Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Ontario, along with with its sister city Niagara Falls, New York, is the self-proclaimed "Honeymoon Capital of the World."

Niagara Falls was incorporated on June 12, 1903. Its population is 83,184 as of 2008.

Mainly a tourist destination, the main attraction has always been Niagara Falls, which brings hundreds of thousands of tourists to the city. Now tourism plays a major part in the economy of the region.

Visitor Welcome Centers open daily at 9AM, June through August. They offer advice and maps of the area, and sell People Mover bus tickets and the Great Gorge Adventure Pass. They are located at:

• Table Rock Center (inside the mall near the brink of the Horseshoe Falls)

• Maid of the Mist (outside the Maid of the Mist ticket booths)

• Clifton Hill (at the intersection of Clifton Hill and Falls Avenue)

• Murray Street (near Queen Victoria Place, below the Fallsview Tourist Area and Fallsview Casino Resort)

Getting there

By plane

The closest airports to the Falls are actually in the United States. Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (BUF) in Buffalo, New York is about a 20-30 minute drive from the Falls and is served by most major American carriers. Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) is the closest airport to the Falls, but it is only for chartered and private flights.

On the Canadian side, Hamilton International Airport (YHM) in Hamilton is about 70 km from Niagara Falls, and is served by WestJet and Flyglobespan, a British budget airline. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Toronto is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from the Falls and is served by most major domestic and international carriers.

By car

Niagara Falls is 1 1/2 to 2 hours from Toronto (depending on traffic) and 30 minutes from Buffalo.

• From New York, Boston, and the East Coast: Take I-90 W towards Buffalo to the 290 W. Exit onto the 190 N towards Grand Island and Niagara Falls. Follow the highway through Grand Island, than take the exit immediately after the North Grand Island Bridge (as you're leaving the island) for the Robert Moses Pkwy. Continue until in downtown Niagara Falls, New York. Proceed on Rainbow Blvd., to the Rainbow Bridge, across to Niagara Falls, Ontario.

• From Chicago and the Midwest: Take I-90 East towards Buffalo to the 190 W. Follow signs for Grand Island and Niagara Falls. Follow highway through Grand Island, than take the exit immediately after the North Grand Island Bridge (as you're leaving the island) for the Robert Moses Pkwy. Continue until in downtown Niagara Falls.

• From Buffalo-Niagara International Airport: Take the I-90 East to the I-290 West to the I-190 North. Take the I-190 North (over both Grand Island Bridges, $1 toll) to the Robert Moses Parkway.

• From Toronto Pearson International Airport: Take Highway 427 S to QEW towards Hamilton. Drive for about 100 km and then keep left to take the Provincial Route 420 E toward Niagara Falls Bridge to USA. Provincial Route 420 E becomes Roberts St. Stay straight to go onto Falls Ave.

By bus

Coach Canada, 1 800 461-7661, , and Greyhound, 1-800-661-8747, , offer regular bus service to Niagara Falls from other Ontario cities.

Megabus, +1 877 462-6342, , offers service to Niagara Falls from New York City, Syracuse, and Rochester.

GO Transit, 416-869-3200, , operates bus service to the Burlington train station, connecting to trains to Toronto.

The Niagara Falls bus depot is located at 4555 Erie Avenue, +1 905 357-2133. Taxi service to the Falls and main tourist area from the bus depot will run $10-$15, or you can take the Falls Shuttle, (PDF), or the People Mover bus, . If you fancy a walk the route is simple and easy, although nearly 5km, and has the advantage of seeing the Falls come slowly into view.

By train

VIA Rail Canada's Toronto-Niagara Falls train offers two departures per day in either direction, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. On some days in summer there is a third train. The trip is about 2-1/2 hours direct to Niagara Falls from Union Station in Toronto. One of the trains daily continue on to New York City, via Buffalo. On the way back, it leaves New York in the morning and arrives in Niagara Falls in late afternoon.

A further four trains per day each way are operated between Toronto and Niagara Falls, only on weekends and (Canadian) holidays and only in the summer, by Toronto-based commuter train operator GO Transit . This is a new service as of 2009 and will operate weekends and holidays from June 27 through October 12 (Canadian Thanksgiving), 2009. It uses the same stations in both cities as the VIA trains, although some intermediate stops use GO-only stations.

The Niagara Falls train station, 1 888 842-7245 (toll-free), is located at 4267 Bridge Street, about 4 km from the Falls and right across from the bus depot. Taxi service to the main tourist area at the Falls will run $10-$15.

Organized tours

Visitors staying in Niagara Falls can catch a tour from various Niagara Falls tour providers. The following tour companies offer pick-up from all hotels in Niagara Falls:

• See Sight Tours of Niagara, +1 800-961-6584, . Provides fully guided and narrated tours of Niagara Falls. Half-day and full-day tours available. Pickups anywhere in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Recieve VIP ticketing at Journey Behind the Falls, don't get stuck in long line ups. Admission tickets, parking, and all related fees are covered.

Visitors staying in Toronto can catch a tour from various Niagara Falls tour providers. The following tour companies offer pick-up from all hotels in Toronto:

• Bedore Tours, +1 800-538-8433, ,info@bedoretours.com. Offers guided sightseeing tours of Niagara Falls Ontario and Niagara Falls NY, Charter Bus service from 14 passengers to 56 passengers, Group Tour services catered to reunions and conventions and one day tours from NYC.

• Elite Tours of Niagara Falls, +1 888 488 2074, . Guided and narrated tours of Niagara Falls. Several tours to choose from, including adventure tours and history/heritage tours. Lets you bypass the line at popular attractions like Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls and the IMAX Theater.

• Toronto Tours Canada, 1 800-391-0149 (toll-free), info@torontotours.ca, . Niagara region day tour from Toronto, including Niagara Falls. Optional helicopter flight over the Falls.

Traveling around

On foot

Many of the main attractions are within walking distance if you get a hotel that is near the Falls, and the rest are easily accessible by transit.

During the busiest tourist season (May - October), the Niagara Parkway and Queen Victoria Park, along the Canadian side of the Falls, can become very crowded and finding a "picture perfect" view of the Falls can be hard to do. Walking to the attractions can also be slow during peak tourist season with thousands of people bustling by.

By bus

The People Mover, , bus system runs on the Niagara Parkway along the river from May to October. There are stops at all the main points of interest along the parkway. One-day pass: Adult (13 years and over): $7.50, children 6-12 years: $4.50, children 5 and under: free. A map of People Mover stops is available online . People Mover passes can be purchased from any of the Welcome Centers (see "Understand" above for locations).

The Falls Shuttle, (PDF), is operated by the Niagara Transit Commission and has routes covering the Lundy's Lane and River Road districts. Tickets and day passes available at most lodgings, the bus terminal or from the shuttle bus driver. All-day pass: $6.

There are also several tour services that offer the option to buy a hop-on hop-off pass, which allows you to board any of the tour buses at any stop point thoroughout the day.

By taxi

• AAA Taxi and Tour, +1 716 550-0550

• Niagara Falls Taxi, +1 905 357-4000

• 5-0 Transportation, +1 905 358-3232

See

Most visitors' first view of the Falls, from the Canadian side of the river, is at Queen Victoria Park, along the Niagara Falls Parkway. This grand, royal garden provides the perfect vantage point for experiencing both the nightly illumination of the Falls and the summer fireworks displays. The Falls are illuminated, , every evening until approximately midnight (see website for exact times) and there are Fireworks over the Falls, , Friday and Sunday nights in the summer months.

Niagara Parks offers a Great Gorge Adventure Pass, , that includes access to the Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk, and the Butterfly Conservatory, a one-day People Mover pass and discounts for other attractions. Pass components do not have to be used on the same day. In general, it takes about 6 hours to complete the main attactions on the pass. One way to use the pass is to do the Maid of the Mist and Journey Behind the Falls on one day, and use the one-day People Mover pass to do the White Water Walk, Butterfly Conservatory/Botanical Gardens, and Aero Car (all of which are near each other, but farther from the Falls) on the second day.

• Maid of the Mist, 5920 Niagara Parkway (near the foot of Clifton Hill), . A boat that takes tourists to the foot of the falls, where you can better appreciate their thunder and spray. Runs April-October. Boats depart every 15 minutes and the ride is 30 minutes. See website for hours, they vary. Line-ups for this attraction can be quite long, try later in the day (1 hour or so before the last boat leaves) for a shorter wait. Many people use their digital cameras to take pictures, but they will get wet. Waterproof disposable cameras are offered for sale before boarding. Adults (13+ years): $14.50 (March 2008), children (6 to 12 years): $8.60, children 5 and under: free.

• Journey Behind the Falls, 6650 Niagara Parkway (Table Rock Center, beside the Falls), . Open year-round except December 25. Adults (13+ years): $12, children (6 to 12 years): $7.20, children 5 and under: free.

• White Water Walk, 4330 Niagara Parkway, . A 1,000 foot (305 m) boardwalk beside the rapids. Open seasonally. Adults (13+ years): $8.50, children (6 to 12 years): $5, children 5 and under: free.

• Whirlpool Aero Car, 3850 Niagara River Parkway (3 miles/4.5 km north of the Falls), . Cable car ride over the Niagara Whirlpool. Open March - November. Adults (13+ years): $11, children (6 to 12 years): $6.50, children 5 and under: free.

• Marineland Theme Park, 7657 Portage Road (about 1 mile from the Falls), . Shows with killer whales, beluga whales, and dolphins, and a variety of amusement park rides. General admission (age 10+): $39.95, child (5-9): $32.95, child (age 4 and under): free.

• Skylon Tower, 5200 Robinson Street, +1 905 356-2651, skyinfo@skylon.com, . 520-foot (160 m) tower that has an observation deck and revolving restaurant with a great view of the falls. There are arcade games in the base. Summer hours: 8AM to midnight, winter hours: 11AM to 9PM. Adult $12.95, child: $7.55, some online discounts.

• Niagara Skywheel, 4946 Clifton Hill, +1 905 358-4793, . Ferris-wheel-like, with air-conditioned/heated pods and views of the Falls and surrounding skyline. 10-minute ride. Year round. Adult $9.99, child $5.99.

• Clifton Hill Amusement Area, . A hill, and a street, full of exciting and fun tourist attractions such as wax museums, Ripley's Believe it or Not , haunted houses, and gift shops.

• Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, 2565 Niagara Parkway (6 miles/9 km north of the Falls), . Open daily year-round, dawn until dusk. 100 acres of 20th century themed gardens, a magnificent arboretum, as well as North America's largest butterfly conservatory. At their best in the summer. Free admission.

• Butterfly Conservatory, 2405 Niagara Parkway (6 miles/9 km north of the Falls, within the Botanical Gardens), . Over 2,000 butterflies in an enclosed garden - great photo ops. Open year-round except December 25. Check website for times, they vary. Adults (13+ years): $11, children (6 to 12 years): $6.50, children 5 and under: free.

• Bird Kingdom, 5651 River Road, 1-866.994.0090, info@birdkingdom.ca, . Open daily. September-June: 10AM-5PM, July-August: 9:30AM-7:00PM.

• Brick City, 4943 Clifton Hill Niagara Falls, ON, . Tremendous Lego city built entirely by one man.

• Floral clock, 14004 Niagara Parkway (near the Lewiston-Queenston International Bridge), . A clock made entirely of flowers.

• Queenston Heights Park, 14184 Niagara Parkway (near the Lewiston-Queenston International Bridge), . This park includes the Brock and Laura Secord Monuments. It is also an end point of the Bruce Trail, which winds it way northward over 800km to Tobermory (Ontario).

• Imax theatre, 6170 Fallsview Boulevard, +1 905 358-3611 or 1-866-405-4629, info@imaxniagara.com, . Has an older 45 minute movie about the history of the Falls that's not quite worth the price of admission. Theater houses original barrels used by falls and whirlpool daredevils on display at no cost. General admission: $13.92, some online discounts.

Things to do

Niagara Falls is awesome! The list is never ending: world class casinos, rides, wax museums, haunted houses, a huge midway with more skeeball and games than you can shake a stick at, restaurants, clubs, bars, and so on. Go to Niagara Falls, get a hotel near the falls and then walk down towards Clifton Hill. The air is buzzing and there are people from all over the world there.

• Winter Festival of Lights, area around the Falls, . A 5km route along the Niagara Parkway featuring over three million sparkling tree and ground lights and over 120 lighting displays. Illuminations November 8, 2008 to January 5, 2009. Fireworks over the Falls on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 6:15PM & 8:30PM, Friday night at 9PM from November 14, 2008 to January 2, 2009, and Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at 9PM & midnight (as part of the NYE Party in the Park. No admission, $10 donation per car suggested.

• Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, Niagara Glen departure point (approx. 8 km from the Falls, People Mover Stop #9, very little parking). . The tours operating from Niagara Glen use the JetDome boat, which is enclosed and keeps you dry as the boat navigates the whitewater rapids. For the more traditional 'gets-you-soaking-wet' jet boat tour, you will need to use the Niagara-on-the-Lake departure point. April - October.

• Helicopter tours over the Falls and surrounding area are available from a number of operators. Niagara Helicopters Limited, 3731 Victoria Avenue, (905) 357-5672, weflyyou@niagarahelicopters.com, , is one option.

• Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, 6380 Fallsview Boulevard, 1 888 FALLSVU (toll-free), . A splendid new (June 2004) Vegas-style Casino.

• Casino Niagara, 5705 Falls Avenue (near Clifton Hill), +1 905 374-3598 or 1 888 946-3255 (toll-free), . The old but nice casino.

• Greg Frewin Dinner Theatre, 1-866-779-8778, tickets@gregfrewintheatre.com, . Illusionist Greg Frewin presents his Las Vegas style magic show.

• Get married: The City of Niagara Falls issues marriage licences at the City Clerk's Office, 4310 Queen St, +1 905 356-7521 ext. 4283, . The fee is $100. There is no waiting period. No ceremonies are performed at City Hall. Niagara Parks has information about weddings, receptions, and wedding photography near the Falls.

• If you're on your honeymoon, you can get an Official City of Niagara Falls Honeymoon Certificate from the Niagara Falls Tourism Office, 5400 Robinson Street, .

• Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, 5685 Falls Avenue, +1 905 374-4444 or 1 888 234-8410, . This is Niagara's newest and largest indoor waterpark at 125,000 square feet. The water park features 16 slides, up to six stories high, full-size wavepool and outdoor year-round pool. The Fallview Indoor Waterpark is directly connected to the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls - Fallsview Hotel and the Skyline Inn Niagara Falls.

• Queen Street Arts & Culture District , 905 353-9555, Queen Street, Queen Street has been revitalized into the latest Niagara Arts & Culture District. Art galleries, boutiques, cafes, bistros, live theatre and festivals.

• Attractions on Clifton Hill, 4943 Clifton Hill, +1 905 357-2200,. Check out the vast array of flashing lights, Haunted Houses, Mazes, a Fun House, Arcade. Tons of fun attractions and restaurants. Located right near the falls between the Niagara Parkway and Victoria Ave.,

Also, don't forget the wine tours. Niagara Falls has recently boomed with vineyards due to the increasing popularity of ice wines. If you've never tasted these, they alone are worth the time. They are thick and sweet much like the muscats and ports, but without the afterbite. They are processed in freezing temperatures in very early morning hours and only with "approved" grapes.

Eat

Most of the North American chain restaurants are represented in Niagara Falls, including Little Caesars, Denny's, The Hard Rock Cafe, The Keg, Kelseys', Planet Hollywood, Red Lobster, Subway, T.G.I. Fridays, Burger King, Wendy's, Tony Romas, Wolfgang Puck, and Tim Horton's.

Reviews of Main Restaurants:

• Tim Horton's, 4950 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4, Canada, +1 (905) 358-4794, . Great breakfast options, normal inexpensive prices. Some hotels don't offer breakfast, or the breakfast included is terrible, in which case Tim Horton's is a great option and won't break the bank. Also worth mentioning, the lines move quite quickly, so don't be discouraged by a lengthy line. 3 of us ordered whatever we wanted for breakfast at a total of $12.50.

• Wendy's, 4850 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G, Canada, +1 (905) 358-4789, . Normal Wendy's menu, however not normal Wendy's prices. There is no value menu, and expect everything you're used to ordering being about $2 extra. Also expect a 5-10 minute line. That said, there are great things about this Wendy's; Plenty of comfortable seating; Clean bathrooms; and most importantly a great view of Clifton Hill.

• T.G.I. Fridays, 6700 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G, Canada, +1 (905) 356-8523, . Prices at this location are quite high, though you can expect a convenient location and a full menu. Also expect no wait, as the dining area is tremendous.

• Maid of the Mist Restaurant, 5920 River Rd at Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6V6, Canada. Great hidden cafeteria style eatery. Incredible views of the fall through the floor to ceiling glass windows. Reasonable prices for great tasting food. Typical menu items: Pizza, Hamburgers, Hotdogs. Restaurant is in the courtyard outside the Maid of the Mist gift shop.

Other options include:

• Carpaccio Restaurant, 6840 Lundy's Lane, +1 905 371-2063, . Lots of options including chicken, veal and steak entrees, grilled salmon, rack of lamb, ravioli, gnocchi, lasagna, wild mushroom risotto. Thin crust oven-baked pizzas. Soy spaghetti is available. Family friendly. Dinner mains, $10.95-$34.95.

• Mama Mia's, 5719 Victoria Avenue (at the top of Clifton Hill), +1 905 354-7471, . Italian, in case the name didn't give it away. Relatively inexpensive (for Niagara Falls) and the food is good. Spaghetti (vegetarian sauce option available), manicotti, cannelloni, homemade fettuccine, lasagna, eggplant (or chicken or veal) parmigiana, gnocchi, hamburgers. Lunch mains $7.95-$8.95, dinner mains $9.50-$18.95. $22.95 gourmet dinner menu.

• Napoli Ristorante and Pizzeria, 5484 Ferry Street (at Stanley Avenue), +1 905 356-3345. Homestyle Italian food made with fresh ingredients. Casual atmosphere.

• Antica Pizzeria, 5785 Victoria Avenue, +1 905 356-3844. Thin-crust pizza made to order in wood-burning ovens. Can be busy at dinner time.

• Romano's Macaroni Grill, 6361 Fallsview Blvd. (inside the Hilton), +1 905 353-7174 Features an open kitchen, showcasing freshly prepared Italian foods. Open from noon to 11PM daily.

• CopaCabana Brazilian Steak House, 6671 Fallsview Blvd (at Main Street), +1 905 905-354-8775, . A Brazilian BBQ restaurant, where for $36 per person you get all-you-can-eat servings of grilled steak, pork, chicken, lamb, sausage, etc. Outdoor patio. Samba music and dancers on Friday and Saturday nights. Very busy, and there can be a long wait for tables. $36 per person.

• Suisha Gardens, 5701 Lewis Ave., +1 905 354-1500, . Tu-Su (closed Monday), 5PM - 10PM. Very pleasant Japanese restaurant. They cook, Teppanyaki-style, at your table. It's some tasty stuff and for what you get, the price is reasonable. The building looks old and run-down from the outside but when you enter, it's like walking into a small pocket of Japan. Sushi bar. Take-out available. Reservations recommended. Teppanyaki set menus, $15.95-$40.95.

• Taki, 5530 Victoria Avenue, +1 905 357-7274. "Taki" means "Falls" in Japanese. Very authentic-style Japanese restaurant. Great food, great atmosphere. Pricy, but it's worth it.

• Yukiguni, 5980 Fallsview Boulevard, +1 905 354-4440, . Daily, Noon-11PM. "Yukiguni" means "snow country" in Japanese. Very good Japanese food. Loved by Japanese. Menu includes sushi, sashimi, teriyaki, tempura, and noodles. Mains, $10.20-$17.50.

• Secret Garden Restaurant, 5827 River Rd., +1 905 358-4588, . Breakfast served until 11AM daily. Large outdoor patio with a view of the American Falls and the surrounding flower gardens. Varied menu includes: hamburgers, quiche Lorraine, soups, salads, pasta, fish of the day, fish and chips, steak, rack of lamb, prime rib of beef. Vegetarian and children's menus. Dinner entrees $9.95-$29.95.

• Taco N' Tequila, 5355 Ferry Street (5 minute walk from Clifton Hill), +1 905 371-8255. Simple, yet good, Mexican fare and home of the 45 oz. margarita.

• Basell's Restaurant & Tavern, 4880 Victoria Ave., +1 905 356-7501. A super-cheap restaurant that may look like "a little hole in the wall" but the food is delish. Try the special: soup du jour (try the vegetable), coleslaw, potatoes or fries, tea or coffee, the special, AND frozen yogurt or ice cream for the end... all of that for only about 8 bucks.

• The Flying Saucer, 6768 Lundy's Lane (look for the UFO), +1 905 356-4553. Daily, 6AM-11PM. Diner/greasy spoon. Home of the 99-cent breakfast (two eggs, hash browns and toast) served between 6AM and noon. Very busy on weekend mornings, but service is efficient.

• Buchanans Chophouse, 6022 Stanely Avenue (atrium level inside the Doubletree Resort), +1 905353-4111, . Daily until 9PM. Casual fine dining, regional cuisine. VQA Award of excellence wine list, live entertainment select Fridays, call for details. Steaks, chops & seafood in a Grand Lodge atmosphere. AAA/CAA approved.

• Tarboosh Mediterranean Grill, 5809 Victoria Ave (at the top of Clifton Hill) 905-353-0909. Open 11AM-3AM. Tarboosh has a 100% Halal menu. Menu includes shawarmas, falafel, burgers, samosas, springrolls, ice cream, and freshly squeezed juices. 5 minutes away from Niagara Falls. Delivery available fresh and healthy food under $10

• Keg Steakhouse and Bar Overlooking Niagara Falls , 905-374-5170, Su-Th noon-11:30PM, F Sa noon-midnight, 6700 Fallsview Boulevard, Located on the 9th floor of the Embassy Suites Niagara Falls - Fallsview Hotel, affording the restaurant views of Niagara Falls from virtually every table. The dining room has a warm atmosphere typically of the chain; booths with heavy Oak tables and a large stone fireplace. There is plenty of tiered seating available, allowing each guest a view of the famous waterfalls.

• Dave & Buster's Niagara Falls , 905-371-1331, 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m., 4955 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Offers games and a sports bar. Transportation to and from Dave & Busters is free.

• Outback Steakhouse Niagara Falls , 905-357-6661, Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight, 6733 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls, Come in and try the

Drink

The legal drinking age in Niagara Falls, Ontario is 19.

• Watermark Restaurant, 6361 Fallsview Boulevard (in the Hilton Niagara Falls), +1 905 353-7138 or 1 800 704-9301, . Go for a drink at the martini bar during one of the fireworks shows. It offers an amazing Falls view, great for a romantic gesture or a dramatic proposal.

Sleep

Prices posted are for high season (May-October).

Budget

• ACBB Hostel Niagara, 5741 McGrail Avenue, +1 905 354-6425, . Beds start at $20 per night. Lowest Priced and Highest rated hostel in Niagara and one of the top rated in North America by Hostelworld customers! Great breakfast for free everyday, Free Internet terminals Superb location! AKA Lyons House Hostel

• HI-Niagara Falls, 4549 Cataract Avenue, +1 905 357-0770, toll free +1 888 749-0058, . Beds start at $26.90 per night.

• Niagara Falls Backpackers Hostel, 4219 Huron Street, +1 905 357-4266, toll free +1 800 891-7022, prices start at $25

B&Bs

• Eastwood Tourist Lodge, 5359 River Road, +1 905 354-8686, . 5-10 minute walk to the Falls. Full breakfast. Rooms with balconies with view of Niagara Gorge, some rooms with fireplaces, free wireless internet. $79+

• Lion's Head Bed & Breakfast, 5239 River Road, +1 905 374 1681, . 10-minute walk to the Falls. Historic Edwardian home overlooking the Niagara Gorge. Three-course gourmet breakfasts. $145-$225 per night.

• Redwood Bed & Breakfast, 5227 River Road, +1 905 358-1990 or +1 888 713-8495, . Two-night minimum stay. $129-$159 per night.

• Oasis Niagara, 4266 Elgin Street, +1 905 353-0223, . 15-20 minute walk to the Falls. Continental breakfast. The only Gay men's guesthouse in Niagara Falls, centrally located, free wireless internet. $90+

Hotels

Numerous hotels offer a room with a view of the Falls; check with the hotel when booking and specify that you want a full fallsview room when you book, or you may be given a room with only a partial view. If getting the 'perfect' room is important to you, book through the hotel directly as opposed to on-line or via their world-wide reservations number.

• The Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls, 6546 Fallsview Boulevard, 1 877 843-6253, . The Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls is the closest hotel to the Falls, with the best views from it's Fallsview Hotel Rooms and Suites. This 21 story hotel has a completely un-obstructed view of the falls, and is adjacent to the Fallsview Casino Resort.

• The Days Inn Fallsview Hotel, 6519 Stanley Avenue, 1 800 847-9043, . The Days Inn Fallsview is the closest Days Inn in Niagara Falls to the Falls. Located only 1 block away from the Fallsview Casino, and the Falls itself.

• The Days Inn Clifton Hill, 5657 Victoria Avenue, 1 800 847-9043, . The Days Inn Clifton Hill is in the heart of Niagara's Clifton Hill tourist district. The Days Inn features an indoor pool, Applebees Grill & Bar, and Remington's of Niagara Steak & Seafood Restaurant on site. It is also only steps away from more dining, night life, and attractions.

• The Days Inn Centre Street, 5046 Centre Street, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N9, Canada - +1 (905) 357-2550, . Located a block and a half (2-minute walk) north of Clifton Hill. Free Parking. Free Wifi. Secure building, you cannot access without your room key. Wifi is slow. Complimentary breakfast is not too good. Rates are quite inexpensive. Swimming pool and hot tub on premises. Very clean hotel, staff is also incredibly helpful and friendly.

• Hilton Hotel and Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview, 6361 Fallsview Boulevard, 1 905 354-7887, . Hilton Hotel and Suites features City or Fallsview rooms decorated in classic resort style. Recently opened a brand new 53-storey, 500 room all-suite tower, featuring 2 new restaurants. The hotel is in the heart of the City's entertainment district and attached to the Fallsview Casino through an adjacent walkway.

• A1-Motel, 7895 Lundys lane Niagara Falls, Canada , 1 905 354 6038, .2 miles from falls, go to website for further details. $39+

• Lodge Inn And Suites Near The Falls, 5234 Ferry Street , 1 800 440 9555, .Lodge Inn And Suites is located near the Falls and a short walk to the Fallsview Casino, Casino Niagara and of course the "street of fun" Clifton Hill. Offers a free breakfast, free local calls, and cable TV. $89+

• Embassy Suites Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel, 6700 Fallsview Boulevard, +1 905 356 3600 or 1 800 420 6980, .Embassy Suites Niagara Falls – Fallsview Hotel, is the newest Niagara Falls hotel in Niagara Falls Canada. The hotel towers 42 storeys over the Brink of Niagara Falls - and is located only 100 yards from the waters edge. Located on Fallsview Boulevard in the Fallsview Tourist District – beside the new Niagara Fallsview Casino, the hotel is surrounded by Niagara's finest restaurants and attractions and offers the finest in Fallsview accommodations.

• Fallsview Plaza Hotel Niagara Falls, 6455 Fallsview Boulevard, +1 905 357 5200 or 1 800 363 3255, . Located 1 block from the Falls and directly across the street from the New Fallsview Casino. This hotel features Fallsview rooms and luxurious Whirlpool rooms. Located just steps from Niagara Falls and other major Niagara Falls attractions. Complete fitness center including indoor waterfall swimming pool. Event, meeting and conference facilities, valet parking.

• Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel & Spa, 6740 Fallsview Boulevard, +1 905 357 7300 or 1 888 501 8916, . The Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel & Spa is located only 100 yards away from the brink of Niagara Falls. Featuring amazing Fallsview accommodations, elegant Fallsview dining and full-service spa. Located in the Fallsview Tourist district, take the Skywalk to the Fallsview Casino Resort and other Niagara Falls attractions.

• Doubletree Resort Lodge & Spa Fallsview, 6039 Fallsview Boulevard, +1 905 358-3817 or 1-800-222-TREE, . Five Lakes Aveda day spa (PDF). Indoor lap pool and family pool, whirlpool, fitness room, seasonal outdoor hot tub and garden sun deck. Doubletree Sweet Dreams sleep experience. Spacious guest rooms, two room suites and premium rooms with two person whirlpool tubs. Choose a view of the city, river or American Falls. Rated four diamonds by AAA/CAA. Two blocks from brink of the Falls, 400 yards to Fallsview Casino Resort.

• Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, 5875 Falls Avenue (Clifton Hill area, 2 min walk to Maid of the Mist), +1 905 374-4445 or 1 888 234-8410, . The rooms at the front of the hotel offer amazing views of the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Indoor and outdoor pools. The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is connected to the hotel. Some rooms with fireplace and jacuzzi. Features an 80 foot buffet table at its Fallsview Restaurant located on the 12th floor of the hotel.

• Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls - Fallsview Hotel, 5685 Falls Avenue (Clifton Hill area, 2 min walk to Maid of the Mist), +1 905 374-4444 or 1 888 234-8410, . This hotel maintains its old world Victorian style and design but provides all of its customers with new world amenities. The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is directly connected to the hotel. The Crowne Plaza hotel features indoor dining options at it Fallsview Rainbowroom Restaurant.

• Great Wolf Lodge, 3950 Victoria Avenue, 1 905 354-4888 or 1-800-605-WOLF, . Located a short drive from the Falls; there is a People Mover stop here. Great for kids, very family-oriented. Large indoor waterpark, spa, restaurant and cafe.

• Skyline Inn Niagara Falls, 4800 Bender Hill (Clifton Hill area, 3 min walk to Maid of the Mist), +1 905 374-4444 or 1 888 234-8410, . The newly renovated Skyline Inn Niagara Falls features over sized family rooms that fit up to 6 people in one room. The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is connected to the hotel vis the skywalk. Features Family Movie Night, which plays every night in the main courtyard.

• Hampton Inn By Hilton - at the Falls, 5591 Victoria Avenue, +1 905 374-4445 or 1 888 234-8410, . Newly renovated features complimentary hot and cold breakfast, internet and parking for guests. Features an indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna in the hotel atrium.

• Courtyard By Marriott Niagara Falls, 5950 Victoria Avenue, +1 905 358-3083 or 1 800 771-1123 , . In the centre of the Clifton Hill tourist district, Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls features 258 guest rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, Keg Steakhouse & Bar and more. On-site Parking.

• Comfort Inn Clifton Hill: Niagara Falls Hotel and Resort, 4960 Clifton Hill, +1 905 358-3293 or 1 800 263-2557 , . Located one block to the Falls in the heart of the Clifton Hill tourist area, This popular Niagara Falls hotel features 185 guest rooms, complimentary continental breakfast, large indoor pool and whirlpool, major on-site attractions and restaurants, guest parking, free wireless internet, friendly service, etc.

Buy

When making purchases, be sure to use Canadian money, debit cards or credit cards. Credit card companies actually do the currency conversions as they are billed to your statement.

There are a great many souvenir shops in Niagara Falls, especially in the Clifton Hill area and at the Maid of the Mist Marketplace at the foot of Clifton Hill. You'll find everything from the usual t-shirts and calendars to vials of Niagara Falls water.

• Piccadilly Place Gifts, 6022 Stanley Avenue. . Gifts and souvenirs. Five locations in town: at Sheraton Fallsview, Sheraton on the Falls, Skyline Inn, Crowne Plaza Niagara, and Doubletree Resort Lodge & Spa Fallsview.

• Niagara on the Lake is a pretty, historic town located about 20 minutes north of Niagara Falls. Each summer it hosts the Shaw Festival, , featuring the works of George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. There are also a number of wineries in the area that you can visit. 5-0 Transportation, +1 905 358-3232, offers a shuttle service from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

• Niagara Falls State Park, is located a short drive over the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, New York. Its Cave of the Winds attraction, takes you down a series of wooden staircases right beside the Bridal Veil Falls. There are also hiking trails and a Falls observation deck.