Category: Niagara Falls Hotels

The breathtaking Niagara Falls are one of the world’s foremost natural wonders. However, if one of your kids is more of an indoor-vacationer, there’s no point in the family sitting around the hotel room flipping channels all day. Simply grab a sack of quarters and hit up the best arcades the area has to offer.

Adventure City

Gamers looking for a more traditional arcade experience will feel right at home when visiting Adventure City. Packed to the brim with arcade hits, Adventure City has something for gamers of all ages. Adding to its nostalgic appeal, Adventure City boasts a wide range of skee-ball machines and hoop-shooting booths. The tickets you earn from playing these games can be redeemed at the arcade’s prize counter, where you’ll find an impressive selection of plush toys, figurines and electronic devices. Patrons who want to remember their visit to this super-sized arcade are sure to love the retro-themed Adventure City shirts, hats and paraphernalia available for purchase at the prize counter.

Adventure City’s interactive rides cater to guests who enjoy cutting-edge arcade games. The arcade’s famous Tour Bus SWAT Team ride enables thrill-seekers to become elite police officers and defend an embattled city from vicious criminals. And, visitors who know their way around a bumper car ring can’t leave without experiencing Adventure City’s Traffic Slam Bumper Cars.

The Great Canadian Midway

One of the premiere destinations for family fun in Niagara Falls, The Great Canadian Midway has countless ways to keep your family entertained. In addition to boasting a broad range of arcade mainstays, this massive entertainment complex is home to a number of unique attractions. Guests interested in getting up-close and personal with exotic animals should take in a screening of the interactive “Safari Adventure” film at the park’s XD Theater. Additionally, haunted house enthusiasts can blast 3D spooks into oblivion in the spine-tingling Ghost Blasters Dark Ride.

Getting your gaming fix in Niagara Falls couldn’t be easier. With the area’s convenient assortment of arcades and family attractions, bad weather will never put a damper on your vacation fun.

Captain Jack’s Pirates Cove

Touted as the largest arcade in Niagara Falls, Captain Jack’s Pirates Cove is the ideal destination for gamers who aren’t afraid of a little exercise. Your family can have hours of fun running, diving and zapping opponents in Captain Jack’s enormous laser tag arena. Gamers interested in honing their stealth skills can practice when visiting the arcade’s intricate laser maze. If your family enjoys miniature golf, don’t hesitate to visit Captain’s Jack’s massive mini golf course. This pirate-themed indoor course features 18 fiendishly challenging holes and a swashbuckling array of glow-in-the-dark nautical decor.

If a fun-filled day of gaming has left your family famished, swing by Captain Jack’s attached restaurant. With a kid- and budget-friendly menu of pizza, burgers and fresh-made sandwiches, it’s the perfect place to replenish your energy for a few more hours at the arcade. Plus, while the kids are at play, adults can sample one of the many fine beers the restaurant has on tap.

Cabaret: The hit musical Cabaret will be coming to Niagara at the Shaw Festival Theater, running spring to fall. The show has been around since 1966 when it premiered on Broadway and has been performed over 1,100 times winning countless awards.

Martin Short and Steve Martin:

Burton Cummings: Another evening full of legendary music will be visiting Niagara Falls when Canadian musician Burton Cummings performs at Fallsview Casino. Enjoy his hit songs throughout his solo career as this award-winning artist takes the stage for an intimate evening of great music.

Like many people, we’re always on the lookout for ways to save money. Whether we’re traveling abroad or exploring our own backyard, it’s important to keep costs down so that we are able to afford the things that really matter.

While Niagara Falls is known the world over as an inexpensive, family friendly vacation destination, it’s always nice to be aware of activities and sights that will fit into any budget. Free activities can be especially beneficial to families or large groups who need to be mindful of their spending.

We’ve crafted a list of five of our favorite things to do in Niagara, all of which are free. Take a look and decide which activity you’ll try on your next visit to the Niagara area.

Niagara Falls History Museum

While there is an admission charge at the Niagara Falls History Museum the majority of the time, those in-the-know visit the museum on Thursdays from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., when admission is free. Get up-close with the fascinating history of the Niagara region in general and Niagara Falls in particular. If possible, check their calendar in advance, as some Thursday nights the museum offers free movies, dancing and other activities.

The Floral Clock

Located on the Niagara Parkway, the Floral Clock is one of the most iconic sights in Niagara and is photographed almost as often as the falls themselves. Created by planting up to 16,000 plants that vary by season, this large clock offers a burst of bright color and classic chimes that signal each quarter hour.

The clock, its flowers, and the grounds around it are maintained by the parks departments, and their horticulturists are responsible for the selection of the colorful flowers that make up the clock’s face.

McFarland House

Bursting with charm and local history, the McFarland House offers visitors a unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of life as it was many years ago. The McFarland House was the residence of the McFarland family, who were Scottish emigrants. However, the house was also used a hospital during the War of 1812 and was the site of various battles, and some of the objects used during that time are still on display.

Guided tours of the house are available during the summer months, and guests are able to explore the large gardens, as well.

Botanical Gardens

We most enjoy spending our spring outside amongst the flowers. Luckily for us, the Niagara Parks Commissions Botanical Gardens is one of the best in the world. This 99-acre garden offers seasonal displays that begin with tulips and other flowers in the spring, then move on to annuals in the summer, and wind things down with chrysanthemums in the fall. At any time of year this garden is a spectacular place to relax and take in the beauty of nature.

Niagara Glen Nature Area

Just a short distance away from Niagara proper is Niagara Glen Nature Area. Outdoor activities abound at this park and include hiking, cycling, bird watching and views of Niagara Gorge. The sport known as bouldering has become very popular here, as has the tech-centric scavenger hunt called geocaching. Spend a few hours, or an entire day, at Niagara Glen and enjoy all of the natural beauty this area has to offer.
Whether you’re here for just a few days, or you plan to explore the Niagara area for a few weeks, take advantage of a few of the free activities we have to offer. What’s your favorite free activity in Niagara?

Legends in Concert: Experience award winning performances of your favourite singers at Legends in Concert. With tributes to Whitney Houston, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and many more, this concert is one you will not want to miss.

Runway Art Hair Fashion Event: Combine artistic fashion, design, edge hair and aesthetics with a choreographed runway and you have Runway Art Hair. With tons of interactive activities and proceeds going toward the Many Hands Project, your Saturday will be well spent.

Real Canadian Craft Beer Festival: For the beer enthusiasts out there, the Real Canadian Craft Beer Festival is calling your name. This event will feature craft beer from breweries across Ontario, food from local restaurants and live music.

One of my favorite things about the Niagara area is the abundant fruit and vegetable harvests we can look forward to every year. Farmers all over the area are well-known for producing wonderful bounties season after season, and much of it is organically grown.

While this means that many of the best restaurants in the area have access to and use fresh local produce, it is the vegetarian establishments that benefit the most. In recent years, vegetarian-friendly restaurants have exploded in Niagara Falls, giving all of us access to delicious types of vegetarian cuisines from all around the world.

If you’re a vegetarian visiting our area or you just enjoy vegetarian cuisine, try one of these restaurants and get a true taste of Niagara Falls.

Curry Queen Indian Cuisine

While not strictly a vegetarian restaurant, Curry Queen offers a wide range of Indian, Pakistani and Hakka dishes, many of which are vegetarian. All of their food is prepared according to halal standards, as well. Vegans need simply to inform their server of their request, and the kitchen will prepare a meal accordingly.

The channa masala, chickpeas cooked in a savory sauce, is delicious, as is the vegetable korma. Try the lentil dal for a truly authentic taste of India.

Sahara

If you’re in the mood for Middle Eastern food, look no further than Sahara. Owned by a Middle Eastern family, this small restaurant serves up authentic cuisine with a smile. The chefs take great care to prepare vegetarian meals separately to ensure their customers are satisfied.

Be sure to try the homemade whole wheat pita, and the falafel plate comes highly recommended. This is a great place for authentic, delicious and inexpensive food.

Skylon Tower

One of Niagara’s most iconic landmarks, the revolving restaurant at Skylon Tower is a great choice for a special occasion or simply a nice evening out. At 775 feet above the falls, the view is spectacular and the dining is exceptional.

Because this isn’t a strictly vegetarian establishment, the dinner menu boasts one vegetarian option and one vegan choice. Vegetarians can enjoy the delicious eggplant dish that is served with mozzarella cheese in a spicy tomato sauce. The vegans in your group can try the grilled vegetables with tofu. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine selection.

Frijoles

This Tex-Mex style restaurant has a wide range of options for everyone in your group. There are traditional meat choices for the carnivores and meatless options for the vegetarians. Vegans will also find something to enjoy, as the staff is well-versed in vegan practices.

Try one of their overstuffed burritos bursting will well-seasoned and delicious fillings. A fish option is available, and all dishes are served with fresh, homemade salsas.

Ten Thousand Buddhas

While not a restaurant per say, Ten Thousand Buddhas is an active Buddhist temple and monastery that serves a vegetarian and vegan buffet once a week during the summer months. Volunteers prepare and serve the food, and you can feast upon delicious vegan Chinese food as well as Buddhist food, which is prepared with no garlic or onions.

The charge for the meal is $7.00 Canadian, but if you can pay more, the service relies on donations of both time and money to maintain operations.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or travel with someone who is, take a moment to consider one or more of these restaurants. They provide a delicious glimpse into all that Niagara has to offer.

Buddhist temple image by Antony Pranata from Flickr’s Creative Commons

Magique Illusionists: If you love magic shows and appreciate the hard work behind grand costumes, Magique Illusionists is the event for you. From January 30 – February 5 at the Niagara Fallsview Casino you can check out Kevin and Caruso as they wow you in your seats!

Abba/Bee Gees Tribute Show: On February 17 relive your disco memories by checking out Night Fever a tribute show to Abba and the Bee Gees at the Greg Frewin Theatre. If you want a night full of upbeat, joyful music that will have you reminiscing, this event is definitely worth checking out!

Chinese New Year Celebration: With the Chinese New Year starting Friday, January 31 get ready for a traditional and eventful celebration. Starting January 31 until February 14 enjoy various Chinese New Year specialities including a gala dinner, Chinese New Year food, ice sculptures and decorations that represent the Chinese culture.

Mythology about the Niagara area is plentiful.

There is something about the Niagara geography, territory, making the region known for larger than life stories. Some stories are true others are not.

One such story is that of a Native girl named Lelawala.

The original Iroquois legend is about a young Seneca girl who while in a canoe was accidentally swept over the falls. She was rescued by Hinum “the Thunder God” who shows how her people can destroy the monster snake residing in the river. The ensuing battle creates the Niagara Falls we see today.

“I guess that’s exactly what it is   a myth, a legend,” says Niagara Falls official historian Sherman Zavitz.

Rick Hill, a Tuscarora native who teaches at Six Nations Polytechnic near Brantford, says there’s some truth to the Lelawala story that of a woman, Thunderbeing spirits and a huge serpent living near the Horseshoe Falls.

“Some elements of what is commonly-known today were derived from native stories, but they’re often times greatly exaggerated to sell a certain narrative,” says Hill, who teaches indigenous history and culture to natives and non natives.

In Maiden of the Mist: A Legend of Niagara Falls, released in 2001, Charles blended the original Iroquois story with that of its European counterpart.

Veronika Martenova Charles, who studied and has a degree in mythology, says extensive research proved aspects of the story were “not all nonsense,” but that the Iroquois indeed did not practice human sacrifice.

Zavitz says some natives take exception to the myth, specifically the suggestion their people practised human sacrifice.  “If it makes a good story, it’s interesting to talk about, but sometimes it’s just that, a good story with no evidence to suggest it ever happened or existed.”

The Siege of Fort Erie battle reenactments are scheduled for August 10th and 11th. They are the 27th annual reenactment weekend dedicated to the Siege of Fort Erie.

This will mark the 199th anniversary of the battle. There will be activities scheduled throughout the entire weekend.

Battle reenactments will be Aug. 10 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 8 p.m., with hundreds of re-enactors whom will participate in Drummond’s Night Assault on the Fort.  A lantern tour of Old Fort Erie under attack will take place at 9 p.m.

A memorial service honouring those who died in battle will be Aug. 11 at 10:30 a.m. and the last battle reenactment of the weekend, the American Sortie, will be held at 1 p.m.

Old Fort Erie is located at 350 Lakeshore Rd., south of the Peace Bridge.

After making some changes in management, the International Sand Sculpture Exhibition in Niagara Falls is finally ready for business.
The new attraction opening Friday, August 9th is located in the former Niagara Falls Memorial Arena, within walking distance of Falls Avenue Resort.

The exhibition area is more than 16,000-square-feet and the exhibits required about 6.6-million pounds of sand (three-million kilograms), at a cost of 3 Million dollars. Some of the sculptures are over six metres tall and depict key figures and events from the War of 1812.

In March, hundreds of locals turned out to preview the exhibition for free, but the official opening date was pushed back because some details still needed to be worked out.

Alexey Glukhov, president of V2 Niagara Inc., said this exhibition was created so that Canadians could not only learn more about this part of their history, but as a way to attract more tourists to Niagara Falls.

By The Numbers

• 17: Artists
• 25: Sculptures
• 16,000: sq. ft. exhibit area
• 6.6: Million lbs of sand

It’s inevitable, after you and your family have spent the entire day racing down water slides, swimming in the wave pool and lounging in the hot springs, everyone will be ready for dinner.

Luckily the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is closely situated near an abundance of great dining options. For a fun family friendly meal, check out the following:

Planet Hollywood Beach Club – You can’t get any closer than the Planet Hollywood Beach Club! Located inside the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, this restaurant offers kid friendly fare including burgers, chicken fingers and much more.

Hard Rock Café – This funky restaurant has a Tex-Mex menu that puts a kick into Rock n’ Roll dining. The restaurant is located just outside of the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, making it a short walk after a day of fun at the park.

Rainforest Café – A family favourite, the Rainforest Café has a terrific menu that kids love. The unique rainforest setting makes the entire meal a tropical experience, giving some spectacle to dinner. It’s ideally situated beside the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark and close to all of the other Niagara Falls attractions and Falls Avenue Resort hotels.

For more information on the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark and restaurant options nearby, please visit FallsviewWaterpark.com