Niagara Falls Fun - Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls Canada

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, February 22, 2012

The Niagara Parks Commission announces new boat tour service operator

New 30-year lease agreement brings investment in new fleet and facilities, maintains family-friendly prices, and generates additional revenue for Niagara Parks
NIAGARA FALLS – The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) has awarded the land lease related to boat tour operations at the Niagara Falls Gorge to Hornblower Canada Company (Hornblower). The agreement provides better value-for-money for Ontarians and will bring new investment to the Niagara region.

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. This includes guaranteed minimum revenue of $67 million in the first five years. In order to realize their vision of operations in the Niagara Falls Gorge, investments will be made to upgrade passenger facilities and construct new tour boats. The new service is expected to commence in Spring 2014.

“This is a great day for The Niagara Parks Commission and a great day for the tourism industry in Niagara and across Ontario,” stated NPC Chair Janice Thomson. “It not only marks the beginning of a new era for all of us, but it continues to build on what Niagara and Niagara Parks is all about, building memories and creating experiences that will last a lifetime.”

To assist NPC through the procurement process, the Ontario Government engaged external expertise, including a naval architect and a procurement advisor. An independent and impartial Fairness Commissioner also observed, monitored and oversaw the competitive process. The Fairness Commissioner’s reports on the fairness of the process are available on the NPC website.

NPC is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that Preserves a rich heritage, Conserves natural wonders, and Inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.

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For more information, please contact:
Tony Baldinelli, Acting Director
Communications, Marketing and Stakeholder Relations
tbaldinelli@niagaraparks.com
(905) 356-2241, ext. 220

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:

8th Annual Sleep Cheap Charities Reap
Sunday, November 13th to Thursday, November 17th , 2011

To book rooms, call the Hotels directly. Promotional Rooms will be restricted to Niagara Region Residents 21 years of age and older with a current valid credit card. 24 hour cancellation policy for room bookings. Participants will be charged the full Sleep Cheap rate for the room if they choose to cancel 24 hours or more after the time they make the reservation.

All Reservations start Monday, October 24th at 7:00 AM
Please do not call before the registration opens!
Minimum donations for rooms remain the same as last year: $35 per night for a standard room, $45 for a Fallsview room, $65 for a whirlpool room, and $85 for a room with access to a waterpark. View the Sleep Cheap Charities Reap Media Release.

Stay in the loop
If you want to stay in the loop about the Sleep Cheap, make sure you sign up to the Sleep Cheap Charities Reap Updates List.

Americana Conference Resort, Spa & Waterpark
8444 Lundy’s Lane
905-356-8444
To book rooms go to our website
www.sleepcheapamericana.com

Comfort Inn Clifton Hill
4960 Clifton Hill
905-358-3295 ext. 2055
To book rooms go to our website
www.niagarafallscomfort.com

Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls
5950 Victoria Avenue
905-358-3083
To book rooms go to our website
cwp.marriott.com/iagcy/sleepcheap

Days Inn & Suites by the Falls Hotel
5068 Centre Street
905-357-2550

Days Inn Near the Falls
5943 Victoria Avenue
905-374-3333

Doubletree Fallsview Resort & Spa by Hilton
6039 Fallsview Boulevard
905-358-3817

Embassy Suites Hotel
6700 Fallsview Boulevard
905-353-6597

Fallsview Casino Resort
6380 Fallsview Boulevard
905-374-3598

Four Points by Sheraton
6455 Fallsview Boulevard
905-353-6597

Great Wolf Lodge
3950 Victoria Avenue
1-888-878-1818
To book rooms go to our website and use Promo Code 1111SCN
www.greatwolf.com/niagara

Hampton Inn North of the Falls
4357 River Road
905-358-5555

Hilton Hotel & Suites
6361 Fallsview Boulevard
905-353-7219

Holiday Inn by the Falls
5339 Murray Street
905-356-1333

Howard Johnson Hotel
5905 Victoria Avenue
905-357-4040
To book rooms go to our website
www.hojobythefalls.com

Marriott Gateway on the Falls
6755 Fallsview Boulevard
1-800-618-9059

Marriott Niagara Falls – Fallsview & Spa
6740 Fallsview Boulevard
1-888-501-8916

Michael’s Inn by the Falls
5599 River Road
905-354-2727

Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls
6546 Fallsview Boulevard
1-877-843-6253

Old Stone Inn
5425 Robinson Street
905-357-1234

Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview
6733 Fallsview Boulevard
905-356-1944

Ramada Niagara Falls
6045 Stanley Avenue
905-374-4142

Ramada Plaza Niagara Falls
7389 Lundy’s Lane
905-356-6116

River Road Fireside Inn
4067 River Road
905-374-2027

Sheraton on the Falls (Fallsview Waterpark)
5875 Falls Avenue
To book rooms go to our website
www.niagarafallssleepcheap.ca

Skyline Inn (Fallsview Waterpark)
4800 Bender Hill
To book rooms go to our website
www.niagarafallssleepcheap.ca

Sterling Inn & Spa -SOLD OUT
5195 Magdalen Street
289-292-0000

Tower Hotel
6732 Fallsview Boulevard
905-356-1501

Extra Features

Greg Frewin
5781 Ellen Avenue
905-356-0777
Experience the mystery and art of illusion with Greg Frewin, one of the most decorated magicians in the world. On Wednesday, November 16th and Thursday, November 17th, attend the 8:00 pm performance of “Beyond Belief” Greg Frewin’s Las Vegas Style Magical Review featuring spectacular appearances by rare and majestic tigers for the amazing price of $15.00 (all ages) with half the proceeds going to Sleep Cheap charities. Seating based on first come, first served basis. Limited tickets are available through the Box Office at 905-356-0777 or at online with promo code: SleepCheap
www.gregfrewintheatre.com

Source: buffalonews.com

Tightrope walker gets OK to cross Niagara Falls
June 22, 2011, 3:47 PM

ALBANY — The walk is on — at least as far state legislators are concerned.

It may be rare for the Legislature to OK something that legitimately can be called death-defying, but final approval was given Wednesday permitting a member of the legendary Flying Wallendas to cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope.

More than 150 years after the “Great Blondin” first walked across the gorge on a tightwire, Nik Wallenda has gotten legislative approval to bypass a longtime state ban on stunts at the Falls to become the first person to try to legally walk a tightrope over the river since 1910.

The measure, which passed the Senate last week and was approved today by the Assembly, says a permit specifically for Wallenda is good for one year, though lawmakers say believe he could make the walk this fall as part of his new Discovery Channel show “Life on a Wire.”(…more)

Dinosaur Adventure Golf Development in Niagara Falls

As you may be aware, over the winter months some incredibly large dinosaurs and a massive volcano have been constructed on Clifton Hill, behind the Niagara Skywheel.
This development will lead to an amazing prehistoric golf complex coming to Niagara Falls this Summer.

Below are some photos of the Dinosaur Adventure Golf development for you to enjoy:

If you are planning to visit Niagara this Summer, be sure to take advantage of the Clifton Hill FUN PASS, which offers huge savings on Clifton Hill’s best attractions, and will include Dinosaur Adventure Golf, once it officially opens!

Latest Justin Bieber Wax Figure Unveiled in Niagara Falls, Canada

An all new Justin Bieber wax figure was unveiled on March 25, 2011 at the Movieland Wax Museum in Niagara Falls, Canada.

This carefully crafted wax figure of Bieber is the most recent version to hit the world stage and the first to appear in Canada, Justin’s home country. Movieland’s quality recreation includes Biebers trademark bowl-cut hair style rather than his latest crop and is sure to please his many fans, coming to Niagara Falls for a vacation.

Do you think Bieber’s wax figure in Niagara Falls is an accurate representation of this mega star? Just let us know in the comment section!

Movieland Wax Museum
Movieland lets you get up close and personal with your favourite stars in their most famous settings. This extraordinary attraction offers a variety of movie, television and music stars, past and present. The realism and detail of the museums life-size figures will amaze you. To see Justin Bieber’s wax figure among other great stars in person, be sure to purchase a Clifton Hill FUN PASS, which includes some of Niagara’s best attractions including the SkyWheel: Canada’s largest giant wheel!

Thinking of visiting Niagara Falls for an overnight trip?
Please click here for the the latest vacation packages available on Clifton Hill!

Niagara Falls New Years Eve Bash 2010

Date: December 31st 2010
Times: 6:30 PM, Televised Live by Global at 10 PM EST.
Location: Queen Victoria Park
Hosted by: ET Canada’s Rick Campanelli and Cheryl Hickey
Featured Artists: Great Big Sea, Barenaked Ladies, Kardinal Offishall, Running Red Lights and Comedian Calwyn Shurgold

Click here for Niagara Falls New Years Eve details for 2010!

Source: The Review
November 24, 2010

Celebrity chef takes on the Falls
Local News
By ALISON LANGLEY , REVIEW STAFF WRITER

Celebrity chef and author Massimo Capra has lent his name and impressive culinary resume to the Crowne Plaza Fallsview Hotel.

Capra, host of Food Network Canada’s Restaurant Makeover, joined the culinary team at the hotel’s Rainbow Room Fallsview Restaurant in September.

Located on the 10th floor of the Falls Avenue resort, the renovated restaurant now bears his name as well as a selection of his signature dishes. (more…)

Niagara Falls Tunnel Project: Ontario Power Generation

A Major OPG Clean-Energy Project
When someone says “Niagara Falls” what comes to mind? The spectacular Horseshoe Falls? The victory won at the Battle of Queenston Heights? How about the city’s reputation as the Honeymoon Capital of the World? Now Canadians have another reason to be proud of Niagara Falls—the Niagara Tunnel, a major clean-energy project by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Ontario’s publicly owned power utility. (more…)

Source: Sportsnet.ca

Niagara ripe for the NFL? Could the Bills find a home in Niagara Falls?

Say what you will about the Bills in Toronto, but how about the Bills in Niagara Falls, Ontario?

An American sportswoman that has a strong interest in football in Canada thinks the Buffalo Bills, could find a future home in Niagara Falls, Ontario when current owner Ralph Wilson passes away and the franchise is auctioned off.

Christina Saint-Marche, who made separate pitches to buy the Calgary Stampeders and the Toronto Argonauts last decade, created the Wally Buono Award, given out annually since 2003, to the top Canadian junior football player.  (more…)