When I was about 6 months old my parents moved from Minnesota to Toronto, Canada. We lived there for several years before coming back to the states. While there, we visited Niagara Falls many times, however I don't remember it at all! And it's been on my list to get back there and see it as an adult.
When we realized our kids had a nice long weekend coming up, we booked our trip and headed to Niagara Falls!
See The Falls
No trip would be complete without seeing the falls. The best way to view them from the US side is on Goat Island. Near the falls is an overlook to get close to the river. A restaurant, gift shops and tour for Cave Of The Winds is all within walking distance from where we parked. There are bridges to walk across and get a closer view of the rapids and Bridal Veil Falls, and the overlook has a great view of both.
Plan to spend some time on the island touring the area and viewing the waterfalls!
Where We Stayed
I would not, at all, recommend the place we stayed at during this trip. Win some, lose some. This time we lost! So in an effort to help you avoid our mistake, don't stay at voco Niagara Falls - The Cadence. Right when walking in it smelled like air fresheners and perfume, overwhelmingly so. It was as if the place wasn't cleaned well or that they needed to cover up a bad smell. The rooms were also tiny and humid, even with the air conditioning running. Our clothes that got wet from Niagara Falls didn't dry the entire time we were there! (Which was 2 nights, so you would think a few pairs of socks and shirts could dry off in 48 hours, but not the case at this hotel!) So skip this one.
A few places to recommend: Cambria Hotel Niagara Falls, Courtyard Niagara Falls, Sheraton Niagara Falls, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, and Hyatt Place Niagara Falls.
Eat At The Restaurant That Created Buffalo Wings
The very first restaurant to create buffalo wings is located in Niagara Falls! In 1964 a group of friends came into the Anchor Bar extremely hungry and Dominic (the bartender at the time) asked his mother to make something for the group. She deep friend chicken wings, put a special sauce on it, and served it to them. The wings became a hit, The idea for buffalo wings spread across the globe, but the secret sauce has been a guarded secret at the Anchor Bar and it's what has led to the bar boasting "The Best Wings In The World."
Head To Goat Island
Goat Island on the US side is where you can view the Falls. The island sits in the middle of Niagara River between the Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. There are walking trails and a bridge you can cross by foot to get a better view of the water as it cascades over the edge. Cave of the Winds is a walking experience nearly into the waterfalls. And Top of the Falls Restaurant is located near the parking lot and nearby waterfalls.
Parking on the island costs $5-20 depending on the day (weekends are more), time of day (we went after dark for fireworks and it's free after dark!), and time of year (costs more during peak season).
A map of the island will tell you where to park, the hiking trails that go around it, and where the activities and shops are located.
Tour Cave Of The Winds
We got tickets for Cave Of The Winds, which isn't actually a cave, but rather a walking path/staircases that go in and around the base of Bridal Veil Falls. And, it is windy, as the name suggests.
If I can recommend a few things:
- Go when it's sunny and warm (if you can)
- It's impossible to predict the wind, but less windy days are better
- Bring clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting wet
- Wear shoes with backs! The stairs and paths are very wet. Our tennis shoes got soaked, but I wouldn't recommend flip-flops or shoes that might slip off easily. Sandals with backs would be great!
- Plan to get wet
We went at the end of September and the days we were there happened to be cold and rainy. The wind was a major factor as well! We were soaked by the end of it, even though they gave us ponchos (it's included in the price of admission!)
But it's pretty neat to walk right over the base of the falls. As you walk up the stairs, the falls literally thunder beneath your feet. It's wild!
As you can see from the photos, some of us loved the experience, and some of us were not so sure.
Watch The Fireworks At The Falls!
Friday and Saturday nights the falls are lit up with a light display and fireworks are shot off into the night.
We got into town around 6:00pm, and the first thing we did was head to dinner, and then off to Goat Island to see the fireworks.
The fireworks began just before 10pm and lasted about 5 minutes. It rained the entire time we were there, but it was worth it to see the lights. Our kids were in awe of the fireworks over the falls!
For the full schedule and times, visit: Niagara Falls Fireworks Schedule.
Walk Across Rainbow Bridge
Rainbow bridge connects Niagara Falls, NY to Niagara Falls Ontario Canada. A passport is needed to cross both ways. You can cross by bus, drive across, or on foot! Many people walk across the bridge to the Canadian side to get a better view of Horseshoe Falls (the entirety of it can be seen from that side).
For more information on border crossing, go here: Border Crossing & Rainbow Bridge
I hope you get a chance to see Niagara Falls. It's an incredible sight.
As always,
Happy traveling!
Jessica
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