Niagara Falls For A Weekend Getaway
Niagara Falls is a spectacular year round destination. I was around 4 years old the first time I went. The city has changed a lot over the years. But the natural beauty of the Falls has remained. We made it a family tradition when our kids were growing up to take them to Niagara Falls every year for a couple of nights.
If you go in the off season( Nov-March), you can get some great rates on hotels. The city will be a lot less crowded. And you might even get to see the Falls while their frozen over. Although not all the attraction will be open.
Every New Years Eve, Queen Victoria Park adjacent to the Falls puts on a free outdoor concert to ring in the New Year. Followed by an amazing show of fireworks.
Niagara Falls has long been known as a honeymoon destination. And at the same time a touristy family vacation spot.
For the kids, there are 3 waterparks to choose from. I like the Fallsview Indoor WaterPark the best. It’s directly connected to 3 hotels. And the location can’t be beat. Right in the middle of the action and easily walkable to most of the attractions.
Clifton Hill area is where you’ll find souvenir shops, fast food, and activities like mini putt putt, bowling, Niagara Skywheel, arcade games, Guinness World Records, and the scariest haunted houses. Yes I screamed the whole way through!
One way to save some money is by purchasing the Niagara Falls Wonder Pass. It will get you access to the Butterfly Conservatory, Journey Behind The Falls, transportation around the city, as well as some other attractions.
If it’s your first time here, I’d definitely recommend a trip to the Imax Theatre. You’ll learn about the history of the Falls. And hear stories about all the crazy daredevils who have attempted to survive a trip over the Falls in a barrel.
Close by is the Skylon Tower. A ride to the top will only take 52 seconds in what is known as the yellow bug. You’ll see great views of the Falls from the observation deck. And if your staying for dinner at the top, the ride up is free.
For the adults there are two casinos, plenty of upscale restaurants, winery tours, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club, the Dragonfly Night Club, zip-lining over the Falls, helicopter rides and tons of hotels with heart shaped jacuzzi’s.
Our favourite place to stay is the Embassy Suites by Hilton. Complete with a buffet breakfast and happy hour drink tickets with snacks every day. Parking at the hotel is expensive though. So we recommend parking just down the road at the Casino. Then the price is $5 upon exiting Monday to Friday. And $20 if you leave on the weekend.
After your finished checking out Niagara Falls, I’d recommend taking a drive along the water to the quaint village of Niagara On The Lake.