Niagara Falls, Canada & NY

Everyone has a wish list of places that they want to see and Niagara Falls was always on mine. After way too many years of just considering it, my husband and I finally decided to just do it.  Situated about 400 miles from New York and approximately a 7 hour drive by car, we decided to drive as flights into the Niagara area were quite expensive. Taking along 2 of our grandchildren made the journey somewhat more challenging with the constant drone of, “Are we almost there yet?” but in spite of this little bit of exasperation, believe me it was worth it. Once we got close to the Falls you could see steam and they couldn’t believe that was just moisture rising off the water but that’s what it was.  Someone had recommended we venture to the Canadian side so across the border we went. That meant of course taking along our passports and going through customs at the bridge spanning New York and Canada. Fortunately our grandsons were under 16 so they were off the hook. We didn’t even need to get out of the car and within minutes we were in Canada. Yes, they have attractions on both sides of the border but the Canadian side is definitely more scenic.

We decided on the Marriott Fallsview as our home away from home, one of the many hotels overlooking the Falls, and got goose bumps when we got our first glimpse outside our window. Our room had a spectacular view and my husband and I shared a little vino as we savored the fireworks displays on some of the nights along with the beautiful illumination that made the room almost a living, breathing thing.  The hotel was top notch, a full service property with a Starbuck’s in the lobby, restaurants and lounge overlooking the main attraction and even a spa. Conveniently located next door to the Niagara Fallsview Casino, it offered a spectacular 2 night package that included buffet breakfast for 2, complimentary casino shuttle, a $75.00 dinner voucher at the Terrapin Grille restaurant where gourmet dining is accompanied by an incredibly romantic view of the Falls. We sprung for an upgrade to a Fallsview Room with a fireplace and comfortable chairs to enjoy that view.

As if that wasn’t enough the package also included a $40.00 spa certificate at Serenity Spa by the Falls. The spa offered a full range of treatments from a relaxing massage to reflexology, which uses the pressure points in the feet, hands, and head to benefit and promote healing throughout the entire body. The majestic Falls provided the backdrop as we slipped into deep relaxation and bliss. Signature treatments at Serenity ensure that your body, mind and soul are refreshed and reenergized. It was the ultimate spa experience in the ultimate location. Afterward we spoke with Anthony, the spa’s VP of Mktg. who clarified the experience, “Niagara Falls and the Serenity Spa is a magical combination that takes you to another world.”  “It’s the closest hotel to the brink of the Falls. The spa has the advantage of a natural setting and creates an authentic environment where you can relax, refresh and revive. The range of services can make your time here truly memorable.” My husband and I gave in to the Cascade Signature Treatment, which was designed for couples and included facials, massages and deluxe spa pedicures followed by quiet time to unwind in our own private hydrotherapy tub by the fireplace.

Sounds enticing, right?  Now what could be more perfect than to take a couple of days after the hectic holiday season and indulge yourself and your family? Our only disappointment was that we didn’t plan to stay longer. The Marriott had an enticing indoor pool with Jacuzzi which was just what we needed to relax prior to bedtime. My husband took advantage of the hotel’s gym and my grandsons the indoor pool while I lounged in the whirlpool.

Next day we were ready to tour the area. There are numerous tours and almost as many discount offers for the various attractions. We decided on The Adventure Pass which was within our budget and came with more coupons which were good for a number of attractions over a period of days, a map, and directions. Everything began at Table Rock Welcome Center, within walking distance of the hotel, where we caught the Falls Incline Railway for a quick one minute trip down to the main area.  Our first adventure was Niagara’s Fury Journey Behind the Falls where we experienced the full force of the Falls, an amazing production which details every facet. All of us were simply fascinated.  Using our all day transportation tickets we hopped aboard the People Mover Buses that take you to the other attractions. We then boarded the Maid of the Mist Boat for a journey into the Falls itself. Talk about an out of body experience! You literally feel the water as you venture closer, much further than we’d anticipated I might add.  Back on land we hopped on the People Mover bus again to experience the force of the rapids on the White Water Walk which was awesome. We thought about doing the Whirlpool Aero Car ride but instead decided to venture into town to see what was possible for food and entertainment. We found a little Italian restaurant with the best lasagna right in the heart of town and felt what it was like to be in the nerve center of the area which for me was somewhat reminiscent of the boardwalks of New Jersey’s seashore. Yes, I’d have to admit it was all a bit honky-tonk but you have to appreciate that kind of scene once in a while. Finally, we took the Skywheel for an amazing view of everything. In the end, we had no time to include Ripley’s Believe it or Not or Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum or for that matter any of the other exciting rides.

At day’s end we were all exhausted and headed back to the hotel for dinner in the Terrapin Grille which, with the view and the gourmet food, was just what the doctor ordered. This was one trip that I intend to make again with more time for exploring the surrounding area and to experience the other attractions with an eye toward possibly driving further to Toronto.

There are seasonal festivals and one of the most beautiful one right now is called the Winter Festival of Lights.  Canada’s foremost illumination festival captures the magic of the holiday season until January 31, 2012. Niagara Falls is transformed into a winter wonderland with over three million sparkling lights along a 6 kilometer route. There’s ice skating at the TK RINK at the Brink, grand holiday displays throughout the city, holiday concerts and many other events. Not to be missed is the Enchantment of Disney animated lighting displays which will mesmerize young and old alike with the magic of Disney.

Also on my bucket list is the Niagara Wine Escape Package which includes accommodations for two for two nights, $75.00 towards dinner at the Terrapin Grille, a Niagara on the Lake Winery Tour for 2-4 hours tour with tastings at the local wineries in the charming town of Niagara on the Lake. It comes complete with a gourmet lunch to go and of course a hot breakfast. What more could you pack into a weekend?

If that’s not enough, the Niagara IceWine Festival from Jan. 13-29, celebrates one of Canada’s hottest commodities. Niagara Icewine, made from grapes left on the vine to sweeten and then freeze, is served up at wineries and venues across the peninsula during the festival’s three-week run, including popular outdoor bars carved from ice in Jordan and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

As it was we wound up crossing back across the border into the U.S. with many wonderful memories. These will sustain us for a long time to come especially until our plans to go back and enjoy everything materialize.