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| I didn't comment on your other thread regarding what to do while in Niagara. It has been a few years since we have visited Niagara but other than new casinos and hotels I doubt much has changed. In my opinion Niagara is really two separate destinations. One of course being the Falls and all that entails. The second more peaceful destination is Niagara-On-The-Lake the small town located at the mouth of the river. There is much any family might enjoy along the length of the Niagara River. Here are a few places and activities we have enjoyed over the years.
1. Sounds like you will be visiting during the high season. There will be throngs of people everywhere you go within walking distance of the Falls. If possible time your visit so you're arriving on a Sunday afternoon or a Monday or Tuesday, the crowds will be a little thinner, hotel room availability better. Don't even think about driving along the strip of Parkway near the Falls because the roadway will likely be covered in strolling tourists, dozens of tour buses and no where to stop or park in that area. In my experience it is essential to stay at one of the hotels located close-by the Falls if you want to truly enjoy your visit. Most of the usual chain hotels are located on the first street back from the river-front. Within the "tourist" zone only the hotels provide someplace to park your car and that's pretty much where the car will need to stay until you're ready to leave the immediate area. The Niagara Parks Commission do run regular shuttle buses along the Parkway running out towards Marineland.
2. Due to the large crowds you'll have great difficulty trying to get into a good position near the guard rail. If you want a close-up view go have a look early in the morning before the crowds come out. I also recommend strolling down to see the night illuminations.
3. For me an absolute must see is the Skylon Tower, we've been there a few times. There are two restaurants and an observation deck at the top, all provide fantastic views. In my opinion a person has to view the river from that vantage point to really appreciate the scale of the place. On one trip we dined at the revolving restaurant, reservations are essential if you want in there, might even need to call quite awhile ahead of time. The way the tables are arranged every diner has a good view but window tables are of course desirable. Restaurant guests are allowed access to the observation deck at no additional charge. There is second restaurant just a floor below the other, that restaurant does not revolve but the views are still fantastic. That lower restaurant serves breakfast/brunch so it's maybe a little less expensive. Lunch there also includes entrance to the observation deck.
4. The other absolute must do is take a cruise on "Maid of the Mist". Those little ships somehow get awfully close in, at least it seems so. Awesome experience but pricey but then everything is crazy expensive there.
5.There's numerous other attractions within walking distance, if you like a carny atmosphere Clifton Hill fits the bill, not really my cup of tea but kids of a certain age enjoy "Horror Houses" "Ripleys" and "Wax Museums".
6. Once you've had your fill of the Falls head out of town along the Niagara Parkway to the mouth of the river where you'll come into Niagara-On-The-Lake. As I recall that drive takes perhaps 15 - 20 minutes provided you don't stop along the way. Whenever we've made that trip we generally stop several times along the way. Along there is the Butterfly Conservatory which we have toured and enjoyed, also near there is a Horticultural Gardens and school, the school name escapes my memory at the moment. Whatever it's called there is a beautiful public garden to see there. There are several little parks, way stations along there where you can see the river, the most interesting being the Whirlpool and if you're a hiker Niagara Glen.
7. When on that route we always stopped at the Brock Monument above the village of Queenston. Unless policy has changed you can actually climb up to the very top of the very old and tall monument to General Brock of 1812 fame. Climbing up there is a grueling exercise, by the time I chased the kids up and back down again I was finished for the day! Luckily, right there in the Monument park is a beautiful little restaurant with patio view over the river, a very restful spot. The restaurant used to serve dinner, we had a very memorable evening there years ago. Hope they haven't shut that beautiful spot down. The village of Queenston is at the bottom of the escarpment, some significant events took place there in 1812.
8. Just before reaching Niagara-On-The-Lake you come upon old Fort George a fortification built by the British. The fort is sited directly across the river from Fort Niagara on the American side. We've toured Fort George before and we enjoyed it. The fact that Fort George and Fort Niagara each repeatedly shelled the other during the War of 1812 makes you stop and ponder for a bit.
9. Drive on a short distance from the fort into Niagara-On-The-Lake, there'll be no parking available on the street, look for a side-street and turn right heading towards the lake and river, on the waterfront there is a park along with a public parking lot. It's just a short couple blocks walk back to the main street. Niagara-On-The-Lake is a mecca for many, it's a summer theatre type of village/town. The side-streets are lined with tiny little B&B places.
I don't know whether any of this will help or interest you or your family BUT I do know you'll receive a friendly welcome here in Canada. Regards, John
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Follow up question on IL to Niagara Falls summer trip
