[LEBoyd]

We're leaving tomorrow for a 12 day trip from Houston to Niagara Falls, ON. We'll be running up to Natchez, then Nashville area, through Knoxville, the Appalachian Mountains and on to Niagara Falls (taking an easy 5 days to get there).

Returning, we'll head to Cincinnati to visit some friends and ride in the 2nd annual Ride 4 Heroes event (https://www.facebook.com/events/village-green/2nd-annual-ride-4-heroes/447104482744212/).

Then hightail it back to Houston starting on Sunday.

Anyone have any "secret" must dos in Niagara Falls? We'll arrive Tuesday mid-day and leave Friday morning.

Of course, all this depends on the weather, which has changed our routes in the past.

 

[Drgsin]

very nice! be safe and enjoy

 

[trewm]

You didnt say whether you are going to the Canadian or US side. The Canadian side has much better views of the falls. Most of the stuff on the Canadian side, other than the falls, is pure tourist crap but take a ride north on the Niagara Parkway to Niagara On The Lake. I cute little town without the tourist clutter of Niagara Falls. From there take Lakeshore Road (Route 87) along the side of Lake Ontario to St Catharines and then the Welland Canals Parkway back towards Niagara Falls. Not a long ride but it'll get you away from the tourist trash for a while.

 

[Trebor1978]

I'm a history buff, so Ft. Niagara is interesting to me. There is also a haunted screaming tunnel on the Canadian side. Not sure exactly where, but we found it by accident. Try Atlas Obscura website for off-the-beaten path things to do and see.

 

[Arizona16]

Never been up there. Have a great trip and post picture.

 

[DadsWing]

Have a safe trip, you will b going rite by my house in Alabama from the trace. Have a great time and watch the weather.

 

[LEBoyd]

Any comments on the BRP?

We might have time to do some of it. What's the best part that maybe 50-75 miles? Or should we do more?

Thanks,
Larry

 

[paulcf]

Hate to say this but avoid Niagara Falls. Not much to really see and it is crowded with tourists and is full of rip off tourist traps. Been there a few times.

Why not ride out West and see much bigger and better waterfalls? More natural, less crowded.


Just a suggestion.

 

[LEBoyd]

Wife's bucket list. No choice

If it's so bad why have you "been there a few times"?

 

[Bruce Smith]

Just got back from Niagra Falls. Be sure to go up in the 775 ft Tower on the Canadian side for pictures. Excellent views. I hope your weather is as good as mine was. Take care.

 

[ROUGH RIDER]

Do not forget your passport....................

 

[LEBoyd]

Thanks @Bruce. I don't think we heard about the tower, but I know my wife would not allow us to miss it!
@ROUGH RIDER: Yep, packed with us!

 

[Farmguy]

Figure out a way to get parked and put up with the crowds to get beside the horseshoe falls nearest the point where the water is going over.

Niagara-on-the-Lake will probably be a hit with the S.O.

There are casinos if you enjoy a little of that.

You're already on your way, but in case you are still looking for input....


Welland Canal is nearby. It is how the freighters bet between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
I think there are still places you can also see the old canal.

If interested in historical sites, Brock's Monument is nearby, at Queenston Heights. One of the locations where the British and Americans fought.

Along the Niagara Parkway you can see the powerhouses on both sides that generate electricity.


You could run down the north side of Lake Erie and cross the Ambassador bridge back into the US on the way to Cincinnati.
#3 highway is mostly 2 lane.

401 and 403 are 'interstate' if you want to make better time.

Unless you want to drive busy city expressway, I would likely use 20 to avoid the St. Catherines / Hamilton stretch, or take Hwy 3 part way and then jump up to 401/403.

 

[hojo in SC]

BRP: Mt. Mitchell, yes, you need to go to Canada to get the best view of the falls. We parked and walked across and it was faster than the line of cars.

 

[michael2480]

Get a map and ride the bus once you get there, much easier to get around if you're just doing local attractions.



Niagara on the Lake is a neat little change of pace. You can visit the tower on the way up or back.



The ride up towards the falls on, I believe, Niagara Parkway was a nice experience.

 

[Farmguy]

There are multiple crossings over the Niagara River.

I would recommend crossing at the peace Bridge at Buffalo/Fort Erie, OR the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge.

 

[michael2480]

There are multiple crossings over the Niagara River.

I would recommend crossing at the peace Bridge at Buffalo/Fort Erie, OR the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge.

We crossed at the peace bridge crossing both over and back. Going over was a snap, coming back was a little more involved. We crossed back to the US on 9/11 so that may have had people a little more on edge. It wasn't a bad experience though and only took a few extra minutes.

 

[Captron]

The last time i was there (approx 5 yrs) ago i had a wonderful time....BUT as mentioned, you have to go on the Canada side ....A total different (better) view.. BRING YOUR PASSPORTS

Ronnie

 

[Dougbug]

Friends were there this spring and posted up some pictures of the falls when then light them up at night. Way cool.

 

[CAWing]

Doug are you going to make the Reuben Run in La Pine next month? Myself and 2 of my buddies from UT are going this year.