[J-Pak]

My friends and I have a trip planned to Buffalo/Niagara area in early August. I've been there a few times with my family (only the US side) but it was when I was younger and we didn't do much other than walk around the falls and take the Maid of the Mist tour.

For reference we're all over 21. Does anyone know about the border laws going and coming back? I have my American and Canadian passport and US drivers license so I'm ok. But one of my friends doesn't have a US passport and it's too late for him to apply for one. Will he be ok with his drivers license (I'm going to call immigration to make sure)?

Any good bars or clubs around the area? What about the casino on the Canadian side? Anything else we should do?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[GlendaleViper]

Spend some time on the Canadian side. It's done up like a mini-Vegas, so there are plenty of fun things to see and do on the main strip (and we have the nicer looking falls, besides). There's a butterfly conservatory nearby, helicopter rides, a rotating restaurant atop the tower and I believe there's a Fort nearby as well. Historic Niagara On-the-Lake is a beautiful town as well, with B&Bs and quaint shopping (antiques, restaurants, pubs, chocolatiers and lots of beautiful houses).

 

[fatcat28037]

Well first you buy a barrel.....................

 

[J-Pak]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlendaleViper /img/forum/go_quote.gif Spend some time on the Canadian side. It's done up like a mini-Vegas, so there are plenty of fun things to see and do on the main strip (and we have the nicer looking falls, besides). There's a butterfly conservatory nearby, helicopter rides, a rotating restaurant atop the tower and I believe there's a Fort nearby as well. Historic Niagara On-the-Lake is a beautiful town as well, with B&Bs and quaint shopping (antiques, restaurants, pubs, chocolatiers and lots of beautiful houses).

You have me really pumped up, I really hope we can make it over to the other side. I've heard the Canadian side is better as well. The last time I was in Montreal (4 years ago) we were ok with just drivers licenses getting back into the country, but I think they're much stricter now.

I still need to make a trip in the winter, that must be gorgeous.

Do you know how much motels are on the Canadian side? If we could stay there it would probably be a lot more fun.

 

[Singapura]

Niagara Falls is spectacular but I hate the way they made the place look like Coney island. It takes away so much of the natural beauty. When I was there (about 10 years ago) the Canadian side was much better but if I read that it's a mini Vegas now I'm not so sure it still is.

 

[F107plus5]

We've only stayed on the Canadian side. We usually stay at the top of the tower of the Oakes Hotel right near the Horseshoe falls. You can look right out the window and down into the falls, it's really a sight!

We always had our kids with us so we normally purchased the Niagara Parks Commission tour package that puts you on a tour bus and hits all the river sights and even stops for lunch at a nice restaurant overlooking the river with a view for miles. It's pretty cool, but may be more designed for families.

The rotating restaurant up on the tower is fun too, but be sure to check which way the wind is blowing or the mist could easily envelope the whole upper half and ruin your dinner forcing you to have to take the Wife and kids back the very next day and do even more damage to your already besieged wallet.

Last time we were there was before 911, so I'm sure the rules of the border crossing have changed.

 

[J-Pak]

Quote:

Originally Posted by F107plus5 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Last time we were there was before 911, so I'm sure the rules of the border crossing have changed.

This is as I suspected

I'll be giving them a call tomorrow to find out. Thanks for the Oakes Hotel recommendation. We might be able to swing it for one night.

 

[GlendaleViper]

It's my understanding that the US and Canada have postponed passport requirements for border crossing on land.

 

[mbriant]

AFAIK you're still able to cross via land with government photo I.D. (drivers lic.) and proof of citizenship (birth certificate). They keep talking about needing passports, but it hasn't kicked in yet.

Try to eat away from the strip (Clifton Hill) as the prices are ridiculous. I think the eating establishments were gouging because in the past the Canadian dollar was much lower so with exchange it wasn't so bad for U.S. tourists. But now that the dollars are just pennies apart, the prices are stupid. Once you get away from the thick of the tourist area within walking distance of the falls however, it gets better.

The casino often has quality shows going on ... check the Niagara Falls tourist sites to see what's on. I'm not up on the nite life these days, but there are definitely bars, nightclubs and "gentlemen's clubs".

If you're driving, it's worth taking the scenic drive from the falls to the town of Niagara On The Lake. Just follow the road that runs beside the falls ( not sure whether it's N/S/E/or W but just go left when you're facing the falls ) There are various wineries along the way where you can sample the goods. Niagara On The Lake isn't a wild and crazy place if that's what you're into, but it's got a few nice restaurants and shops .... and the drive is scenic and only 20 miles or so each way.

 

[CLum]

If you want to make sure you wont get hassled your friend can get a passport in 2-3 weeks (expedite services). You just have to pay for it.

 

[Homeless]

If you're into golf you should check out the legends courses. I went to Niagara about 3 weeks ago with about 20 guys and had a golf weekend. We played at Battle Field, Usshers Creek and Royal Niagara...they're beautiful and in top notch shape. Budget about $120 cdn a round...

 

[ecclesand]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatcat28037 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well first you buy a barrel.....................

I was thinking the same thing when I read the thread title. Here....we....gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooo!

 

[goldenratiophi]

Go kayaking over the falls, or take fatcat's suggestion of going in a barrel.

I'm sure you'll have lots of fun if you survive.

 

[J-Pak]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbriant /img/forum/go_quote.gif AFAIK you're still able to cross via land with government photo I.D. (drivers lic.) and proof of citizenship (birth certificate). They keep talking about needing passports, but it hasn't kicked in yet. Try to eat away from the strip (Clifton Hill) as the prices are ridiculous. I think the eating establishments were gouging because in the past the Canadian dollar was much lower so with exchange it wasn't so bad for U.S. tourists. But now that the dollars are just pennies apart, the prices are stupid. Once you get away from the thick of the tourist area within walking distance of the falls however, it gets better. The casino often has quality shows going on ... check the Niagara Falls tourist sites to see what's on. I'm not up on the nite life these days, but there are definitely bars, nightclubs and "gentlemen's clubs". If you're driving, it's worth taking the scenic drive from the falls to the town of Niagara On The Lake. Just follow the road that runs beside the falls ( not sure whether it's N/S/E/or W but just go left when you're facing the falls ) There are various wineries along the way where you can sample the goods. Niagara On The Lake isn't a wild and crazy place if that's what you're into, but it's got a few nice restaurants and shops .... and the drive is scenic and only 20 miles or so each way.

Excellent suggestions, thanks. We will be driving.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLum /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you want to make sure you wont get hassled your friend can get a passport in 2-3 weeks (expedite services). You just have to pay for it.

More than likely not an option, but thanks for the suggestion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeless /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you're into golf you should check out the legends courses. I went to Niagara about 3 weeks ago with about 20 guys and had a golf weekend. We played at Battle Field, Usshers Creek and Royal Niagara...they're beautiful and in top notch shape. Budget about $120 cdn a round...

I'm the only one in the crew really big on golf so unfortunately I don't think it will happen this time. We're planning a four night stay, and the drive from NH is 8 hours.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecclesand /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was thinking the same thing when I read the thread title. Here....we....gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooo!

Hehe...

 

[Seaside]

I got a few suggestions for you.

- Go to canadian side for a while because that's the place for fun. American side is boring. Better view of the fall at canadian side too. Get some canadian money if you will.

- Do not dine at chinese restaurant about a mile befere the fall. That was the worst chinese restaurant I ever been. Well... the young lady there was pretty though...

- Don't try something spectacular. Some people put themselves in the barrel, jump into the fall... something like that happens every year. You don't want to be one of them, and I don't want to hear you did that.

- There's a place called "Big Al's" near niagara fall. If you are a fish lover in need of fish goods.... that is the place you want visit.

- If you go there by driving, take only highways. Local roads looks ok at map, but remember that is rural road at pennsylvania and new york. Lots of them are like 30mile/hr zone. If you take local road, you gonna find yourself at top of the mountain or in the middle of corn field. It sure is scenic, but if you lost the way... then... things gonna be complicated. (edit) Oh... you live in NH? Still I recommend you use highway rather than local. When you get near Buffalo NY, roads will get crowded. So plan ahead, try to avoid traffic time if you can.