next to Victoria Place.  Come out early and you can listen to some live entertainment before the fireworks countdown at 10 p.m.

Friday, May 18 – The Athertones
Sunday, May 20 – Lowdown
Monday, May 21 – Rich and the Poorboys

Clifton Hill The World Famous Street of Fun by the Falls
Clifton Hill is the one vacation destination where you’ll find incredible experiences for the whole family to enjoy on your long weekend! Plan your day from the Niagara SkyWheel and be amazed by the spectacular views. Also be sure to explore Clifton Hill’s  newest attraction the XD Theatre.  Your vacation starts at Clifton Hill, where “FUN” happens everyday!  Between restaurants, gift shops, and the nightlife how can you possibly get bored.  Enjoy discounts on attractions as well when you pick up the Fun Pass when you buy on-line you get an extra spin on the SkyWheel.

Marineland
This famous tourist destination offers a rare glimpse into the enchanting underwater world of marine life. It’s also has a theme parks fit for the little ones, and those of you needing a bit more of a thrill!

Opens May 17, 2012 and runs to October 7, 2012
OPERATING SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Victoria Day weekend is when Niagara Falls and the streets of Clifton Hill really begin to come to life for the summer, this 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.

Whatever your plans may be we hope you have a happy and safe holiday!

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?

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.

Recently Marineland Canada in Niagara Falls has launched an all new website!

Their previous version was getting a little tired and their Web Development company: Webnet Logics in Niagara Falls did an outstanding job with the new version.

Click Here to Visit Marineland Canada’s Official Site
*Please note you’ll need a Flash player plugin

The new site has some great features, which include:
-Dynamic animated splash page
-Easy to use online ticket sales system
-Much larger photography than their previous site.
-Informative education section with detailed animal pages, educational games and more.
-High end video presentation section with videos of the SkyScreamer, Arctic Cove, etc.

Exclusive Marineland Package Offer!!!

If you are interested in visiting Marineland and want to stay over in Niagara Falls, you might want to consider Comfort Inn Clifton Hill’s 2 Night Marineland Package or some other Niagara Falls Packages which can be found here:

Niagara Falls Video of the Day: Marineland and Niagara Falls Trip

From Youtube user: aliendaddy32
Added: July 28, 2007

“We took the kids to Niagara Falls and Marineland this summer for a wee vacation. My parents, a.k.a. Nanny and Papa came as well to supervise everyone. We all had a blast at the falls, around Niagara and at Marineland. It was so much fun, we went to Marineland twice in two days! As always, I tried to pair the videos with some fine music to set the mood. enjoy!”

Printed from the Review

Marineland unveils new family thrill ride

COREY LAROCQUE

Thursday, August 02, 2007 – 07:00

Local News – Marineland visitors are going head over heels for the newest ride at the theme park.

Or at least that’s how they feel after a twirl aboard the Topple Tower, only the second ride of its kind in North America.

“It’s like a rocking chair,” said Sonia Devin, who was visiting Marineland with her family from Mirabel, Que.

Sort of. Imagine rocking the chair to the point where it’s about to fall over. But then imagine the chair spinning like it’s on a giant turntable.

Giving riders that rocking, rolling, spinning and swaying sensation is the idea behind the Topple Tower. (more…)

Printed from the Review

Marineland ride sends people spinning

COREY LAROCQUE

Wednesday, August 01, 2007 – 07:00

Local News -

Marineland visitors are going head over heels for the newest ride at the theme park.

Or at least that’s how they feel after a twirl aboard the Topple Tower, only the second ride of its kind in North America.

“It’s like a rocking chair,” said Sonia Devin, who was visiting Marineland with her family from Mirabel, Que.

Sort of. Imagine rocking the chair to the point where it’s about to fall over. But then imagine the chair spinning like it’s on a giant turntable.

Giving riders that rocking, rolling, spinning and swaying sensation is the idea behind the Topple Tower.

Please read Thursday’s Review for full storyl.

ID- 636246

© 2007 , Osprey Media. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Niagara Falls Review acticles reprinted with permission by the authority of Joe Wallace, City Editor of the Niagara Falls Review.

The Falls is a truly magical place. It combines the never-ending thrill of one of Mother Nature’s most amazing on-going performances, along with a candy store-like selection of fun and entertainment. And if you want action-central, look no further than the Quality Inn Clifton Hill.

The hotel is in the heart of the city, only one block away from a spectacular view of both the American and Canadian Falls. Once there, you can park your car and leave it – and all your city cares – behind.

From the Quality Inn Clifton Hill it’s an easy stroll away from the really big attractions like the Niagara SkyWheel, Casino Niagara, Maid of the Mist, Skylon Tower and if you go a bit further you can make it to the Whirlpool Jet Boat river ride or the famous Marineland.

A lot of people find they have everything they need right on Clifton Hill. It’s entertainment galore at your doorstep. You can ride a 175 ft. ferris wheel, go bowling, shoot some hoops, play pinball, race cars, do some target-shooting, or just plain relax and have a drink on the outdoor patio at Boston Pizza or Kelsey’s. If you prefer a fresh cup of coffee or ice cold cappuccino, Tim Hortons is right there with a patio perfect for people watching.

You can mingle with the famous at the Movieland Wax Museum, or see hundreds of amazing exhibits and hear incredible stories at Ripley’s Believe it or Not. You can even play a round of 18 holes at Dinosaur Park Miniature Golf.

When it’s time to eat, you will find plenty of dining options. At Clifton Hill, food is served with a heaping side order of family fun. Restaurants include Kelsey’s, Wendy’s, Boston Pizza and Tim Hortons, to name a few.

Bringing high-energy excitement to the heart of Niagara Falls, Clifton Hill offers everything a family would want in entertainment, dining and shopping.

At the end of the day, the hotel’s indoor pool, along with a giant whirlpool, provide an ideal atmosphere to relax and unwind. The outdoor pool, which also features a dragon slide, wading pool and playground area, is a favorite location for kids of all ages.

All of this on Clifton Hill, the entertainment and dining district in Niagara Falls, Canada.

Packages and Specials
Currently there are 2 different ways to get a great deal at the Quality Inn this summer:

1) Niagara Falls SkyWheel package

This packages includes:

-3 SkyWheel Passes
-2 nights at the Quality Inn
-1 Large Pizza at Boston Pizza
-20 tokens for the Great Canadian Midway
-$10 food voucher at Tim Hortons

2) Marineland Hotel Discount

This special gives you:
-20 per cent off the standard room rate at the Quality Inn.

Both are well worth consdering if you are planning a trip to the Falls.