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News, Things To Do

Tips for the Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade

November 9, 2015 clynn Leave a comment

Reading Time: 4 minutes -The Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade is officially set for Saturday, November 14th, 2015 at 11:00 am. The Parade is one of the largest free events in Niagara, with over 12,000 people attending last year’s parade alone. It will begin on Victoria Avenue at Armoury Street and continue to Queen Street, ending at Erie Avenue. Here is a map of the parade route courtesy of www.niagarafalls.ca:

*Click to enlarge*
Time is flying, and the Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade will soon be underway. It’s sure to be a great family fun event to enjoy with your kids, but like any other big function, holiday or extravaganza, there is always added stress leading up to that point. If you have kids, you will agree with this statement. Will we get there in time? Will we find parking? Should I take a stroller in and out of large crowds? Here are a few tips to help you relax and enjoy every moment of the Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade.
Directions:

From Toronto

Follow the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) to Niagara Falls, Canada.
Take Thorold Stone Road (east) which turns into Stanley Avenue
Turn left (east) on Bridge Street
Right onto Victoria Avenue
Left onto Park Street

From Rainbow Bridge

Follow Roberts St. (Hwy 420) to Stanley Avenue
Turn right (north) onto Stanley Avenue
Right onto Bridge Street
Right onto Victoria Avenue
Left onto Park Street

From the Peace Bridge

Follow the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) to Niagara Falls, Canada
Turn left (north) onto Stanley Avenue
Right onto Bridge Street
Right onto Victoria Avenue
Left onto Park Street

From the Queenston/Lewiston Bridge

Follow Hwy 405 to Niagara Falls, Canada.
Take the Stanley Ave. exit
Turn right and follow to Thorold Stone Rd.
Turn left onto Thorold Stone Rd, which turns into Stanley Ave.
Turn left on Bridge Street
Then turn right onto Victoria Ave. (south)
From Victoria Avenue, turn left onto Park Street.

Tip#1: Leave Early
This one goes without saying. First of all, the parade falls on a Saturday. Saturday is always the busiest day in Niagara Falls. There will be road closures depending on which route you plan on taking, so be prepared for that (see map above). The formation of the floats and other parade preparations will begin at 9:00 am on Jepson and Armoury Street, so expect those roads to be closed at approximately 7:00 am. Also, if you plan on bringing a stroller, wagon or wheelchair, it’s best to get a spot situated early along the parade route to avoid struggling your way through a large crowd. Try to establish yourself close to an available washroom as well — think restaurants, port-a-potties, coffee shops, etc.
For a list of available parking lots during the Niagara Falls Santa Claus parade click here .
Tip#2: Dress For the Weather

*Pictured Above: Clothing for sale at the Canada Trading Company — 4950 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON.*
We all know that you can never rely fully on the weather and it can quickly turn around, so it’s best to be prepared. Dress warmly and make sure your children have their hats, gloves and warm Winter jackets handy. Bring blankets and don’t forget the weather protector for the stroller and bring umbrellas…just in case. Comfortable shoes are a must! If you forget any of these items, or have yet to purchase them, the Canada Trading Company on Clifton Hill has all the above items (and much more) just in, with many more items on their way just in time for the Niagara Falls Santa Claus parade.
Tip#3: Make Lunch Reservations!
Guaranteed, you will be starving after the parade, and if you won’t be, your kids will. And everyone will have the same idea. Either make reservations at nearby restaurants ahead of time, or be prepared for everyone trying to tumble into the same place at the same time. To avoid possibly being turned away, check out and research restaurants close to the parade route or within a few minutes away.
View a restaurant list of Queen Street restaurants and cafes by clicking here, or consider heading towards Clifton Hill and try the restaurants around the tourism district. They will be less busy and will be closer to Niagara Falls attractions and the festival if you wish to make a full afternoon of family fun. Boston Pizza Clifton Hill is a great choice for the whole family as it is a very large and accommodating Boston Pizza that also houses a massive arcade, the Great Canadian Midway, as well as Strike! Rock N Bowl — Niagara’s 25,000 square foot entertainment facility.

Tip#4: Bring Your Letters to Santa!

We all know Santa will be the grand finale to the parade, so why not get your kids super excited and have their wish list ready ahead of time? Remember, Santa’s address is:
Santa Claus, North Pole, HOH OHO, Canada.
They will get all jazzed up seeing Santa and experiencing the whole “Miracle of Christmas”…and they can even deliver them to him personally after the Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade. There is a meet and greet with Santa outside City Hall afterwards from 12:45 pm to 2:30 pm in front of City Hall (4310 Queen Street, Niagara Falls).
**If you can’t make it out for the 2015 Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade, click here for a full list of ALL the Niagara Region upcoming Santa Claus Parades.**
For more information on the Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade, please visit www.niagarafalls.ca.

Christine Lynn
clynn@cliftonhill.com
www.cliftonhill.com
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Restaurants

Niagara Brewing Company: Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, Canada

September 4, 2015 clynn Leave a comment

Reading Time: 2 minutes -Niagara Falls, Canada has a unique, new establishment located on its “Street of Fun by the Falls”, Clifton Hill. The Niagara Brewing Company is situated on the former site of the World Wrestling Entertainment store, next to the Rainforest Cafe.
I spoke to Brewmaster Gord Slater, who spoke a bit about the craft brewery which opened on Sunday, June 7th, 2015. Gord is no stranger to the industry; he has been in the business of developing breweries for over 30 years, with assisting in the design of over 60 breweries across North America.

*Pictured Above: Chatting with Brewmaster, Gord Slater*
The Niagara Brewing Company offers innovative and refreshing brews uniquely crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
Guests can indulge in delicious beer on the outdoor patio, plus pair the brews with tasty appetizers. Beer is sold on-site to take home with you at an excellent price point. Free 1 oz. samples are provided inside as a welcoming introduction into the store.
Video on the Niagara Brewing Company:

We are pleased to welcome the Niagara Brewing Company as one of our newest Niagara Falls restaurants, Canadian Craft Beer Breweries, and a retail store all in one — and it’s located right here in the entertainment district of Niagara Falls — Clifton Hill!
Click here for directions to Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, Canada, and to help you plan your trip.

Christine Lynn

clynn@cliftonhill.com

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Things To Do

Come to Niagara Falls for Mother’s Day

April 28, 2015 clynn Leave a comment

Reading Time: 5 minutes -Reasons to take Mom to Niagara Falls for Mother’s Day
There is no better place to bring mom than Niagara Falls for Mother’s Day. The weather forecast is starting to warm up, and with so many beautiful spots to take her, you won’t run short of places to take her in this city. In Canada, Mother’s Day is the third largest greeting card holiday (following Valentine’s Day and Christmas), so it’s a big one to show mom that you care. Here’s just a couple of great spots in Niagara Falls to take her…so grab the camera and get ready to treat her to something special!
The Butterfly Conservatory:
Located on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, it’s just 10 minutes north of Niagara Falls. The Butterfly Conservatory features over 2000 tropical butterflies that float freely among exotic blossoms and greenery. The paths wind through a tropical environment including gorgeous waterfalls and colorful scenery. It is a self-guided tour and mom will love the peacefulness and tranquility that the building provides. Adults are $13.95 and Children ages 6-12 are $9.10. Children 5 and under are free!

The Niagara SkyWheel:
This Mother’s Day, treat mom to a 175 foot ride in the sky inside North America’s largest observation wheel, the Niagara SkyWheel! Rated as one of Trip Advisor’s top Niagara Falls attractions, it’s easy to see why as you will be treated to memorable views of Niagara Falls and the entire landscape. It is a world-class ride that features fully enclosed gondolas, each climate-controlled for your comfort. The Niagara SkyWheel is also wheelchair accessible. There is no better way to snap incredible birds-eye photos than aboard this remarkable structure! Adults are only $10.99 and Children ages 3-12 are $6.99. Children 2 and under are free!

Dufferin Islands:

If cost is a factor, Dufferin Islands is a gorgeous park located just minutes from the Horseshoe Falls. It’s the perfect spot to treat mom to a picnic, for children to feed the geese or for a family walk and picture opportunity. The best part? It’s free. It features 10 acres of paradise with several islands connected by bridges and pathways. She will love the scenery, peace and serenity that this hideaway spot will bring.
Take Her to Dinner

*Pictured Above: Kelsey’s patio is open! Daily entertainment on throughout the Spring and Summer. Mother’s Day performers from 12 pm to 10 pm.*
If you would rather treat mom to lunch or dinner rather than a picnic, take her to where all the excitement is this Mother’s Day; to Clifton Hill! As the “Street of Fun by the Falls”, we feature several restaurant options. Boston Pizza Clifton Hill has a wide selection of gourmet pizzas to choose from, as well as more than 100 other delicious menu items! Niagara’s only Kelsey’s Restaurant is located right at the peak of Clifton Hill, where you will find an extensive menu to please every palate. The patio is open, complete with live entertainment right through the Summer. Mom can relax, eat good food, while listening to the soothing sounds of our talented Niagara guitarists and their contemporary songs. These two options are situated just minutes from Mom’s favourite Niagara attraction of them all, the wonderous Niagara Falls!
Hornblower Niagara Cruises

And speaking of the Niagara Falls, while it’s opening date for this season is yet to be announced, tickets for the Hornblower Niagara Cruises can be purchased in advance online. Is there any better gift to give Mom than letting her be one of the first to ride Niagara’s newest attraction this year? As Canada’s only Niagara boat tour, it features two 700-passenger, state-of-the-art catamaran boats that will take Mom on an intimate tour that gets her as close as possible to the Niagara Falls. It begins at the Canadian docks at the base of the Great Gorge, past the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and into the very heart of the famous Horseshoe Falls.
Choose online between these tour options: “Voyage to the Falls Cruise”, “Falls Illumination Cruise”, or the “Falls Fireworks Cruise”. Each cruise is approximately a half hour and will be sure to be a unique and memorable gift for her.
Please contact 905-394-3040 or by email at: info@niagaracruises.com for any inquiries.
All us Mom’s want to spend Mother’s Day with the ones that we love, so there is no better gift than family time. This includes all the fun and excitement that the Clifton Hill Fun Pass brings, complete with the family friendly savings in the wallet! Enjoy the Niagara SkyWheel, Movieland Wax Museum, Dinosaur Adventure Golf or Wizard’s Golf, the all-new Wild West Coaster, Ghostblasters Dark Ride and a few bonus tokens to try your luck at the Great Canadian Midway!
Click on the photo below to get your passes in advance AND get another bonus Niagara SkyWheel admission completely free:

Chocolate, Candy and Fudge…OH MY!
Perhaps the best place to purchase a gift on Clifton Hill, and maybe even in Niagara Falls for Mother’s Day is at the Fantasy Fudge Factory! What’s Mother’s Day without chocolate? A visit to the Fantasy Fudge Factory offers over 20 decadent flavours of fudge, candy apples, toffee, brittle, beernuts, candy, chocolate-covered strawberries and so much more!

You can even custom create your own basket for mom as well — they just ask that you come into the store a few days before Mom’s special day to begin preparing a basket that she will love. Here’s an example of a custom basket:

The skies the limit of candy options here, but one thing is for sure….mom will want dessert!

If you are going to spend money this Mother’s Day, why not get something you know that Mom will want? Time with family, a getaway from everyday life and to be treated to something special. Here, you will be provided a bang for your buck; relaxing attractions with breathtaking views, a meal mom won’t have to cook and chocolates all within the beautiful scenery of one of the Greatest Wonders of the World, Niagara Falls!
Looking for an affordable hotel option in Niagara Falls for Mother’s Day? The Comfort Inn Clifton Hill offers affordability, a prime location, and a wide variety of hotel packages that can’t be beat, and are great ideas for Mother’s Day. Packages such at the Niagara Couples Getaway Package and the “Build A Package” are some of your best options. “Build-A-Package” lets you customize a package that you KNOW she will love!
Want more information on the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill and its various hotel packages? Click on the photo below:

Happy Mother’s Day!

Christine Lynn

clynn@cliftonhill.com

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Family, Restaurants

Niagara Falls Family Dining: Why Boston Pizza Clifton Hill is Just Better

April 15, 2015 clynn Leave a comment

Reading Time: 4 minutes -

No doubt when you arrive in Niagara Falls there is no shortage of restaurants. How do you choose? Here are reasons why Niagara Falls family dining is just better at Boston Pizza Clifton Hill!

Location
It is right in the heart of Clifton Hill. Clifton Hill is a must-see when you have kids, and you can expect to spend a full day here. For that reason alone, you want to choose a Niagara Falls family dining experience within walking distance. This Boston Pizza has location on its side! Located on the south side of Clifton Hill it is central to the Niagara SkyWheel, Tim Hortons, the Great Canadian Midway, and the Dinosaur Adventure Golf. All of those locations are less than 50 feet away, with the Midway in the same building (on the lower floor).

It’s FUN!!
If you are looking for a Niagara Falls family dining restaurant to disconnect and just eat, this isn’t the place! The fun continues here even while you eat. You are surrounded by video games to play as the Great Canadian Midway downstairs spits up more games upstairs. If you arrive during a busy time and you are given a pager to wait, you can do more with your time than simply “sit at the bar and wait”. Grab some tokens available at the various machines in the restaurant and play a game of air hockey, race some cars, or even play “Monster Claw” if you are feeling less adventurous and just want to win a teddy bear.
If playing games isn’t for you, just take in the exciting scenery. Wide windows to watch all the action outside surrounds the restaurant, and there are plenty of wide-screen tv’s playing all the sports action games and highlights. The atmosphere can’t be beat!

Where else can you eat and bowl??
https://youtu.be/_HgGy67UIKg

Boston Pizza Clifton Hill and Strike! Rock N Bowl are one and the same! You have 3 options: Bowl before you dine, Bowl while you dine, or bowl after you dine. Located inside this restaurant, but away from the family “sit down” dining, is 14 full-lane bowling lanes, plus eight billiard tables. The bowling welcomes all ages — they offer ramps for the little ones and “bumpers” can be programmed to rise when a toddler plays, and automatically descend when an adult is up to bowl.
When you get hungry or thirsty you simply order from a full Boston Pizza food and bar menu, and a server will bring food right to your bowling table. This Boston Pizza includes two bars — one located in the dining area itself, and the other on the bowling side, for your convenience.

The Food
While gourmet pizza is Boston Pizza’s claim to fame, you’ll find more than 100 delicious menu items perfect for lunch, dinner or anything in between. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy here; including a gluten-free menu, light options, and a delicious and inexpensive kid’s meal menu.

Birthday Party Packages available
No doubt because of all the factors listed above, Boston Pizza Clifton Hill is the perfect place to pool everything together to create the perfect birthday party package for your little one. The restaurant has teamed up with the Great Canadian Midway and Strike! Rock N Bowl to put together party packages your child will have a blast with, such as the Kids Deluxe Party Package and the Kids Ultimate Party Package.
Click the image below for several differing party options — for kids AND adults!

Things To Do

Things To Do In Niagara Falls This Weekend

March 11, 2015 clynn 6 Comments

Reading Time: 5 minutes -Looking for some fun things to do in Niagara Falls this weekend? There are plenty of events and activities to enjoy this weekend. Here is a current list:
Friday, March 13th, 2015 – Sunday, March 15th, 2015
**With March Break beginning the week afterwards be sure to check out a list of Niagara Falls March Break activities here!**
“Rock Around The Clock” at the Fallsview Casino Resort
Beginning March 11th through to March 23rd at various times, the Fallsview Casino Resort presents “Rock Around The Clock”.
This show features a non-stop hit parade of rock n’ roll classics! This full-scale production celebrates the music made famous by Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and many more, with unforgettable songs such as “Great Balls of Fire”, “Jail House Rock” and “Blueberry Hill”.
Click here for dates, times, and ticket pricing.
Ghost Walks in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Every Saturday evening in March from 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm you can experience ghost walks in Canada’s Most Haunted Town! This tour begins at “the Haunted Shop” at 126 Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake and features the old town and the many stories of ghosts and dark history.
Detailing the rich stories fitting of such a historically dark place, including the ghost of an angry soldier at The Angel, the violent legend on the shores of Lake Ontario, and a house that makes cameras go crazy.
Also includes stops outside the Niagara-on-the-Lake Courthouse, Prince of Wales Hotel, Apothecary, Royal George Theatre.
Stories of séances, town secrets, legends in the birth place of our nation and the violent heart of the only war fought on Canadian soil.
**Bonus evening: Friday, March 13th, 2015**
Prices:
Adults: $13.00
Children (13 and Under): $5.00
Seniors (60 and over): $10.00
For more information and for tickets sales, visit www.ghostwalks.com
Kelsey’s Niagara: Saturday Evening Entertainment

Every Saturday evening from 10:00 pm – 2:00 am, Kelsey’s Niagara rounds up some of the most talented Niagara musicians to entertain you as you dine and relax the night away. This Saturday, March 14th, enjoy the sounds of Chris Cicchino and Joe Sacco.
For a list of upcoming musicians at Kelsey’s Niagara, click here.
905-353-0051
Nature Exhibit at the Niagara Falls History Museum

Preserving the diversity of life on earth is not only beneficial but essential to humanity. The Niagara Falls History Museum has a new exhibit entitled “Nature”, in which you will learn about biodiversity, the relationships between species within food webs, and the gene pools of particular species.
Habitat destruction is the most serious threat to biodiversity, but there are others as well. Fortunately, there are people and organizations that strive to preserve or restore native habitats and species, and “Nature” encourages participation in these efforts.
This exhibition also examines the experience of owls with eleven beautiful owl specimens that examine the fascinating and less well-known aspects of owl behaviour, biology and lifestyle.
When: January 14th – April 19th, 2015
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Thursday extended hours to 9:00 pm
For more information please visit them online at www.niagarafallsmuseums.ca or call 905-358-5082.
Nocturnal: Creatures of the Night Exhibit

An awesome addition to the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory opened on Saturday, February 7th, 2015 and runs until May 10th, 2015.
“Nocturnal: Creatures of the Night” examines a variety of nocturnal reptiles, bats, snakes, and spiders in their own natural setting, as you will step into the dark to experience these creatures during their “day”.
You can simply watch from afar, or you have the option to get hands-on with their zoo experts, who will be on hand to answer all your questions in this educational exhibit.
“Nocturnal: Creatures of the Night” is included with regular admission to the Butterfly Conservatory.
Prices:
Adults: $13.95 + tax (13+)
Children: $9.10 + tax (6-12)
Ages 5 and Under are FREE
*Parking at the Botanical Gardens is $5.00. Local residents may pay a one-time fee of $11 for an annual parking pass.
Yuk Yuk’s Stand-Up Comedy at Casino Niagara

Considered one of the premier comedy dens, Yuk Yuk’s Niagara showcases some of the best comedic talent, and the funniest rising stars. Here you’ll be entertained with hilarious, uncensored material all night long.
On Friday, March 13th & Saturday, March 14th, 2015, Yuk Yuk’s has Laurie Elliott performing on both nights.
Shows start at 9:00 pm on Friday and Saturday’s at 8:00 pm & 10:30 pm.
Tickets prices: $16.19
Get your tickets at the PAC Booth in Casino Niagara or by calling 1-877-YOU-LAFF (968-5233).
Rumours Night Club

Friday and Saturday nights at Rumours Night Club on Clifton Hill features our resident DJ Oz-E spinning the tunes until the wee hours of the morning — Rumours is always the place to be to unwind and party the weekend away! Friday’s are always free cover for ladies all night long — but whichever night you choose, it’s always a wild party!
While you’re on Clifton Hill, don’t miss out on some of Niagara’s most popular attractions that only the Clifton Hill Fun Pass provides with savings at 50% off the retail price! Click the image below for details:

Check out our brand new Wizard’s Golf now included in the Clifton Hill Fun Pass!
This challenging 18-hole mini golf course showcases brightly coloured exhibits of Wizards, Trolls, Dragons, Fairies and Mystical Castles. Here, there’s something interesting for everyone to enjoy. Get lost in a medieval story of fantasy and wonderment.

Free Live Music at Casino Niagara

If gambling isn’t your thing, here’s another reason to head to Casino Niagara — Friday’s and Saturday’s in March from 8:00 pm – 12:00 am has live music on the level 3 stage located near the Market restaurant. This upcoming Friday and Saturday night (13th & 14th) has “The Associates” performing.
“The Associates” performing live at a different venue:

These are just a few things to do in Niagara Falls this weekend. Whatever you decide to do, there is always something happening in Niagara Falls. Stay connected to me for more information on Niagara Falls events, news and upcoming contests.

Need accommodations? The Clifton Hill Niagara Falls Hotel has you covered! We even have a new package deal — “Stay & Play”! Hotel accommodations, attractions & dining discounts, AND casino vouchers all included…click the image below for details!

Christine Lynn

clynn@cliftonhill.com

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