Sweet Midway Video Montage Set to High Tempo Music!
via cliftonhill.com
An inside look at what’s inside the Great Canadian Midway arcade located in Niagara Falls.
The Great Canadian Midway entertainment complex is always a arcade fan favourite. Not only will you find the best in interactive games, the Wild West Coaster and the spooky Ghost Blasters Dark Ride are great as well!
Click here for details of our huge token deal for the Midway: https://www.cliftonhill.com/packages/great-canadian-midway-deal
Clifton Hill has always been a family favourite destination in Niagara. From the moment that you set foot on our street, you feel the buzz and excitement that surrounds you with all our attractions, restaurants, and unique shopping destinations.
Experienced and award-winning travel journalists and photographers like those featured on www.travel2next.com, list Clifton Hill as one of the “10 Amazing Things to do in Niagara Falls.” Quite simply, you don’t want to visit Niagara Falls without taking a stop here.
Here is a sample one-day itinerary on what to do with the family in Niagara Falls, on what is known as the “Street of Fun by the Falls”. Plan Ahead
This is especially true if you plan on traveling to Clifton Hill in peak season — mid-June to late August. Due to our heavily populated street full of family fun amusements,dining and retail facilities, it is the #1 street to travel through and down towards the Hornblower Niagara Cruises, the Niagara Parks and to the Niagara Falls itself. You will also find that our parking lot is central, fast and the most easily accessible to all these popular Niagara Falls tourist hot spots — with even the Fallsview Casino only a short walk away. You can avoid line-ups at the Clifton Hill attractions, which can get fairly long on weekends and especially holiday long weekends, by purchasing Clifton Hill Fun Passes online ahead of time.
The Clifton Hill Fun Pass features 5 of our most popular attractions bundled into one low price (50% off the retail individuals prices). Read up on the Clifton Hill Fun Pass by clicking the image below, but basically you can consider these cards as your “fast pass” on Clifton Hill. No waiting in cashier line-ups; you simply head to the turnstiles and head on in. These passes also have a one year expiry date, meaning that you are not required to do all the attractions on one day. You could do 3 attractions on one visit and then come back on a later day to do the remaining 2 attractions. Use at your own convenience. As an added bonus, planning ahead this way has a big pay off — purchasing it online in the only way to receive another bonus Niagara SkyWheel ride, so that you are able to ride twice at no additional cost to you.
Does someone in your family require a wheelchair? You may rent one at these places to use:
Niagara Mobility Home Health Care
905-357-1600
4600 Queen St.,
Niagara Falls, ON
Pharma Shield
905-356-8482
5400 Portage Road,
Niagara Falls, ON
Queen Street Pharmacy
905-354-5604
4421 Queen St.,
Niagara Falls, ON
Check out Clifton Hill’s Hours of Operation at the attractions that you wish to visit, and arrive early to assure yourself the best possible parking. Need help on where to park? Check out the map below for the best lot to park at. Avoid parking on the street (if you can even get a spot!), and save yourself the hassle of metered parking by parking in the lot provided: Click here for driving directions to the lot. Sample Itinerary Morning
As you enter into this parking lot, you will receive a coupon book that features Clifton Hill (and the surrounding area), and a pretty thorough list of Niagara Falls places to visit. Keep this book handy for $1-$2 off/person discounts at many of the attractions. You may also click here for a list of our online coupons.
If you have yet to have breakfast, you can get an inexpensive and decent meal for the family at our Tim Hortons on location. Hot breakfast sandwiches, flatbread breakfast paninis, grilled breakfast wraps, bagels, hashbrowns, bagel BLT’s, yogurt, oatmeal, coffee,tea, milk, and juices are just some of the breakfast features.
After breakfast, I would suggest visiting the Niagara SkyWheel. The lineups are non-existent in the morning and when you catch the sunrise, you will get stunning photographs.
Next up, head to the bottom of Clifton Hill and purchase your ticket(s) to the Hornblower Niagara Cruises. This attraction is located on the Niagara Parkway at the north end of Queen Victoria Park, close to the Rainbow Bridge and the Oakes Garden Theatre at the foot Clifton Hill. Only two years old, it is one of Niagara’s newest attractions, which replaced the Maid of the Mist (now only launching from the US side). The ticket booths open at 8:30 am during the Spring/Summer, and the ride can get quite busy. Before lunch would be the ideal time for a boat cruise to experience the wonder of the Niagara Falls (the boats depart every 15 minutes). Allow yourself 1 to 1.5 hours just at the Hornblower site alone. Including the boat ride, you’ll want to check out the view from the Hornblower Plaza and the merchandise inside the Mist Retail shop without having to rush.
Dry off after Hornblower Niagara Cruises with a walk in Queen Victoria Park and the Oakes Garden Theatre. Walking along the Niagara Parkway and into this park, you will come across beautifully maintained gardens with a collection of unique native and international plants. Spring features over 500,000 daffodils, magnolia trees, and thousands of tulips; Summer brings out the fuchsia, cannas, and coleus plants. Queen Victoria Park is also home to the “Zimmerman Fountain” which dates back to 1856. This beautiful fountain takes its name from Samuel Zimmerman who came to Canada from Pennsylvania in 1842. He amassed a fortune through a series of lucrative contracts involving the building of the Second Welland canal and various railway lines, allowing him to begin construction of a large estate in what is now Queen Victoria Park. The estate was unfinished when he was killed in a railway accident in March of 1857. This is the last remaining remnant of his estate.
Afternoon
Time for lunch. Head back up Clifton Hill and head to Boston Pizza. This Boston Pizza is unique in that it is located within a 70,000 square foot arcade — the Great Canadian Midway. You’ll find more than 100 delicious menu items perfect for lunch. Whether you are craving pasta, burgers or ribs, you’ll find it served fast and fresh. Sit on the patio or go inside to enjoy a relaxing family meal or catch your favorite team at the sports bar. Click on the image below for our newest online only savings. Spend $40 and get back a $50 dining voucher. It’s that simple.
Convenience (especially with kids) is foremost when you have one day to plan what to do with the family in Niagara Falls on Clifton Hill. Now you have the remainder of the afternoon to do the rest of the attractions featured on the Clifton Hill Fun Pass. The Ghost Blasters Dark Rideand the Wild West Coaster are located in the Great Canadian Midway; on the lower level of Boston Pizza. Do those 2 attractions first. You may find at this point (and especially with toddlers), you and the family may begin to get the “after meal” burnout. This is the perfect opportunity to grab a coffee back at Tim Horton’s, or the Starbucks on the corner of Clifton Hill and Victoria Av., and spend an hour or so playing some arcade games in the Great Canadian Midway, and then redeeming your winning tickets for prizes at the Redemption Centre.
Next up? It’s time for a challenging game of miniature golf. The pass offers you a choice: the outdoor Dinosaur Adventure Golf, or the indoor glow-in-the-dark Wizard’s Golf course. With both courses you will receive 18 holes of golfing fun, with Dinosaur Adventure Golf allowing you to choose your course — there are two courses on this property to choose from! Are you in the mood to travel back to the prehistoric times (including a “live” volcano), or would you like a touch of magic in the indoor world of fantasy and make-believe with Wizard’s Golf? You choose.
Lastly, it’s time to check out the Movieland Wax Museum. As you exit Movieland, you will enter our Fun Factory gift shop which features the Wax Hands Emporium. Here you can make a replica of your own hand made in colourful wax. They make terrific, one-of-a-kind souvenirs!
Ready for a little treat? Now is the time to pick up something to satisfy your sweet tooth at the Fudge Factory. More than just selling fudge, this store makes everything fresh onsite by our candy cooks — this includes goodies such as fudge, cookies, candy apples, sponge toffee, brittle and beernuts, all using traditional recipes. Other treats like strawberries, marshmallows, and pretzels are dipped in chocolate and covered with delicious toppings. There is also an entire wall devoted to candy dispensers with over 50 types of candy and chocolate to choose from. Mix and match a container of your favourites!
For the remainder of your Clifton Hill day, check out other Clifton Hill favorites such as the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum (*newly renovated and reopening in May 2016), Strike! Rock N’ Bowl, and (if you can stomach it — **no young kids!) check out Niagara’s scariest “haunted house” …the Nightmares Fear Factory!
By now, you should be tired and exhausted from an exciting day on Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls. Head into the Canada Trading Company for a massive selection of souvenir choices to bring home to show your family and friends, and to commemorate your day trip to Niagara Falls. There are so many unique, quality items to choose from here, it will be hard to choose. Pick up a book that features all the exciting things there is to do in Niagara Falls, and a postcard on your way out.
With Spring on our tail, we are heading into wedding season. In the Niagara Region in particular, there are so many beautiful places to choose to get wedding photos done.
*Pictured Above: A picturesque scene in the Oakes Garden Theatre*
One of the growing trends in Niagara Falls lately has been to get Niagara engagement and wedding photography done on Clifton Hill. It is the complete opposite of the outdoorsy Spring wedding photography, in that you jump from a quiet setting, and add to it a louder, lights and dazzle element of fun to your photos. I wanted to use this opportunity to showcase a few photos on Clifton Hill so that you can see for yourself some recent photography done in just this manner. You can then determine if taking your Niagara engagement and wedding photography on the “Street of Fun by the Falls” is right for you.
I spoke to Jimmy and Sonya Bender of GreenAutumn Photography and Film (based out of Hamilton, ON.), about why they in particular enjoy sourcing Clifton Hill has a hotspot for this type of photography.
“We really love shooting on Clifton Hill. Experimenting with the lighting that is available from the attractions was SO much fun. We did add some of our own lights as well to add to the environment. We hope to attract couples that enjoy “lifestyle” photography for their weddings, which would allow us to photograph them in areas that are not “usual” locations for engagement and wedding photos,” Jimmy explained.
Here are a just few Clifton Hill engagement photos from their recent shoot with Leanne and Aiden:
GreenAutumn Photography is a husband and wife team influenced by their involvement in music, visual arts, urban character and a passion for the real. They have photographed weddings in many locations in Southern Ontario, as well as across Canada and in 2014 they will be photographing in Costa Rica and Mexico.
They believe that weddings are “as unique and diverse as the couple themselves, and our couples tend to agree.” They believe that while weddings are elegant and classy, they want to highlight that they can also be “edgy, indie, rustic, organic and urban.” Their photography style and captured moments emulate this. They say, “GreenAutumn exists for those desiring to have their wedding captured in an alternatively artistic and candid approach. We are all about documenting real moments, capturing the emotions shared between two people making a commitment to be partnered for life, and their closest family and friends witnessing it, producing images that stir memories years down the road. We make picture taking fun, getting to know the couple and putting them at ease so that we can represent them in the truest manner possible.”
For more information on GreenAutumn Photography please contact Jimmy and Sonya Bender at 905-818-7176 or by email by clicking here.
Reading Time: 6minutes -If you plan on coming to Niagara Falls for the New Year’s Eve festivities, I will provide you with some things you need to know about celebrating New Years in Niagara Falls. This is Canada’s largest FREE New Year’s Eve concert — so expect a busy, fun, and unforgettable evening! Parking
You may have been to the Falls 100 times, but have you ever arrived at the same time as thousands of other people? New Years in Niagara Falls has insane traffic! Please, I can’t stress it enough, expect to arrive and be parked at your destination by 8:30 pm at the latest. Choose a spot close enough to the New Year’s festivities, that is also walking distance from wherever you plan on having dinner, etc. If you plan on seeing the New Year’s Eve concert down at Queen Victoria Park, hopefully you picked a hotel within walking distance to the show. If not, click here and let us help you with a list of nearby hotels complete with a map that pinpoints their location in conjuction to the park, Niagara Falls, and the attractions that you wish to visit. Book a hotel fast!
A parking lot that is close to the concert in the park, both casinos (Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino), and all the main Clifton Hill attractions, is just off Robinson Street. If you enter the parking lot from the back, you will fare much better in getting in quickly — whereas entering at the front (off Clifton Hill) will be difficult depending on your time of arrival. Below, you will find a map of this lot. It is large and extends from the rear of the Niagara SkyWheel all the way to the Skylon Tower. You should have no problem finding a parking spot here, and the wait to leave the property afterwards will be far less than if you were able to find a parking spot along the Niagara Parkway.
Click the image below for directions:
Public Transportation WEGO buses will run from 10:00 am to 3:30 am.
The Falls Incline Railway located across from the Table Rock Centre will also run from 10:00 am to 1:00 am.
For more information on the WEGO system, plus numbers for Niagara Falls taxi services, click here. Avoid long lines if you can when you want to check out the Niagara Falls attractions!
Niagara Falls weather is unpredictable. It will seem even colder next to the Falls, so not only should you remember to dress warmly, but think about what attractions you plan on visiting while you are down here, and try to avoid standing out in the cold for a long period of time.
The free concert festivities will begin at 8:00 pm, with Alan Doyle & The Beautiful Gypsies, Dennis Deyoung (Styx), Down With Webster, and with Tom Cochrane & Red Rider set to headline the night.
Click on the image below for information on the main performers:
Click here for an update on Niagara Falls weather conditions.
Popular attractions such as the Niagara SkyWheelstart getting really busy by 8:30 pm. The first set of fireworks will go off at 9:00 pm (and last set at Midnight), so people will begin to think the same thing and want to be on the SkyWheel to watch the fireworks show. Try to do most of the attractions that you will most likely encounter heavy lines first, if lineups aren’t your thing. So if it’s the Niagara SkyWheel you wish to see, then the best time to arrive is before 8:00 pm, or right after the first fireworks show at approximately 9:30 pm-10:30 pm. Attractions that take a while to finish (such as miniature golf) are definitely attractions to knock off your list first and foremost. Keep in mind, once the firework shows are over and the New Years Eve concert is over, there is always thousands of visitors headed up Clifton Hill at the same time. To lineup for attractions then, or to choose to eat then, will mean longer than usual waits.
Our Clifton Hill attractions will close no earlier than 2:00 am. Click here to find the Hours of Operation for the attractions that you wish to visit.
If you can purchase tickets ahead of time, please do so. This is the beauty of the Clifton Hill Fun Pass. You can purchase it online for the exact same price as buying it at the attractions themselves ($25.95+tax for Adults and $19.95+tax for Children), but you have the added benefit of skipping the cashier lineups, so that you can just go right ahead and lineup at the turnstiles. Also, as an added incentive, you will receive another additional ride on the Niagara SkyWheel for free just for going online to do so. Keep in mind that if you choose to go this route, you will need to print off your confirmation slip and bring a piece of photo ID of the person who bought the passes. You will need this to show only once when you redeem your receipt for the fun pass cards on your first attractions visit. Take the slip to any of the attractions listed in the Clifton Hill Fun Pass to receive your cards. The Clifton Hill Fun Pass includes:
Have a designated “spot”
Upon arrival, choose a unique spot to go in case you get separated by family or friends that you can meet at. For example: In front of the Pharoah atMovieland Wax Museum on Clifton Hill, or in front of the doors leading into Tim Hortons.
Keep your eye on your kids. I’ve seen it all before. Children get so excited by all the lights and action that they can not stand still. All it takes is to simply dig into your wallet to pay for something and they can run off. Always hold their hand or supply them with a cellphone or a walky-talky in case they get lost. If they do get lost, please keep in mind that the Niagara Parkway and the Clifton Hill area in particular are heavily guarded with police officers and the Clifton Hill security patrol at all times. They can easily be found, and if for some reason you can not find an officer, one of the cashiers at any of the attractions have been trained on how to contact them. Let your children know to ask one of them for assistance this New Years in Niagara Falls. Carry the bare minimum
If you are headed down to watch the concert at Queen Victoria Park, remember how big the crowds will be down there. There will literally be thousands and thousands of people watching this spectacular show, so if you can avoid carrying a purse or a wallet with every piece of ID you own in it — DON’T! Leave it somewhere safe. Carry the bare minimum such as the money you need, ONE credit card and your Drivers License. This will avoid it getting lost or stolen. Lastly, be patient and have FUN!
You will have tall people blocking your view. You will have someone step on your feet. You will have someone walk into you. Be patient. Relax, take a deep breath and don’t let little things irritate you. Not many people will get the privilege to be standing next to one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world, so take it all in and enjoy it! New Years in Niagara Falls is an exciting time to be with your family and friends.
No matter where you are, I wish you a Happy New Years Eve and a fantastic beginning to 2016! Stay safe and have FUN!!
Christine Lynn
clynn@cliftonhill.com www.cliftonhill.com
Facebook: www.CliftonHill.com/fb
Twitter: www.CliftonHill.com/twt
Google+: www.CliftonHill.com/gplus Pinterest: www.CliftonHill.com/pin Instagram: @cliftonhillfun
Reading Time: 5minutes -Reasons to take Mom to Niagara Falls for Mother’s Day
Thereis no better place to bring mom than Niagara Falls for Mother’s Day. The weather forecast is starting to warm up, and with so many beautiful spots to take her, you won’t run short of places to take her in this city. In Canada, Mother’s Day is the third largest greeting card holiday (following Valentine’s Day and Christmas), so it’s a big one to show mom that you care. Here’s just a couple of great spots in Niagara Falls to take her…so grab the camera and get ready to treat her to something special! The Butterfly Conservatory:
Located on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, it’s just 10 minutes north of Niagara Falls. The Butterfly Conservatory features over 2000 tropical butterflies that float freely among exotic blossoms and greenery. The paths wind through a tropical environment including gorgeous waterfalls and colorful scenery. It is a self-guided tour and mom will love the peacefulness and tranquility that the building provides. Adults are $13.95 and Children ages 6-12 are $9.10. Children 5 and under are free! The Niagara SkyWheel:
This Mother’s Day, treat mom to a 175 foot ride in the sky inside North America’s largest observation wheel, the Niagara SkyWheel! Rated as one of Trip Advisor’s top Niagara Falls attractions, it’s easy to see why as you will be treated to memorable views of Niagara Falls and the entire landscape. It is a world-class ride that features fully enclosed gondolas, each climate-controlled for your comfort. The Niagara SkyWheel is also wheelchair accessible. There is no better way to snap incredible birds-eye photos than aboard this remarkable structure! Adults are only $10.99 and Children ages 3-12 are $6.99. Children 2 and under are free! Dufferin Islands:
If cost is a factor, Dufferin Islands is a gorgeous park located just minutes from the Horseshoe Falls. It’s the perfect spot to treat mom to a picnic, for children to feed the geese or for a family walk and picture opportunity. The best part? It’s free. It features 10 acres of paradise with several islands connected by bridges and pathways. She will love the scenery, peace and serenity that this hideaway spot will bring. Take Her to Dinner *Pictured Above: Kelsey’s patio is open! Daily entertainment on throughout the Spring and Summer. Mother’s Day performers from 12 pm to 10 pm.*
If you would rather treat mom to lunch or dinner rather than a picnic, take her to where all the excitement is this Mother’s Day; to Clifton Hill! As the “Street of Fun by the Falls”, we feature several restaurant options. Boston Pizza Clifton Hill has a wide selection of gourmet pizzas to choose from, as well as more than 100 other delicious menu items! Niagara’s only Kelsey’s Restaurant is located right at the peak of Clifton Hill, where you will find an extensive menu to please every palate. The patio is open, complete with live entertainment right through the Summer. Mom can relax, eat good food, while listening to the soothing sounds of our talented Niagara guitarists and their contemporary songs. These two options are situated just minutes from Mom’s favourite Niagara attraction of them all, the wonderous Niagara Falls! Hornblower Niagara Cruises
And speaking of the Niagara Falls, while it’s opening date for this season is yet to be announced, tickets for the Hornblower Niagara Cruises can be purchased in advance online. Is there any better gift to give Mom than letting her be one of the first to ride Niagara’s newest attraction this year? As Canada’s only Niagara boat tour, it features two 700-passenger, state-of-the-art catamaran boats that will take Mom on an intimate tour that gets her as close as possible to the Niagara Falls. It begins at the Canadian docks at the base of the Great Gorge, past the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and into the very heart of the famous Horseshoe Falls.
Choose online between these tour options: “Voyage to the Falls Cruise”, “Falls Illumination Cruise”, or the “Falls Fireworks Cruise”. Each cruise is approximately a half hour and will be sure to be a unique and memorable gift for her.
Please contact 905-394-3040 or by email at: info@niagaracruises.com for any inquiries.
All us Mom’s want to spend Mother’s Day with the ones that we love, so there is no better gift than family time. This includes all the fun and excitement that the Clifton Hill Fun Pass brings, complete with the family friendly savings in the wallet! Enjoy the Niagara SkyWheel, Movieland Wax Museum, Dinosaur Adventure Golf or Wizard’s Golf, the all-new Wild West Coaster, Ghostblasters Dark Ride and a few bonus tokens to try your luck at the Great Canadian Midway!
Click on the photo below to get your passes in advance AND get another bonus Niagara SkyWheel admission completely free: Chocolate, Candy and Fudge…OH MY!
Perhaps the best place to purchase a gift on Clifton Hill, and maybe even in Niagara Falls for Mother’s Day is at the Fantasy Fudge Factory! What’s Mother’s Day without chocolate? A visit to the Fantasy Fudge Factory offers over 20 decadent flavours of fudge, candy apples, toffee, brittle, beernuts, candy, chocolate-covered strawberries and so much more!
You can even custom create your own basket for mom as well — they just ask that you come into the store a few days before Mom’s special day to begin preparing a basket that she will love. Here’s an example of a custom basket:
The skies the limit of candy options here, but one thing is for sure….mom will want dessert!
If you are going to spend money this Mother’s Day, why not get something you know that Mom will want? Time with family, a getaway from everyday life and to be treated to something special. Here, you will be provided a bang for your buck; relaxing attractions with breathtaking views, a meal mom won’t have to cook and chocolates all within the beautiful scenery of one of the Greatest Wonders of the World, Niagara Falls!
Looking for an affordable hotel option in Niagara Falls for Mother’s Day? The Comfort Inn Clifton Hill offers affordability, a prime location, and a wide variety of hotel packages that can’t be beat, and are great ideas for Mother’s Day. Packages such at the Niagara Couples Getaway Package and the “Build A Package” are some of your best options. “Build-A-Package” lets you customize a package that you KNOW she will love!
Want more information on the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill and its various hotel packages? Click on the photo below: Happy Mother’s Day!
No doubt when you arrive in Niagara Falls there is no shortage of restaurants. How do you choose? Here are reasons why Niagara Falls family dining is just better at Boston Pizza Clifton Hill!
Location It is right in the heart of Clifton Hill. Clifton Hill is a must-see when you have kids, and you can expect to spend a full day here. For that reason alone, you want to choose a Niagara Falls family dining experience within walking distance. This Boston Pizza has location on its side! Located on the south side of Clifton Hill it is central to the Niagara SkyWheel, Tim Hortons, the Great Canadian Midway, and the Dinosaur Adventure Golf. All of those locations are less than 50 feet away, with the Midway in the same building (on the lower floor).
It’s FUN!! If you are looking for a Niagara Falls family dining restaurant to disconnect and just eat, this isn’t the place! The fun continues here even while you eat. You are surrounded by video games to play as the Great Canadian Midway downstairs spits up more games upstairs. If you arrive during a busy time and you are given a pager to wait, you can do more with your time than simply “sit at the bar and wait”. Grab some tokens available at the various machines in the restaurant and play a game of air hockey, race some cars, or even play “Monster Claw” if you are feeling less adventurous and just want to win a teddy bear. If playing games isn’t for you, just take in the exciting scenery. Wide windows to watch all the action outside surrounds the restaurant, and there are plenty of wide-screen tv’s playing all the sports action games and highlights. The atmosphere can’t be beat!
Where else can you eat and bowl?? https://youtu.be/_HgGy67UIKg
Boston Pizza Clifton Hill and Strike! Rock N Bowl are one and the same! You have 3 options: Bowl before you dine, Bowl while you dine, or bowl after you dine. Located inside this restaurant, but away from the family “sit down” dining, is 14 full-lane bowling lanes, plus eight billiard tables. The bowling welcomes all ages — they offer ramps for the little ones and “bumpers” can be programmed to rise when a toddler plays, and automatically descend when an adult is up to bowl. When you get hungry or thirsty you simply order from a full Boston Pizza food and bar menu, and a server will bring food right to your bowling table. This Boston Pizza includes two bars — one located in the dining area itself, and the other on the bowling side, for your convenience.
The Food While gourmet pizza is Boston Pizza’s claim to fame, you’ll find more than 100 delicious menu items perfect for lunch, dinner or anything in between. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy here; including a gluten-free menu, light options, and a delicious and inexpensive kid’s meal menu.
Birthday Party Packages available No doubt because of all the factors listed above, Boston Pizza Clifton Hill is the perfect place to pool everything together to create the perfect birthday party package for your little one. The restaurant has teamed up with the Great Canadian Midway and Strike! Rock N Bowl to put together party packages your child will have a blast with, such as the Kids Deluxe Party Package and the Kids Ultimate Party Package. Click the image below for several differing party options — for kids AND adults!
Reading Time: 7minutes -*Pictured Above: The Zimmerman/Bush Estate on Clifton Hill (1858-1938)*
This past Sunday, September 7th, I was fortunate enough to attend a guided tour by the Official Historian of the City of Niagara Falls, Sherman Zavitz. He has written widely about local Niagara history and made extensive radio broadcasts on the subject, so I jumped on the chance to learn a little bit specifically about Clifton Hill history. Currently, we all know Clifton Hill as the “Street of Fun by the Falls”; a street jammed with tourists in the Summer and marked by attractions, restaurants, hotels and motels. But how much do you know about its historic significance to Niagara Falls? That’s what I wanted to find out. It was an informative 90-minute tour and I would like to share a few tidbits of information that he presented to us on this tour. *Pictured Above: Sherman Zavitz at the Oakes Garden Theatre*
Clifton Hill’s location essentially started out because of a man named Samuel Zimmerman. Samuel Zimmerman was an American who came to Niagara in 1842 and was a very gifted contractor, and quite possibly one of the best of his time. He made a fortune on projects such as the Second Welland Canal, and was the man behind the building of the Great Western Railroad from Hamilton to Niagara Falls. He was also a primary supporter of the first railway suspension bridge to be built across the Niagara River Gorge.
The “Village of Clifton” was initially a piece of property owned by a man named Captain Ogden Creighton, and the village started laying out buildings and streets in approximately 1832. It was Creighton who gave this future settlement the name “Clifton”, derived from the town of the same name in England. Upon his death in 1837, his wife sold the property to Samuel Zimmerman. He later had the Erie and Niagara Railway routed through this town.
In 1848, Zimmerman purchased land in the “Village of Elgin” (which he named after Lord Elgin, the Governor General of Canada) after the first suspension bridge was built and houses started to span out with its first settlers in the area. This was the area of Niagara Falls that contained Queen Street, Park Street, Huron Street and Morrison Street. In 1856, the boundaries of the Village of Elgin were expanded to include the area of the Table Rock.
In view of this expansion and its subsequent increase in population, the Village of Elgin now had enough citizens to become a town rather than a village. Because the name Elgin had been previously used, the name of the newly formed town was changed to the Town of Clifton in 1856 (it amalgamated with the Village of Clifton). In October of 1881, at the request of its residents, the former Town of Clifton received permission from government to change it’s name to the Town of Niagara Falls. By 1881, the population of the Town of Niagara Falls was 2,623 citizens — a far cry from its population today at approximately 83,000 inhabitants.
Zimmerman created an estate property along the south side of Ferry Hill (now Clifton Hill) that he called “Clifton Place”. On his estate, Zimmerman undertook to create many gardens and several large fountains. He planned to build a mansion that he hoped to live in once it was completed. His estate was bounded by Clifton Hill, the Niagara River, Robinson Street and Ferry Road (now known as Victoria Avenue). Today this property is owned by HOCO (Sir Harry Oakes Company). Unfortunately, Samuel Zimmerman saw only the foundations of his mansion built before he was killed on March 12th 1857 in the Desjardins Canal Railway accident. The train derailed and plunged into the canal killing 59 persons including Samuel Zimmerman. *Pictured Above: “Clifton Place”. The grassy area in the foreground now stands all the attractions on the south side of Clifton Hill (HOCO property)* *Pictured Above: The south side Clifton Hill’s current attractions that now reside on what was once was Zimmerman’s property*
The first buildings that Zimmerman built on his estate were four gatehouses. Each gatehouse was large enough to be a home in itself. A gatehouse was located at each of the four entrances to his 52 acre estate.
Zimmerman also built a large stable for his horses and carriages of imported English yellow brick. The stables continued to exist until the mid 1950’s when the new Park Motor Hotel (currently the Clifton Hill Niagara Falls Hotel) was built. On this tour, Sherman Zavitz pointed out a section of the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill that still has a portion of the foundation of the Clifton Place stables still standing, which visibly shows the same circular small stable windows. *Pictured Above: The Bush Estate Clifton Place stables in 1946 (built in 1856 by Samuel Zimmerman)* *Pictured Above: Sherman Zavitz pointing out the circular stable windows on the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill that still remain (one visible here)*
Upon Zimmerman’s death in 1857, his estate was then taken over by U.S. Senator John T. Bush (the estate included the ownership of the first Clifton Hotel). It was Bush that completed the restoration of the mansion, and even though the Zimmerman/Bush mansion no longer stands, the “Zimmerman Fountain”, a large stone fountain built by Samuel Zimmerman below the moraine (now Queen Victoria Park), remains today:
Senator Bush and his family lived in the mansion for the next 50 years. The view of Niagara Falls was available from the many windows on the upper floors, the balconies and from a little stone turret built into one wing of the mansion.
Following the death of Senator Bush, his daughter Miss Josephine Bush continued to live in the mansion until 1927. In 1928, Miss Bush sold the Bush Estate to Sir Harry Oakes, and the mansion was later torn down by June 1, 1937 (to read all about Sir Harry Oakes click here).
By the time that Sir Harry Oakes purchased this land, tourism was beginning to boom in Niagara Falls and Oakes knew to capitalize on that. Oakes was a Parks Commissioner who donated the piece of land in which the Oakes Garden Theatre currently resides to the Niagara Parks Commission, in exchange for another plot of land located just above the park, which is today the south side of Clifton Hill, with the current large chain of attractions, restaurants and retail outlets still owned and operated by the Oakes family.
Before he made the exchange though, Oakes wanted to create something beautiful. He began to hire individuals such as architect Dunington-Grubb, Stensson, and William Lyon Somerville to create an intricate design of gardens and stone sculptures in 1937. The garden was officially open to the public in 1937 and in memory and in honor of Harry Oakes the garden was named Oakes Garden Theatre to pay tribute to all the hard work and dedication he put into the creation of this new beautiful spot in Niagara to visit. It officially opened on September 18, 1937. Oakes Garden Theatre is fan-shaped, with the stage placed with the Niagara Falls as a natural backdrop.
During our tour we made our way to the Oakes Garden Theatre located at the foot of Clifton Hill and the Niagara Parkway. Zavitz informed us that the two open pavilions were deliberately designed so that one was perfectly aligned on the axis of the Horseshoe Falls, and the other with the American Falls. *Pictured Above: A tiny glimpse into Oakes Garden on September 7th, 2014*
Across from the Oakes Garden (on the south side of Clifton Hill between Falls Avenue and River Road), you can’t help but notice the large beautiful monument that pays tribute to all the veterans from Niagara Falls that lost their lives during WWI, WWII, and the Korean War. This national monument was originally unveiled in 1927 to honour those that died fighting in the First World War, and then was updated in 1982 to include the Second World War and Korea. There are 136 names inscribed on this monument. Zavitz stated that it is important to note that while that number doesn’t seem large, during the time of the First World War, Niagara Falls had approximately 1100 people serve in the war — thus telling us literally on such a large-scale how many men sacrificed their lives that came from Niagara Falls.
Here is a photo from the original unveiling:
There is so much Clifton Hill history to tell, but these are just a few aspects of the tour that were touched upon. If you wish to learn a little bit more about Clifton Hill, along with Niagara Falls history in general, click here for a section within our website that touches on our origins, facts about Niagara Falls, daredevils and even some trivia!
It was a privilege to take part on this tour with Sherman Zavitz, and stay tuned for information on his next tour in Spring 2015.
Reading Time: 3minutes -It’s among one of the most popular trending races going right now brought on by the growing interest of Zombie movies like “World War Z” and “28 Days Later” and the very popular tv show, “Walking Dead”… Zombie races! And now it’s time for Niagara Falls to get infected! Zombie Mud Run Canada will be headed to Haunt Manor at 9387 Lundy’s Lane (Hwy. 20) in Niagara Falls on Saturday, September 13th, 2014!
This is a 5K Zombie-themed race featuring 20 obstacles that you will have to overcome while trying to avoid getting “infected” by Zombies. Almost all Zombie Mud Run Canada obstacles will remain under wraps until the day of the first “outbreak”– no one knows what they are in for. There is one that I can show you that you can expect to see… What Can I Expect?
“Expect to see the best zombies, run through natural scenery, professional sets, water slides, mud pits, and more!” Run for your life through a 5km course, all while dodging the undead, and navigate through a multitude of challenging obstacles designed specifically to slow down your escape from relentless hordes of zombies who are hungry for you! You may register as an individual or as a team, with the first “outbreak” at 10:30 am (this is the first “elite” heat that will be timed for a special zombie prize for the first woman or man to make it to the finish with at least ONE flag remaining). After that, all “outbreaks” will be released every half an hour with no more than 100 runners per heat.
Every runner will be provided with 3 flags. The idea is to run through a 5km course full of Zombies and challenging obstacles with at least 1 flag remaining. The Zombies will try to sneak up on you and steal your flags or “life lines” in order to infect you and turn you into one of them. Once you complete the course, you will be provided with a medal. The majority of entrants (approximately statistics of up to 80% according to Phil Vankleef, coordinator of Zombie Mud Run Canada) will finish with an “infected” medal — while only about 20% of entrants will be powerful enough to finish the race with a “survivor” medal. You will really need to challenge your persistence and agility, and you are encouraged to register in teams to greatly increase your chances of survival by helping your teammates complete the obstacles.
When you have completed Zombie Mud Run Canada, you will be treated to an after party. Be rewarded with a t-shirt, medal, a complimentary drink and live music and entertainment.
The evening will be all yours to explore Niagara Falls afterwards. Head down to Clifton Hill and continue with all the fun and excitement, because we are happy to report discounts for all entrants. When you pick up your race day kit on September 13th, you will also be given one of our “VIP Savings Cards”. Simply show these cards on Clifton Hill and you will receive: 30% off at: Niagara SkyWheel Dinosaur Adventure Golf or Wizard’s Golf Movieland Wax Museum of the Stars Ghostblasters Dark Ride XD Theatre 15% 0ff at: Boston Pizza Clifton Hill (excluding alcohol) Kelsey’s Clifton Hill (excluding alcohol) Clifton Hill Fun Pass 10% off at: Wendy’s Clifton Hill Fudge Factory Fun Factory Canada Trading Company FREE:
Complimentary Admission into Rumours Nightclub How Much Does It Cost and How Do I Register? *Parking is FREE and race day registration opens at 8:00 am* Participant: Single Entry: $66 (August 1-30th, 2014), $70 (August 31-September 6th, 2014), $79 (September 7-13th, 2014). Teams of 4-9 people: $61 (August 1-30th, 2014), $66 (August 31-September 6th, 2014), $75 (September 7-13th, 2014). Teams of 10+: $57 (August 1-30th, 2014) , $61 (August 31-September 6th, 2014), $70 (September 7-13th, 2014). Click here for Online Registration. **If you wish to volunteer, register as a zombie, or even enter the course as a spectator, click here to find out more information on those packages.**
For more information on Zombie Mud Run Canada please visit them online at www.zombiemudruncanada.com or email at info@zombiemudruncanada.com.
“Like” Zombie Mud Run Canada on Facebook to stay informed of the most up-to-date information and event details!
Christine Lynn
Reading Time: 2minutes -Kelsey’s Niagara entertainment is back! With the warmer weather comes the opening of our patio and its daily entertainment featuring our talented musical guests. Sit back, relax, order some food and drinks, and take in the sights and sounds of Clifton Hill and listen to our musical acts perform live on a daily basis.
Here is our daily schedule of our musical acts from Monday, September 22nd, 2014 – Sunday, September 28th, 2014.
Come on out and enjoy yourselves and listen to some great Niagara Entertainment! Monday, September 22nd, 2014: Live entertainment from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm:
Mike Saracino Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014: Live entertainment from 6:00pm – 10:00pm:
Paul Gigliotti Wednesday, September 24th, 2014: Live entertainment from 6:00pm – 10:00pm:
Phil Lynett Thursday, September 25th, 2014: Live entertainment from 6:00pm – 10:00pm:
Phil Lynett Friday, September 26th, 2014: Live entertainment from 5:00pm – 9:00pm, 10:00pm – 2:00am:
Phil Lynett, David Cassibo Saturday, September 27th, 2014: Live entertainment from 12:00pm – 4:00pm, 5:00pm – 9:00pm, and 10:00pm – 2:00am:
Joe Sacco, Phil Lynett (*5:00 pm – 2:00 am*) Sunday, September 28th, 2014: Live entertainment from 12:00pm – 4:00pm, 6:00pm – 10:00pm:
Paul Gigliotti, Nathan Warriner
See you there, we look forward to having you come and enjoy yourselves!
Reading Time: 5minutes -It’s not that far away! Whether you are looking for a place to party on Halloween in Niagara Falls, or you are looking for a place to take the kids, here is a list of spooky, fun, terrifying and exciting Niagara Falls Halloween events: Rumours Night Club Rumours Night Club will be hosting its annual Halloween party on Thursday, October 31, 2013! This is a free cover event where everyone is encouraged to dress in their best costumes for a chance to win $500 in cash! Ladies, your theme is erotic while men are encouraged to dress exotic. Dance and drink the night away to the best tunes spun by DJ Oz E! A laser light show and a massive dance floor filled with Niagara’s hottest people await!
Please no drinking and driving! Rumours Night Club is conveniently attached to the Clifton Hill Niagara Falls Hotel that offers cheap, affordable room rates with their “Weekly Deals” packages. With this being one of the Niagara Falls Halloween events that actually falls on Halloween (Thursday), you can take advantage of this hotel package and for a limited time you can get 15% off a room that is already at a discounted cost compared to other Niagara Falls hotels in the Clifton Hill vicinity. Click here for details and the online reservation system. Boston Pizza Clifton Hill
The day AFTER Halloween, Boston Pizza Clifton Hill invites you to party it up with costume prizes, $5.00 Pumpkin Ale and $4.00 Jager shots drink specials and so much more! Friday night on Clifton Hill in always a party, so expect a wild night! Howell’s Family Pumpkin Farm
Where to begin? Bring the entire family to Howell’s Family Pumpkin Farm located at 2878 Holland Rd., in Fonthill. Everyone is only $5.95+tax to enter with the exception of children 2 and under being FREE. What is there to do here? LOTS. For starters, who doesn’t want to take advantage of pumpkin slingshot?? Wagon rides, a corn maze, rubber ducky races, a haunted spooky barn, zombie graveyard, haystack jumping, viewing an animal farm and of course pumpkin picking are just some of the things to do at Howell’s! Check out this video: Haunt Manor
Located at 9387 Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls at Campark, Haunt Manor is NOT recommended for children under the age of 8, so keep little Johnny at home for this one. Through the Battle of 1812, this legitimately haunted house was inhabited by the Pew family. The house is over 200 years old and when the family mysteriously disappeared several years after the war, sightings of paranormal activity became rampant at this address. Today, a series of haunted houses and hayrides are offered on this property and was voted #1 in Ontario for the best haunted attraction and hayride facility. There are 9 frightening attractions and its open weekends until November 1st. Hours are 7pm-11pm and Sunday’s 7-10pm. Fort George Ghost Tours
Niagara-on-the-Lake is commonly referred to as the most haunted town in Canada due to its history and battles on the land. The most prevalent tales of paranormal activity surround Fort George. There have been hundreds of reports of ghost sightings here ranging from the benevolent spirit of a little girl named Sarah Ann to a more ominous presence simply known as “The Watcher”. The Fort George Ghost Tours is the longest-running ghost walk in the Niagara Region. Candlelight ghost tours of Fort George are offered on October 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 30th and 31st. The tours start at 7:00, 7:15 and 7:30pm and resume at 10:00, 10:15 and 10:30pm. If you are interested in purchasing tickets for these Niagara Falls Halloween events at Fort George, please call 905-468-6621. Warner Ranch and Pumpkin Farm
Okay, back to kid-friendly Niagara Falls Halloween events LOL! Warner Ranch and Pumpkin Farm offers pumpkins of every shape and size as well as corn stalks, apples, squash and Indian corn to complete your Fall and Halloween decorating needs. They are open daily from 8:00am to 8:00pm and it is FREE to enter. For the kiddies, there is a petting zoo, pony rides and a corn maze for $2 each. Belgian horse-drawn hay rides are also available on weekends only, from 10:00am to 4:00pm for $2 as well. Not recommended for younger children, there is also a haunted hayride held October 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th and 26th with the first ride going out at 7:00 pm with the last ride departing at 10:45 pm.
Of course, you can head to Clifton Hill year-round for a good fright! Haunted houses such as the House of Frankenstein, Dracula’s Haunted Castle, the Haunted House, Screamers Niagara and the immensely popular Nightmares Fear Factory are all good fun and are all located right in the heart of the tourism district on Clifton Hill and Victoria Avenue.
Kids and adults will both love the Ghostblasters Dark Ride located in the Great Canadian Midway, where you head through a black-lit haunted hotel in a car on a track. Play against an opponent with laser guns and shoot ghosts and targets for bragging rights and a “spooky” good time! Upgrade to the Clifton Hill Fun Pass and get an additional 4 attractions on Clifton Hill plus tokens for the arcade at half the retail value!
There is a plethora of exciting Niagara Falls Halloween events this month to take advantage of — be sure to visit any (or all!) of these attractions this Halloween 2013!
Christine www.cliftonhill.com
Facebook: www.CliftonHill.com/fb
Twitter: www.CliftonHill.com/twt
Google+: www.CliftonHill.com/gplus
Discover the latest news & events in Niagara Falls
