NIAGARA FALLS, ON -- MAY 2000
Here it is the day after returning from our Niagara Falls vacation -- and I'm already thinking about my next destination! Anyway, back to this vacation, we once again traveled with a strategy, this time:
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The Trip, Day by Day
Tuesday, May 30, 2000
- Traveled from Troy, MI (5:45 AM) to Niagara Falls, ON (11:30 AM) stopping only for breakfast and changing drivers
- Checked into Quality Inn Fallsway in the middle of the Clifton Hill tourist area
- Walked down to falls, then walked along Niagara Parkway, all the way past the Canadian falls, to the power plant
- On return trip stopped at Victoria Park Restaurant for an excellent lunch from their selection of appetizers -- including soup and mussels (and Canadian beer!)
- Walked back along parkway to the Maid of the Mist attraction -- and enjoyed the absolute best view of the falls during that ride
- Went to dinner at Kelsey's, at the same time recovering from our "just 5 minute" trek to the beer store
- That evening we walked down to the falls at night to enjoy the illumination of the falls
Wednesday, May 31, 2000
- Made use of the Niagara Parks People Movers to travel to several close by attractions, including
- Queenston Heights Park where we climbed all 234 narrow spiraling stairs up Brock's Monument, only to find only a limited view from the top
- Next was a stop at the floral clock -- only to discover that it was in the beginning process of being planted, and little more than a circle of dirt!
- From there on to the Botanical Gardens for an enjoyable walk through the gardens, and a visit to the Butterfly Conservatory
- Daddy's plan from there was a surprise (late) lunch destination -- at the Skylon Tower! Although we certainly enjoyed the view from the tower, we didn't eat there as meals seemed to be available only at set serving times.
- The alternative (very late) lunch destination was Planet Hollywood -- where we enjoyed both the food and the surroundings.
- Clark takes the kids through the Movieland attraction at Clifton Hill
Thursday, June 1, 2000
- Niagara-on-the-lake
- Tommy and Clark's Father/Son adventure
- Dinner at Minolta Tower
- Mommy takes kids through the Funhouse at Clifton Hill -- which according to the kids was one of the highlights of the trip (but not according to Mommy!)
- Went to a garden theater area to see the illumination of the falls
Friday, June 2, 2000
- Again made use of Niagara Parks People Movers to travel to several close by attractions, including
- The Great Gorge Adventure to get close to the rapidly moving water.
- A return trip to the floral clock -- this time fully decorated!
- Went to the Journey Behind the Falls for an spectacular close of view of the Canadian falls, from both the side and from behind the falls!
- Took the kids for a second trip through the Funhouse -- and lost Mommy who wasn't where she was suppose to be after a special errand
- That evening, we went down to the falls to watch the 10 minute fireworks display
- And a final night time walk along Clifton Hill
Saturday, June 3, 2000
- Slept late and ate breakfast
- On the road at about Noon -- doing one more drive-by of the falls before leaving
- Alternative route home included driving along Niagara Parkway towards Niagara-on-the-lake, intercepting 405 (to the QEW) for the trip home
- Arrived home 5ish -- it was a good trip.
Some links we found helpful during our vacation planning
- LIVE FallsCam, courtesy the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel
- Quality Inn Fallsway (where we stayed)
- Destination Niagara (tourism page)
- Niagara Falls Tourism Pages
- Niagara Falls Premier Vacation Guide
Some things we missed that are on our list for next time
- Marineland Theme Park
- Old Fort Niagara
- Niagara Falls "Cave of the Winds" tour on Goat Island
- The New York State Observation Tower
- And Maybe . . .
