Eat, Sleep, See, Do: Niagara Falls

I recently returned from a trip to Niagara Falls, Canada. Over the last couple of years it has become one of my favorite travel destinations. This year, the purpose of my trip was to attend Wrapped Up in the Valley, a food and wine event. If you want to know more about it check out my previous travel post. While we were there we did manage to squeeze in a few other things, so I thought I’d take a few minutes to share some recommendations on where to eat, where to sleep, what to see and what to do, should you ever find yourself in Niagara Falls.

Eat

You gotta eat, but if you’re anything like me, deciding where to eat is never a simple task. One tip that has served me well in my travels is to always step outside of your comfort zone and try something new when it comes to food. There is no shortage of restaurants in the Niagara Falls area. You are sure to see some names that will be quite familiar, avoid them. Instead try something new. A personal favorite is The Famous.  Located inside the Fallsview Casino  Resort, this upscale diner has lots of yummy comfort food on the menu,  and the best part is they’re open 24 hours a day. I strongly suggest that no matter what else you eat there, you at least give the poutine a try.

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Sleep

One of the best things about visiting Niagara is the falls. They are truly magnificent, and there are few things as special as waking up to a view of Niagara Falls. One of my favorite hotels for breathtaking views of the falls, Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa. Not only can you get a great room with a great view, this hotel is located minutes away from many popular attractions and includes all the amenities you could need. Need another option, Sheraton on the Falls also offers amazing views, shopping, a spa and restaurants and it is within walking distance of all the Niagara Falls action as well. My personal favorite thing about this hotel, the fireplaces.

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See & Do

So now you know where to sleep and where to eat, what else will you do during your stay? One thing is for certain, Niagara Falls has plenty to offer for the young and young at heart alike.

Niagara Falls

Viewing the falls from the room is great, but no trip to Niagara is complete without an actual trip to the falls to truly take in and understand their grandeur, and of course snap a few photos for the gram. There are several ways to do this, a stroll through Queen Victoria Park is one option. But if you really want to get up close and personal with the falls, and don’t mind getting wet, a Hornblower Cruise might be a better fit.  A stop the Table Rock Welcome Center is also a great way to see and photograph the falls, particularly if you are visiting during the colder months. There are also restaurants and shopping available in the welcome center.

Clifton Hill

Whether your trip is a family trip or adults only, adding  Clifton Hill to your itinerary is a must. Everything you could want in a vacation is available there, food, attractions, entertainment, shopping, you name it. One of my favorite attractions is the the Niagara Sky Wheel, which allows you to take in the spectacular falls from a height of 175 feet. For a chocolate lover like myself, Hershey’s Chocolate World is also a top pick. Stop in and grab a hot cocoa or some yummy baked goods, pick up some Hershey’s treats and gear to bring back home and while you’re at it don’t forget to snag a photo with one of two giant Hershey’s Kisses. If none of these are quite your speed, there’s mini golf, bowling, a Ripley’s Museum, a speedway and so much more. You’re guaranteed to find something to match your interests.

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Wineries

If you’re a wine drinker you’ve got to visit a winery or two, or three. They’re just too good to pass up! I won’t go into detail here, but if you want to know more, read my post, Getting Wrapped Up in the Valley for some suggestions.

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Casinos

I don’t gamble, but my travel partners do; and if you do you can try your hand at the slots or tables. One to try is the Fallsview Casino Resort. The thing I enjoy most about the casino is the buffet, but I guess I should have included that under eat. Even though I’m not a gambler, another thing I appreciate about Canadian casinos, and think that many people will, is that they are non smoking.

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I know I have barely scratched the surface of all the great things to see and do in Niagara Falls. I’ve visited several times in the last couple of years, during different seasons, and I have yet to weary of this great place. Matter of fact, there are still a few items on my Niagara Falls to do list that have yet to receive their checks. So, what’s one place you’ve visited that keeps you going back for more? Let’s talk about it in the comments below.

Happy travels,

V. Richelle