Discussions

With the US exchange being so crappy, we are trying to decide what to do for family vacation this summer. We've done Calgary/Edmonton and Victoria/Vancouver in the past, so I'm wondering about a trip to Toronto. If we were to do a day trip to Niagara Falls, does anyone have input as to what the must sees are? Is it necessary to stay overnight? There is soo much to do in Toronto, I'm just wondering what amount of time we'd need in Niagara to enjoy it but not spend bunch of time there.

Lots to do in Niagara. Was there this summer some of our highlights were “Beyond the Falls”, White Water Walk, hiking in the Niagara Glenn Reserve, lots to see just walking around town also. We didn’t do the butterfly place or the movie but there is a pass that you can buy that i:ncludes all of the above. Downtown is like a mini Vegas almost, casinos, ripleys believe it or not etc. It’s pretty touristy I found, fireworks every night at 10 is fun. I would say stay one night, it can be a longish drive depending on the traffic and if you want to see the falls at night it might be worth it.

I took my mother & her spouse on a day trip to Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-lake from Toronto.  
 
Behind the falls is amazing. Of course Maid of the Mist (but you will get wet). We went to the lepidopterarium and saw the butterflies... totally amazing experience.  
 
The journey to Niagar-on-the-lake had many roadside fruit stands (depending on season). Went for horse drawn carriage ride around Niagara-on-the-lake. They have a real British style tea room (closes early so plan ahead) then live theatre & dinner. All in one day.  
 
Don’t miss the lepidopterarium. It is just outside of the town of Niagara Falls.

Suggest you plan on being there in the afternoon to catch them in the daylight, but stay until the lights come in at night. Beautiful to see.  
There is a ton of stuff to do around there as others have mentioned, but definitely stay for the night view

It really depends what you like, but I'd suggest staying there.  
There are several waterparks and casinos in the big hotels. Yes there are the events at the Falls, and the Hill beside it (which has all the things people mentioned).  
 
There was a decent aviary near hard rock cafe. Not far away is Marineland. There's a great Butterfly conservatory a little drive from Niagara. A bit further away is "Niagara on the lake"

at Niagara Falls and area. I would not waste the holiday on a 1 day trip. In order to truly see all of it you would need at least a week......  
Save it for another time would be my suggestion. It is a wonderful vacation all on its own.

African Lion Safari in Cambridge is a great place for the whole family! So much fun

Much more relaxing and falls are very beautiful at night

Don't eat at the iHop in NF. It is the most inflated pricing I have ever seen...and they charge the ridiculous tourist tax on top of that (everywhere in The falls does). Ihop is our usual go to while traveling but the prices at that one are insane.

Yes we ate at the IHop , was only decent food, 2 adult and 3 teens, paid over $160.  
One order of French Toast, no side just 3 pieces of bread was $9.

Do one night by the falls and do the tourist stuff there. Look for coupons to things. It’s like Vegas so you should be able to get deals online or just by walking down the street. Then do a night in niagara on the lake. So nice. Wineries and amazing restaurants. Lots of history in the area too from the war of 1812.  
 
Lots to do and see in Toronto too. Hotels are expensive so look into a Airbnb. People have condos that they just rent out - a full kitchen (save money on food) and will be way cheaper. Stayed in one last time I was there that had a lake view, right downtown with a grocery and liquor store right across the street.  
 
Ottawa or Quebec City are good trips too (but would be a separate trip).

Do you have Expedia points or westjet miles? My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful 4 nights free with the points we saved. Go that route if you can.. Our hotel was 23 floors up looking over the falls...kinda pricey there with the extra Tourist tax but we did lots of walking and found some deals. Enjoy !!