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10 Best Places For Scenic Views In Niagara Falls

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Do you wish to take home some stunning photos from your trip here? Here are 10 of the best places for incredible seasonal scenic views in Niagara Falls.

#1 Skylon Tower

Cost: $18/Adult and $9/Child

You will be 775 feet high when you do the “Ride-to-the-Top” at the Skylon Tower. You will get an incredible 360° view of the Niagara Falls and the surrounding landscape via the Indoor/Outdoor Observation Decks. The elevators are also glass-enclosed. See the Falls, the Great Gorge, and even the city skylines of Buffalo, New York and Toronto!

#2 Oakes Garden Theatre

Cost: FREE

The Oakes Garden Theatre offers a few differing spots to get great photos of the Niagara Falls. The park is located at the bottom of Clifton Hill and the Niagara Parkway/River Road, and provides scenic views from the benches (as shown). It is also built in a shape in which at any point within a pergola built at the top of the park, you will be presented with a panoramic view of the Falls. It connects two open pavillions where one delivers a picturesque view of the Horseshoe Falls, and the other of the American Falls.

#3 Niagara Helicopters

Cost: from $185/Adult and $113/Child 

For a one-of-a-kind adventure, the Niagara Helicopters is the way to go! Every photo you take will be awe-inspiring, with views of the Niagara Falls, the Sir Adam Beck Generating plant, the Botanical Gardens, the Niagara River from the Whirlpool area, the Rainbow Bridge and beyond!

#4 Niagara SkyWheel

Cost: $15/Adult and $7/Child

The Niagara SkyWheel offers panoramic views of the Niagara Falls and beyond from 175 feet off the ground from the top of Clifton Hill. From this vantage point you will be treated to memorable views of the Horseshoe and American Falls, the Niagara River, Niagara Parks and other landmarks. The gondolas are also climate-controlled.

#5 Table Rock Welcome Centre

Cost: FREE

The Table Rock Welcome Centre features a mixture of Gift Shops, the Elements Restaurant, the Journey Behind the Falls and Niagara’s Fury attractions. Inside this centre, there is a two-level indoor viewing gallery called the “Grand Hall”, where visitors are treated to an up-close view of the Falls.

#6 Journey Behind the Falls

Cost: $19.00/Adult and $12.50/Child

Journey Behind the Falls attraction gives you the opportunity to descend 150 feet through bedrock to tunnels that will overlook experiencing the Horseshoe Falls from directly underneath the cascading Falls!

#7 The Niagara Glen

Cost: FREE (but be very careful and wear the appropriate gear)

The Niagara Glen offers an opportunity to view the natural, rugged beauty of the region through trails, rock climbing, and close access to the Niagara River. Direct access to the Niagara Glen trails is found at the highest part of the gorge, where a metal staircase sits at the edge of the cliff. The Glen overlooks the Niagara River Gorge Whirlpool.

#8 Whirlpool Aero Car

Cost: $19/Adult and $12.50/Child
*Open Seasonally April – November*

Get out your pictures for a beautiful shot of the Niagara Gorge from the Whirlpool Aero Car. As you soar across the torrent of water below, you will witness one of the world’s most frightening natural phenomena’s, the Niagara Whirlpool below. The car travels safely between two different points of the Niagara River. the trip is slightly more than 1 kilometre (3,600 feet).

#9 Queen Victoria Park/Niagara Parkway

Cost: FREE

Of course, there’s no better place for a free view of the Niagara Falls than along the Niagara Parkway at Queen Victoria Park! Whether you are taking a stroll along the pathway, checking out the Zimmerman fountain, sunbathing in the grassy field, or purchasing tickets from the Hornblower landing, you are offered a first-class view of the Falls from here. The park also features a major stone garden, a Hybrid tea rose garden, and attractive carpet bed displays.

#10 Niagara City Cruises (Hornblower)

Cost: From $33.50/Adult and $23.50/Child

Niagara City Cruises is an intimate tour that gets you as close as possible to the breathtaking flow of water, power and mist that is the magnificent Niagara Falls. Within the Niagara Great Gorge you will journey past the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and into the very heart of the famous Horseshoe Falls. Grab a camera and get some amazing shots!

List, News, Things To Do, Travel

Top Places To Capture Great Firework Photos In Niagara Falls

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Embark on an extraordinary photography adventure in Niagara Falls during the 2023/2024 fireworks season!

Immerse yourself in a magical evening in Niagara Falls, where majestic fireworks light up the sky, casting a mesmerizing glow over the iconic American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Witness the enchanting fusion of nature’s beauty and captivating pyrotechnics. Let the sights and sounds of this breathtaking spectacle ignite your sense of wonder and admiration.

FIREWORKS SCHEDULE 2023/2024

  • December: 1,2,8,9,15,16, 22 – 30 at 8:00pm
  • December 31: (NYE) at 8:00 pm and 12:00am (midnight)
  • January: 1-7 at 8:00pm

#1 Along the Niagara Parkway

When the fireworks go off, any location along the Niagara Parkway from the bottom of Clifton Hill to the Table Rock Complex will get you a one-of-a-kind view! The route is fully illuminated along this stretch of the Niagara Parkway to the Horseshoe Falls.

#2 Dino Adventure Golf

The best mini-putt experience in Niagara Falls is Dinosaur Adventure Golf! Play through this dinosaur-filled prehistoric realm to experience an exhilarating and never-to-be-forgotten mini-putting adventure. Dinosaur Adventure Golf enables participants to fully immerse themselves in a fascinating world of the lost, making it the ideal activity for families, friends, couples, or business outings.

#3 Skylon Tower

No matter the season, the Skylon Tower offers fantastic views of the fireworks via 775 feet up in the air! Take the elevator up to the Observation Deck, and take in the 360 degree view for miles in every direction. You will get a view of Niagara Falls, the Niagara River, and even the Toronto Skyline and Buffalo on the American side.

#4 Queen Victoria Park

Probably the best place of all to witness the fireworks is at Queen Victoria Park. The park is spacious, and you are welcome to bring your lawnchairs and sit back and relax. During the Winter Festival of Lights, the scene is extra pretty with trees decked out in festive lights, and the historic Zimmerman Fountain in dazzling lights. It’s a magical Christmas-time view.

#5 Rainbow Bridge

You’ll get a phenomenal view of the fireworks from this standpoint on the Rainbow Bridge. Absolutely no obstructions will be in the picture looking out over the Niagara River between the Canadian and US border. Make sure you have .50 cents to cross from the Canadian to American side. There is a coin machine next to the turnstile to make change. You do not show your passport/visa until you arrive on the American side from Canada.

#6 Niagara SkyWheel

The Niagara SkyWheel soars 175 feet above the peak of Clifton Hill, allowing an even higher perspective to look out over the Niagara Falls. This gives you an incredible view of the fireworks show as you rotate. You will need to time yourself to be on the ride when the fireworks occur, so we recommend that you buy tickets and get in line approximately 20 minutes to a half hour before the show begins.

#7 Niagara City Fireworks Night Cruise

Niagara City Cruises offers great views, when you board the Falls Fireworks Cruise. There is nothing that can compare to the sight of fireworks going off over Niagara Falls to make your trip memorable. Take a 40-minute Falls Fireworks Cruise to view Niagara Falls at night, which departs from Canada’s Niagara Falls. Set sail for starry skies, expansive views of the skyline, breathtaking illuminations, and, of course, sky-filling fireworks.

#8 Oakes Garden Theatre

This spectacular garden is the entranceway to Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Parks’ centerpiece that showcases the Falls. Located at the foot of Clifton Hill, this is the perfect spot for a superb panoramic view of the American and Horseshoe Falls. This spectacular garden is the entranceway to Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Parks’ centerpiece that showcases the Falls. 

Prepare to be captivated by the Falls Fireworks Series, a renowned event presented by Niagara Parks that showcases over 100 dazzling fireworks displays annually.

Attractions, Events, News, Things To Do

Canada Day 12 Hour Guide

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Canada Day Guide

Uncover the ultimate guide to ensure you have the most incredible Canada Day weekend in Niagara Falls. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll unlock the secrets to making the absolute most of celebrating Canada’s 156th birthday. Get ready for an array of thrilling family day activities that will leave you exhilarated. And of course, don’t forget about Clifton Hill, the ultimate destination for unforgettable family fun. From heart-pounding adventures to cherished moments, Niagara Falls has it all. Follow this guide to create lasting memories and experience the true essence of Canada Day in the breathtaking setting of Niagara Falls.

Find a Place to Park

The first step to having a fantastic day on the hill is finding a convenient place to park. Thankfully, our new lot boasts over 700 parking spaces located just steps away from Niagara’s best attractions. Of course, the earlier you can get into the lot means you’ll get your pick of the crop. For more information on our parking lot- click here.

Get Some Breakfast

Chances are that this is going to be a very full and exciting day for you and your family and friends. In order to keep yourself energized to make the most out of the day you’re going to want to fuel up with a healthy and hearty breakfast. Your options for breakfast are plentiful with Wendy’s and Tim Hortons located conveniently for all of your breakfast (and caffeine needs).

Head to Canada Trading for Some Canadian Gear

The Canadian Trading Company is fully stocked with tons of gear to deck you out in the best white and red accessories and outfits. Here at CTC you’ll be able to find a huge selection of t-shirts, sweaters, baseball caps, temporary tattoos, stickers, and of course…Canadian flags.

Once everyone has got all of their swag on, it’s a great time to whip out the phones and cameras and find the best spots on Clifton Hill to take photos. Pro tip- look for our zombie friend, a giant ice cream cone, and huge dinosaurs!

Join the Canada Day Festival

The Niagara Falls Canada Day parade is one of the biggest celebrations for Canada’s birthday in the whole province! Months of planning goes into organizing this epic event. The festival runs from 11:00 am to 4:00pm is located at Firemans Park located on the north end of Niagara Falls off Mountain Street. For more information on the festival and events, click here.

Gaze at the Falls from the SkyWheel

The Niagara SkyWheel is one of the best ways to see the Falls…especially at night during Fireworks and the Falls Illumination. Each gondola is climate controlled so you can have the most pleasurable experience possible. The Illumination Board are the wonderful people behind the beautiful colours that light up the Falls at night. This July 1st, the Falls will be lit from 8:30pm to 2am in various colours and at the top of every hour for 15 minutes, they will be lit red and white for Canada Day. There will also be spectacular fireworks setting off at 10pm the evening of Canada Day.

Race Down the Speedway

Arguably one of Clifton Hill’s most popular attractions in the Speedway. Part go-kart race part coaster ride, this attraction is for everyone in the family to enjoy. It’s the perfect activity to partake in before lunch because all of that adrenaline and competitive energy is sure to get you hungry.

Find a Patio and Eat Outside

Now that summer is officially here, we’ve opened up both of our outdoor patios. Both Kelsey’s and Boston Pizza have great outdoor seating options where you can enjoy the summer breeze and do some memorable people watching of other families and groups of friends enjoying their long weekend adventures. Both restaurants have comprehensive menus full of options that anyone no matter their dietary restrictions that be satisfied. The kid’s menu are sure to take into account picky eaters too!

Get Your Game on at the Great Canadian Midway

When you buy our Midway Token Deal online, you’ll get a bounty of tokens to use at the Great Canadian Midway! This huge arcade centre is home to hundreds of arcade games- classics and brand new state of the art games. Play to win those special golden tickets to redeem for prizes!

Go On a Golfing Adventure!

Mini-golf is a fan favorite for long weekend adventures and we know exactly why- because it’s so much fun. Dinosaur Adventure golf offers two, 18-hole courses take you back in time where you’ll befriend (or protect yourself from) huge, life like dinos. Its also great for some friendly competition among your family and friends.

Dine Out on the Hill!

Conclude your day with a culinary delight at one of our premier Niagara Falls restaurants. Indulge your taste buds at renowned establishments like Boston Pizza, Kelsey’s, Wendy’s, or Tim Hortons. The best part? You can savor your meal without the stress of cooking or cleaning. Sit back, relax, and relish the exquisite flavors as our expert chefs work their magic. Treat yourself to a hassle-free dining experience and savor the satisfaction of a delicious meal served with utmost convenience. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable culinary journey during your visit to Niagara Falls.

Catch the Fireworks

Canada Day would ever be complete without a fantastic fireworks show! During the long weekend, there will be a fireworks Canada Day evening starting promptly at 10:00 pm. Watch the sky light up with epic colors and shapes in a wonderful Canada Day event of illumination displays and lights!

Events

Fleurs de Villes Arriving in Niagara Falls

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September 24 – October 3, 2021

The Fleurs de Villes event means “Flowers of the Cities”. It runs from September 24th – October 3rd, 2021, and this event showcases local artists to create remarkable works of art using their vision and floral arrangements. It also brings together local businesses to beautiful Niagara Falls.

This is a safe, socially spaced, and self-explored celebration of Niagara’s top floral talent. This event will be freely open to the public and feature more than 25 fresh floral installations, including interactive displays and Fleurs de Villes’ famous floral mannequins. Grab your camera and get snapping!

Fleurs de Villes Installation Locations

Installations are on display for viewing September 24 to October 3 from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm (ending at 6:00 pm on October 3rd).

Marilyn Monroe Mannequin, Rambler’s Rest, 5920 Niagara Pkwy

Created by The Florium

Floral Railings, Niagara Parks Police Station, 6075 Niagara Pkwy

Created by Feeder Flower Farm

Queen Victoria Park, Enjoy the park plantings and flowers

Queen Victoria Mannequin, Queen Victoria Place Restaurant, 6345 Niagara Pkwy

Created by The Village Flower

Bell Media Phone Booth, Queen Victoria Place Restaurant, 6345 Niagara Pkwy

Created by The Village Flower

Orange Floral Hoop in Remembrance of the Residential School Children, Illumination Tower, 6345 Niagara Pkwy

Created by Petals Floral Design & Staging

Floral ‘Mini-Maison’ Doorway, South of Illumination Tower, 6345 Niagara Pkwy

Created by Beaux Florals

Floral Frame of the Falls, Lookout across street from Queen Victoria Place

Created by Roses + Twine Floral Studio

Maiden of the Mist Mannequin, Table Rock Centre, 6650 Niagara Pkwy

Created by Petrullo Floral Design Studio

Ketel One Botanical Floral Rainbow at the Falls, Table Rock Centre, 6650 Niagara Pkwy

Created by Lena’s Floral Designs

Floral Pathway to the Power Station, Niagara Parks Power Station, 7005 Niagara Pkwy

Created by Fleurs de Villes Fleuristes de Maison

Three Sisters Indigenous Mannequin, Niagara Parks Power Station, 7005 Niagara Pkwy

Created by Fleurs de Villes Fleuristes de Maison

The Floral Showhouse | 7145 Niagara Pkwy

Beautiful florals and pop-up programming and demonstrations (see special events)

Fresh Floral Mailbox, Starbucks Patio, Murray St in front of Skylon Tower

Created by Miechelle Maclachlan

Floral Skylon Tower, Skylon Tower, 5200 Robinson St

Created by Miechelle Maclachlan

Floral Butterfly, Promenade from Murray St to Robinson St

Created by VonMar Floral Boutique 

Floral Wreath, Promenade from Murray St to Robinson St

Created by The Florium

Floral Forest Trail, Promenade from Murray St to Robinson St

Created by Fleurs de Villes Fleuristes de Maison

Swinging Mannequin, Promenade from Murray St to Robinson St

Created by VonMar Floral Boutique 

The Flour Mill Restaurant Floral Patio Benches, The Old Stone Inn, 6080 Fallsview Blvd

Created by The Watering Can

The Old Stone Inn Floral Fountain, The Old Stone Inn, 6080 Fallsview Blvd

Created by The Watering Can

Red Ganache Floral Cake, Red Ganache Bakery, 5592 Robinson St

Created by Roses + Twine Floral Studio

Holiday Inn Floral Swing, Holiday Inn, 5339 Murray St

Created by Juniper Floral Studio

Floral Heart, Fallsview Casino Resort, 380 Fallsview Blvd

Created by Beaux Florals

Floral Maple Leaf, Corso, 6361 Fallsview Blvd

Created by Bella’s & Blooms

Hilton Rainbow Mannequin, Hilton Hotel (inside), 6361 Fallsview Blvd

Created by Crescent Garden Floral Ltd.

Niagara Floral Market Stall, Parking lot at the corner of Fallview Blvd and Main St 

Created by Fleurs de Villes Fleuristes de Maison

Vinny’s Floral Bike, My Cousin Vinny’s, 6541 Main St

Created by The Green House Floral Bar

Zappi’s Floral Tomato Truck, Zappi’s Pizza & Pasta, 6663 Stanley Ave

Created by Fleurs de Villes Fleuristes de Maison

Floral Bench & Basket, Comfort Inn, 6645 Fallsview Blvd

Created by Fleurs de Villes Fleuristes de Maison

Fallsview Mannequin #1, Oakes Hotel, 6546 Fallsview Blvd

Created by Urban Jungle

Fallsview Mannequin #2, Embassy Suites, 6688 Fallsview Blvd

Created by Urban Jungle

Marriott Fallsview Bride Mannequin, Marriott Fallsview (inside), 6740 Fallsview Blvd

Created by Sunstrum’s Florist

Radisson Floral Bear, Radisson Hotel & Suites (inside), 6733 Fallsview Blvd

Created by Yearn to Urn

Fresh Floral Bench, Marriott on the Falls, 6755 Fallsview Blvd

Created by Bloom & Co.

Marriott on the Falls Floral Staircase, Marriott on the Falls, 6755 Fallsview Blvd

Created by Bloom & Co. 

Fleurs de Villes is managed by a talented team of women and is a Canadian-owned international luxury experiential brand.

It has created over 37 floral shows in the past 5 years, in 17 cities in 3 countries.

For more information, please visit www.fleursdevilles.com

Attractions, List, Things To Do, Travel

5 Ways To Relax on Clifton Hill

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Reading Time:  3 minutes -There’s no doubt about it, Clifton Hill is the place to go for anticipation and excitement in Niagara Falls. What if you wish to relax? We have that too! Here are 5 ways to relax on Clifton Hill.

#1. KELSEYS Original Roadhouse

After a day of viewing the Niagara Falls, trying out all our attractions and checking out our shopping facilities, you’ll want to rest your feet — and most probably fill up your bellies. That’s what KELSEYS Original Roadhouse is there for! Share some apps (here’s our faves), grab a drink, and check out our extensive menu. Our patio has live entertainment daily throughout the Summer to enjoy, and we feature comfortable booths reminiscent of being at home. Conveniently located at the top of Clifton Hill and Victoria Avenue, across from the Niagara Speedway.

#2. Boston Pizza Clifton Hill

Another optimal spot to sit and relax is at Boston Pizza Clifton Hill. Pull up a seat and enjoy an open air view from our covered patio, or inside with over 50 big screen TV’s featuring your favorite sporting events. This is one of Canada’s best spots to lounge and de-stress after a long day. Our location also features arcade games for the kids to play as you wait for your food to arrive, as well as a full-lane bowling alley at Strike! Rock N Bowl.

#3. Niagara SkyWheel

The Niagara SkyWheel is phenomenal to kick back and enjoy the views in comfort. Climate-controlled, with soothing music and not to mention a visual paradise, the gondolas can accommodate 6-8 people — or go by yourself! It’s up to you. Don’t forget your camera!

#4. Oakes Garden Theatre

It’s a gem on Clifton Hill! Located at the very bottom of the street and along the Niagara Parkway is this little piece of Niagara Falls history. This is a beautifully maintained garden called the Oakes Garden Theatre. It is the perfect spot for a superb panoramic view of the American and Horseshoe Falls. It includes a distinctive pergola wall, lush gardens and beautiful, colorful flowers. A quaint little bridge that leads to a lily pond adds a little serenity and magic to a park that was welcomed to the Niagara Falls Arts & Culture Wall of Fame in 2011.

#5. Queen Victoria Park

Feel like packing a picnic lunch? No worries! The bottom of Clifton Hill enters into the gateway of Queen Victoria Park. Come here for a picnic, to rest your legs, to experience the best view of the Falls and fireworks shows, or for a leisurely walk along the pathways. There is no admission cost for the park, as it is free for everyone to appreciate and enjoy. Ample parking can be found at Clifton Hill’s main parking lot, just a 5 minute walk away.

News

Tips for Celebrating New Years in Niagara Falls

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Reading Time:  6 minutes -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 SkyWheel start 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 at Movieland 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
 
 

News

Niagara Helicopters: My Journey High in the Sky!

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Reading Time:  5 minutes -*Pictured Above: Just one of many photos I took from the Niagara Helicopters on June 4, 2015
Yesterday I did something I never imagined was going to happen as part of my day. I went on the Niagara Helicopters!
As many local residents are now aware, the Niagara Helicopters and Airbus Helicopters have partnered up; unveiling 4 brand new H130 aircrafts. This new fleet of helicopters will be used for sightseeing, aerial surveillance and charter flight.
According to Romain Trapp, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Helicopters, they are the quietest helicopter on the market and will reduce noise by 50%. Its Fenestron tail rotor and automatic variable rotor speed control result in a significantly reduced external sound.
**Click here for the whole story on the partnership.
Due to the arrival of these new helicopters, I wanted to go and take some pictures of the aircraft and post them on our Clifton Hill – Niagara Falls Fun Facebook page, to show our viewers these new vessels for any future trip planning activities. Not only was I able to take pictures of the Niagara Helicopters, but they were nice enough to offer me a tour — so I jumped on the chance, and I’m so glad that I did! Having worked within the tourism industry for a number of years, this is one of those Niagara Falls attractions I had yet to try.
My Experience on the Niagara Helicopters

**Click here to follow them on Facebook**
I’m not going to lie, I was a little apprehensive at first as I’ve never been in a helicopter before, and I’ve watched too many action movies with helicopters with no doors. I assure you, it is NOTHING like that! Each helicopter holds six passengers plus the pilot, for a total of seven people…and yes, it is all enclosed!
I was originally scheduled to ride at 10:30 am, but the cloudy conditions said otherwise. The Niagara Helicopters will not ride in cloudy or dark conditions due to visibility. Not only as a safety factor, but to make the most out of your pictures. I was told to periodically keep calling back for the weather condition updates. By 1:00 pm I received word that they were ready the fly, so off I went with my camera for the chance of a lifetime!
The Niagara Helicopters is located at 3731 Victoria Avenue in Niagara Falls (at the Niagara River Parkway). Phone number: 905-357-5672 or 1-800-281-8034
When I arrived and received my ticket, you are welcome to tour their souvenir store that offers merchandise such as “Made in Canada” souvenirs (clothing, books, maple products, jewellery, etc.), convenience items such as stamps, film and batteries, phone cards, and (of course) who would want to leave this experience without some helicopter-themed goodies? They offer die-cast models, postcards, DVD’s of the flight, and much more.

Once you have received your ticket, you may line-up at the boarding dock at any point. There is no set schedule — you simply line-up when you are ready, and one of the four helicopters on flight will pick you up. Each helicopter leaves between every 2-10 minutes (depending on the number of passengers waiting). The flight covers 27 kilometers (17 miles) with a flight duration between 9-12 minutes. Due to the fact that the Niagara Helicopters opened a little later in the day because of the weather, and there was a Korean tour group ahead of me, I had a little bit of a wait at approximately 20 minutes — not a big deal at all. I enjoyed watching the helicopters land and take off.

In no time, it was my turn, and I handed over my boarding pass and was seated up front with the pilot. There is an assistant that helps you in the helicopter, buckles you in, and hands you headphones to not only drown out the noise, but to also play commentary on what you are seeing as you fly; complete with trivia and facts about the Niagara Helicopter ride.
The commentary is available in 12 different languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Thai, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean and Russian.
The helicopter gently lifts off from the Victoria Avenue location, with awe-inspiring views of the Niagara Region beginning to appear below.
Beginning with the Sir Adam Beck Generating plant and the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture, the tour follows the Niagara River from the Whirlpool area (look for Whirlpool Aero Car crossing the gorge), over the Whirlpool Rapids and the Rainbow Bridge. Then, you cross over the floral beauty of Queen Victoria Park, and soon the helicopter passes by the American Falls and the Skylon Tower. Then the helicopters followed the curve of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, which was incredible to say the least! Rainbows appeared (which I captured on camera). The helicopter then leveled off and continued along the route back to base.
Features of the Niagara Helicopters Experience include:

  • The ride of a lifetime
  • Individual headsets with taped commentary available in 12 languages
  • Family & Group rates available
  • Large windows, ideal for the avid photographer
  • On-site services include cafe, professional Niagara photo services, & gift shop
  • All major credit cards accepted
  • Gift certificates available

 
Flights depart daily from 9:00 am until sunset, weather permitting.
Below is a quick video of the pictures that I took and a couple of moments of video to share during my experience. Enjoy!

When I exited the helicopter you enter into a room that features pictures of you on take off. There are photographers that take your picture before you board the helicopter, and also after you are all buckled in and awaiting flight. These pictures are processed immediately afterwards and they are available for purchase by the time you exit the ride. You may take home one of these picture souvenirs as a memory of your flight. However, if you do not wish to purchase a photo, everyone is given a certificate of flight that is signed and witnessed.
This was without a doubt, one of my favourite things to do in Niagara Falls and I encourage everyone to try it out!
For more information or to book your flight in advance, visit them online at www.niagarahelicopters.com 
**Walk-in’s are welcome.**

Pictured Above: Me and my certificate of flight! 

Christine Lynn

clynn@cliftonhill.com

www.cliftonhill.com

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Onguiaahra: Thunder of Waters Display

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Reading Time:  2 minutes -Head to Queen Victoria Park from Friday, August 22nd to Monday, September 1st, 2014 for a very special Laser & Light show called “Onguiaahra: Thunder of Waters“.


This event happens at the foot of Murray Street in Queen Victoria Park with a large fountain display that will be set up across from the American Falls. Expect to see a fountain of an ever-changing multitude of colours that will reflect off the spraying water to sights and sounds to astonish and mesmerize the whole family!
There will be THREE shows nightly at these times:
*8:15 pm
*9:15 pm
*10:15 pm
What makes this extra exciting, is that the Onguiaahra: Thunder of Waters will commence before the Coca-Cola concert series (8 pm) and the Niagara Falls Fireworks displays (10 pm — the final Onguiaahra show will take place directly after the 10:00 pm fireworks). These firework shows take place every day of the week from August 24th to September 1st (except Saturday’s: August 23rd & August 30th)!
For the full nightly Illumination and Fireworks schedule click here for our Events page.
Looking for parking? Click the map below for directions. This is the best spot to find plenty of parking. Take the jolly cut noted on the map, for quick access to Queen Victoria Park where you will find the Onguiaahra: Thunder of Waters, plus the concerts and fireworks shows:

For some information on Labour Day weekend events in Niagara Falls click here.

Christine Lynn

www.cliftonhill.com

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