The Niagara Falls center point is about the area of Downtown Niagara Falls and the area of Shaw Festival Theatre.
The humid continental climate in Niagara Falls means the area has four distinct seasons that are moderated by nearby Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. At the peak of summer in July and August, high temperatures typically reach the low 80s, and in the winter, temperatures can dip into the upper teens. Both spring and fall temperatures average in the mid-60s or upper 50s.
Fall is the rainy season in Niagara Falls, so be sure to pack a raincoat or an umbrella if you visit in September, October, or November. The area receives an average of 12 to 18 inches of snow during each winter month, and January is generally the snowiest of them all. Despite the snow and cold temperatures, however, winter remains a popular time to visit Niagara Falls, thanks to the area's seasonal beauty and year-round activities.
If you're planning your visit around one of the area's annual festivals, be sure to book accommodations in advance. With an event calendar like this, it's no surprise that hotels in Niagara Falls can fill up quickly.
The Niagara Falls region is known for its juicy grapes, and wine lovers can take their pick from a handful of wine festivals throughout the year. The New Vintage Festival celebrates the current year's grapes in June, while the Niagara Icewine Festival starts the year on the right foot in January. In September, eight regional vineyards welcome visitors to the Niagara Wine Festival.
At the height of summer, the Niagara Jazz Festival attracts dozens of musicians and thousands of music fans. When the weather turns chilly, the Winter Festival of Lights is sure to keep you warm. Walk or drive the five-kilometer route along the Niagara Parkway, and get cozy with activities throughout town.
Many Niagara Falls hotels are affordable year round, but you'll get even more savings when you apply standard hotel discounts. AAA and CAA members save about 10 percent on rooms at the Super 8 Niagara Falls North and the Days Inn & Suites by the Falls - Centre Street.
AARP members and senior travelers get an average of 10 to 15 percent off at the Clifton Victoria Inn at the Falls and the Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel and Spa. Government employees and members of the military get guaranteed low rates at the Travelodge at the Falls and other area hotels.
Get the space you need for the price you want at these best value options in Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls has plenty of fun for the whole family, but if you're looking for a little something extra, set your sights on the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls Fallsview. This family-friendly hotel is in the heart of Niagara Falls and is home to a year-round indoor water park. Hop on the water slides and splash around at the water park, or book a massage using the hotel's spa services. The hotel also offers 7,500 square feet of available event space.
Situated just blocks from the Rainbow Tower and the Fallsview Indoor Water Park, the Clifton Victoria Inn at the Falls couldn't be more convenient for families. Take your pick from a standard room, a superior room with jetted tub, a junior suite with city view, or a Jacuzzi suite. Rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary newspapers, while the hotel offers a year-round indoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna. Take advantage of the free parking to save more during your stay.
Considered one of the best ways to see Niagara Falls, the Maid of the Mist certainly provides a memorable trip. Put on a poncho, hop on board one of the signature boats, and float within a few hundred feet of the falls. You'll almost certainly get sprayed by the powerful falls, but it's all part of the fun.
Get a whole new perspective on the city and the surrounding waterfalls from the Niagara SkyWheel. This large Ferris wheel allows you to see for miles around, and it's a particularly popular spot on weekend nights, when you can see light shows and fireworks from above.
Try your luck at the Niagara Fallsview Casino, one of the most popular casinos in town. This expansive hall boasts 150 table games, over 1,000 slot machines, and hundreds of thousands of square feet of shopping space. There are also over a dozen restaurants ready to satisfy your appetite.
Get away from the city with a visit to the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. This beautiful facility has over 100 acres of gardens, as well as the much-loved Butterfly Conservatory, home to more than 1,000 butterflies.
From the falls to the casinos to the gardens, Niagara Falls has it all. No matter what type of trip you're planning, this classic destination makes for the perfect vacation getaway.
Niagara Falls arguably rates as one of North America's kitschiest icons, its spectacular cascade flanked by a phalanx of clubs, a casino, and a Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum. It was once the world's honeymoon capital for nervous brides and grooms. Though the shores are lined with man-made distractions, the cascade itself is a thing of sheer glory, spewing more than 1.5 million gallons per second over a 170-foot drop. A short drive away from the falls' Canadian side lays its alter ego, the gracious city of the same name. It is a decidedly pretty and homey place, with flowers spilling from baskets along the street and horse carriages offering rides. But what sets the city apart from other sweet towns, is both wine and the literary blooms presented annually at the Shaw Festival. There are a lot of lodging places in the city, regardless, be sure to stop in at the clubby Prince of Wales Hotel, a town nexus since 1864, and the 1824 Oban Inn. If these seem pricey, walk around the town or by the river, stop in at the farmers market, and just take in the fresh air. All are free.