Niagara Falls, Ontario, in Canada, is home to the Horseshoe Falls, the most powerful waterfall in North America and possibly the best-known in the world - truly a sight to behold.
Niagara Falls is probably best known as a honeymoon destination, attracting millions of newlywed or just plain romantic couples each year. The town has a history of being a tad tacky, but with the addition of the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, fine hotels and restaurants quickly followed.
Today, Niagara Falls is still a city you only need to visit once or twice. The Niagara region as a whole, though, is worth deeper exploration.
1. Location - Where is Niagara Falls
Canada's Niagara Falls is just across the water from Niagara Falls, New York. It is 15 or 20 minutes from Buffalo and an hour and a half drive from Toronto (with no traffic).
2. Niagara Falls Weather & Climate - When to Go to Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls' climate is about the same as that of Buffalo or Toronto.Winters are bitterly cold with abundant snowfall and summers are hot and humid.
Although winters are cold in Niagara Falls, travel during the winter months offers plenty of savings. Visitors in winter can always take advantage of indoor activities, such as the Niagara Fallsview Casino, Butterfly Conservatory, or the Great Wolf Lodge. The Falls light up from November to January during the annual Winter Festival of Lights.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Niagara Falls and see the sights. The Maid of the Mist, one of the area's top attractions, only operates between April and October. Hotel prices reflect this season's demand.
3. Where to Eat in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is pure tourist town and full of mediocre, overpriced restaurants. Plenty of chain restaurants, including Tony Roma's or The Keg are decent, but most true foodies will leave the heart of town and venture down to Niagara-on-the-Lake, where the selection is more diverse and sophisticated.One fine dining option right in Niagara Falls is Casa Mia, a cosy, authentic Italian restaurant that has a free shuttle service to local hotels. The Niagara Fallsview Casino has at least a dozen restaurants, from casual to fine dining.
4. Where to Stay
Niagara Falls has many big-name hotels, such as Doubletree, Sheraton, Courtyard Marriott and more.
When booking your hotel, consider are how close to the Falls you want to be. For some visitors, only a Fallsview room will do, but this of course ups costs. Other hotels are closer to outlet shopping, and you can take a short shuttle to the Falls.
If romance is the priority, many hotels offer in-suite jazuzzi tubs and "theme" rooms (will your loved one don a Tarzan costume and swing from the rafters?)
Compare Rates on Cheap Niagara Falls Hotels.
Bed & Breakfasts in Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake offer a charming array of B&Bs. This is a particularly good option in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Get a complete list of Niagara Falls Hotels.
When booking your hotel, consider are how close to the Falls you want to be. For some visitors, only a Fallsview room will do, but this of course ups costs. Other hotels are closer to outlet shopping, and you can take a short shuttle to the Falls.
If romance is the priority, many hotels offer in-suite jazuzzi tubs and "theme" rooms (will your loved one don a Tarzan costume and swing from the rafters?)
Compare Rates on Cheap Niagara Falls Hotels.
Bed & Breakfasts in Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake offer a charming array of B&Bs. This is a particularly good option in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Get a complete list of Niagara Falls Hotels.
5. Niagara Falls Attractions
Aside from the Falls themselves, there is plenty to keep you busy in Niagara Falls.If you plan to visit several Niagara Falls attractions, consider buying a pass, as the Niagara Falls & Great Gorge Adventure Pass, or for those visiting both U.S. and Canadian Niagara Falls attractions, the The Niagara Falls Power Pass may be your best buy.
6. Shopping in Niagara Falls
Aside from oodles of tacky trinket shops, Niagara Falls has outlet shopping on both sides of the border. Typically, the American side has better deals, but shoppers must consider personal allowances and the possibility of paying duty if shopping in the U.S. and returning to Canada (or vice versa).Niagara Falls, NY, has Walden Galleria and Fashion Outlets Niagara amongst others, that offer the likes of Ralph Lauren, Guess, Coach and Pottery Barn at up to 75% off regular prices.
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7. Niagara Falls Events & Festivals
- The Niagara Falls Festival of Lights is a light show that includes an illuminated 5-km route of displays, fireworks over the falls and more.
- Niagara Wine Festivals take place about 15 minutes away at various wineries in the Niagara wine region.
8. Getting to Niagara Falls
By Car: Niagara Falls is about 90 minutes from Toronto and a half hour from Buffalo. The Fallsview Casino provides driving directions from a variety of locations.By Plane: Several airports are convenient for visiting Niagara Falls.
- Lester B. Pearson (Toronto International Airport)
- Toronto Island Airport
- Hamilton International Airport
- The Greater Buffalo International Airport
- Niagara Falls International Airport
10. The Great Outdoors - Outdoor Activities in Niagara Falls
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- Fishing - Niagara Falls has a system of rivers and waterways where you can fish for rainbow trout, brown trout, salmon, lake trout, musky and small mouth bass
- Golf - Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake are big golf destinations with many scenic, some waterside, courses.
- Rent a Bike - The Niagara region is perfect for bike riding, especially the extensive and picturesque bike path system of the Niagara Parkway and the Niagara wine region, where cyclists can stop for tastings along the way.
- Hike - A series of Niagara Parks trails will wind through woodland and conservation area.
