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.

72% des mères veulent plus…

Bien que nous célébrons des anniversaires et des fêtes ici, il y a toujours une journée spéciale à chaque année où nous commémorons toutes les mamans qui travaillent fort à élever leurs enfants, c’est la fête des mères! C’est un jour pour dire merci et de donner à son tour. Les fleurs sont un bon début, mais un sondage de Forbes dit que maman veut un petit peu plus cette année.

Une raison parfaite pour une évasion avec maman

Vous pouvez vraiment montrer à maman que vous l’aimez avec un voyage à Niagara Falls cette année. Gâtez-la avec un tour sur le mondialement célèbre SkyWheel de Niagara qui offre des vues splendides des chutes, quand elle descend elle se sentira comme elle vient de faire un mini-voyage au spa. On sait bien que les mamans méritent de prendre congé de la cuisine, et avec tout les superbes choix à Clifton Hill, les mamans qui aiment bien la pizza peuvent goûter une tranche d’une des pizzas de viande célèbres de Boston Pizza. Votre maman va également avoir beaucoup de choix sur le nouveau menu de Kelsey’s, alors qu’en bas de la rue Mama Mia se vente de sa cuisine Italienne extraordinaire. Cliquez ici si vous souhaitez voir plus de restaurants.

Chocolats, friandises et fudge, Oh là là!

Maintenant maman est toute pleine, heureuse, et elle a même gardé de la place pour le dessert!  Bien sûr, il y a des offres délicieux sur le menu du restaurant, ou bien vous pouvez descendre à quelques pas sur Clifton Hill, et juste à côté du Great Canadian Midway vous allez retrouver le Fudge Factory. Rappelez-vous du sondage dont on parlé plus tôt? Eh bien, 37% des mamans ont également dit qu’elles aimeraient des cadeaux de confits pour leur journée spéciale!  Vous retrouverez des friandises, et d’autres produits irrésistiblement délicieux, et peut-être une petite collation de supplémentaire pour plus tard.  Maman n’aura pas à se sentir coupable pur un peu plus de sucre dans son régime alimentaire, car Clifton Hill mène directement à la Promenade du Niagara où vous pouvez prendre une longue marche à côté des chutes dans les sentiers bordés de fleurs.

Bonnes nouvelles, mamans

La Fédération Nationale aux Détaillants dit qu’une personne normale va dépenser plus sur leur maman cette année!  Au total, les dépenses pourraient atteindre 18,6 milliards. Si vous allez dépenser l’argent, pourquoi ne pas procurer quelque chose

American Spring Break in Niagara Falls Ontario

A Canadian Adventure 
Easter is around the corner and in America students will soon be enjoying their Spring Break recess.  Both great reasons for family travel, plus its nice to reward the kids for their hard work and to enjoy some bonding time in Niagara Falls!

 Niagara Falls is full of great attractions for the family and if you haven’t been to the Canadian side in awhile, you will discover some fresh and interesting changes there!

Boston Pizza Clifton Hill offers a great choice for family fun and features Midway games, the Strike bowling centre, and signature dishes like the Pepper pizza or the Slow Roasted Pork Ribs. Parents can also check the score of their favourite teams on the many high definition televisions, while children are entertained by all the interactive games and amusements.  At the top of the hill, the completely renovated Kelsey’s Restaurant features an all new island bar, high definition televisions, plus scrumptious menu items like the 7 layer dip, Smokey Portobello Chicken, or the heart smart 8 vegetable Pesto Fettuccine. 

 Fun by the Falls
After a nice meal, head to Clifton Hill too see all the dazzling attractions light up the night.  Your kids will be amazed, and never get bored along Clifton Hill’s promenade.   An evening ride on the SkyWheel lets you soar 175 feet above the Falls to see the city lit up and the Falls illuminated with bright colours.  Dinosaur Adventure Golf is a family favourite, and offers waterfalls, billowing steam and the call of the dinosaurs, making it feel like you have traveled back to prehistoric times.  Opening soon is the state of the art XD Theater, which will offer an exhilarating 6D adventure.  For details on this and other attractions click here

 Great Deals
The choices in Niagara Falls are endless, but if you want to save your money, check out the exclusive offers on the CliftonHill.com website.  For example, when you buy the Clifton Hill FUN PASS online, you will get an exclusive bonus admission to the Niagara SkyWheel. It’s only available when you order the FUN PASS online click here for details. 

 Staying the Night
For those spending a night or two on the Canadian Side, be sure to check the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill hotel and their great specials, like the Family Fun Package. You can even build your own “a la carte” package on the CliftonHill.com site to suit your needs. Details can be found by clicking here

 Crossing the Border
For U.S/Canadian citizens’ children 15 and under are required to have parental consent.  If you are travelling with someone else’s children or you are separated and your children have a different last name you must have written consent from the parent to be taking their child across the border.  As well you must have a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, and everyone over the age of 15 must carry a passport to cross the border.

With all the pressures of work, extra-curricular activities, homework and friends, it’s important to maintain a sense of togetherness with the ones you love… bring the family closer together with a Niagara Falls adventure, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Niagara Falls on a Budget
With all the recent talk of fiscal restraint and budgets, I thought it would be timely to talk about families wanting to get away for a day or so, in a cost effective manner. You may want to print this post and bring it with you on your day of adventure in Niagara Falls.

Meal Planning
A little pre-planning saves you money. Plan for a day of multiple snacks rather than sitting down for one big meal. Pack a few bags of goodies, such as trail mix, nuts and dried fruit before you head out. Once on the road, take a slight detour to pick up some fresh Niagara tender fruits (eg. Peaches are currently in season), at one of many roadside stands. A small cooler bag or lunch bag in the car is all you will need (you will learn why soon).

Getting here
Before heading out, I highly recommended that you read this section on out how to get here and where to park. This will save you valuable time and money. Be sure to leave early, and plan to arrive at arround 10 AM.

If you’re traveling by car on the QEW towards Niagara Falls from either direction, do not take Hwy 420. Instead continue to McLeod Rd taking the McLeod Rd east exit (towards Marineland) and continue to Stanley Avenue. Turn left on Stanley and continue to Robinson St. (you will see a large Skywheel billboard) Turn right on Robinson and continue to the end of the road. Park in the lot on your left.

Once you are in the lot continue until you get as close to the Niagara Skywheel as possible and park. This route just saved you traveling through the heart of the city and heavy traffic. Parking in this lot can save you as much as $10 and puts you in the center of the Niagara Falls entertainment district, with easy access to the Parks, Falls and Clifton Hill.

Here is where the fun begins:
Pick up some Fun Passes at the Niagara Skywheel information booth. You get 5 attractions at $5 each plus Midway tokens. $24.95 for Adults and $19.95 for Kids. For a family of four, you can save over $95 (after tax) on your entertainment for the day!

Following this, take a stroll to the Rainbow Bridge just a short jaunt down Clifton Hill. Once you get on the bridge you will discover some of the best views of both the Canadian Horseshoe and American Falls. For just 50 cents each, you can walk out to the center of the Rainbow Bridge and get some amazing pictures. One foot in Canada and one in the USA. The Canadian and American Falls provide an amazing backdrop, along with the Canadian parklands and Niagara Skywheel nearby. Take your time and get some great pictures then simply walk back to Canada! Just make sure you have proper ID for everyone in your group. Your friends and family back home will wonder how you managed to get such interesting photos. You could also share these photos on Clifton Hill’s Facebook or Twitter pages!

On the way back to Clifton Hill, be sure to stop by Movieland Wax Museum, which is this first attraction you’ll see walking up the hill. This one of a kind attraction showcases the world’s most famous stars in wax! After mingling with the stars, recharge your batteries and grab some fresh cut fries or a soft ice cream at the nearby concessions.

There is still a lot left on your FUN PASS and you can start up again by testing your skills at the nearby Dinosaur Adventure Golf attraction. From here you can move onto the Niagara Skywheel, for breath taking views of the Falls and a chance to sit down and relax in the air conditioned gondolas. Next head off to the Midway for Ghost Blasters and the FX Ride Theatre for some thrills and action. Remember, you also have some Great Canadian Midway tokens to use throughout the 70,000 sq ft arcade. If your taste buds are itching for another quick snack head into Boston Pizza where you can play interactive games and split a small pizza. Cash in your winnings and get ready for the next part of your budget day in Niagara Falls.

Off to the Park

Head back to your car and drive back towards the Robinson street entrance where you started the day.

Park as close to the entrance as you can, but don’t exit the lot. At the foot of Robinson (in the turn around) there is a staircase and path that leads you down into the Niagara Parks called the Jolley Cut. Locals have used this for years and it is a well-kept secret. Grab your snacks and head on down to the Park (remember the cooler bag I told you to keep in the car?). You just saved up to $20 in parking! Enjoy your time in the park and when it is time to go, simply walk up Murray Street, cut through the Skylon Tower parking lot and you are right back at your car.

Heading Home
Retrace your route and you are on your way home after a unique and affordable day in Niagara Falls.

Let’s add up the cost of a full day of fun on a budget. 2 adult Fun Passes $49.90, 2 kids Fun Passes $39.90, snacks(ice cream or Fries and a drink) $15, Bridge toll for 4 people $2 ,an individual pizza shared with drinks for 4 people $25, parking $10-15. Your entire day cost under $150 for a family of 4.

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!

Niagara Falls Easter Fun on Clifton Hill!
Easter long weekend offers a great opportunity for family and friends to get out and enjoy the warmer Spring weather…as the grass gets greener and the flowers start to bloom. What better way for you to enjoy this time of year than to spend a few days in Niagara Falls, Canada and experience some of the best family entertainment at Clifton Hill: The World Famous Street of Fun by the Falls. This popular hot-spot is bustling with excitement and has been recently hit with Bieber fever at Movieland Wax Museum, where a life-size Justin Bieber wax figure is on display; ready to pose with you or any young Bieber admirers you may have with you.

Over the winter months some incredibly large dinosaurs and a massive volcano have sprung out of the ground on Clifton Hill, emerging mysteriously behind the Niagara Skywheel. This volcanic wonder surrounded by life-size prehistoric creatures sets the scene for an amazing new golf complex coming to Clifton Hill this summer…

Dinosaur Adventure Golf will take your breath away and challenge even the most talented putter in the crowd. Visit during the spring season to see how this new 36 hole attraction is taking shape, then come back during the summer to experience this unforgettable golfing adventure first hand, when it officially opens.

After touring Clifton Hill and the Falls during the day, come see the energy of the Hill pick up at night with its dazzling neon lights and collection of lively activities. Friends and family will enjoy having fun at the Strike Rock and Bowl entertainment centre, where they can savor gourmet Pizza and a pitcher of cold drinks while enjoying a leisurely game of Bowling, billiards and more.

The Clifton Hill entertainment district is sure to make your Easter long weekend a memorable one and is a great place to spend time with your family!

Niagara Spring Getaways
During Niagara’s spring season, the thrill of Niagara Falls and Clifton Hill never stops, 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 is provide some great packages to get you started on your Spring vacation:
Click here for Packages and Specials

If you are planning to visit Niagara for a day trip, be sure to take advantage of the Clifton Hill FUN PASS, which offers huge savings on some of Niagara’s best attractions, including the SkyWheel: Canada’s largest giant wheel!

For Immediate Release
February 17, 2011

New Family Day Weekend Exhibit: ‘Great Reptiles of the World’ at the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

Niagara Falls, Ontario – The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is pleased to announce a new exhibit, ‘Great Reptiles of the World’ for Ontario’s Family Day (or U.S., President’s Day) long weekend, February 19 – 21. Visitors will enjoy interactive displays and daily educational presentations featuring some of the most fascinating reptiles alive today, including a 100 pound alligator, a 200 pound python, an 80 pound tortoise, a giant monitor lizard and a giant snapping turtle.

45 minute presentations will take place four times daily at 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. and 2 & 4 p.m. followed by an opportunity to meet the keepers and reptiles from Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo from Ottawa, Ontario.

Entrance to the exhibit is included with admission to the Butterfly Conservatory: $12.25 for Adults (ages 13+), $7.95 for Children (6 – 12 years), and Children five and under are admitted FREE (prices in Cdn. plus tax). Free parking is available on-site. The Butterfly Conservatory will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the last visitors admitted at 5:30 p.m. Please call (905) 356-8119 for details.

After undertaking a brief restoration of the protective netting within the Conservatory, the Butterfly Conservatory will re- open on February 19. This fully accessible facility is located at 2405 Niagara Parkway on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture.

The Butterfly Conservatory is owned and operated by The Niagara Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario that has preserved and maintained the parklands and attractions surrounding the Falls without tax dollars since 1885. Remember that your purchases at Niagara Parks help great things happen. Every dollar you spend with us helps preserve the nature and heritage of the Falls and the Niagara Parkway.

-30-

For more event information visit www.niagaraparks.com or contact:
Tony Baldinelli, Communications Manager
tbaldinelli@niagaraparks.com
(905) 371-0837

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!

Families searching for a fun, memorable and convenient getaway package this winter holiday season can call off their search, because the Comfort Inn on Clifton Hill, located just one block away from the world famous Niagara Falls, has the perfect solution: the all-inclusive Family Fun package.

The Family Fun Package, which is available weekends and during holidays/school breaks during the winter, includes a huge selection of family and budget-friendly goodies, including: 2 nights accommodation at the Comfort Inn on Clifton Hill; deluxe continental breakfast each morning served in the hotel’s poolside café, access to the hotel’s huge tropical indoor pool and giant whirlpool; dining vouchers for Kelsey’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill on Clifton Hill; 10 game tokens for the Great Canadian Midway; and “Fun Passes” for admission to the Niagara Skywheel, Movieland Wax Museum, Galaxy Golf, Ghost Blasters Dark Ride, and FX Ride Theatre.

Plus, families who visit the Niagara Falls area this winter can enjoy the spectacular Festival of Lights (free, November 6 – January 31), fireworks displays (free, every Friday at 9pm from November 12 – December 24), the Falls’ Illumination (free, 5pm to 12am from November 7 – December 30), and a host of fabulous New Years’ events, including a free New Year’s Eve concert in Queen Victoria Park. (more…)

West 49 Take the Cake Presented by Schick Xtreme3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEST 49
It’s time to help West 49 celebrate their 15th birthday. This Friday & Saturday (Oct 1st & 2nd), the West 49 Take the Cake Presented by Schick Xtreme3 and the Axe Twist Amateur Open takes place at the Oakes Garden Theatre in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Here are some updates regarding the event:

(PRWEB) October 1, 2010

It’s time to help West 49 celebrate their 15th birthday. This Friday & Saturday (Oct 1st & 2nd), the West 49 Take the Cake Presented by Schick Xtreme3 and the Axe Twist Amateur Open takes place at the Oakes Garden Theatre in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Here are some updates regarding the event:

* This is Canada’s largest cash purse event in Canadian skateboarding history with $100,000.00 CDN in prize money being awarded.

* Lots of reasons for riders to sign up for the AXE TWIST AMATEUR OPEN. West 49 and Schick Xtreme3 have dropped another $1500.00 of prize money into the Axe Twist Amateur Open (1st $750, 2nd $500, 3rd $250).

* New Era will be outfitting the top three Axe Twist Amateur Open Finalists in New Era authentic gear via an exclusive online shopping experience (1st $500, 2nd $350, 3rd $250).

* And of course, the winning skater moves on to compete with the world’s best in Saturday’s final feature including Paul Rodriguez, Chaz Ortiz and Torey Pudwill just to name a few.

* This event will be jam-packed with performances, autograph sessions, activities and of course, the best skateboarding in Canadian history all with Niagara Falls as the backdrop to an amazing weekend of action sports.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased online at www.west49takethecake.com , at select West 49 stores in Southwestern Ontario and at the gate on event day.
For more information including roster, ticket information, event schedule and more head over to the www.west49takethecake.com

To arrange press credentials, book interviews or for more information on West 49 or Take The Cake, please contact:

Micki Benedetti
905 466-2575
micki(at)benedetti(dot)ca
www.west49.com

###