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!

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.

Originally printed by the Review
No-train idea’s a no-GO: Thomson
Posted By RAY SPITERI , REVIEW STAFF WRITER

It would be a “lousy idea” and a “disaster” for GO Transit if St. Catharines was made the commuter rail hub for all of Niagara, says Niagara Falls Tourism chairman Wayne Thomson.

GO Transit announced last fall it was studying the potential for long-coveted commuter rail service into Niagara.

GO hasn’t yet committed to expanding its service into the peninsula, but St. Catharines Mayor Brian McMullan is already causing a stir by suggesting it has big plans for his city.

GO Transit started its environmental assessment shortly after the conclusion of a summer tourism experiment that saw its trains run between Toronto, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls on weekends. (more…)

Source: CNW
Originally printed Dec. 21, 2009

Niagara Falls GO Bus service changes and improvements starting January 2

TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2009 /CNW/ – Starting Saturday, January 2, GO customers will have new weekend and holiday bus trips between Burlington and Niagara Falls. Highlights of service improvements and changes include:

– Two new westbound weekend bus trips will depart Burlington GO Station
at 11:48 a.m. and 9:48 p.m., making all stops to Niagara Falls.

– Two new eastbound weekend bus trips will depart from Niagara Falls
VIA Station at 9:45 a.m. and 7:45 p.m., making all stops to
Burlington GO Station.

– Starting on Monday, January 4, 2010, two weekday eastbound bus trips
departing from Niagara Falls VIA Station will leave five minutes
earlier at 3:15 p.m. and 4:40 p.m.

Some arrival and departures times have been adjusted to reflect typical travel times on weekday westbound trips between Stoney Creek and Niagara Falls. Times have also been adjusted on weekend westbound trips between Grimsby Park & Ride and Niagara Falls. A few weekday bus trips from Grimsby and Burlington have been cancelled. Customers should check the schedule for both of these changes. (more…)

Source: National Post

GO Transit considers expansion to Niagara Falls
Posted: November 17, 2009, 7:40 PM by Carmen Chai
By Carmen Chai, National Post

GO Transit officials launched an environmental assessment this week to look at the possibly of expanding rail service to the Niagara Peninsula after a successful summer of weekend train service linking Niagara Falls to Toronto.

Officials say the EA will examine infrastructure upgrades, prospective building sites for new rail stations and potential improvements to the existing rail line. The assessment should wrap up in summer 2010, and a public review period should help to determine the value of the expanded railway. (more…)

From the City of Niagara Falls Mayor’s Office

People Mover Stimulus Funding

Mayor Ted Salci, City of Niagara Falls and the Members of City Council were pleased to welcome the Minister of Justice and Attorney General for Canada, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure for Ontario, the Honourable George Smitherman, and Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor to the Niagara Falls VIA Rail Station Monday, September 25 to receive the announcement of infrastructure stimulus funding in the amount of $25 million from the provincial government and reaffirmation from the federal government of their commitment of $25 million for their much anticipated People Mover System.

The Niagara Falls People Mover Project will allow for integration with local transit, addressing the transportation needs of its residents and visitors alike while meeting the federal and provincial government objectives of developing employment and new growth.

The People Mover System will have a significant impact on the environment by effectively challenging the congestion in the tourist core by removing cars from the roads, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transporting our visitors and residents in an efficient and effective manner. (more…)

Originally printed by MarketWire

Infrastructure Canada Government of Ontario

Sep 25, 2009 13:45 ET

Canada-Ontario Partnership to Revitalize Downtown Niagara Falls Streetscape

Investment will create jobs and stimulate the economy

NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Sept. 25, 2009) – Residents, businesses, and tourists of Niagara Falls will benefit from nearly $2.7 million in upgrades to the Queen Street streetscape, thanks to a contribution announced today by the Honourable Rob Nicholson P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Mr. Kim Craitor, Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara Falls, and His Worship Ted Salci, Mayor of Niagara Falls. The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $889,033 for the revitalization project through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The City of Niagara Falls will fund the remaining project costs.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government is investing in projects that get shovels in the ground to stimulate the economy and create jobs locally,” said Minister Nicholson. “Thanks to the strong relationship between the federal, provincial and municipal governments, we are working together to help Niagara Falls revitalize the Queen Street streetscape, which will greatly enhance the area and improve the economic viability of the downtown core.”

“I have been amazed at the determination and energy of the Queen Street community’s efforts to bring life, vitality and people back to this important historic neighbourhood,” said Kim Craitor MPP for Niagara Falls. “The provincial government has been proud to support the community’s innovative programming over the last two years through Trillium and Celebrate Ontario. This past summer we invested in bringing the Go Train to town. Now I am delighted that the McGuinty Government is able to help build on this success and further invest in rebuilding and revitalizing the streetscape to continue the dream of building a vibrant and economically successful and sustainable tourist attraction.” (more…)

Printed originally in the Review

GO buses rolling into town
TRANSIT
Posted By TONY RICCIUTO , REVIEW STAFF WRITER

The GO Bus commuter service, which starts this Saturday in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines, will get good use from city resident John Buckner.

He’s been waiting a long time for it to finally begin.

Buckner couldn’t be happier because not only will it be more convenient for him going to Toronto, it will bring many visitors to our city.

“It’s late in coming,” said Buckner. “We are one of the last municipalities in the province to be afforded this service, but it’s a good service and I just hope that it continues.” (more…)

Originally printed in the Review

Harper tours Niagara
PRE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN STOP?
Posted By RAY SPITERI , REVIEW STAFF WRITER

With the possibility of a federal election this fall, Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a campaign- like stop in Niagara Thursday, visiting three locations his government has poured millions of dollars into recently.

Harper joined Niagara Falls MP Rob Nicholson in touring the construction site of the new Niagara Convention and Civic Centre, the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge and the Shaw Festival Theatre. (more…)

Printed originally in the Review August 26, 2009

GO Train passengers average 1,500 a day
Ridership passed 30,000 mark last weekend, figures show
Posted By Corey Larocque

Nearly 2,700 passengers rode GO Transit’s Niagara-Toronto train last weekend, slightly below the 1,500-a-day average for the new summer service.

There were 1,433 passengers on Saturday and 1,264 on Sunday, according to figures released this week by the provincial transit agency. (more…)