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Deals, Family

March Break Travel Tips in Niagara Falls…Save Money and Enjoy Your Family!

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You blink and it’s here. March Break. Parents without a March Break plan face the possibility of spending their own hard-earned holidays ensuring the family isn’t bored – or worse – testing each other’s patience for an entire week. We’ve all been there before, booking a last minute getaway with the best intentions, only to have its foundation crumble before your eyes because you never took into account last minute details that you should have tweaked beforehand. Whether it be financial savings, or preparing for any injuries that quite possibly, and with all probability with a little one, may occur. Suddenly your vacation starts to unravel and you feel totally incompetent because its the little things that can really make or break your vacation and could have easily been avoided.
With March Break only a couple of weeks away, booking a last-minute getaway so the whole family can unwind isn’t as impossible as it may sound.  The perfect destination can still be found for all types of families and budgets. From getting the best possible deal to ensuring the family stays safe, here are some helpful…and quite often, overlooked tips.
There ARE last minute getaway options for families, not just couples without children. 
Many hotels often offer package savings that you won’t necessarily be aware of unless you do research beforehand. Be your own Private Investigator. If there is a certain hotel chain that you are fond of, check out their website, subscribe to their newsletter, read their blog postings or even become a “fan” of their social media pages. You will find that many hotel chains advertise through this route and have monthly and even weekly special savings…maybe even contest giveaways!…that can greatly benefit you in the long run. As an example, the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls offers all the above in their website and continuously sustains many special offers and package deals year round.
https://www.cliftonhill.com/niagara-falls-packages and follow them socially on Facebook “Comfort Inn Clifton Hill: Niagara Falls Hotel and Resort” and/or on Twitter “@cliftonhillfun” and “@Niagara_Hotel”.
Since travelling with the whole clan can get pricey – vacationers need to start saving even before going on holiday. Consider a pre-packaged vacation that includes meals, which limits the need to spend more money while on holiday. The Comfort Inn always offers a complimentary breakfast with your stay, ensuring cost-effective savings on your most important meal of the day! Most establishments in tourist destinations will charge you an obscene amount of money to crack open an egg and fry some bacon…and if you have a family of four, consider that a savings of close to, if not more, than $60. Navigate your way through their website and you will find additional package savings complete with meal vouchers at family friendly establishments such as Kelsey’s and Boston Pizza!
https://www.cliftonhill.com/niagara-falls-restaurants
Alleviate boredom!
From destination activities like theme parks, water parks and museums for the kids to shopping, tours and golf outings for the parents, you need to ensure a memorable and lively holiday. For families who prefer to stay on a resort than venture off property, a hotel with an indoor pool or games room could help offset a rainy day when the kids are forced to stay indoors. For everyone else, look to book with a hotel that is affiliated with or offers significant savings with many local attractions that you can ALL enjoy. If you are looking to book a trip to Niagara Falls, the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill offers just that…attraction savings off property such as the Greg Frewin Magic Show and the Niagara Helicopter Tours to hitting up five side-by-side attractions just a mere couple of minutes from each other with the Clifton Hill Fun Pass!
 

www.cliftonhill.com/packages/build-a-package-deals/helicopter-tour
Smartly Organize Your Packing
This one I can’t emphasize enough. Years ago when my husband moved back to Ontario from British Columbia with a few of his closest friends, he literally brought his entire wardrobe with him in one shot with the false understanding that he would be under the baggage weight. He was wrong. There he was, 15 minutes until boarding time throwing away sweaters, shoes and a few pairs of jeans all in the name of being under the required weight. If you have children, you know that traveling light is not an option. Make sure that you evenly distribute luggage weight. If you are 10 lbs over and your spouse is 10 lbs under in baggage weight…you know what to do. Transfer items from your suitcase to the other! And let’s be honest, it’s usually us women that carry all the “extras”…think curling irons, makeup, five different pairs of shoes “just in case” you find a need to finally wear those stilettos. You get the point. Make sure you check with your airline ahead of time regarding stroller and childseat guidelines as well. You don’t want any last minute surprises.
Share the excitement
Encourage kids of all ages to document their experiences with photos or diary entries.  Nominating them as the ‘official family photographer’ will not only keep them busy, but memories captured can then be shared on social media sites or in photo albums or framed pictures that can be hung in your home…and remember to have them tag their memories with the hotel or attraction of their choosing as well! They will appreciate the feedback and the response will ignite a sense of importance in your children as well. It’s a win-win.
Stay safe
Travelling is inherently risky, so the wise vacationer will take preventative precautions, including visiting a travel clinic that can set them up with prescriptions and antibiotics ahead of time. It’s always a good idea to have the whole family visit the doctor before you go, that way you can tackle ahead of time any preventative measures needed to avoid a potentially disastrous trip. When you check-in at the hotel, don’t be afraid to ask where the closest hospital is located, and if needed, have them supply you with a map. You may not think this will be necessary, but usually when you are on vacation you drink more and this will lower your inhibitions. That stair you so easily stepped up when you checked in may be a bomb waiting to detonate after a few alcoholic beverages. Also, carry a first aid kit with you. Bandaids, gauze, tweezers, whatever. You never know when you may need them. Stay safe and have fun!
Wherever you decide to go during your March Break getaway, follow these tips for a successful, stress-free, family FUN vacation! Enjoy and stay safe :).
Christine
 
 

Things To Do

Where to Eat on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls

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So you have decided on a vacation to Niagara Falls (fabulous choice I may add) especially now that school is about to be back in session the streets of Clifton Hill are more easier to maneuver through.  If you are making your way to Niagara Falls don’t forget about the “Street of Fun by the Falls” known as Clifton Hill.  Recently quoted by a tourist I met who said “it’s like a mini kid friendly Las Vegas”, and I find that statement to be so true.  If you want a vacation filled with smiling kids you can’t go wrong with a round of  mini-put, a ride on the famous SkyWheel, or some fun in the Great Canadian Midway. There is never a boring moment for you and the family, and I know it can be a long day strutting up and down Clifton Hill so I have found some great spots for you to fill those bellies and re-energize the kiddies.  Check out these great places to eat right in all the action on Clifton Hill.


What an endless array of spots to eat, my girls and I love going to Boston Pizza for a few reasons, great food, friendly staff and did I mention it’s holds it’s own bowling alley called Strike Rock and Bowl, and tons of interactive and arcade games keeping the kids entertained while you wait for your food to arrive.  I definitely recommend any of the places you see in the pics, but if you do try out BP’s you have to go for their famous pepperoni pizza.  Kelsey’s has live entertainment daily, and all day too this spot is perfect to relax take your time and enjoy the views taking in all Clifton Hill has to offer.  If you just want to grab and go then Tim Horton’s or Wendy’s is the perfect spot for you.
Restaurants

Hot spot in Niagara Falls…Kelsey’s on Clifton Hill

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In such a prime location on Clifton Hill I found Kelsey’s to be a great spot to eat when you are in Niagara Falls. If you are coming with the kids, or for a little romantic getaway you will likely find yourself on the corner of Clifton Hill and Victoria Ave where all the action is especially on these long summer nights. Kelsey’s changed their look and have gone with a much larger patio then they had before and even opened up the front so inside is like being outside. If you like to sit relax and listen to good music with a cold drink they have live entertainment every day and night, and this is a prime location to do some hilarious people watching…if you are into that sort of thing! They have lots of beer on tap, but one of my favourites is their spicy caesar yummmmmy! If the beverages don’t interest you the grubb is delicious. They can whip up everything from steak, to burgers, wings, pasta, and even calorie friendly meals, but if you are on vacation do me a favour and don’t watch your weight. The bar is lined with TV’s so for you guys who can’t stand to miss the game they have you covered, perfect for watching the Olympics going on right now in London England.
When you’re ready to take a break from the Niagara Falls crowd head to Kelsey’s it’s a great option and a good time, and if you are staying at the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill it is actually attached right to the hotel with easy access for guests.

Attractions

Enjoy Sweet Treats on Clifton Hill

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The Fudge Factory
Of course we know there is no shortage of totally fun attractions along Clifton Hill, but did you there are also great shops lining the streets offering a more delectable choice to add to your trip on the “street of fun by the falls!”  If you are anywhere near the Great Canadian Midway right next door you will find a chocolate lovers paradise.  There is honestly something for every taste bud jellybeans and candy, salted peanuts, and cotton candy.  I was delightfully surprised by the sugar free treats too, they were still so full of flavour my favourite was the sugar free chocolate truffle.

Check these posts to find more of the action you can find on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls

Things To Do

La marche de Wallenda et quoi faire ici pendent votre séjour partie 3

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Choses à faire
Clifton Hill est un endroit populaire à Niagara Falls pour s’amuser près des chutes avant la marche de Wallenda. La plupart des manèges ouvrent vers 9h et si vous rentrez le jeudi, le SkyWheel de Niagara vous donnera la meilleure vue des chutes, tandis qu’une occasion pour planifier un endroit idéal pour voir l’événement.  Une fois que vous avez organisé votre stratégie, rendez vous juste à côté du SkyWheel au Dino Adventure Land.  C’est l’une de nos attractions les plus récentes sur la colline, et a gagné beaucoup de popularité depuis son ouverture il y a plus d’un an.  Si le golf ne fait pas votre affaire, essayez le Great Canadian Midway où vous pouvez gagner des billets pour recevoir des prix superbes.  Avons-nous mentionné que le Boston Pizza est attaché au midway; donc les enfants peuvent jouer encore plus de jeux pendant que maman et papa ont l’occasion de se détendre et de recharger les batteries.
Plusieurs touristes profitent du Fun Pass de Clifton Hill qui offre une combinaison d’attractions à un prix réduit. L’attraction la plus neuve sur la colline, le manège XD Theater, y est incluse. Nous parlons d’une technologie 6D qui vous amène sur un trajet où vous plongerez dans une aventure dans l’univers, pour en voir plus cliquez ici.
S’il s’agit d’une évasion pour adultes seulement, un bon repas à Kelsey’s pourrait se transformer en nuit exitant à la boîte de nuit Rumours. Sa combinaison d’un spectacle son et lumière, d’un DJ talentueux de musique house, et d’une énorme piste de dance est assez pour une soirée qui s’avance bien dans les heures du petit matin.
Certaines personnes aimeraient mieux amener leurs familles à Marineland pour la journée. Si le temps le permet, le parc sera ouvert pour divertir vous et vos enfants. D’ailleurs, le Maid of the Mist est très populaire parmi les touristes.

Magasinage

On ne manque pas de magasins à Clifton Hill si vous avez besion de ramasser un petit quelque chose pour un être cher chez soi. Le Canadian Trading Post a des souvenirs pour toutes occasions. Si vous cherchez quelque chose de sucré, ne ratez pas le Fudge Factory, leurs bonbons sont irrésistibles.
Avec ses caramels mous maison et ses pommes d’amour, vous serez peut-être tentés d’essayer tout dans le magasin. Vous trouverez aussi quelques souvenirs zinzins au Fun Factory pour commémorer votre visite, où vous pouvez faire une main en cire.  C’est un processus vraiment génial où ils immersent vos mains dans la cire colorée qui durcit en n’importe quel forme que vous voulez.
Si vous voulez faire du vrai magasinage, dirigez-vous alors à Lundy’s Lane pour trouver tout dont vous avez besoin. Vous trouverez des boutiques-entrepôts tels que le Canada One Outlet Mall, cliquez ici pour en savoir plus.  D’autres magasins qui se trouvent sur Lundy’s Lane sont le boutique-entrepôt West 49, et l’entrepôt Brandname Shoe Warehouse.

Où manger
Niagara Falls ne manque pas d’endroits à manger, surtout quand vous êtes dans la région de Clifton Hill. Si vous hébergez dans l’un des nombreux hôtels sur la colline comme le Clifton Hill Niagara Falls Hotel, vous trouverez des restaurants qui sont attachés comme Kelsey’s qui le rend plus pratique pour vous, et de l’autre côté il y a de bons endroits comme Mama Mia’s pour ceux qui aiment l’italien, et il y a aussi de la cuisine indienne, et coréenne.
Bien sûr, si vous êtes sur la brèche et vous voulez juste rapidement prendre un un hamburger, vous trouverez à Clifton Hill le restaurant Wendy’s, de bons vendeurs de hot dogs et de bretzels, et d’excellents vendeurs de crème glacée.

Nous espérons que ceci couvre tous vos besoins pendant votre séjour à Niagara Falls pour la marche de Wallenda le 15 juin. Si vous avez besoin de plus de renseignements n’hésitez pas à socialiser avec nous sur nos pages de Facebook et de Twitter, ou abonnez-vous à notre blogue pour être à jour avec les renseignements sur les chutes.

Things To Do

The Wallenda Walk and What to do While Your Here Part 3

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Things to Do
Clifton Hill is a family friendly hot spot in Niagara Falls offering you all the “fun by the falls” you need before and after the Wallenda Walk.  Most rides open early around 9am and if you are coming in on Thursday the Niagara SkyWheel will give you the best view of the falls, and an opportunity to find a good area to see the event.  Once you have the game plan in order right beside the SkyWheel is the Dino Adventure Land.  It is one of the newer attractions to the hill, and has gained a lot of popularity since opening over a year ago.   If golf isn’t your thing try out the Great Canadian Midway where you can win tickets to score some great prizes. Did we mention Boston Pizza is attached to the midway too; kids can enjoy even more games while mom and dad get to relax and refuel.
Many tourists take advantage of the Clifton Hill Fun Pass offering a combination of attractions at a discounted price.  Included is the newest attraction on the hill the XD Theatre.  We are talking 6D technologies taking you on an immersing adventurous ride through the cosmos.
If this is a grown up only getaway a nice meal at Kelsey’s could turn into a hot night at Rumours Nightclub. Their mix of a light show, talented house DJ, and massive dance floor is enough to keep you out well into the early morning hours.
Some people would rather take their family to Marineland for the day.  Weather permitting the park will be in full swing ready to entertain you and the kids.   As well the Maid of the Mist is extremely popular with tourists.

Shopping
There is no shortage of shops along Clifton Hill if you need to pick something up for a loved one back home The Canadian Trading Company has a souvenir suiting any ones tastes.  If you are looking for something on the sweeter side don’t miss The Fudge Factory, their delectable treats are irresistible.  With homemade fudge, and candy apples you may be tempted to want to try everything in the store.  You can find some wacky souvenirs to remember your visit at the Fun Factory where you can get wax hands made.  It is a really neat process where they dip your hands in coloured wax and it hardens into whatever forms you want.
If you want to do some real shopping  a trip down Lundy’s Lane will fill that need.  You will find an outlet store for all occasions such as the Canada One Outlet Mall, more info click here.   Also down Lundy’s Lane are the West 49 Outlet Store, and The Brandname Shoe Warehouse.

Where To Eat
In Niagara Falls there is no shortage of places to eat, especially when you are in the Clifton Hill area.  If your staying at one of the many hotels on the hill like the Clifton Hill Niagara Falls Hotel you will find Restaurants like Kelsey’s attached,  making it more convenient for you.  Kitty corner from here are nice spots like Mama Mia’s for the Italian lovers, Indian Cuisine, and Korean as well.
Of course if you are on the go and just want a quick burger Clifton Hill has Wendy’s, Tim Horton’s, a great hot dog pretzel booth, and a fantastic ice cream vendor.  To see info on all these quick stops and more click here.

Hopefully this covers all your needs while you stay in Niagara Falls for the June 15th Wallenda Walk.  If you need anymore information feel free to socialize with us on Facebook or Twitter, or subscribe to our blog for up to date falls information.

Things To Do

Planning a Memorial Day Getaway to Niagara Falls

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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.

1. Know what ID is necessary:  All visitors arriving to Canada need a passport or passport equivalent.  If you are travelling soon, you can get a passport within 24 at Rushmypassport.com.

2. At the border be ready to address the officer:  Passengers should pass their passports and other ID to the driver before reaching the border services booth. In addition, take off your sunglasses, turn off radios and cellphones – don’t start doing these tasks once you’ve arrived at the booth.

3. Have a note for children traveling without both parents:  Adults traveling over the border into Canada with children who are not their own should have a written note from the parents or guardians giving permission for the children to leave the country. The permission should include the name and contact information of the parent / guardian.

(Children under the age of 16 can present an original copy of their birth certificate, passport or NEXUS card as preferred identification.  Anyone over 16 MUST have a passport to cross the border.)

4. Know what you can and can’t bring into Canada.

5. Have your car registration available.

6. Check/empty your trunk:  Unnecessary items in your trunk may be a source of questioning by border officials and may add time to your border crossing.

7. Be prepared to answer questions.

9. Roll Down the Front and Back Car Windows When You Pull up to the border officer’s  window.

10. Check Out Border Wait Times Before Crossing.

For more details on a Memorial Day trip to Niagara Falls read more.

Continue reading Planning a Memorial Day Getaway to Niagara Falls →

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“A Mothers Day in Niagara Falls”

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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.