While the hotels were more expensive than I hoped for in May, we did find one within walking distance to the falls that was (roughly) within our budget and booked at Clifton Victoria Inn at the Falls. While still somewhat expensive, when I took into account being able to walk to everything we had planned and not having to pay for parking it was worth it.
Arrival
After a five hour drive and checking in to the hotel, we headed out to have dinner at Fresh Burrito that was recommended by a friend (my girls said it was amazing!). Then a walk through Clifton Hill, Our first view of the falls (with a Rainbow!), and shopping.
First Full Day – A Boat Tour, Walking and a Journey Behind the Falls
And then…the adventure starts with a Complete Niagara Falls Tour.
Tour guide (as we were waiting for other tourists to arrive) “I need a few volunteers”. Hands Riley a sprayer with water. “You will be my spritzer”. Giggles from the crowd as Riley sprays Alex in the face.
We started with an amazing boat tour – what better way to enjoy the falls than getting close enough that you get soaked with the water and mist? (They provided ponchos so all good).
On the walking tour our guide Peggy was very knowledgeable and fun! In addition to exploring landmarks and great views, we learned about the history of the falls. As we got toward the end of the walk Peggy needed more volunteers and Alex was chosen to be a Niagara Dare Devil. She played the role of Maria Spelterini – not gonna lie this may have been my favorite part of the walking tour.
And then the Journey behind the falls. Was this tour worth the money? 100%. And if you can choose your tour guide, definitely go with Peggy. The girls and I all agreed that she is the best tour guide ever (and we have been on several tours in many places!)
Need more pics and details? See my reel for Day 1 on Instagram
Day 2 – Sunrise, Touristy Stuff and Fireworks Over The Falls
The girls didn’t want to get up to see the sunrise over the falls, so I went solo. Not nearly as many people (only the early birds that wanted sunrise pics).
And then on to adventures with my girls – mostly touristy stuff. We started with Ripley’s Selfie Studio. (They offer a combo ticket with reduced pricing if you want to do the selfies, and both museums). The Selfie studio had a few Niagara Falls options, including a Daredevil themed one. Then on to Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and the wax museum.
We also purchased the Clifton Hill Fun Pass that gives entry to 6 different attractions (including another wax museum and the SkyWheel). Whether it is worth it depends on what you are into (or not). Check it out, determine what you would purchase individually and math whether the fun pass is worth it even if you skip a few things. I know touristy stuff isn’t for everyone.
The best part of the Fun Pass? The ride on the SkyWheel that Riley perfectly planned just in time for the sun set!
We ended the day with a walk to the falls to see them illuminated and wait for the fireworks (that were amazing).
A better view of Day 2? See my Day 2 reel on Instagram
Day 3 – Zipline Across the Falls and a Walk across the Bridge to NY
Day 3 started with a Zipline across the falls. As a family we have done many ziplines – everything from down a mountain to multiple zips around an island, so how could we pass up a zip across the falls? I will be honest though and say that it was more a Zipline “next” to the falls and not “over” them. Even though it wasn’t “over” the falls, the view was amazing.
Then a walk across the bridge to the American side (New York) and a hike to enjoy the nature. Note: to walk the bridge from the Canadian to New York you need $1 in quarters per person. Yes I said quarters. (Thank you to the local person who gave us a heads up!)
The New York side has more nature and is less touristy. There were a lot of people next to the falls, but if you hike further into the park you could enjoy nature with fewer people. Absolutely worth the adventure. And we saw more rainbows!
For dinner I made a reservation at Skylon Tower. We booked the Summit Suite Buffet as it was the cheapest option, and included tickets to the observation deck. Was the food and service good? Yes. However if I had to do it over again I would skip it and spend the money on another experience. I might have a different outlook if we had gone later to take pics at sunset, or waited to watch the fireworks from the observation deck.
Want to see the Zipline in action and an overview of Day Three and Four? Check out my last Niagara post on Instagram
Day 4 – Another Sunrise, and Drive to NY
Another sunrise (for me), this time I met and up and coming YouTuber DJ KVN JMZ – I enjoyed my time with him, check out his channel!
Then back to the hotel to wake up my girls for our last day of adventures.
On our way out of the hotel to explore, we got into an elevator with a family of four. As we walked in…
Dad: don’t worry, we don’t bite.
Little Girl in the corner looks straight at us: I DO
Everyone laughs, elevator goes down.
On the first floor just as the elevator doors open…
Little Girl: I will bite you!
This will forever be one of my favorite memories of Niagara Falls LOL.
Then a drive to the NY side so we could explore further – specifically to visit places that are history for our family. Like the house where my mother in law grew up, the church where MIL and FIL were married, etc. It was so heart warming and memorable.
Then a Geocache in NY and back to Canada for a meal at the Flying Saucer. (Not gonna lie, would choose the Flying Saucer over the Skylon Tower)
Was the Trip Worth it?
100% yes! If I were to do it again I might make some different choices, but over all it was one of my favorite trips ever and I’m so thankful my girls wanted to go.
Have you been on a trip with your young adult children? Where did you go and was it worth it? Tell me in the comments!