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!

Mothers Day in Niagara Falls

72% Of Moms Want More …

Sure we have birthdays and holidays, but there is one special day each year, when all the hard work moms put into raising children is remembered, and it is Mother’s Day!  The day you get to say thank you, and give back to her.  Flowers are a good start, but a Forbes poll says mom wants a little bit more this year.

A Perfect Reason for a Getaway with Mom

You can really show mom you care with a trip to Niagara Falls this year.  Spoil her with a ride on the world famous Niagara Skywheel and all of it’s gorgeous views of the falls, when she gets off she will feel like she took a mini trip to the spa.  We all know moms deserve a break from the kitchen, and with the great options on Clifton Hill pizza loving moms can try a slice from one of Boston Pizza’s famous meat pies.  Your mom will also find a lot to choose from on Kelsey’s new menu, while up the street Mama Mia’s boasts amazing Italian cuisine.  If you would like to see more restaurants click here.

Chocolate, and Candy and Fudge OH MY!

Now mom is full, happy, and even held off for dessert! Of course there are scrumptious offerings on the restaurant’s menu, or you could wander a few steps down Clifton Hill, and beside the Great Canadian Midway is The Fudge Factory.  Remember the survey from earlier? Well 37% moms also mentioned they would love candied gifts for their special day! You will find treats, and other irresistibly delectable items, and maybe buy a little extra snack for later! Mom won’t have to feel bad about a little extra sugar in her diet, because Clifton Hill leads right to the Niagara Parkway where you can take a long walk through flower lined paths by the falls.

Good News Moms

The National Retailer Federation says the average person will be spending more on their mother this year! Total spending could reach 18.6 billion.  If you are going to spend the money why not get something you know mom will want, time with family, a get away from everyday life and to be treated to a little something special.  In Niagara Falls you get bang for your buck…Relaxing attractions with breath taking views, a meal she doesn’t have to cook, chocolates all back dropped in the beautiful scene of one of the greatest wonders of the world, Niagara Falls.

For information on “Fun by the Falls.” follow our blog and you will be up to date on new attractions, and affordable packages.

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.

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.

Google Maps Street View hits Niagara Falls and Clifton Hill

Google Maps has recently included Niagara Falls, in their street view virtual interface.

The photo quality is good and shows an interesting view from all sides in most parts of Niagara Falls including Clifton Hill. The full screen mode is very helpful, allowing visitors to see a lot at once, while able to move the image around 360 degrees.

If Street View doesn’t appear, be sure to click the Street View symbol on the left side, which looks like this:

Clifton Hill – The Street of Fun by the Falls

View Exploring Niagara in a larger map

Source WFOL

Check out our new Niagara Falls , Canada attraction called “Rink at the Brink” brought to you by “Winter Festival of Lights”. Better view than Rockefeller Plaza rink in New York. It is a near full sized arena about 200 feet from the brink of the Falls.

Watch the thundering waters of the falls while having a leasurely skate!! Unlike any arena in the world. It is open to the public 10am-10pm (November 25 through February 28) and skate rentals and lessons are available. Season passes are also available for local people at a very reasonable price. Bring the whole family and experience the Falls like never before! Check out the web site at www.WFOL.com for more details

Source: The Review

The ice is nice: Rink at the Brink is ready for skaters
Posted By COREY LAROCQUE , REVIEW STAFF WRITER

The unmistakable sound of winter in Canada -metal cutting into ice -will blend with the roar of Niagara Falls when the Rink at the Brink opens today.

After two weeks of getting it ready, the Winter Festival of Lights attraction will open on Niagara Parks Commission land, creating a new winter attraction festival officials say they hope catches on like skating in New York’s Central Park or in front of Rockefeller Center.

“This is the only place where you can skate a stone’s throw from Niagara Falls,” said Dave Groulx, operations manager of the Rink at the Brink.

The rink is actually across Niagara Parkway from the parks commission’s Table Rock House complex (more…)

Source: The Review

Styx, Glass Tiger headline New Year’s show
Posted By REVIEW STAFF

Legendary rockers Styx and the Canadian group Glass Tiger will take to the stage on New Year’s Eve in Queen Victoria Park near the falls.

The Niagara Parks Commission released its lineup for the popular televised concert Tuesday afternoon.

“Niagara will be the place to be on New Year’s Eve,” said commission chairman Jim Williams. “It really is exciting to see the city come alive on this special night.”

The New Year’s Eve concert, which attracts up to 30,000 people to Queen Victoria Park, is a nationally televised event.

Also performing will be Moeraes Fate, the winner of this summer’s inaugural youDiscover music competition (at the time, the band was known as Dame), as well as runner-up Robyn Dell’ Unto. (more…)

Outdoor skating rink to open Nov. 23 at ‘brink’ of Horseshoe Falls

Source: (CP) Canadian Press

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. — A new public skating rink will open next month “a stone’s throw from the brink of the Horseshoe Falls,” say organizers of the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights.

The outdoor Rink at the Brink, two-thirds the size of an NHL rink, will be located across from the newly renovated Table Rock Centre and offer excellent views of the Falls, says a release.

It will be open daily between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Nov. 23 to Feb. 28. Skates and helmets will be available for rent, and skating lessons will also be offered.

Admission without skate rental is $8 for adults, $5.75 for children.

“We think it’s going to be a huge hit with both local residents and visitors to Niagara Falls,” said festival chair Joe Miszk.

On the web:

http://www.wfol.com/rinkatthebrink/index.html

Copyright © 2009 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Printed by the Review

Grand Dinner Theatre has new home -and great view
Posted By JOHN LAW , REVIEW STAFF WRITER

Christmas has come early for the Niagara Falls Grand Dinner Theatre.

The company brings back an old favourite in a new location this weekend, kicking off the next era for the award-winning theatre.

Tom Dudzick’s Christmas play “Greetings” won a Niagara Misty Award when it was last staged in 2001 at Queenston Heights Restaurant. Only appropriate it’s the first show at Edgewaters inside Queen Victoria Place, says co-owner Diane Harris-Wakeling.

“We’re over the moon,” she says. “We thought it was only fitting that we do our first show at the new venue with our all-time favourite (show).”

Harris-Wakeling, along with husband Cam and business partners Peter Borys and Ron Shafir, purchased the Niagara Grand Dinner Theatre last year. Shortly after receiving the keys, a new home became necessary when the Niagara Parks Commission decided to close the Queenston Heights Restaurant during the winter month (more…)