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!

New XD Theater 6D Motion Experience opens in Niagara Falls
The fun and excitement never stops on Clifton Hill!

HOCO Entertainment and Resorts has partnered with TrioTech Amusements, a leading manufacturer of multi-sensory interactive attractions, to bring the first ever curved screen XD Theater 6D motion ride experience to Niagara Falls.

Touted as the most technologically advanced motion actuator system in the world, the XD Theater is an intense virtual experience, heightened by sound, wind and lighting effects. Riders are provided with a variety of breathtaking adventures with fully immersive stereoscopic imaging, realistic motion with up to 2 G’s of acceleration, custom seats that shift 400 movements per second, intense wind and dazzling light effects.

“The XD Theater brings a major attraction to Clifton Hill’s World Famous Street of Fun by the Falls,” said Nicholas Tritchew, a Marketing Executive at HOCO. “We are committed to continually improving the entertainment offerings in Niagara Falls …and with XD, riders will experience a high-quality ride with intense graphics, advanced motion and expansive, up-to-date movies.”

Currently featuring the Cosmic Coaster movie, guests can enjoy a futuristic feature that takes them on a high-speed roller coaster ride with death-defying leaps through far-off galaxies and cavernous mountains. Strapped into an individual motion-based seat that dips, dives and swirls through outer space, riders dodge meteors and explore strange planets before coming to a thrilling stop.

”It’s a fun and invigorating ride that everyone in Niagara will love. It will surely be one of the most popular and talked-about Niagara Falls attractions.”

The XD Theater can be found inside the Great Canadian Midway entertainment complex near the bottom of Clifton Hill.  Single admission is $6.99 for adults and $4.99 for children.  It is also featured in the Clifton Hill FUN PASS, which showcases 5 different attractions including the SkyWheel, Canada’s Largest Giant Wheel, for $25.95 per adult and $19.95 for children.  People sensitive to movement can unhook their belts to stop the motion in a fixed position. Call 905-358-3676 for hours of operation, ticket prices and other helpful information.

For media inquiries, please contact HOCO Entertainment & Resorts at (905) 357-5911 or marketing@cliftonhill.com

About HOCO Entertainment & Resorts
HOCO Entertainment & Resorts provides amenities and attractions such as the Niagara SkyWheel (Canada’s largest giant wheel), Dino Adventure Golf, Strike Rock N Bowl, and the great Canadian Midway (Canada’s largest family indoor entertainment center.)

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

Here is a look at some of the pictures we took of the great times people are having on Clifton Hill, as well as random pics of things you can find while you are having “Fun by the Falls”

Nouvelle attraciton

À partir du mois de mai, une visite à la Great Canadian Midway aura l’air pas mal différent.  Cette année il y a encore plus de jeux intéractifs entre lesquels vous pouvez choisir.  Le Théâtre XD est notre attraction la plus neuve et la plus grande.  Elle est considérée la dernière génération de manèges intéractifs et plongeants que vous pouvez mettre à l’épreuve dès ce printemps.  Ressentez les frissons de plaisir du nouveau 6D quand vous visitez la Great Canadian Midway à Clifton Hill.

Expériencez les éléments

La nouvelle technologie vous permet d’expériencer les éléments lorsque vous faites un tour sur le manège!   Vous allez vraiment apprécier cette aventure passionante quand vous ressentez le vent souffler sur le visage.  Conçu et créé par une entreprise Canadienne basée au Québec, le Théâtre XD est reconnu par les experts dans le domaine comme étant le system de pointe des plus avancés dans l’industrie.  C’est une catégorie d’attractions entièrement nouvelle qui offre plus que de simples chocs et secousses – ce manège surpasse le temps, l’espace et l’imagination.

La nouvelle attraction qui ouvre le mois de mai va préparer l’année 2012 avec un été plein d’action à Clifton Hill dans Niagara Falls.

http://youtu.be/dy7wNjDi2Sc

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A NEW Attraction on Clifton Hill

Come May, a visit to the Great Canadian Midway will be looking a lot different.  This year there are even more interactive games to choose from. The newest and biggest attraction is the XD Theatre. Considered the next generation of  immersing rides that you can put it to the test starting this spring.  You can try out the new 6D thrill when you visit the Great Canadian Midway on Clifton Hill.

Experience the Elements

New technology allows you to experience the elements as you ride!  You will feel the wind will blowing on your face helping you truly appreciate this exciting adventure. Designed and created by a Quebec based Canadian company the XD Theatre  is being recognized by experts in the field as the most technologically advanced system in the industry.  It is in an entirely new category of attractions, offering more than just jilts and jolts; this ride transcends time, space and imagination.

Here is a little look behind the scene at the actual theatre in the process of being built in the Great Canadian Midway.

The new attraction will be opening in May, and it will set the stage in 2012 for an action filled summer on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls.

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Clifton Hill Niagara Falls Launches New Official Website and Online Fun Pass

Vacation planners can now explore Clifton Hill Niagara Falls through a compelling new website that brings the magic of Clifton Hill to life – http://www.cliftonhill.com

Living up to Clifton Hill’s reputation as being the authority of FUN in Niagara, visitors can now engage with a bright and happy website environment featuring a bold new style and colour. They will also enjoy navigating seamlessly into all the fun-to-explore sections with the sites lively and engaging content. Visitors can also take advantage of the newly launched online FUN PASS, which offers $20 in savings, plus a bonus spin on the Niagara SkyWheel!

The new site features:
· Internet exclusive offers, Group deals, and party packages.
· Brilliant colours and larger-than-life graphics
· Easier search options
· Secure online Hotel room reservations
· Secure ticket purchasing for popular attractions and Clifton Hill Fun Passes.
· Videos, interactive maps, virtual tours and photos galleries.

See The Magic of Clifton Hill Come To Life!
It’s easier than ever to eat, stay and play at the Falls! For those looking for an informative website that showcases the over 100 unique attractions, exceptional events and family entertainment found in Niagara and Clifton Hill, the new site doesn’t disappoint.

“This NEW website was designed to give visitors the FULL Clifton Hill Experience!” said Nicholas Tritchew, Project Manager for CliftonHill.com. “Visitors can discover the latest events and attractions, plus keep up to date on the latest Clifton Hill news and offers with the blog and e-newsletters.”

CliftonHill.com provides helpful details on Niagara’s top entertainment, attractions and retail; including the all-new XD Theater attraction, which is slated to open sometime this Spring at the Great Canadian Midway. This “soon to open” attraction will bring state-of-the-art FX technology to Clifton Hill and feature: full immersion stereoscopic imaging, realistic motion with 2 G’s of acceleration, special seats that bear 400 movements per second, plus intense wind and cutting edge light effects.

Also, overnight guests looking to save money and time, can build their own “a-la-carte” vacation packages, complete with hotel rooms, amenities and attractions, with the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill package builder. This includes exclusive offers like the new online version of the Clifton Hill FUN PASS, where you get a 2nd RIDE on the Niagara SkyWheel as an added ONLINE BONUS!

The Clifton Hill FUN PASS includes:

• The Niagara SkyWheel (Canada’s Largest Observation Wheel)
• Galaxy Golf or Dinosaur Adventure Golf (The nation’s largest miniature golf course complete with realistically eerie special effects like “Raptor” and “T-Rex” and a steam-erupting volcano)
• Movieland Wax Museum of Stars
• Ghostblasters Dark Ride
• Plus 5 Great Canadian Midway tokens

“It’s our goal to provide a comprehensive guide of the Clifton Hill area. We’ve made it much easier for people to include fun attractions, events and special passes to their Clifton Hill vacation,” said Tritchew.

Whether a visitor is interested in games, restaurants, attractions, activities, entertainment or special events, CliftonHill.com is the perfect place to start planning a FUN by the FALLS adventure.

American Spring Break in Niagara Falls Ontario

A Canadian Adventure 
Easter is around the corner and in America students will soon be enjoying their Spring Break recess.  Both great reasons for family travel, plus its nice to reward the kids for their hard work and to enjoy some bonding time in Niagara Falls!

 Niagara Falls is full of great attractions for the family and if you haven’t been to the Canadian side in awhile, you will discover some fresh and interesting changes there!

Boston Pizza Clifton Hill offers a great choice for family fun and features Midway games, the Strike bowling centre, and signature dishes like the Pepper pizza or the Slow Roasted Pork Ribs. Parents can also check the score of their favourite teams on the many high definition televisions, while children are entertained by all the interactive games and amusements.  At the top of the hill, the completely renovated Kelsey’s Restaurant features an all new island bar, high definition televisions, plus scrumptious menu items like the 7 layer dip, Smokey Portobello Chicken, or the heart smart 8 vegetable Pesto Fettuccine. 

 Fun by the Falls
After a nice meal, head to Clifton Hill too see all the dazzling attractions light up the night.  Your kids will be amazed, and never get bored along Clifton Hill’s promenade.   An evening ride on the SkyWheel lets you soar 175 feet above the Falls to see the city lit up and the Falls illuminated with bright colours.  Dinosaur Adventure Golf is a family favourite, and offers waterfalls, billowing steam and the call of the dinosaurs, making it feel like you have traveled back to prehistoric times.  Opening soon is the state of the art XD Theater, which will offer an exhilarating 6D adventure.  For details on this and other attractions click here

 Great Deals
The choices in Niagara Falls are endless, but if you want to save your money, check out the exclusive offers on the CliftonHill.com website.  For example, when you buy the Clifton Hill FUN PASS online, you will get an exclusive bonus admission to the Niagara SkyWheel. It’s only available when you order the FUN PASS online click here for details. 

 Staying the Night
For those spending a night or two on the Canadian Side, be sure to check the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill hotel and their great specials, like the Family Fun Package. You can even build your own “a la carte” package on the CliftonHill.com site to suit your needs. Details can be found by clicking here

 Crossing the Border
For U.S/Canadian citizens’ children 15 and under are required to have parental consent.  If you are travelling with someone else’s children or you are separated and your children have a different last name you must have written consent from the parent to be taking their child across the border.  As well you must have a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, and everyone over the age of 15 must carry a passport to cross the border.

With all the pressures of work, extra-curricular activities, homework and friends, it’s important to maintain a sense of togetherness with the ones you love… bring the family closer together with a Niagara Falls adventure, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Celebrate Easter Niagara Falls Style!

If you missed out on a March break vacation, maybe Easter weekend can offer another chance to get away with the whole family.  Most schools give students Good Friday and Easter Monday off so why not enjoy a mini trip to Niagara Falls?

So far Niagara Falls’ weather has been very nice for this part of the year, and the upcoming forecast is calling for sunny skies and highs averaging 12c/54f on Easter weekend.  Another great thing about coming to Niagara Falls for the Easter holiday is the lack of congestion.  Clifton Hill: Niagara Falls’ World Famous Street of Fun, is full of year round activities, and offers many fun and exciting indoor attractions and entertainment.  There are just fewer people traveling in April, which means you’ll have uninterrupted access to many different attractions, entertainment and dining venues.

 A visit to the Great Canadian Midway can keep the kids busy, and the best part is you don’t have to worry about the weather because you’ll be indoors, enjoying over 300 games and amusements for wall-to-wall action the whole family will love.  The Ghost Blasters Dark ride and “soon to open” XD Theater is also part of the Great Canadian Midway.  Many schools include this on their class trip agenda because the kids love the huge variety of games and amusements.  Ghostblasters is an interactive game where you blast targets to score points.  Keep your laser gun close by because it’s up to you to take down the army of ghosts, skeletons, ghouls and goblins as you ride from room to room.  It’s a lighthearted “spooky” ride with two seats so kids can ride with a parent if they need backup.  Also the “soon to open” XD Theater ride will bring modern special FX technology to Clifton Hill and feature: full immersion stereoscopic imaging , realistic motion with up to 2 G’s of accelleration, special seats that bear 400 movements per second, plus intense wind and dazzling light effects!

You can also get up close to some wild prehistoric animals at the Dinosaur Adventure Golf.  A jaw- dropping, 36 hole mini golf attraction that’s fun for all ages. Play near a 50-foot high “active” flame-erupting volcano, and play directly through a realistically cavernous lava tube on your way to the next hole.  If the weather isn’t agreeable you can always move your game inside to Galaxy Golf’s ‘glow-in-the-dark’ indoor mini putt, which sends you on an amazing cosmic adventure over 18 holes. 

Of course a stop at the Niagara SkyWheel, Canada’s largest giant wheel, is always a must.  Check out some of the recent TripAdvisor reviews it has received:

“Two year olds favourite attraction”

“Our daughter digs Ferris wheels. We rode it in the daytime – we rode it at night.”

“Our daughters fave!”

 “We go to the falls every September for baseball & we always go on the skywheel.”

To get in on some great savings with these and other attractions, be sure to check out the online version of Clifton Hill FUN PASS, which offers an exclusive bonus ride on the Niagara SkyWheel This fantastic deal can only be had when you order the FUN PASS online! It will help make your trip both fun and affordable!

After touring Clifton Hill and the Falls during the day, come see the energy of the Hill pick up at night with its dazzling neon lights and collection of lively activities. Friends and family will enjoy having fun at the Strike Rock and Bowl entertainment centre, where they can savor gourmet Pizza and a pitcher of cold drinks while enjoying a leisurely game of Bowling, billiards and more.

To get started on your getaway plans; be sure to visit the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill package page for some great overnight trips that include attractions and entertainment like the Great Frewin Theatre: Click here for details

If you and the family are planning an Easter getaway there is no shortage of things to do along Clifton Hill’s World Famous Street of Fun by the Falls! 

Clarkson Cup 2012 Comes to Niagara Falls

 Are you one of thousands of hockey fans who will be flooding Niagara Falls this week for Clarkson Cup Action?

Named after former Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson the women’s version of the Stanley Cup will reign over the falls from March 22^nd to the 25^th.  Teams from all over North America will be battling it out at the Gale arena round robin style. The top two teams will go head to head for the championship title. Montreal will be looking to repeat last years win against the Toronto Furies when TSN broadcasts the final game.  Between 20 to 30 Olympians such as Caroline Ouellette, Tessa Bonhomme, and Meghan Agosta will be in Niagara Falls, hopefully they have time to unwind on Clifton Hill.

 There are plenty of attractions to keep busy with between or after games.  Tournaments can get hectic so it may be nice to relax with a ride on our world famous SkyWheel.  Soaring 175 feet (53 meters) over the Niagara Falls horizon you can get many memorable pictures from the fully enclosed gondolas.

We are looking ahead to another great week of weather for the Niagara region.  When you’re not in the cold arena, get into the sun and try your hand at a game of Dinosaur Adventure Golf.  As one of the newest attractions along the hill this mini putt is like walking into the age of the Dinosaur.  The fully functional volcano, realistic characters and sound effects will get you excited as you play the 18 hole course. 

 Boston Pizza is a great place to take a break.  Enjoy some great food with the family, and maintain the sporty atmosphere.  The kids will not get bored with wall-to-wall arcades, and our Strike Rock and Bowl entertainment centre.  Some ways you can save a few dollars while you are visiting is by picking up hotel packages and attraction passes.  The Clifton Hill Fun Pass is a great way to go for any family to save money on the most popular attractions.

Find out more ways to save, and all the fun things there are to see and do at www.cliftonhill.com