When we planned our summer trip to Ohio, we decided to make a little detour and finally take the boys to see Niagara Falls. They’ve been asking about it for years, and it felt like the perfect time to make it happen. It ended up being a quick 24-hour stop, but it was packed with memories and plenty of fun.
Our Stay
We crossed into Canada and checked into Clifton Victoria Inn, which is very close to the Rainbow Bridge. The location was great for walking, and the fact that both parking and breakfast were included was a big plus.
The hotel also had a small indoor pool, but we ended up not using it since we were so busy exploring. It was a simple place that worked perfectly for a short stay.
Afternoon Adventures
We arrived in Niagara Falls around 1 p.m., dropped off our luggage, and headed out to explore. We wandered through the park, got our first up-close look at the Falls, and stopped at a small convenience store to grab a few snacks before heading back to the hotel for a little rest before dinner.
For lunch, we stopped at Smoke’s Poutinerie Niagara Falls. We’ve definitely had poutine before, but since it’s not something we can easily find at home, we made sure to enjoy it while we could.
Dinner at Skylon Tower
Before dinner, we played some of the older arcade games downstairs. The working ones were fun and retro, just like when I was a kid.
We had reservations at Skylon Tower for dinner at 7 p.m., and it started off great with a window seat and an amazing view. Unfortunately, the experience went downhill from there.
While the view was incredible, the food was nothing spectacular, and we were rushed through our meal. We were given our bill less than 40 minutes in and asked to leave shortly after, even though there were plenty of empty tables around us. When you’re paying over $200 for a family meal, that kind of treatment feels disappointing. You’re definitely paying for the view, not the service.
After dinner, we went to the observation deck to take in the view from above. Seeing the Falls lit up at night was very cool.
Fireworks at the Falls
After leaving Skylon Tower, we walked back toward the Falls to watch the nightly fireworks show. It was beautiful but also very crowded. People were squeezing in everywhere, and it was a bit chaotic. Still, watching the fireworks over the illuminated Falls was something special.
When the show ended, we walked back to the hotel and crashed for the night.
Morning at the Falls
The next morning, we had breakfast at the hotel (which was included), packed up, and decided to enjoy a little more time before heading out.
Our big plan for the morning was the Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour with City Cruises (see the tour here). The ponchos do their job well — we weren’t soaked, just lightly misted.
There are plenty of tables and a small café near the boarding area, so after our boat ride we grabbed a couple of pretzels and drinks and just sat by the water for a while before taking the funicular back to the top. It was the perfect way to slow down and take it all in.
A Few Last Stops
Before leaving town, we wandered through the Clifton Hill entertainment area, checked out a few attractions, and picked up souvenirs. Charlie was determined to find a poutine shirt, and he did! We also grabbed some delicious treats from BeaverTails before getting back on the road.
Final Thoughts
This was the boys’ first trip to Niagara Falls. I was about Charlie’s age the last time I visited, so it felt extra special to experience it again through their eyes. Even though it was just an overnight stop, it was the perfect way to start our summer vacation — full of adventure, laughter, and memories that will last long after the mist fades away.
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