We love to see all the new smiling faces visitng Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls! As you can see we welcome everyone to the hill for some exciting adventures. From min-putt to new rides, and tons of games there is no reason not to smile when you are on Clifton Hill!
kapuskasing-kids-boston-pizza by clifton hill niagara falls
For more photos and Niagara Falls information you can follow our blog www.cliftonhill.com/falls_blog
Thanks to everyone who took the time to do a little posing for us on Clifton Hill this past week. We recently kicked off the season during Victoria Day celebrations and had so much fun doing it. Clifton Hill was loaded with people exploring attractions, and experiencing thrills never to be forgotten. We hope you are able to come and join us this season for some of your own fun by the falls, who knows maybe we will be posting your picture next.
Planning Your Trip/Getting Here
If you are planning on catching this amazing event, you may want to schedule your arrival for Thursday to beat some of the crowd. Watch out because others will be attempting to do the same. If you are waiting until Friday to make the trip be prepared you could possibly have a bit of a wait in traffic, so a good idea would be to bring some books, make sure the laptop is charged, if you have kids you get be ahead of the game by packing a few snacks for the road, some of their favourite games, and if you’re lucky you have one of those mini DVD players for the car. It may not even be a bad idea to leave a little early and plan a few alternate routes off the main highways just in case!
Coming from Outside Canada
If you have to cross the border to get to Niagara Falls you may need to know Children under the age of 16 can present an original copy of their birth certificate, passport or NEXUS card as preferred identification. Anyone over 16 MUST have a passport to cross the border. If you are not the parent or guardian of children in your group, you should also have written permission from the parent/guardian authorizing the trip. The letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached.
Divorced or separated parents should carry custody or legal separation documents and/or a letter of authorization to facilitate their entry into Canada.
Wallenda will be walking towards the Canadian side of the falls so it would be worth it to cross the border, and join the excitement as we wait for Wallenda to reach his location at the Table Rock Welcome Centre.
The History Behind the Moment
“This is not a stunt, this is me performing an art I’ve devoted my life to.”
These are the words from Nik Wallenda when compared to daredevils, and stuntmen! Over the past year Wallenda and his managers waged an intense lobbying campaign on the U.S. and Canadian side of the border in which they’ve sold their vision of a spectacular event with Niagara Falls setting the stage.
The date is now in stone (weather permitting), Niagara Falls and millions of people across the world are now looking forward to Friday June 15th. This is the day Nik Wallenda will be attempting to walk over Niagara Falls on a high wire!
It was no easy road for Nik Wallenda to get to this point. He has had to jump through numerous hoops to make this happen, but with determination and preparation Wallenda was granted permission to take to the skies of Niagara Falls June 15th. The walk is expected to bring well over a hundred thousand tourists to the Niagara area wanting to witness first hand a moment in history. 16 ropewalkers have crossed the falls, and only one has perished. With his skill and years of perfecting it (Wallenda has been on a practice wire since the age of 2) crossing the falls on June 15th will mean he has finally accomplished a lifelong goal that started with his grandfather Karl Wallenda.
Even though Nik says he is more than prepared it doesn’t stop a mother from worrying Delilah Wallenda reflected on Nik’s goal saying, “My Stomach will be queasy!” “I know when he’s okay, and I know when there is a problem. But I also know his ability. He can do it!”
With just over a month to go before the walk hotels are busy taking bookings to accommodate the many people who will flood the falls for the event. If you haven’t booked yet, it would be a good idea to do it soon or you may be out of luck when it comes to finding a place to stay. Notice in the ariel view picture below the Clifton Hill Niagara Falls Hotel is right in the middle of all the action!
If you have booked your hotel already, well great first step done! Good for you now comes the planning part. It can get a little hectic setting up a weekend getaway to see such an exciting event. The easy part is knowing what you’re going to be doing June 15th, but whether you’re down for just the day or the weekend, you are going to need something to keep you busy before the 9pm start time. We don’t think that should be a problem.
Check out the recent video of Nik crossing Inner Harbour, follow our blog for part two of this series https://www.cliftonhill.com/falls_blog/
History Behind the Holiday
The United States Celebrates Memorial Day on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. As a marker it typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, it also became a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, and trips to the beach.
Niagara Falls Has it All
If Memorial Day is about family, fireworks, and a little shopping you won’t go home empty handed from the Falls, because Niagara Falls family friendly adventures can be found all along Clifton Hill, and beyond. If you want to be right in the middle of all the action, waking up with all the attractions, and the falls 10 minutes from your hotel room you can plan to stay at The Comfort Inn Clifton Hill. Known as a great family location most people enjoy the free continental breakfast, and wi-fi, as well as the convenient access to the adjoining restaurant Kelsey’s. When you book any number of packages you get a free coupon you can use at the newly renovated Kelsey’s or Boston Pizza, also just steps from the hotel. It is always a good idea to try and book your hotel in advance especially when it comes to a long weekend as availability gets slim if you wait to the last minute. For more details on the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill Click Here.
Getting Here from the United States
If you are driving your car you may need to know a few things before you cross the border.
(Children under the age of 16 can present an original copy of their birth certificate, passport or NEXUS card as preferred identification. Anyone over 16 MUST have a passport to cross the border.)
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.
Here is a look at some of the pictures we took of the great times people are having on Clifton Hill, as well as random pics of things you can find while you are having “Fun by the Falls”
A NEW Attraction on Clifton Hill
Come May, a visit to the Great Canadian Midway will be looking a lot different. This year there are even more interactive games to choose from. The newest and biggest attraction is the XD Theatre. Considered the next generation of immersing rides that you can put it to the test starting this spring. You can try out the new 6D thrill when you visit the Great Canadian Midway on Clifton Hill.
Experience the Elements
New technology allows you to experience the elements as you ride! You will feel the wind will blowing on your face helping you truly appreciate this exciting adventure. Designed and created by a Quebec based Canadian company the XD Theatre is being recognized by experts in the field as the most technologically advanced system in the industry. It is in an entirely new category of attractions, offering more than just jilts and jolts; this ride transcends time, space and imagination.
Clarkson Cup 2012 Comes to Niagara Falls
Are you one of thousands of hockey fans who will be flooding Niagara Falls this week for Clarkson Cup Action?
Named after former Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson the women’s version of the Stanley Cup will reign over the falls from March 22nd to the 25th. Teams from all over North America will be battling it out at the Gale arena round robin style. The top two teams will go head to head for the championship title. Montreal will be looking to repeat last years win against the Toronto Furies when TSN broadcasts the final game. Between 20 to 30 Olympians such as Caroline Ouellette, Tessa Bonhomme, and Meghan Agosta will be in Niagara Falls, hopefully they have time to unwind on Clifton Hill.
There are plenty of attractions to keep busy with between or after games. Tournaments can get hectic so it may be nice to relax with a ride on our world famous SkyWheel. Soaring 175 feet (53 meters) over the Niagara Falls horizon you can get many memorable pictures from the fully enclosed gondolas.
We are looking ahead to another great week of weather for the Niagara region. When you’re not in the cold arena, get into the sun and try your hand at a game of Dinosaur Adventure Golf. As one of the newest attractions along the hill this mini putt is like walking into the age of the Dinosaur. The fully functional volcano, realistic characters and sound effects will get you excited as you play the 18 hole course.
Boston Pizza is a great place to take a break. Enjoy some great food with the family, and maintain the sporty atmosphere. The kids will not get bored with wall-to-wall arcades, and our Strike Rock and Bowl entertainment centre. Some ways you can save a few dollars while you are visiting is by picking up hotel packages and attraction passes. The Clifton Hill Fun Pass is a great way to go for any family to save money on the most popular attractions.
Find out more ways to save, and all the fun things there are to see and do at www.cliftonhill.com
Keeping Your Family Safe While on Vacation in Niagara Falls
The last thing you want while on vacation is an accident or something happening to disrupt or shorten your well-deserved family time. Don’t worry, you can still enjoy a trip without having the kids in your grips the whole time. Sometimes we just needed to be reminded of little tips helping to get you ready to tackle your family vacation.
Make Your Visit Memorable for the Right Reasons
If you’re out for March break or planning your summer vacation Niagara Falls is a great option. Although safety starts before you even leave the house. If you are driving make sure your children’s car seats are all properly fastened in the car, you don’t want to have to pull over on a busy road because the baby is tipping over after you merged onto the highway.
There are so many things to see and do sometimes it can get overwhelming for the kids, they get excited and wander off. I know I’ve had to chase after my girls, not a fun time. Parents we should definitely not let ourselves get side tracked. With roads and crowds it’s important to always have an eye on the kids. Playing in the water is fun, but be extra cautious. You never think it’s going to happen to you… better to be safe then sorry right! So stay off the cell, if you have to be talking still be watching, and it goes without saying never leave kids unattended.
The Falls itself has a safety fence, but children like to climb so you can never be too vigilant, this means not allowing your child to get up on the fence while you stand back to take a picture. There are many friendly people passing by who will gladly help you take a photo.
To make sure the family stays together bring a favourite stuffed toy for both of you to hold. If you have more then one child bring a ribbon and all the kids can grab onto it while you walk. A lot of daycares also use a long rope with attached rings for all the little hands to hold. Some families will all wear the same colour shirts to stand out in a crowd.
Exploring all the safe, kid friendly activities along Clifton Hill is one of the highlights of Niagara Falls, but it’s a good idea to set rules out before hand.
Suggestions:
You can stay more focused on paying attention to your kids if your not so worried about what you’re doing next. Planning your itinerary is a good idea. A list of attractions, packages and fun things to do can be found at www.cliftonhill.com you can also pick up the Clifton Hill Fun Pass which will help keep a few dollars IN your pocket during your visit too.
In the end it’s all about common sense, sometimes we do need to be reminded, and that’s okay! Parents we have a lot on our minds these days! Following these tips can help you enjoy a safe and sane vacation with the family.
