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DPChallenge Forums >> Out and About >> Niagra Falls trip is booked...
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04/17/2017 08:19:58 AM · #1
One of the places I've always wanted to go was Niagra Falls.

I told a friend of mine about this yesterday morning at breakfast... She then proceeds to convince me to book a flight! Lol!

We looked for the cheapest possible flight from Florida to Buffalo and found one for really cheap... So we booked! The trip isn't for quite some time (September 28 - October 1) so I have plenty of time to plan the trip. I was hoping for some help from the DPC community.

We want to stay very inexpensive so hiking and site seeing is really what we want to do but with that said, is there anything there that is basically a "must do" when we get there? A specific excursion or restaurant for example? I've already put on the list of things to do the Maid of the Mist since... Well... It's just something you do when you're there. Lol.

Anything else people can think of? We both have passports and plan on going to both the USA side and the Canada side. We may stay in Toronto or Buffalo for one of the days we are there. So maybe something in either of those two cities would be cool too?

Thanks in advance!!!

04/17/2017 10:17:47 AM · #2
I'm no expert, but, for the past 10 years, I have spent a "vacation" week in the "Buffalo area" with numerous trips to most sightseeing spots.

Make sure you take a side trip to Letchworth falls- probably 2hr drive, but well worth it, especially if hiking and sightseeing is what you are into. They call it the "grand canyon of the North East" and it has several falls that are picturesque and accessible.

On the American Side, the area directly near the falls is somewhat downtrodden. But, if you ride north you'll see picturesque gorges and fort Niagara- which is nice. To the south, if you stick along Lake Erie, Buffalo has some great city views on the lake, shockingly nice "beach" areas, and some "bohemian mixed with semi-gentrified" downtown areas- definitely not overly expensive.

Also remember that Cleveland and the Rock and Roll Hall of fame/theme parks, etc. is only 3 and 1/2 hours away(however, I would pick Toronto first.)

On the Canada side, the falls is more Disney/Universal/Carnival-esque- but definitely "nicer" than the American side. A short ride North on the Canadian side is "Niagara on the Lake" a quaint town with bike paths and shopping and such. And of course, Toronto is only an hour or so North. I know it is touristy, but the CN Tower has ridiculous views, and Toronto in general is super clean and the hotels should be reasonable. My only advice is, if you go to Toronto, it is a very ethnically diverse City- so eat ethnically diverse- better imho than the Anglo-food in Toronto.

and as of Today 1 Canadian Dollar equals 0.75 US Dollar- so, it is a VERY GOOD TIME to go to Canada, with everything essentially at least 25% off.

Have fun.

Message edited by author 2017-04-17 10:22:22.
04/18/2017 08:55:37 AM · #3
Letchworth falls look awesome!!!

I didn't even think of the exchange rate honestly. That's awesome that it's so lopsided when I'm going! :)

We decided to make a HUGE list of things we want to see and then rank them based on what we want to see most.

So far we have a bunch of little things that can be done in less than a day that surrounds the actual falls (ie - the local town on the Canada side has a few places we found fairly interesting).

We do want to see Toronto one of the days/nights. So at least there will be that on the list. Just a matter of finding out what to do while we are there.

We kind of want to stay within 2 hours of the area since we don't want to waste the time driving. I would however be willing to travel if there is a "must see" item on the list and we both agree to it.

Letchworth Falls is on the list though!!! :D
04/18/2017 01:33:54 PM · #4
Niagara Falls is like no other... you sort of have to "see it to believe it" kind of place. I've been there several times, while visiting in Rochester. I have not traveled around, really, except going back and forth but it's a beautiful area. Have fun!
04/18/2017 02:15:37 PM · #5
Quick question. We are looking at hotels near the falls and found a few that are really close by the falls but on the Canada side.

How much of a hassle is it to cross in the mornings to the US side?
04/18/2017 04:06:00 PM · #6
I've been there in the winter of 1976 if I remember well, so I'm not giving any advice ;) But it's a nice reminder to look at some old "reversal films". They should be in my archive somewhere, not sure if I scanned them.
04/19/2017 04:46:22 PM · #7
Originally posted by hajeka:

I've been there in the winter of 1976 if I remember well, so I'm not giving any advice ;) But it's a nice reminder to look at some old "reversal films". They should be in my archive somewhere, not sure if I scanned them.


Wouldn't mind seeing them if you find them! :D
04/19/2017 05:08:55 PM · #8
Originally posted by mbrutus2009:

How much of a hassle is it to cross in the mornings to the US side?

Here ya go!
04/20/2017 07:05:13 AM · #9
Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by mbrutus2009:

How much of a hassle is it to cross in the mornings to the US side?

Here ya go!


This is awesome! Haha. I didn't know this kind of website existed!

Thanks, Bear!
09/26/2017 04:44:05 PM · #10
I'm headed out on Thursday!

WOOHOO!!
09/26/2017 10:00:17 PM · #11
We don't live all that far away (3 hours-ish), so I've been there my share of times. The Canadian side is definitely much nicer and better kept. We've never had all that much trouble crossing over the border. Just avoid rush hour kinds of times, and be prepared to wait just in case.

This is kind of a cool tour that I haven't seen anyone else here mention:

Journey Behind the Falls

Be sure to check out the falls at night... they shine bright colored lights onto the falls. Nice opportunity for pix!
09/27/2017 11:03:58 AM · #12
Originally posted by mbrutus2009:

I'm headed out on Thursday!

WOOHOO!!


Guess who will win the Waterscape challenge:)
09/27/2017 11:40:46 AM · #13
Originally posted by P-A-U-L:

Originally posted by mbrutus2009:

I'm headed out on Thursday!

WOOHOO!!


Guess who will win the Waterscape challenge:)


Lol. I thought about this. But it's not like I'm going to Iceland... ;)
09/27/2017 11:41:52 AM · #14
Originally posted by alanfreed:



Journey Behind the Falls

Be sure to check out the falls at night... they shine bright colored lights onto the falls. Nice opportunity for pix!


We saw the journey behind the falls and will do it assuming we have time. We have a lot to get to! Haha.

And one of the main things I told my gf... "I have to see the falls at night..."

So it's on the list! :D
09/27/2017 07:25:19 PM · #15
Originally posted by mbrutus2009:

And one of the main things I told my gf... "I have to see the falls at night..."

So it's on the list! :D

Don't bother, no big thing.....


09/28/2017 04:50:02 PM · #16
We stayed on Grand Island when we went. I am sure you already booked, but the hotel we stayed at was quite inexpensive. There was a great wildlife sanctuary on the island called Buckhorn Island State Park. It is a wonder if you like a little hiking and bird watching.. if you haven’t been, plan a trip to Lockport to see the locks on the Erie Canal. Take the cruise and go into the manmade caves. Thr one restaurant we frequented was one we discovered in Florida, Bob Evans. I think on Grand Island, though, we did find a really good restaurant called McMahons Family Restaurant. Personally, i think Grand Island is worth a visit, especially near sunset. https://www.flickr.com/photos/junie_moon_photoshare/albums/72157630878389366

Message edited by author 2017-09-28 17:02:12.
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