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.)

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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Keeping Your Family Safe While on Vacation in Niagara Falls

The last thing you want while on vacation is an accident or something happening to disrupt or shorten your well-deserved family time. Don’t worry, you can still enjoy a trip without having the kids in your grips the whole time. Sometimes we just needed to be reminded of little tips helping to get you ready to tackle your family vacation.

 Make Your Visit Memorable for the Right Reasons

 If you’re out for March break or planning your summer vacation Niagara Falls is a great option. Although safety starts before you even leave the house.  If you are driving make sure your children’s car seats are all properly fastened in the car, you don’t want to have to pull over on a busy road because the baby is tipping over after you merged onto the highway.

 There are so many things to see and do sometimes it can get overwhelming for the kids, they get excited and wander off.  I know I’ve had to chase after my girls, not a fun time. Parents we should definitely not let ourselves get side tracked.  With roads and crowds it’s important to always have an eye on the kids. Playing in the water is fun, but be extra cautious.  You never think it’s going to happen to you… better to be safe then sorry right!  So stay off the cell, if you have to be talking still be watching, and it goes without saying never leave kids unattended. 

The Falls itself has a safety fence, but children like to climb so you can never be too vigilant, this means not allowing your child to get up on the fence while you stand back to take a picture.  There are many friendly people passing by who will gladly help you take a photo.

To make sure the family stays together bring a favourite stuffed toy for both of you to hold.  If you have more then one child bring a ribbon and all the kids can grab onto it while you walk.  A lot of daycares also use a long rope with attached rings for all the little hands to hold.   Some families will all wear the same colour shirts to stand out in a crowd.

Exploring all the safe, kid friendly activities along Clifton Hill is one of the highlights of Niagara Falls, but it’s a good idea to set rules out before hand.

Suggestions:

• Kids shouldn’t be where they can’t see you.
• Don’t talk to strangers.
• Before hand point out the safe places for help. A ticket booth, retail shop or Tim Horton’s, and point out the staff uniforms.

 You can stay more focused on paying attention to your kids if your not so worried about what you’re doing next.  Planning your itinerary is a good idea. A list of attractions, packages and fun things to do can be found at www.cliftonhill.com you can also pick up the Clifton Hill Fun Pass which will help keep a few dollars IN your pocket during your visit too.

In the end it’s all about common sense, sometimes we do need to be reminded, and that’s okay! Parents we have a lot on our minds these days! Following these tips can help you enjoy a safe and sane vacation with the family.

Niagara Falls March Break on Clifton Hill Offers Fun for the Whole Family

Its that time of year again, when Canadians plan March Break activities for the whole family. Many parents take time to plan a special getaway closer to home, usually to an interesting local destination filled with fun and friendly activities.

Families looking for entertainment and attractions this March Break have many great options to choose from on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls. After traveling with family and getting settled in the cataract city, be sure to plan several sightseeing excursions and quality time on Clifton Hill to keep the fun going all week long.

Comfort Inn Clifton Hill is a family friendly resort, located in a prime location 1 block to the Falls, near many attractions, restaurants, and more. Two-night feature Packages are available at the hotel, including the popular Family Fun Package. This exclusive package includes Niagara Falls family accommodation, gourmet dining at Boston Pizza, and three Clifton Hill FUN PASSES, which includes the Niagara SkyWheel, Canada’s largest giant wheel, Movieland Wax Museum, Ghostblasters Darkride, Galaxy Golf, and tokens for the Great Canadian Midway.

For couples searching two-night Niagara getaway packages for March Break, the Comfort Inn can offer a romantic destination with dinner for two at the newly remodeled Kelsey’s Restaurant, full use of hotel facilities including the indoor pool/whirlpool hot-tub, and free deluxe continental breakfast each morning, make it a great choice. There is also easy access to several of Niagara’s Parks, for a romantic stroll to the Falls or Clifton Hill which offers plenty of fun things to do for couples.

Several Niagara Falls attractions have combo specials available during March Break. Families looking for the biggest value on attractions will want to take advantage of the Clifton Hill FUN PASS, which offers 4 great attractions at one low price. The FUN PASS includes: The Niagara SkyWheel, Galaxy Golf or Dinosaur Adventure Golf (Open during March Break), Movieland Wax Museum of Stars, Ghostblasters Dark Ride, and Great Canadian Midway tokens. Adults are $21.50 and Children are $16.50.

Also, when you visit the Butterfly Conservatory, as an added bonus, you get admission to the ‘Under the Canopy – Animals of the Rainforest’ exhibit included.

SkyWheel	Strike Rock N Bowl	Kelsey’s Restaurant
Falls Illumintation	Canadian Midway	Whirlpool Aerocar
Oakes Garden Theatre	Ripley’s Museum	Butterfly Conservatory
Boston Pizza	Greg Frewin	Dinosaur Adventure

To help with your March Break vacation plans, below is a list of activities and events happening during March Break in Niagara:

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
* March 1 to March 10 Mon-Thurs, 7:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
* March 11 to March 31 Mon-Thurs, 8:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m.

Greg Frewin Theatre:
The incomparable Greg Frewin will be performing his Beyond Believe MAGIC Show twice a day at 3PM and 8PM starting March 12 to March 17th

Fallsview Casino – Avalon Theatre
The Elvis tribute act “Return to Grace” will be performing a series of shows with a talented cast of singers and dancers to pay tribute to Elvis’ timeless songs that remain as relevant today as when they first hit the top of the charts. March 14 – April 1 (excluding March 20 & 27) Various matinee & evening performances

Whirlpool Aero Car
The Niagara Parks Commission recently announced that its Whirlpool Aero Car attraction will be open daily beginning this weekend, one of its earliest opening dates in recent years.

For more information about a Niagara Falls vacation, please visit www.cliftonhill.com.

Planning for March Break
Have you started planning for March break this year? If not, go easy on yourself and arrange a getaway to Niagara Falls, Ontario where you can enjoy Clifton Hill’s world famous “Street of Fun” by the Falls and much more!

If you have young ones in your household, and they’ve worked hard during the school year, now is the time to let loose and reward them for all their efforts. Bringing your family to Niagara Falls will ensure a unique and exciting experience like no other.

Don’t Worry About the Weather
Although the winter weather can be unpredictable this time of year, it won’t damper your experience of Clifton Hill, as most of the attractions, restaurants and amusements are indoors. Clifton Hill’s Boston Pizza and Strike Rock N’ Bowl offers 25,000 sq ft of indoor fun, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and challenge friends or family to a wild game of bowling!

Another must-do attraction is the Niagara SkyWheel, which offers picturesque sights of the mighty Falls and Clifton Hill. This Giant Wheel offers climate-controlled gondolas keeping you warm and safe, as you soar 175 feet above the Falls for an unforgettable experience.

Exclusively open for March Break is Niagara’s newest attraction and Canada’s largest miniature golf course: Dinosaur Adventure Golf. This one acre attraction features two 18-hole courses, life-size dinosaurs, large waterfalls, rivers and a jungle like atmosphere. There is even an “active” flame-erupting volcano that goes off unexpectedly and allows golfers to play directly through its eerie, cavernous volcanic interior on their way to the next hole.

Also nearby is the Greg Frewin magic theatre, where the “international grand champion of magic” performs an unforgetable, high energy show, suitable for families and people of all ages!

This is just a small sample of the over 300 attractions and restaurants on Clifton Hill, where the possiblities are endles, as you explore all the fun!.

March Break Specials
Not only is March Break the perfect time for you and the family to take a memorable vacation together, you can also save money at some of Clifton Hill’s finest offerings! Information on discounts for attractions, restaurants, and hotel packages can be found at http://www.cliftonhill.com/mb/

Relax and Recharge
When your daily routine takes over and limits quality time with family and friends, Clifton Hill offers the perfect place to forget all your worries and focus on one another!

Planifiez votre Semaine de Relâche

Avez-vous commencé à planifier votre aventure pour votre semaine de relâche? Si vous ne savez pas quoi faire on facilite la décision! Planifiez votre voyage à Niagara Falls, c’est la où vous trouverez la célèbre « rue du plaisir », près des chutes,  Clifton Hill.

On est rendu au milieu de l’année scolaire, c’est l’heure de se relâcher et récompenser les enfants pour leurs efforts. N’est-ce pas? On vous jure que votre expérience à Niagara Falls serait unique et complètement inoubliable!

 Ne vous inquiétez pas de la météo!

Neige ou pluie, mais espérons toujours pour le SOLEIL! Peut importe la météo, presque toutes les attractions le long de Clifton Hill se trouves à l’intérieur. Savourez un repas chez Boston Pizza et amusez-vous en même temps avec votre famille en jouant aux quilles. Les perdants achètent 5 jetons des jeux Midway pour les gagnants… une suggestion excellente n’est-ce pas?!

 Une des attractions la plus populaire sur la colline est le Skywheel. Découvrez les vues pittoresques par les cabines échauffées qui vous prennent 175 pieds (53 mètres) au-dessus des chutes majestueuses de Niagara.

 L’Aventure du Golf Dinosaur est la nouvelle attraction à être ajouté aux aventures de la colline, prête à ouvrir pour la semaine de relâche. C’est une des plus grandes cours de golf miniature dans la nation avec les dinosaures réalistes en route à chacun des 18 trous. Afin d’arriver au 18^e trou, les golfeurs doivent passer par un volcan énorme  qui éclate avec du vapeur.

 Promotions pour la Semaine de Relâche

Pendant les vacances vous pouviez bénéficier des prix promotionnels. Économisez  de l’argent pendant que vous amuser avec la famille sur Clifton Hill. Pour plus d’informations à propos des attractions, les restaurants et les paquets d’hôtels, veuillez visiter le site : http://www.CliftonHill.com/

 En plus, le spectacle du magicien célèbre, Greg Frewin, se passe à quelques minutes de la colline. Commencez avec un repas chez Boston Pizza ou le restaurant Kelsey’s, suivi d’un spectacle de talent magique de Greg Frewin (Ne vous inquiéter pas, les parents s’amusent aussi). Explorez-vous les attractions inépuisables!

 Dirigez-vous vers Clifton Hill

On trouve des fois que la vie nous reprend et on oublie de passer le temps avec la famille. Réunissez-vous à Niagara Falls sur Clifton Hill, c’est là où on oublie le travail et concentre sur la vie familiale!

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

Enjoy Family Day weekend, Mid Winter Break at Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls

Clifton Hill: The World Famous Street of Fun by the Falls is the ideal setting for a Fun-tastic Family Day and Mid Winter Break adventure!

Whether you’re planning a special Family Day celebration, or want to enjoy a Mid-Winter getaway, the fun and excitement is always sky-high on Clifton Hill.

Imagine beginning the weekend with a spectacular panoramic view of the Falls, Niagara River and surrounding landscapes as you soar 175 feet above the majestic Falls in the climate controlled Niagara SkyWheel.

Then, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the fine restaurants on the hill, including the completely renovated Kelsey’s Restaurant, which now features a fully updated dining area, huge island bar, flat screen HDTV’s, plus Kelsey’s extensive menu featuring steaks, seafood, gourmet salads and more.

Also during mid-winter holidays, Clifton Hill offers a wide variety of indoor activities for families of all ages. Aside from the SkyWheel and Kelsey’s, there are many other attractions, restaurants and retail outlets to enjoy like: Movieland Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum, The Great Canadian Midway, Ghost Blasters Dark Ride, Galaxy Golf Mini-Putt, Strike Rock N ‘Bowl, Boston Pizza, The Fudge Factory and much more.

Best of all, and the end of a fun-filled day, your family will be only a hop, skip and jump away from one of the most comfortable, “family-friendly” hotels in the area: Comfort Inn Clifton Hill. There you’ll enjoy a prime central location 1 block to the Falls, FREE deluxe continental breakfast buffet, a tropical indoor pool and giant whirlpool, FREE high speed wireless (Wi-Fi) internet and ample parking…Best of all Kids under 18 stay FREE!

To check out available packages and HOT ROOM deals for this Family Day weekend, Mid Winter Break, and even March Break visit: http://cliftonhill.com/packages/hotel-packages today. Or use the “Build-A-Package” feature to add even more excitement to your stay at discounted rates! http://www.niagarafallscomfort.com/packages/package-builder

As you can see, there’s plenty to enjoy on Clifton Hill. Nothing unites a family more than a family vacation. With all the time pressures of work, extra-curricular activities, homework and friends, it’s important to maintain a sense of togetherness with the ones we love.

Niagara SkyWheel	Kelsey’s Restaurant	Niagara Falls Fireworks
Niagara Falls Illumination	Wendy’s	Tim Horton’s
Movieland	Strike Rock N’ Bowl	Boston Pizza
Great Canadian Midway	Galaxy Golf	Ghost Blasters

Be sure to pick up a Winter Fun Pass, it includes the Niagara SkyWheel, Movieland Wax Museum, Galaxy Golf and Ghostblasters Dark Ride. It’s the best value in town for attraction entertainment! You can use it all in one night, or come back later in the weekend, or even later in the year for the ones you missed. And, NOW you can enjoy 4 of Clifton Hill’s best for up to $20 off!

Rumours Nightclub presents New Years Eve 2012
Saturday, December 31st!

Doors Open at 7:00 PM
Tickets are $50 at the door

DJ OZ-E BLOWING UP THE DANCEFLOOR WITH – TOP 40-HIP HOP-OLD SCHOOL-REGGAE-REGGAETON-R&B-HOUSE-ROCK- PARTY BANGAZ & DANCEFLOOR DESTROYERS ALL NIGHT LONG AND INTO THE EARLY MORN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No advance tickets available (Pay at the door upon entering)
Dress code in effect: No baggy clothes, sports wear or boots will be allowed.
No Bottle Service will be available for this event. No guest list. No VIP access or passes.
Only those 19 years of age and over will be admitted. (No exceptions)
Government photo I.D. required (Passport, drivers licence, BYID card, Military card, photo health card).

Rumours Nightclub: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, L2E 6S8
Phone (905) 358-6152, Club Email: rumours@cliftonhill.com

NYE Warm Up Parties – December 28th and 29th!