Two summers ago we stayed in the Country Inn and Suites on the Canadian side with our three teens for two nights. We enjoy seeing “touristy” even though we don’t usually spend money on the arcades, haunted houses, etc. We walked everywhere and let them walk everywhere even without us. Did the boat tour. Donuts from Tim Hortons a couple of times. Ate poutine which my one son decided he loved on a previous trip to Canada. Walked all through the park along the Falls just looking at them from every angle. Fireworks every night - it was Canada Day weekend 2017 which was also Canada’s 150th. It was a fun trip. We also stopped in Niagara On the Lake on our way to Toronto and I also recommend stopping there. It reminded me some of Charleston.
Good to see it is still a great site to see. We’re cheap, decades ago trips we stayed in Buffalo en route to NY . First visit we couldn’t go to the Canadian side because inlaws from India left their passports in the hotel, sigh. It doesn’t matter how tacky the towns are, the natural wonder is still there. btw- the Niagara escarpment ends in Door County, WI. Canadians take on food in those chain restaurants was different than our side of the border- think turnips as a side not found those few miles south. Plus the Americans with disabilities act hadn’t crossed the border- things like hotel elevators for two- three story buildings.
For local fare, I’d skip the Buffalo wings which you can get anywhere these days, and go for Buffalo’s other original culinary contribution, Beef on Weck. It’s carved rare roast beef stacked high on a Kimmelweck roll (topped with coarse kosher salt and caraway seed) dipped in beef jus, with a healthy dollop of horseradish. It’s a simple dish but hearty and satisfying, with the horseradish packing quite a kick, balanced nicely by the salt and jus—I’ve never had anything quite like it. As the local tourism promotion bureau says, “There are plenty of local establishments that serve this popular dish but there’s only a handful that do it really well.”
Here are some they recommend:
The American side is absolutely amazing. We took a French student who was visiting us last summer to the falls and it was her favorite thing about the whole visit to the US. We were afraid to go to the Canadian side because she had a French passport and was a minor so we were worried someone in immigration would try to stop her/us from re-entering the US without her parents. In retrospect our fears were probably very exaggerated but we just couldn’t take a chance like that with someone elses child.
We stayed at a nice AirBnB in Buffalo and it was only about a half hour drive to the falls. The neighborhood in Buffalo was lovely, and we felt very safe. We were pleasantly surprised at the variety and quality of the restaurants. We plan to go back next summer and this time will visit the Canadian side as well on our way to Quebec. The Kitsch, meh, I’ve seen worse.
Not really. The Niagara escarpment runs through Door County, but Door County doesn’t mark either end. The Niagara escarpment is a large inverted U-shaped geological formation that has its eastern terminus somewhere east of Rochester, NY, where it forms waterfalls in the Genesee River. From there it goes west through Lockport, NY, where the builders of the Erie Canal needed to build a huge series of locks to move boat and barge traffic over the escarpment, then on to the Niagara region, defining Niagara Falls and continuing through Hamilton, Ontario at the western end of Lake Ontario. From there it heads northwest to Georgian Bay on the Canadian side of Lake Huron where it forms the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island. Then it heads west through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and finally swings southwest through the UP’s Garden Peninsula where it dips briefly under Lake Michigan before re-emerging to form Door County, Wisconsin. From there is swings south. Its southwestern terminus is in southern Wisconsin near the Wisconsin-Illinois state line.
Well, if we are going to veer off into Buffalo cuisine, I also recommend Ted’s Hot Dogs (seriously, the best ever, with chili sauce and fried onion rings), and sponge candy.
I am usually a skeptical traveler but I was blown away by Niagra Falls. Overwhelming.
When our Ds were young, we often stopped at Ted’s near the Peace Bridge after going through the border. I think that may have been one of the original locations but it’s no longer there.
That was THE original location, but it hasn’t been there for quite awhile.
I’ve been to Niagara Falls multiple times. The first time I was about three years old and I remember standing at the railing and being scared/impressed by the rushing water. The second family trip was when I was about 14, and the American Falls had been diverted while they were doing work to address the erosion problem. At the time it was disappointing, but in retrospect I think it’s cool that I can say I walked on the rocks that the water rushes over today.
I was there with a boyfriend in my 20s (not so much fun because he was a cheapskate), and then finally with my husband and kids in 2008. That time we stayed at the Marriott with a room that overlooked the falls. We did the Maid of the Mist ride and numerous other typical tourist activities, and really enjoyed ourselves. The kids liked it, too.
I would visit it again because it’s such an amazing natural wonder.
OMG, you are all making my mouth water - Ted’s hot dogs, beef on weck, and yes, some of the best traditional wings I’ve ever had (I’d say go to Duff’s on Sheridan Drive in Amherst rather than the Anchor Bar) are always on my culinary agenda when going back home. I’d add Anderson’s custard (they also have beef on weck). Both NF and Buffalo are home to fish fries every Friday as well - some are better than others but you can find them just about everywhere! Western New York definitely has a certain “flavor” given some of the homegrown specialties and its fun to indulge when visiting.
Last time we were there (a couple years ago now) they were talking about diverting the American Falls again to repair the bridges. Anyone know if that’s still a plan, and if so, when? I’d love to do with @FlyMeToTheMoon did and walk on the river bed - just to have done it.
I suppose I can google…
Found this:
(wanted to share a link, but can’t)
Yes, there’s still a plan. No, there’s no date set yet, but not happening in 2019.
It’s easy to google - not sure why the link won’t cut and paste, but I’m on Safari instead of Chrome so it could be my lack of computer skills.
The first time I was at Niagara Falls I was about 10 and remember really how exciting it was. I was there about 5 or 6 years ago as I had to attend a convention at the Niagara Falls Convention Center. Stayed at the Sheraton which is a business hotel but worked well. There is a nice restaurant right across from the Convention Center as well as a bakery and a sandwich/deli shop that are part of Niagara Community College culinary arts program. Falls still pretty spectacular and the park on the American side very well maintained. Did the Maid of the Mist boat ride because why not… then went to Toronto for a weekend and a few days at Niagara on the Lake which I just loved, a great place to visit. The Shaw Festival is seasonal however and for the OP, it won’t be on at that time of the yea but was there at the end of September and main theatre still on. Great restaurants there and wineries and historic War of 1812 forts and lovely residential town to walk around and enjoy. Can recommend the Oban Inn.
The Shaw Festival is seasonal, but its season runs from April through Christmas (and its full season is mid-May to mid-October). The OP was going to “a graduation.” I think it will be up and running when she’s in the area.
Also grew up very close to the falls, and will add a couple of other tourist options that I don’t think have been mentioned.
- Whirlpool Jet boats (options from both the Canadian and US side). A fun thrill ride. This is not Maid of the Mist, but a VERY fast boat going through the lower Niagara River.
- Bird Kingdom. On the Canadian side, very near the falls. “World’s Largest Free-Flying Indoor Aviary” Well done, and not that expensive compared to some of the Canadian side kitsch
- Greg Frewin Magic Theatre – a dinner theater magic show on the Canadian side. The kids loved it.
And I’ll start a native Buffalonian battle here. Tourists go to Anchor Bar for wings. Locals go to Duff’s 
@stencils, Im on your side re: Duffs. And as for the Aviary - my family owned that building when it was the Niagara Falls Museum. I’ve not been inside since it was purchased and turned into the Aviary but your description sounds impressive.
My feelings on visiting Niagara Falls are that if you arrive knowing that it is a tourist destination like many others in terms of kitsch, souvenir shops, and overpriced services, but with access to the majesty and power of the falls (from both sides), which are an incredible sight to behold, then you will leave satisfied with your decision to visit. If you expect a serene opportunity to see nature at its best, you will be disappointed. Personally, it’s well worth 24 hours, especially if you are in or near the area.
The Falls are amazing and everyone should see it at least once. We spent one night on the Canadian side. I remember the Canadian border guard asking us if we had any guns or anyone else (hiding) in the vehicle (No, and No!) Then when we came back the U.S. border guard interrogated us and acted like she caught us at something: “You drove all this way from North Carolina to spend one night in Canada??” ummm… no, actually we went to a wedding in Buffalo first.
Oooh, Beef on Weck- that brings back memories! I grew up 90 miles west of the falls and saw it almost every year but one year, as an adult, I went on the Maid of the Mist. That was fun! Highly recommended but you will get wet.