Driving to Niagara Falls Canada

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I live in Toronto and have been to Niagara Falls many times as a day trip and occasionally overnight on the Canadian side and also on the American side.

I agree with others that I wouldn't stay 3 nights in Niagara Falls plus your 1 night in Niagara on the lake, unless you're planning to do a lot of day hikes eg Niagara escarpment and bike rides in addition to the usual touristy things.

dp.. we did do some touristy things, like the whirlpool jet tour. We enjoyed it, and my kids were teens.

Niagara is very touristy, yes. But, I think younger kids will enjoy the touristy fun areas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thanks for all the advice everyone. I love it. I'll definitely report back on what we did with all of our time in the Falls. We have two boys who are 9 and 7. We plan to take them to many of the activities around the Falls, including the two go-kart places I found there. We are actually going to a basketball game while there as the lakers are playing the raptors. I figure we will have one night but two days in Toronto based on our current plans. I'm thinking our days in Toronto and the falls will be activity filled, while our days in Niagara on the lake will be more restful with lots of walking and biking. We will be at the Sheraton Falls overlooking the falls, which I am hoping will be a treat within itself.

If this helps to give you any perspective on how we vacation, we went to Quebec City last summer and stayed a week. We would have all gladly stayed for two weeks. I've seen people post that you only need a few days in QC, however I loved it there. I realize Niagara Falls isn't QC, but I'm hoping we will find fun and rest during our week there. I'll definitely report back.

We took an extended family trip to Niagara Falls for Spring Break and stayed 3 nights like you. The kids were 6, 8, 10, and 12 and there were enough cheesy, kid-friendly activities to keep them engaged the whole time. For reference, the 6 year old wanted to move to Canada after the trip was over lol

Like you, we took a day trip to Toronto and the kids enjoyed it. In Toronto, we went to the Royal Ontario Museum (it was a hit with everyone, they have a couple of sections that are very much geared for kids), Casa Loma (a self-guided tour of a "castle" that was actually very interesting) and went to the top of the CN Tower (touristy, but why not; also, you may want to consider making reservations for dinner/snacks at the top...that was a missed opportunity for us). You can save on the costs by buying a Toronto Museum Pass that gets you access to most of the city's museums. By that point, it was time to return to Niagara Falls.

Also, we spent a half-day at Niagara-on-the-Lake. It's cute but more romantic than family friendly. However, we did enjoy a great breakfast, picked up a variety of maple syrup, and bought a bunch of wine at a nearby winery.

Op here - thanks for these tips. I'll definitely make reservations for lunch or brunch at the top of the CN TOWER if possible. The hotel we are staying at in Toronto is walking distance to it. I saw something called little canada on trip advisor. Anyone been to that? It looked interesting. I also saw Casa Loma which I have on our list. I want us to swing by University of Toronto as well and walk around. Finally, I saw something about a Harry Potter shop somewhere in Toronto. Does that ring any bells?

[Anonymous]

PP who mentioned the Rogers Centre seats- wanted to mention that we also stayed at the Sheraton Fallsview. We were able to watch the light show from our tiny balcony. One thing I didn’t anticipate was the crowds of people out and about on the streets.

I hope you have fun!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thanks for all the advice everyone. I love it. I'll definitely report back on what we did with all of our time in the Falls. We have two boys who are 9 and 7. We plan to take them to many of the activities around the Falls, including the two go-kart places I found there. We are actually going to a basketball game while there as the lakers are playing the raptors. I figure we will have one night but two days in Toronto based on our current plans. I'm thinking our days in Toronto and the falls will be activity filled, while our days in Niagara on the lake will be more restful with lots of walking and biking. We will be at the Sheraton Falls overlooking the falls, which I am hoping will be a treat within itself.

If this helps to give you any perspective on how we vacation, we went to Quebec City last summer and stayed a week. We would have all gladly stayed for two weeks. I've seen people post that you only need a few days in QC, however I loved it there. I realize Niagara Falls isn't QC, but I'm hoping we will find fun and rest during our week there. I'll definitely report back.

We took an extended family trip to Niagara Falls for Spring Break and stayed 3 nights like you. The kids were 6, 8, 10, and 12 and there were enough cheesy, kid-friendly activities to keep them engaged the whole time. For reference, the 6 year old wanted to move to Canada after the trip was over lol

Like you, we took a day trip to Toronto and the kids enjoyed it. In Toronto, we went to the Royal Ontario Museum (it was a hit with everyone, they have a couple of sections that are very much geared for kids), Casa Loma (a self-guided tour of a "castle" that was actually very interesting) and went to the top of the CN Tower (touristy, but why not; also, you may want to consider making reservations for dinner/snacks at the top...that was a missed opportunity for us). You can save on the costs by buying a Toronto Museum Pass that gets you access to most of the city's museums. By that point, it was time to return to Niagara Falls.

Also, we spent a half-day at Niagara-on-the-Lake. It's cute but more romantic than family friendly. However, we did enjoy a great breakfast, picked up a variety of maple syrup, and bought a bunch of wine at a nearby winery.

Op here - thanks for these tips. I'll definitely make reservations for lunch or brunch at the top of the CN TOWER if possible. The hotel we are staying at in Toronto is walking distance to it. I saw something called little canada on trip advisor. Anyone been to that? It looked interesting. I also saw Casa Loma which I have on our list. I want us to swing by University of Toronto as well and walk around. Finally, I saw something about a Harry Potter shop somewhere in Toronto. Does that ring any bells?

I'd put University of Toronto lower on your list. Maybe just check out Hart House, it's a pretty spectacular building.
Casa Loma, ROM are good.

In Niagara Falls with school aged boys there's a lot of fun. I always hit the Hershey chocolate store and have a big shake, buy some chocolates. Clifton Hill is cheesy for adults but kids love it. There is a little ferris wheel that could be fun. Then all the water rides.

The water falls at night are nice, lit up by lights. On a Saturday night, there might be fireworks.

Niagara on the lake - check out the ice cream stores and gelato stores on the main street.

[Anonymous]

If anyone is into history, you can stop at Fort George in Niagara-on-the -Lake. It was used in the War of 1812 and it's kind of cool seeing history from the other side. It opens for the season on April 6.

[Anonymous]

I went to Little Canada last year and really enjoyed it. We were a group of adults but I think elementary aged kids (and up) would enjoy it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If anyone is into history, you can stop at Fort George in Niagara-on-the -Lake. It was used in the War of 1812 and it's kind of cool seeing history from the other side. It opens for the season on April 6.

Op here - We would have loved this. We leave on the 6th. I'll see if we can stop there on our way out. Thanks for this suggestion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to Little Canada last year and really enjoyed it. We were a group of adults but I think elementary aged kids (and up) would enjoy it!

OP here - Wonderful. It looked pretty neat. I figure at least we can try to find QC on it and Niagara Falls .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thanks for all the advice everyone. I love it. I'll definitely report back on what we did with all of our time in the Falls. We have two boys who are 9 and 7. We plan to take them to many of the activities around the Falls, including the two go-kart places I found there. We are actually going to a basketball game while there as the lakers are playing the raptors. I figure we will have one night but two days in Toronto based on our current plans. I'm thinking our days in Toronto and the falls will be activity filled, while our days in Niagara on the lake will be more restful with lots of walking and biking. We will be at the Sheraton Falls overlooking the falls, which I am hoping will be a treat within itself.

If this helps to give you any perspective on how we vacation, we went to Quebec City last summer and stayed a week. We would have all gladly stayed for two weeks. I've seen people post that you only need a few days in QC, however I loved it there. I realize Niagara Falls isn't QC, but I'm hoping we will find fun and rest during our week there. I'll definitely report back.

We took an extended family trip to Niagara Falls for Spring Break and stayed 3 nights like you. The kids were 6, 8, 10, and 12 and there were enough cheesy, kid-friendly activities to keep them engaged the whole time. For reference, the 6 year old wanted to move to Canada after the trip was over lol

Like you, we took a day trip to Toronto and the kids enjoyed it. In Toronto, we went to the Royal Ontario Museum (it was a hit with everyone, they have a couple of sections that are very much geared for kids), Casa Loma (a self-guided tour of a "castle" that was actually very interesting) and went to the top of the CN Tower (touristy, but why not; also, you may want to consider making reservations for dinner/snacks at the top...that was a missed opportunity for us). You can save on the costs by buying a Toronto Museum Pass that gets you access to most of the city's museums. By that point, it was time to return to Niagara Falls.

Also, we spent a half-day at Niagara-on-the-Lake. It's cute but more romantic than family friendly. However, we did enjoy a great breakfast, picked up a variety of maple syrup, and bought a bunch of wine at a nearby winery.

Op here - thanks for these tips. I'll definitely make reservations for lunch or brunch at the top of the CN TOWER if possible. The hotel we are staying at in Toronto is walking distance to it. I saw something called little canada on trip advisor. Anyone been to that? It looked interesting. I also saw Casa Loma which I have on our list. I want us to swing by University of Toronto as well and walk around. Finally, I saw something about a Harry Potter shop somewhere in Toronto. Does that ring any bells?

I'd put University of Toronto lower on your list. Maybe just check out Hart House, it's a pretty spectacular building.
Casa Loma, ROM are good.

In Niagara Falls with school aged boys there's a lot of fun. I always hit the Hershey chocolate store and have a big shake, buy some chocolates. Clifton Hill is cheesy for adults but kids love it. There is a little ferris wheel that could be fun. Then all the water rides.

The water falls at night are nice, lit up by lights. On a Saturday night, there might be fireworks.

Niagara on the lake - check out the ice cream stores and gelato stores on the main street.

Op here - Will the water falls be lit up this time of year? Also, by chance do you know if one can rent bikes in Niagara on the lake?

[Anonymous]

OP here - one more question for those who have been to the area. We plan on visiting St. Catherines as I understand Harriet Tubman lived there at some point, and the church she attended may still be there. We are learning about Harriet Tubman with the boys and so plan on making a visit out to the town while there. Is there anything else unique about the town or fun that we should be aware of?

[Anonymous]

The falls were lit up at night when went in April. However, many of the touristy stores on the Canadian side were still closed. There was still ice in the falls, which was really neat.

[Anonymous]

We flew to Buffalo and rented a minivan. Way better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thanks for all the advice everyone. I love it. I'll definitely report back on what we did with all of our time in the Falls. We have two boys who are 9 and 7. We plan to take them to many of the activities around the Falls, including the two go-kart places I found there. We are actually going to a basketball game while there as the lakers are playing the raptors. I figure we will have one night but two days in Toronto based on our current plans. I'm thinking our days in Toronto and the falls will be activity filled, while our days in Niagara on the lake will be more restful with lots of walking and biking. We will be at the Sheraton Falls overlooking the falls, which I am hoping will be a treat within itself.

If this helps to give you any perspective on how we vacation, we went to Quebec City last summer and stayed a week. We would have all gladly stayed for two weeks. I've seen people post that you only need a few days in QC, however I loved it there. I realize Niagara Falls isn't QC, but I'm hoping we will find fun and rest during our week there. I'll definitely report back.

We took an extended family trip to Niagara Falls for Spring Break and stayed 3 nights like you. The kids were 6, 8, 10, and 12 and there were enough cheesy, kid-friendly activities to keep them engaged the whole time. For reference, the 6 year old wanted to move to Canada after the trip was over lol

Like you, we took a day trip to Toronto and the kids enjoyed it. In Toronto, we went to the Royal Ontario Museum (it was a hit with everyone, they have a couple of sections that are very much geared for kids), Casa Loma (a self-guided tour of a "castle" that was actually very interesting) and went to the top of the CN Tower (touristy, but why not; also, you may want to consider making reservations for dinner/snacks at the top...that was a missed opportunity for us). You can save on the costs by buying a Toronto Museum Pass that gets you access to most of the city's museums. By that point, it was time to return to Niagara Falls.

Also, we spent a half-day at Niagara-on-the-Lake. It's cute but more romantic than family friendly. However, we did enjoy a great breakfast, picked up a variety of maple syrup, and bought a bunch of wine at a nearby winery.

Op here - thanks for these tips. I'll definitely make reservations for lunch or brunch at the top of the CN TOWER if possible. The hotel we are staying at in Toronto is walking distance to it. I saw something called little canada on trip advisor. Anyone been to that? It looked interesting. I also saw Casa Loma which I have on our list. I want us to swing by University of Toronto as well and walk around. Finally, I saw something about a Harry Potter shop somewhere in Toronto. Does that ring any bells?

I'd put University of Toronto lower on your list. Maybe just check out Hart House, it's a pretty spectacular building.
Casa Loma, ROM are good.

In Niagara Falls with school aged boys there's a lot of fun. I always hit the Hershey chocolate store and have a big shake, buy some chocolates. Clifton Hill is cheesy for adults but kids love it. There is a little ferris wheel that could be fun. Then all the water rides.

The water falls at night are nice, lit up by lights. On a Saturday night, there might be fireworks.

Niagara on the lake - check out the ice cream stores and gelato stores on the main street.

Op here - Will the water falls be lit up this time of year? Also, by chance do you know if one can rent bikes in Niagara on the lake?

Yes and yes. They're lit every evening. Pick up rentals or they deliver. Dress warmly for winter, gloves or mitts if you're cycling. It will feel much colder right by the Falls.

[Anonymous]

Your family might enjoy the Niagara Power Vista Visitor Center. It's like a mini science museum dedicated to the Niagara River. https://www.nypa.gov/communities/visitors-centers/niagara-power-vista

The house itself is less interesting than the history of the Buffalo area which is mentioned in the house. I just wanted to put the Theodore Roosevelt Inauguration House on your radar. If nothing else, reading about the history of the area prior to your arrival might be nice. Nikola Tesla has a statue on either side of Niagara Falls. If you don't know why I mentioned that in this paragraph, you should definitely read up on how they are all connected.
https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/presidents/t_roosevelt_inaugural_site.html#plan

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - one more question for those who have been to the area. We plan on visiting St. Catherines as I understand Harriet Tubman lived there at some point, and the church she attended may still be there. We are learning about Harriet Tubman with the boys and so plan on making a visit out to the town while there. Is there anything else unique about the town or fun that we should be aware of?

Cycling is nice along the Welland Canal and Sunset Beach is one of the nicest beaches in Southern Ontario. It's nice in the summer. St Catherine's wouldn't be high on my list this time of year. Dress warmly! It's -3 celcius in Toronto right now. Since you're driving, bring a lot of layers, mitts, a toque, neck gaiter. I went to Niagara Falls in late May once and a spring jacket wasn't enough.