Trying to get a head start on planning for next year, looking for a general consensus for length of time to visit Niagra Falls, not looking to do the "headbob" tour, but wondering if a week is way to long. Also, is April too early? Thanks for any info

It's Niagara.When to visit falls

We did everything that I wanted to do when we were there several years ago in two days. We headed on up into Canada for another 3-4 days before returning to the US. It was a great trip. The next year, we headed to Toronto for 5 days.

I agree 2 to 3 days is it, but you can tour the gardens and the whirlpool if your on the Canada side and maybe go to Marine Land Niagara for a day, its like a sea world. There is an RV park right by Marine Land. (I think still)If you need more fun stuff drive on up to Cambridge and check out Lion Country Safari, you use to be able to camp there and it was a blast to hear the animals roaring at night, not sure if campground is still there but look it up we loved going there.

If you go knowing what to expect, one week in Niagara Falls is not too much time. Niagara Falls is more like Vegas than the Grand Canyon. Clifton Hill is very much like a carnival midway. Don't go there expecting a National Park experience. Go there and take it as it is.One thing many people fail to do when in Niagara Falls is to just sit and watch the water tumble over the falls. Don't skip that - otherwise it's just a big waterfall. Watching it flow is hypnotic (many people who have been rescued from the falls have indicated that they didn't intend to go in, but they felt compelled - so watch your footing).Some of the best things to do:Maid of the Mist (Canadian side now called Hornblower Tours)Journey Behind the Falls (Canadian side)Cave of the Wind (U.S. side)White Water Walk (Canadian side)Spanish Aero Car (Canadian side)Whirlpool Jet Boats (I believe both sides, but for sure Canadian side)There's also lots of historical sites in the area, lots of smaller attractions (aviary, zoo, movie experiences, gardens, Skylon Tower, fireworks over the falls, etc.).If you want a "quaint little town", Niagara on the Lake is very popular (similar to a lot of small towns with a tourist-based historical main street).When you do Cave of the Winds, plan on spending time on Goat Island and the Three Sisters Islands. Nice place for a relaxing picnic lunch as you watch the water flow down the river to the falls. Just remember that even though the water isn't that deep, the undertow can be very strong - follow the signs that say don't wade in the water.Check the attraction packages for both sides - often you can save a lot of money by buying them.

We were there in mid-July. Stayed at Four Mile Creek SP. Took in the falls in one full day and that was pushing it in my opinion. Had supper in Buffalo at the Anchor Bar. Supposedly "The Home of Buffalo Wings", which were very good by the way. If you camp at a NY SP leave your SP pass displayed and you'll park free at the falls SP. ($10.00).

Niagra Falls | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

michigansandzil
Explorer
Sep 29, 2015
Halmfamily wrote:
Don't want to hijack the thread but do you need a passport to cross over into Canada to see the attractions? When I lived up there in the eighties we could cross without a passport.

Passport is needed if you're an adult.
If you are taking your own children and they are under 18, they only need a birth certificate.
All_I_could_aff
Explorer
Sep 29, 2015
I just got back from niagra Labor Day weekend. We arrived Friday afternoon and left Monday morning. We saw everything there was to see including the maid if the mist boat ride, cave tours, light show, lake niagra and the hydroelectric power plant tour.
hitchup
Explorer
Sep 29, 2015
I get bored easily, so a week at Niagara Falls might be too long for us. Depending on how much you want to spend at attractions or trips matters, too.

We saw quite a bit on just a daytrip from Erie, PA. But without PPs, we couldn't go over to the Canadian side, so didn't plan an overnight.
tonyandkaren
Explorer
Sep 29, 2015
Halmfamily wrote:
Don't want to hijack the thread but do you need a passport to cross over into Canada to see the attractions? When I lived up there in the eighties we could cross without a passport.

Yes, a passport or a passport card(Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda only).
Halmfamily
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
Don't want to hijack the thread but do you need a passport to cross over into Canada to see the attractions? When I lived up there in the eighties we could cross without a passport.
bgum
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
2 days max.
Dutch_12078
Explorer III
Sep 28, 2015
If your trip to Niagara Falls doesn't include seeing the falls lit up at night from the Canadian side, you've missed something pretty spectacular. We like the night view from the Skylon Tower the best.
sdianel_-acct_c
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
Two days is what we did. We bought the package which included the boat ride.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Sep 28, 2015
3 days is enough time.

In fact when we were there I had our resv. set for 4 days. We cut it short and added a day at Cedar Point on the way home. Glad we made our decision.
rr2254545
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
Just came from there lots to do on the Canadian side - wish I had camped over there.

We really liked the KOA Grand Island - lots to do if you have kids

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