Idiot’s Guides: RV Vacations

Niagara Falls is full of tourists, for very good reason. The falls are a spectacular sight, and everyone should visit at least once in his or her life. Some say the Canadian side offers more attractions, but the view from either side really is phenomenal.

Tour Old Fort Niagara, and learn about the longest-operating fort in North America.

June and September are the best times to go for warm weather without the crowds. Spring flowers are lovely at this time, too.

205 Metler Road, R.R. 1, Ridgeville, ON LOS 1MO, Canada. bissellshideaway.com; bissellshideway@aol.com; +1 905-892-5706. $40 to $90. Swimming pool, splash pad, fishing, paddleboats, bike rentals.

Located on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, Bissell’s Hideaway is the ultimate camping resort, pairing spacious and private campsites with amazing amenities and regular planned activities. A 1-acre (.4ha) swimming pool, splash pad, and huge water slide delight kids, while fishing, paddleboats, bike rentals, tennis, and shuffleboard courts entertain adults.

A well-stocked camp store, snack bar, and restaurant make this campground a perfect place to relax after exploring the falls.

Two pools, playgrounds, a game room, a pet playground, and catch-and-release ponds are at this KOA, and canoe and paddleboat rentals are available. Grand Island also offers two state parks with great bike trails.

Branches of Niagara is your best bet for a resort campground on the American side of the falls. It offers 80 sites spread out through wooded areas and meadows. In the heat of the summer, ask for a shaded site.

This is a newer campground, and the owners are continually adding amenities and improving the grounds. There’s a heated swimming pool, a playground, a stocked lake with swimming area, and a zip line that runs over the water. You can rent canoes and kayaks to enjoy a peaceful paddle. There’s a busy schedule of activities, and the arts, crafts, and games create a summer camp atmosphere for kids. Certain activities require an extra fee, but you can purchase a recreation pass if you want.

5875 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3K7, Canada. windowsbyjamiekennedy.com; +1 905-374-4445. 6 P.M. to 10 P.M. $31 to $60. Farm to table.

If you want a special night out, visit this restaurant owned by celebrity chef Jamie Kennedy, who focuses on promoting local cuisine and featuring the best food the Niagara region has to offer. Your server can recommend local wines to accompany your meal.

The view over the falls is stunning, as is the fantastic service and food. The menu is always changing, but you can’t go wrong with the Chef’s Inspiration, a three-course prix fixe menu option.

Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to go over the falls in a barrel, on October 24, 1901, her 63rd birthday. She survived the trip with only minor injuries. Stunters are discouraged of repeating her journey today; hefty fines are levied to those who try it.

28 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303. nfculinary.org/savor; 716-210-2580. Lunch Tuesday to Saturday 11:30 A.M. to 2 P.M.; dinner Tuesday to Thursday 5 P.M. to 9 P.M., Friday and Saturday 5 P.M. to 10 P.M. Lunch $7 to $20; dinner $15 to $39. Fine American.

At this unique restaurant, students at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute practice their art and showcase their talents. With an open kitchen and wood-stone oven, part of the experience here is watching your food be prepared by chefs-in-training.

The cuisine is classically prepared with a modern twist, and much of the food comes from local farmers. The menu changes throughout the year and is designed to showcase the best seasonal ingredients from the area. Try to taste a variety of items, including the wood-oven pizza and pastas with classic sauces like carbonara. A creative kids’ menu is available for the little ones.

421 3rd Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14301. anindianzaika.com; info@anindianzaika.com; 716-804-0444. Sunday to Thursday 11:30 A.M. to 10 P.M.; Friday and Saturday 11:30 to 11 P.M. $11 to $30. Indian.

You have many Indian restaurants to choose from in Niagara Falls, but Zaika is one of the best. It offers a lunch and dinner buffet, full menu and bar, and many vegetarian options. You can’t go wrong with the classics here, so try any of the curries or the chicken tikka with an order of naan.

The Niagara region is home to a unique microclimate and soil that makes it perfect for growing grapes. In addition to more than 20 wineries, the surrounding area is full of breweries, farm markets, and charming shops.

The Niagara Wine Trail organization can help you plan your own drive around the countryside, or you can join one of the organized wine tours available.

24 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14303. niagarafallsstatepark.com; mmay@dncinc.com; 716-278-1796. Park open 24 hours/7 days a week, but each attraction has its own schedule. Discovery Pass: adults $38; youth $31; 5 and under free.

When you arrive at Niagara State Park, you’ll most definitely want to have a good, long look at the falls. Then you can explore all the other attractions. The Discovery Pass is the best value if you’re interested in the most popular park attractions. It includes admission to the Niagara Falls Adventure Theater, Aquarium of Niagara, Cave of the Winds, Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, and Maid of the Mist.

Arrive early and get right in line for the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds because they get very crowded later in the day. Bring a picnic lunch, and dine with a view.

5400 Robinson Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 2A6. niagarafallstourism.com; 800-563-2557. Falls are open for viewing 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Free to view the falls; price varies by attraction.

Many people argue that the Canadian side of the falls offers a much better view than the American side. Access to see all three falls—Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls—is free, but you pay for all the attractions separately.

Visit the Table Rock Welcome Centre for help planning your day. You can purchase a Classic Adventure Pass there, which grants you access to Journey Behind the Falls and Niagara’s Fury, two popular activities for visitors. Skylon Tower and the Niagara SkyWheel are two more ways to get a great bird’s-eye view of the falls.

If you’re camping on the American side of the falls, you can park and walk across the bridge. Don’t forget your passport.

ITINERARIES

If you have 1 week …

Spend your time exploring Niagara Falls on both the American side and the Canadian side. Ride the Maid of the Mist, and visit the Cave of the Winds and Journey Behind the Falls.

If you have 2 weeks …

All the above, plus tour historic Old Fort Niagara. Then venture out to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside. Visit local wineries, breweries, and farm markets. Take in some of the campy touristy fun on the Canadian side and ride the SkyWheel. Enjoy a dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe.

If you have 3 weeks …

All the above, plus explore the city of Buffalo. Tour the ships and submarines at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. If you’re staying on the American side, visit the state parks on Grand Island, and ride the bicycle trails.