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.

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!

Niagara Falls Activities for Canada Day and Independence Day Long Weekend
The first official long weekend of the summer!

This coming weekend Canada and the United States of America, two great nations, friends and neighbors or neighbours (depending on which side of the mighty Niagara you call home!) are joining together to commemorate the formation of their great countries!

Do you Like Fireworks? This weekend Niagara Falls will detonate loads of them!

July 1st Friday Night at 10 P.M.
Fired from the base of the Niagara gorge, directly across from the American Falls, a spectacular pyrotechnic display will kick off the weekend celebrations in style! To get the best view, be sure to watch from the bottom of Clifton Hill. (Locals secret). These spectacular Canada Day fireworks are provided free for your viewing pleasure by the: local Hotel, Attraction and Restaurant owners of Niagara Falls, Canada.

July 2nd Saturday at 9:40 P.M.
The Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls, New York will be Celebrating America’s Independence Day with a thunderous array of Fireworks! Best place for viewing? You guessed it, at the base of Clifton Hill.

July 3rd Sunday Night at 10P.M.
Another great fireworks show put on by the Tourism Business community of Niagara Falls, Canada. A third night of watching fireworks might call for a different perspective. Why not from the Niagara Skywheel? The Skywheel is Canada’s largest giant wheel and offers an amazing view 170 feet above the Falls. The SkyWheel is also one of 5 great attractions included on the Clifton Hill FUN PASS, all for only $24.95. It is the best value for attractions in Niagara Falls.

Niagara’s fireworks are a great way to kick off an amazing night on Clifton Hill’s World Famous Street of Fun by the Falls! After the fireworks, be sure to stop by the Great Canadian Midway on your way up ‘The Hill’ and enjoy the challenge of over 300 interactive games! Hungry? A late night snack at Boston Pizza or Kelsey’s Bar & Grill might be in order. Both have a great selection of appetizers and entrées perfect for sharing!

Looking to enjoy some Bowling, Billiards and maybe a Beer? Try Strike Rock and Bowl’s 25,000 square foot entertainment complex; the centerpiece of Niagara’s exciting Nightlife on Clifton Hill.

So, what else is there to do over the long weekend in Niagara Falls? The answer… lots!

International Dance Competition
There is the International Dance Competition on July 2 and 3 at the Scotia Bank Convention Centre. So you think you can Dance? Well these people really can!

Greg Frewin’s Magic Show
A true Las Vegas style show, just a 5-minute walk from Clifton Hill. The “Beyond Belief Magic Show“ runs at 8 p.m. every night of the weekend.

Friendship Festival
Take in a concert under the stars. The Fort Erie Friendship festival has 2 amazing shows scheduled: Big Sugar on Friday night (July 1st) and Ian Thornley & Big Wreck on Saturday (July 2nd). Gates open at 7 pm.

There’s a lot to do at night…What about during the day? Plenty.
Dinosaur Adventure Golf is a great daytime attraction, offering fun for the whole family or for that special someone in your life. Here you can enjoy a relaxing tropical setting complete with a 50 ft tall volcano and waterfall. Just watch out for the towering Dinosaurs! They provide the perfect backdrop for an incredible photo!

Dinosaur Adventure Golf is located directly behind the Niagara Skywheel and is also a part of the Clifton Hill FUN PASS. The FUN PASS offers 5 attractions for $25 including these two must do adventures!

Also, don’t forget to take some time to relax and watch all the people and activity on Clifton Hill’s World Famous Street of Fun by the Falls; It’s a Niagara Falls tradition! The best places to enjoy all the hustle and bustle is from Kelsey’s Patio, where there is great views and live entertainment, which adds to the atmosphere, or Boston Pizza with its open air patio spilling out into the Niagara SkyWheel Courtyard.

There is still so much more to see and do. You will just have to come to Clifton Hill and discover all the Fun by the Falls in person!

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.

Niagara Falls At Night posted by YouTube user koolniagara with description: “This is an interview with Pete Gordon. Pete runs the lights that illuminate Niagara Falls!”

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!

Printed by the Review

Festival lights the sky
A MAGICAL START TO CHRISTMAS
Posted By JOHN LAW , REVIEW STAFF WRITER

It didn’t feel a lot like Christmas, but the Winter Festival of Lights made the most of it on a rainy opening night Saturday.

Under a steady downpour, a soggy crowd at Queen Victoria Park sat through an hour of speeches, Christmas carols and magic acts before Disney favourites Goofy and Pluto flipped the switch to officially open the 26th annual festival.

At that point, everyone dropped their umbrellas to check out a city transformed. For the next two months, more than a million visitors are expected to take in more than 120 animated displays and three million lights, making this one of North America’s biggest illumination festivals. (more…)

Printed by the Review

Classic rockers ringing in new year at falls
Supertramp’s Roger Hodgson, Kim Mitchell headline popular concert
Posted By JOHN LAW REVIEW STAFF WRITER

Classic rock will ring in the new year in Niagara Falls. Just like last year.

Former Supertramp singer Roger Hodgson and Canadian cornerstone Kim Mitchell will headline the annual free New Year’s Eve concert at Queen Victoria Park.

Young country singer Justin Hines rounds out the lineup, announced last week by the Niagara Parks Commission, who will once again partner with the city, the Fallsview Tourist Area, Ontario Lottery Gaming and other private sector businesses.

Last year’s New Year’s Eve had an ’80s flavour with Honeymoon Suite, Loverboy and Dennis DeYoung of Styx.

It was one of the most well-received New Year’s shows in years.

The combination of Mitchell and Hodgson will keep the oldies vibe going.

Mitchell had a strong run in the ’80s with Canadian rock hits like “Go For Soda,” “Patio Lanterns” and “Rock and Roll Duty.” (more…)

Printed by the Review

FIREWORKS ARTIST
Posted By BY JENNIFER PELLEGRINI REVIEW STAFF WRITER

A quick 10-count confirms David Whysall’s very good at his job.

“Got ‘em all,” says Whysall, wiggling his fingers.

He has been in the fireworks business going back to his childhood.

“I’ve been in it since 1965,” he says. “It was a local industry back in England and I was good in chemistry, so the two came together.”

He moved to Canada in 1982 to work for what he now calls “the competition,” Hands Fireworks.

Whysall eventually started his own company, selling fireworks under the brand “Mystical Distributing.” (more…)

Printed by the Review

Fireworks return to Niagara
Posted By ALISON LANGLEY

Canada’s longest running fireworks series returned to the skies above the falls tonight.

The Niagara Parks Commission’s fireworks displays will be held every Friday, Sunday and holiday starting at 10 p.m., weather permitting.

The 2008 schedule includes a spectacular show on Victoria Day. (more…)