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.

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.)

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!

Click Here For Details

Rumours Presents their 10th Annual Exotic Erotic Halloween Party
The only party worth checking out!!!

Monday, Oct 31st, 2011

Feature: Exotic Erotic Costume Contest (Girls and Guys)
Win a Round Trip to New York City.
Register by Midnight.

Doors open at 8pm
Hosted by DJ OZ E
No Cover!!!

Dress Code in effect: No baggy attire, sports wear or cut off sleeves. Runners are allowed.

Only those 19 years of age and over will be admitted. (No exceptions) Government photo I.D. required (Passport, drivers license, BYID card, Military card, photo health card).

A lot of people have asked us about the eternally fun and entertaining “Spandy Andy,” who mysteriously appeared on Clifton Hill this past summer, showing off his “Tight and Bright” dance routine.

So, with a few hours to spare, we were able to interview the elusive Andy and got to know him a whole lot better, before his long journey back to Vancouver.

1. When did you first start dancing/peforming?
A: I added dancing to my performance in Vancouver, in the summer of 2008. I always liked performing and being silly in school.

2. What did your family do to encourage you?
A: My brother was pursuing acting as a career and always recorded me on his camera growing up. My parents supported anything we did.

3. Who else in your family dances/peforms?
A: My brother danced growing up and did a lot of musical theatre.

4. Who are your inspirations?
A: Jim Carey, Michael Jackson, My Grandpa.

5. What kind of music do you prefer to dance to?
A: Upbeat dance music, usually from the 90s.

6. What did your first dance costume look like?
A: I started wearing spandex so that people would laugh at me, then
comedic dancing was added.

7. Where would you most like to perform?
A: Performing on the street is my favourite place. I like catching
people off guard during their everyday lives.

8. What have you learned from your recent experiences on Reality Television Shows/contests?
A: How great of a tool it is to promote yourself!!

9. What reality shows are you planing to audition for for in the near future?
A: Canada’s Got Talent.

10. If you weren’t dancing, what would you be doing?
A: Making people laugh and pushing the limits at an IT job.

11. What brought you to Niagara Falls and Marineland this Summer?
A: A trainer from Marineland spotted me on Wipeout Canada and offered me the opportunity.

12. How has this experience affected you?
A: Taught me how to work with animals and large captive audiences.

13. If you could dabble in another genre of dance, what would it be?
A: I can dance to any music, but it seems my style of dance is like a mime or most commonly refered to as Hip Hop.

14. What was the best routine you ever performed?
Marineland is my favourite routine at the moment. I love the concept of the show and being chased by a sea-lion.

15. What hidden talents do you have?
A: I’m a computer NERD!!

15. How often do you dance?
A: EVERYDAY!!

16. What was your most embarrassing dance moment?
A: the whole reason i started prancing around in spandex was to prove to people there was nothing to be embarrassed of.

17. What do you think about when your preforming?
A: During my performance I am living in the moment and relating to the people around me. I try to surprise people during their regular routine and attempt to get them dancing too!

18. Have you ever used you talents for the good of the community?
A: Many people say what I am doing “day in – day out” is a service to the community.

19. If you had the opportunity to change something in the entertainment industry, what would it be?
A: Get rid of the phoney “money bought” entertainment and focus more on real life entertainment, more educational, real reality lol.

Thank you Andy!
We hope to see you again soon!

Spandy Andy Takes On Clifton Hill Niagara Falls
Some funny moments of Spandy Andy taking on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls:

Posted by SpandyAndyDotCom

Exerpt: I was walking up Clifton Hill when the Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO started playing on my boombox..

Labour Day Weekend Activities Niagara Falls 2011

Well here we are, at what most people under the age of 18 would call the end of summer. (We really do still have a month of awesome summer weather ahead of us)
Getting the kids ready for school and preparing for a busy fall? Why not have one last getaway before its time to hit the books and pack lunches? For parents planning to do some back-to-school shopping in the USA, why not plan on a day of rest and relaxation right here in Niagara Falls?

There is a lot happening here this coming Labour Day Weekend. Starting Friday night take your pick on what to do: Take in the Falls Fireworks with the Family, watch Soul Asylum perform at the Seneca Niagara Casino, USA, or see Dennis Quaid & the Sharks performing at the Fallsview Casino in Canada…There is plenty of great options to get your weekend off to a rocking start!

This weekend will see a lot of people heading over the border on a “Back to school shopping spree”. Before picking up school clothes and supplies for the family why not pick up a little something for yourself! After all you are taking care of everyone else why not pamper yourself this weekend? You can start by testing your luck at Casino Niagara on Ladies Night, Every Friday, where all the ladies have a chance to WIN great prizes like diamond jewelry, spa packages, designer fragrances, and more. Why not take a moment to relax for a night before shopping in the US? The women in your party could win some great prizes, including a weekly Grand Prize worth up to $500. They will also receive 50 slot points and receive the Gift of the Night for just showing up! Visit the PAC Booth for more details. Click here for Ladies Night Rules. By having a fun Friday night, you will miss the border line ups and can be fresh for an early Saturday Morning start before the congestion.

Niagara Falls New York is not the only place for back to school deals this weekend. The Canada One Factory Outlet Mall on Lundy’s lane has loads of back to school specials. Why cross the border if you don’t have to? Why not stay at a centrally located hotel like the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill, and drive just 10 minutes to the outlet mall and other good stores.

Shopped, dropped and ready for a break? Relax on the patio at Kelsey’s Bar & Grill as you plan out a fun evening…

A few blocks away Greg Frewin has his award winning ”Beyond Belief” magic show at 8pm Friday through Sunday. You’ll have plenty of time beforehand for dinner at Kelsey’s or Boston Pizza. (Book the show now or watch for Comfort Inn’s special weekend offer coming this Fall)

After the show take in all the EXCITEMENT on Clifton Hill’s world famous street of fun by the Falls…which comes alive at night! Be sure to pick up a Fun Pass, it really is 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 attractions you missed.

Are you looking for a way to cap the weekend?

Below are a few great events to consider:

Niagara Falls Fireworks
Enjoy spectacular fireworks displays over Niagara Falls
September 2nd & 4th @ 10PM
http://www.cliftonhill.com/events/niagara-falls-fireworks

Rumours Back to School Bash
September 4, 2011
Rumours will definitely be the party to be at!
Website: http://www.cliftonhill.com/events/rumours-back-school-bash

Summers End Labour Day Weekend at Dragonfly Nightclub
September 4, 2011
http://www.cliftonhill.com/events/summers-end-labour-day-weekend-party

Click here for the full Niagara Falls event calander

As you can see Niagara Falls is the place to be this Labour Day Long Weekend! Lots to do and lots of fun for every one and every age! Why not end the summer vacation with an action packed weekend in Niagara Falls on Clifton Hill’s World Famous Street of Fun by the Falls!

Niagara Falls Border
For helpful information regarding Niagara’s border crossings click the following:
http://www.cliftonhill.com/explore/plan-trip/niagara-falls-border

Psychedelic Golden Elvis on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls!
Amazing night photo of the Niagara SkyWheel Courtyard on Clifton Hill with Golden Elvis!

Golden Man by Robert Snache – Spirithands.net

Very nice drive by video of Clifton Hill Niagara Falls at night by arlvm!

It gives a great sense of what its like on Clifton Hill at night, with all its spectacular lights and activity! In this video, the Niagara SkyWheel, Great Canadian Midway and other attractions stand out really well.

Can you believe in less than 4 weeks it’s Labour Day? Where did the summer go?

If you haven’t had a chance to get away for a few days this summer it’s time to start planning. Quite often I’m asked, “As someone who lives in Niagara, how would you spend two days here?”

Assuming I was coming from Toronto for a 2 day getaway, as a couple or with family, my itinerary would look something like this:

Not being an early riser, I would arrive in Niagara Falls around noon and would stay at the Comfort Inn on Clifton Hill of course. While check in isn’t until 2PM,  the bell desk will store my bags and we  would grab a quick bite to eat at Tim Hortons or Wendy’s.

Then it would be off to the Whirlpool Jet Boats in Queenston or simply stroll to the bottom of Clifton Hill for a ride on the Maid of the Mist. The refreshing coolness of being on the water, accompanied by splashing waves on the Jet Boat or the Falls bellowing mist while sailing on the Maid, is sure to wake you up after the drive to Niagara and lunch. Either way, its way more fun than a shower!

Next it’s off to the Niagara Glen across from the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. Taking the staircase down into the Glen, you will feel like you are entering a different world. It feels like the temperature drops 10 degrees as you hike the trails of the Glen at your own speed. You can get right up to the river at this point sitting on the rocks you can wave at the Jet Boat as it comes and goes out of the whirlpool.

The next part of my day would be either exploring the fruit belt, between Queenston and Niagara-on-the–Lake, stocking up on fresh fruit for later, or stopping at a winery or two for gourmet wine samples.

Then it’s back to the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill for check–in and to relax for an hour to recharge and get ready for a fun filled night on Clifton Hill! Before dinner we’d pick up our Fun Passes at the SkyWheel, then enjoy a delicious meal at Kelsey’s, with its prime view of either Clifton Hill or Victoria Ave from its open air patios and great food at reasonable prices!

Then with Fun Pass in hand, it’s off to let loose on The Hill! The Clifton Hill Fun Pass is the best deal in town, 5 of the top attractions in the city plus Great Canadian Midway tokens for $24.95 is less than $5 for each attraction. The Skywheel is spectacular at night as is Dinosaur Adventure Golf; They set the stage for a fun-filled evening the whole family can enjoy.

Clifton Hill is still hopping right into the wee hours of the morning, and is a great place to end the evening with a night cap at Boston Pizza / Strike Rock and Bowl.

The next morning would start with a satisfying breakfast provided free with your hotel room at the Comfort Inn. Then we would either take a stroll down to the Falls or if we had purchased the Marineland package as part of our hotel stay it would be off to Marineland for the day.

Then it’s homeward bound after enjoying a great mix of excitement and relaxation for 2 days. The combination of great deals and free activities makes this trip affordable as well as fun for couples or families.

That’s how I would spend a two day getaway in Niagara Falls.

How would you spend your two day getaway to Niagara?