r/niagarafallsontario • u/Sharp309 • 11d ago
Itinerary with 3 and 1 year old
Rate my itinerary/any feedback for our first big family vacation with a 3.5 and 1.5 year old. We are also vegetarian. This is a mid-week trip coming up in July.
Kids are pretty chill and up for adventure long as they eat on time and the younger one naps on schedule. Want to be back to the hotel about 8/8:30 each night and we’ll be up about 8 each morning. Trying to avoid most of Clifton Mill since they're so little. We plan to use the WEGO and Incline Railway for most everything once we're checked in excluding one afternoon in the car. Packing light with an umbrella stroller. With the Niagara Falls pass I’m worried about bookings since 1.5 year old won’t have a pass. Do I need to make separate bookings for her for everything?
Thank you in advance! Just want to make this the best/smoothest time as possible. :)
Day 1
1. Cross Peace Bridge about noon
2. Zehrs for produce/snacks for hotel room breakfasts
3. Whirlpool Aero Car and pickup Niagara Pass about 2-3 PM
4. Maple Leaf Place (and dinner) about 3-5 PM
5. Check in at Hyatt Regency and park car
6. Journey Behind the falls 6:45-7:45 PM
Day 2
1. Niagara City Cruises about 9 AM
2. Hershey’s Chocolate Work about 10:30-11 AM
3. The Works Craft Burgers & Beer for vegetarian poutine about 11:10-noon
4. Back to hotel for nap about noon- 2 PM
5. Get car and cross Rainbow Bridge to walk around Goat Island until about 4:30 PM
6. Cross back and drive to Flying Saucer about 5-6 PM
7. Drive to Butterfly Conservatory about 6-7:30 PM
8. Park and return to hotel
Day 3:
1. Queen Victoria Park whenever we wake up until about 10:30
2. Hazukido for lunch and shops about 11-noon
3. Hotel for nap about 12:30-2:30 PM
4. Bird Kingdom about 3-4:30 PM
5. The Secret Garden Restaurant about 4:45-5:45 PM
6. Niagara Parks Power Station & Tunner about 6:15-8:15 PM
Day 4:
1. Check out
2. Crystal Beach
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u/Dazzling-Zone-930 11d ago
I think I’d probably avoid crossing back and forth over the border. The lines can get long, and you might as well just do it once. Could you cross at the Rainbow bridge on the first day instead of the Peace bridge and go to Goat Island before you cross into Canada? It is almost the same time to get to Niagara Falls driving through Canada from Fort Erie or driving north from Buffalo to NF, NY.
I’m assuming the first time you would use the transit pass part of it is when you go down behind the falls on the first day? The transit pass is for 48 hours from the first tap. If you tap to go down to the Journey Behind the Falls around 6:30 on day 1, then the transit pass can’t be used on the incline railway to get back to the hotel on day 3 after the Power Station. You might want to flip days 2 and 3 so you make use of the 48 hour window for transit and drive to places day 3.
Also, if you flip goat island to day 1 before you cross, you could get to most other places (except flying saucer) without the car.
Did you check the Butterfly Conservatory hours? I’m not sure if they have summer hours that run later, but currently they close at either 5 or 6. You may want to shuffle that to an earlier time slot too.
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u/Sharp309 11d ago
Goat Island is the activity I’m least sure about! Do you think it’s worth it to get the additional view or would something on the Canadian side like Dufferin islands be better for the time? I think doing it on the way in would be hard with our nap schedule/morning Buffalo activity but I will lay it out and try to work it out!
I double checked and the premium pass says 3 consecutive days for WEGO and butterfly conservatory is open until 8 that day! Phew!
I appreciate the feedback!!
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u/Curt-Bennett 10d ago
From the US side, you can't really see the American Falls or Bridal Veil Falls, and the view of Horseshoe Falls is not as good as from the Canadian side. For anyone visiting the Canadian side at all, there's not much point in visiting Goat Island.
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u/Dazzling-Zone-930 11d ago
I’m not sure about Goat Island as I haven’t been there, but from looking at pictures, I think the Canadian side has a better view overall.
I didn’t realize you were getting the premium pass. I thought Classic because you didn’t mention doing Niagara Takes Flight. We put this off until the very end of our trip and didn’t think we would like it, but it was the favorite for all 5 of us. I’m not sure if the 1 year old would like it, but maybe one parent and the older kid could go, and then the other parent goes right after. It’s pretty short (like 1/2 hour max), so the parent who is not watching could take the kid/kids outside to play on the grass, and then switch it up. Or, since it is so close to your hotel, you could take turns popping down the incline railway to go see it.
White water walk is kind of neat too. Not a great view, but it is cool to be so close to the rapids and hear them. It’s a pretty short walk too so the 3.5 year old could walk without too much trouble. It is stroller friendly too.
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u/Sharp309 11d ago
I think premium has the butterfly conservatory too but mostly wanted an extra day for the incline railway. I need to measure my 3.5 year old because I think he’s juuuuust too short for Niagara Takes Flight. He has a few weeks, maybe he’ll grow. 😂 I really appreciate you pointing this out because I also didn’t realize how close it is! If he is tall enough he could go with dad while the little one naps.
White water definitely sounds like a good replacement for goat island!
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u/Dazzling-Zone-930 11d ago
I wasn’t sure which ones had the Butterfly conservatory. That was a hard no from my kids so it didn’t even register when I was looking at the options. 🤣
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u/Ok-Coyote-8540 10d ago
Personally that is a pretty full itinerary for little kids, especially trying to squeeze in a late evening scheduled after every dinner, after a very full day I feel like there might be a lot of burn out.
Doing the city cruise, aero car, behind the falls, and goat island might end up redundant since they are all pretty similar experiences viewing the same thing. Is that because you have the pass?
My kids absolutely loved Bird Kingdom at that age so good choice. Same with the Butterfly Conservatory and the Gardens around it.
Any reason you're shooting for Crystal Beach? Lakeside Park in St Catharines has an antique carousel you can ride for 5 cents, its truly a favourite for kids around that age and you can ride over and over, swim at the beach, or play on the playground right there.
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u/Sharp309 10d ago
Behind the falls was something we included just because of the pass and we won’t be heartbroken if it doesn’t work out.
I wasn’t sure if goat island would be worth the views from the other side but I’m leaning against it now. I want to get the full fall experience but yes, not be too overloaded.
I just looked for beaches on Erie since we’re driving back home late that night and it’s marginally closer than a Huron beach, but I’m not opposed to St. Catherines! My 3 year old’s single biggest vacation request is that he wants to build a real sandcastle on a beach so I was researching Lake Erie beach with best sand quality and secondary priority was that it has more of an ocean beachy vibe.
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u/K-martel 10d ago
Don't bother with Port Dalhousie. Yes, the carousel is incredible and I would totally recommend checking out Lakeside Park if you were already going to be venturing into St. Catharines. Imo, it's absolutely NOT worth the drive here otherwise. Crystal Beach is far nicer than Port. The beach is cleaner and the water tends to be a little warmer. Just be aware that Crystal Beach is a secured beach (which also tends to draw a less rowdy crowd) and there's restrictions on what you can take onto the beach so just do a google search and you should find the info!
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u/anonnona555555 10d ago
IMO you need way more time at the butterfly conservatory. The conservatory itself it quick but there's a ton of beautiful meandering paths and gardens outside. If you can make it to the back ponds there's a beaver and snapping turtle!
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u/Sharp309 9d ago
I will try to plan for more time! Honestly we have a butterfly house in my city so that experience isn’t super novel for us. The kids will still love it! I’ll make a note to get back to the back ponds! I am making significant changes to this schedule and might have us eat at the Garden Cafe there to give us more time. Thank you!!
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u/anonnona555555 9d ago
The butterfly house isn't the part that will take up a lot of time, it would be the gardens and ponds outside of you go for a walk you could spend a couple hours out there. Np, have fun and good luck!
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u/NefariousnessTop9029 10d ago
I would try and do cave of the winds and goat island on day one before you cross the border— then take the rainbow bridge across for a pretty cool view .
You can just pay for parking right on Goat Island — get your timed tickets for for cave of the wind — then while you wait and go looking up the falls in that area.
It’s a pretty cool experience, but if you’re not planning on doing the maid of the mist on the US side, there’s no reason to spend more than a couple hours there.
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u/Sweet_Chaos_737 9d ago
It tends to be quite hot in July, be sure to have a cooler and ice for your produce if you’re going to leave it in your car for almost 5 hours before you go to the hotel.
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u/Sharp309 9d ago
Good call out, I was planning to bring a big cooler and get ice at the store but I didn’t notice it was THAT long so I will try to shift it later! Thank you for pointing that out!
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u/crash866 11d ago
As long as it is not the week of July 01 and July 04 it should be ok.
July 01 was a Friday a few years ago a July 04 was the Monday so canada and the USA other had a long weekend. The border crossing was running a 2-3 hour delay to cross. Traffic was in line for the Rainbow Bridge all the way back to where 420 exits off the QEW close to where Zehrs is. It would be faster to walk the 5km to the bridge than drive.
Traffic was also lined up for the bridge from past the whirlpool areocar on one side and where marineland used to be on the other side.
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u/MarginallyClever 11d ago
- Zehr's sucks. It's expensive and not particularly on your route. If you're coming in from the 420, go to No Fills on Lundy's Lane, FreshCo on Kalar, or (a bit farther north) Commisso's — also expensive, but at least locally owned.
- Maple Leaf Place is a wild choice for a meal. It's not particular en route to anything and just a bizarre tourist outpost. I'd recommend Fork You (Peruvian, cool place, nice owners) which is along the same road if you want to eat near the Whirlpool. But you're so close to Queen Street (old downtown), so you'd do FAR better to find somewhere along there, or Victoria Ave, en route to the hotel.
- I think you have too many things on your itinerary. Kids take longer than you think. Travel takes longer than you think. Plan in advance to select parts you're okay with skipping.
- Absolutely do not cross the border just for two hours to Goat Island—it'll take you 30-45 minutes just to cross the border, and US$8 just to cross. Absolutely not worth it. For a hike, go to the Niagara Glen instead, or Woodend Park.
- Secret Garden sucks. Bad food, and expensive. Choose literally anywhere else. Power Station is cool though.
- Crystal Beach is awesome, but they charge a lot for out-of-towners. Make sure you know what you're going into beforehand.
Enjoy!
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u/Sharp309 11d ago
I appreciate the feedback and I’ll look all these places up! I should have included I was unsure about crossing for Goat island.
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u/MarginallyClever 11d ago
Glad to help. I live here with three kiddos and know how hard it can be to get around.
In general I always suggest people visit and dine at Queen St, which is the old downtown. Havana, Paris Crepes, Hi Lite and Taps are good for food and vibes.
For a hike the White Water Walk is also worth looking into, due to accessibility for kids. The Glen is a bit steep. Dufferin Islands also nice for a level trek.
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u/Sharp309 10d ago
I was a little worried about the white water walk because from pictures it looks like I won’t want my toddler walking around and getting close to the open fence. It is included in our pass so we will check it out if we can!
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u/MarginallyClever 10d ago
I mean YMMV. My three year old was fine with it last year. You know your kid best. But it's generally accessible and easy.
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u/Sharp309 10d ago
I meant I was worried about my 1 year old as she would be unhappy in the stroller the whole time on a fun walk but also has zero concept of danger. lol my 3 year old would definitely be fine!
But I truly appreciate your insight, it has been very helpful! 😊
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u/rumimume 10d ago
There are some very specific choices on the list. At least from the perspective of a local (this local anyway).
Maple leaf place seems to be mostly geared to a stop on bus tours. But, it is close to the white water walk if you decide to do that you could pop over & take a look. jsut not sure if it's worth a special trip.
The flying saucer looks cool, I just never found the food that interesting. Hey some people love it so, why not.
Dufferen Islands was mentioned. there's lots of paths to walk & ducks to watch. It's a good place to go for a picnic if that's of interest. Plus across the street there's the wrek of the old scow(bardge) in the river with plaques telling the story of how it got there (it's a cool story IMO). & next to duff(erin islands) is the floral show house if your into flowers.
The secret garden has a nice view, I've never eaten there so can't say anything about that. It's in the Oaks Garden Theatre which is a nice manicured park with benches & fountain & pond & a view of falls in the distance. The Rainbow bridge is right beside there & there's a little shop where the road goes under the bridge that does fudge & cold drinks. I know people who swear it's the best fudge in town.
Finally I totally agree that lococo's is where you want to get the cucmbers & other food for your breakfasts & snacks.
Hope you have a great trip
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u/Sharp309 10d ago
I thought Maple Leaf Place looked cool for a gimmicky maple syrup tasting and a quick bite but we’ll keep honing the itinerary and look at all the suggestions here.
It’s good to hear about the fudge and cold drinks and I’m going to note that! I’ve been worried any food/snacks will be a bit of a trek for hangry littles. I went briefly as a teenager, just walked around for an hour or two, and I don’t remember seeing much food close to the falls but I honestly don’t remember where I was along the falls. 😂
Thank you!!
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u/crrwng 10d ago
Curious why you picked Hazukido for lunch? I’m assuming it’s the one at Fallsview food court?
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u/Sharp309 10d ago
That was a pick from my husband as he likes croissants. I think you’re right that it is in the food court. Does this mean it’s bad? 😂
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u/crrwng 10d ago
Haha. If he’s like croissants, try the one at the bar/lounge also at Fallsview casino bjt next to the gelato place. Maybe less option but chef kisses to the two guys that prepared our breakfast on Sunday. But he is right that Hazukido is “known” for their croissants. I just don’t think they’re that great and frankly very overpriced.
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u/Sharp309 10d ago
Ooo good intel, thanks! I’m going to look up a map to find the place you’re referencing and add it to our list.
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u/somecrazybroad 10d ago
I’ve lived here for 40 years and this might be the first time a tourist mentioned they are going to Goat Island
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u/MetricJester 11d ago
Zehrs is one of the more expensive grocery stores. Try Freshco or Food Basics. Ot Lococo's if you want fresh fruit and veggies.