Niagara Falls isn’t just a natural wonder—it’s a vibrant hub of family-friendly excitement, and Clifton Hill is its beating heart. If you’ve only got 24 hours to soak it all in, this step-by-step guide will help you make the most of your Family Day adventure. From thrilling attractions to delicious eats, we’ve got you covered.

Why Clifton Hill?

Clifton Hill is the ultimate destination for families, offering a mix of nostalgia, modern fun, and something for everyone. The best part? The Clifton Hill Fun Pass gives you access to six top attractions, saving you time and money. Let’s dive into your action-packed day!

10:00 AM: Park and Prep

Start your day at the Clifton Hill Parking Lot, with over 700 spots just steps away from the action. No need to stress about logistics—this central location means you’re never far from your car (or that forgotten stuffed animal).

11:00 AM: Fuel Up at Kelsey’s Roadhouse

With your Fun Passes in hand, head to Kelsey’s Roadhouse, a family-friendly restaurant with a menu that caters to all tastes. From mac and cheese for the kids to hearty burgers and vegetarian options for adults, there’s something for everyone. Pro tip: Share a few starters and keep the fun going with table games like “I Spy.”

1:00 PM: Game On at the Great Canadian Midway

Step into the Great Canadian Midway, a massive arcade that blends retro charm with cutting-edge games. Challenge your kids to a round of Pac-Man or Mario Kart, or discover new favorites together. It’s a nostalgic trip for parents and a thrilling adventure for little ones.

Your kids might be savvy with mobile devices, but how will they do up against the vintage machines that made up your childhood?

2:00 PM: Tee Off at Wizard’s Golf

Next up, Wizard’s Golf, an 18-hole glow-in-the-dark mini-putt course that transports you to a magical realm of wizards and trolls. It’s whimsical, neon-lit, and perfect for all ages—just one of the many perks of the Fun Pass.

3:00 PM: Sweet Treats at the Fudge Factory

After working up an appetite, indulge at the Fudge Factory. Watch as expert chefs craft 20 unique flavors of fudge, and let the kids marvel at the colorful array of candies. Don’t miss the chocolate-dipped goodies and classic candy apples!

3:30 PM: Strike a Pose at Movieland Wax Museum

Get up close with your favorite stars at the Movieland Wax Museum. Snap photos with lifelike figures and challenge the family to a game of “mannequin freeze”—who can blend in best with the wax celebrities?

4:30 PM: Battle Zombies in 6D

For an adrenaline rush, head to Zombie Attack, a 6D sensory experience where you’ll use laser guns to save the world from a zombie invasion. The winner gets their moment of glory on the big screen—bragging rights included!

5:30 PM: Dinner and Strikes at Boston Pizza

Refuel at Boston Pizza, conveniently located inside the Strike Game Zone. Enjoy a meal while the kids bowl in the 14-alley arena (with bumpers for the little ones). Parents, unwind with a drink from the extensive beer, wine, and cocktail menu.

7:00 PM: Ghostblasters Dark Ride

As the evening sets in, take on the Ghostblasters Dark Ride, an interactive black-light adventure. It’s part target game, part coaster ride, and 100% family fun. Who will defeat the haunted house ghosts?

7:30 PM: Soar on the Niagara SkyWheel

End your day with a ride on the Niagara SkyWheel, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Falls, the Niagara River, and the glittering lights of Clifton Hill. The climate-controlled gondolas make it a cozy experience for all.

8:00 PM: Witness the Falls Illumination

Cap off your Family Day with the Niagara Falls Illumination, a stunning light show that bathes the Falls in vibrant colors. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a day well spent.

Why This Itinerary Works

This 24-hour guide maximizes your time, balancing excitement with relaxation and ensuring every family member leaves with unforgettable memories. With the Clifton Hill Fun Pass, you’ll save money while experiencing the best of Niagara Falls.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack up the car, grab your Fun Pass, and get ready for a Family Day adventure like no other!

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Open House: Saturday, February 17, 2024 – 10 am to 4 pm

The city of Niagara Falls is brimming with excitement as it prepares for the highly-anticipated unveiling of the Niagara Falls Exchange on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Located at 5943 Sylvia Place, this dynamic event space is poised to become the epicenter of arts and culture in Niagara Falls.

During the Open House event, which will run from 10 am to 4 pm, visitors can expect a day filled with exciting activities including guided tours, captivating art installations, live musical performances, engaging vendor booths, and much more! This free and open event offers everyone a chance to get a sneak peek into the vibrant world of arts and culture that The Exchange will encompass.

Here are some of the highlights that await at The Exchange:

• Creative Spaces: Immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere of The Exchange by exploring its Artist & Woodworking Studios. These spaces are designed to inspire creativity and provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talents.
• Market Vendors: Delight your taste buds and support local businesses by visiting the various market vendors at The Exchange. From the delectable treats of Niagara Samosa Factory and Shriners Creek Kettle Popcorn to the mouthwatering delights of Fiesta Empanada and The Funghi Guy Gourmet Mushrooms, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the baked goods from Moodies Bakery, fresh produce from Bry-Anne Farms, the natural sweetness of Harvey’s Honey, or the juicy fruits from DeVries Fruit Farm.
• Live Music/DJ Performances: Experience the power of music as you indulge in a day filled with live performances and DJ sets at The Exchange. From local talents to renowned artists, the lineup promises to captivate audiences of all ages and musical preferences.
  • Artists include:
    • Rita Visser
    • Dave Mathews
    • Zach Bury
    • Chantal Barrette
    • Cd Onofrio
    • Amanda Lyn Parker
    • Eric James
    • Joe Lapinski
    • DJ Marinko
    • DJ Chance Mutuku
• Art Exhibits: Delight in the Niagara Falls In Focus photography exhibit and temporary and permanent installations by various artists.
• On-Site Activities: Engage in fun activities and games, including a collage party by Paper Bananas, screen printing by NAC, and magic shows by Matt Anthony and Robert Chan.
• Free Admission: Take advantage of free admission to the Niagara Falls History Museum and explore their new exhibition, “My Story, My Tattoo.”

Convenient Amenities

• Free On-Site Parking: Arrive hassle-free with free on-site parking available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additional parking information can be found at nfexchange.ca/about/parking.

The Niagara Falls Exchange Open House is an event not to be missed. Come and join us on Saturday, February 17, 2024, for a day of celebration and immersion in the arts and culture that will define The Exchange as a vibrant hub in Niagara Falls.

About The Exchange

After years of careful preparation, the Niagara Falls City Council authorized the development of The Exchange, a new market and cultural hub strategically positioned in the Main and Ferry district. The project, which began in 2021, has resulted in a 10,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor multifunctional event space meant to support the city’s food, music, art, and cultural communities.

Market Hall

• Year-Round Farmers’ Market: Starting October 14, 2023, the 4,000 sq foot Market Hall will host a year-round Farmers’ Market, emphasizing locally sourced products within a 100-mile radius.
• Versatile Space: Designed for flexibility, the Market Hall can accommodate various activities, from musical performances to festivals.

Artist Studios

• Collaborative Spaces: Shared artist studios encourage creation, collaboration, and development, offering competitive rates and 24/7 accessibility.

Woodworking Studio

• Community Space: The woodworking shop on the main floor provides materials and tools for artists, amateur woodworkers, and creators.
• Workshops and Assistance: Staffed by trained professionals, the studio offers workshops for both new and experienced woodworkers.

Gallery

• Quality Exhibition Space: Located on the second floor, the gallery prioritizes local artists, providing a platform for exhibition.

Café

• Exciting Additions: Details about the café at The Exchange will be revealed soon, adding a culinary dimension to the cultural experience.

Uncovering Historical Layers

The Exchange’s location has a long history, dating back to its Indigenous beginnings and serving a variety of functions over time. From the Battle of Lundy’s Lane to the lively Drummondville district, the location has seen a variety of dramas unfold throughout time.

As The Exchange takes its place on this historically significant land, it continues a heritage of community, creativity, and culture. Join us on February 17th for an immersive experience in the center of Niagara Falls’ arts and cultural district!

The post The Exchange Niagara Falls: A Hub of Arts and Culture appeared first on Niagara Falls Blog.

Reading Time:  2 minutes -Today is December Winter Solstice (Friday, December 21, 2018) which starts at 5:22 pm in Niagara Falls!

1. Today is the shortest day of the year

Niagara’s sunrise today is at 7:44 a.m. and the sunset is at 4:44 p.m. We have 8 hours, 59 minutes, 38 seconds of daylight. In most locations in the Northern Hemisphere (north of the equator), the shortest day of the year is on this date.

2. We lost 3 seconds of daylight today compared to yesterday, but tomorrow we will gain back 1 second of daylight for the first full day of winter.

The loss and gain of daylight time is not consistent throughout the year. The change of daylight time is always minimal at the winter and summer solstices. For example, by late January 2019, we’ll gain over 2 minutes of daylight per day, and by late February, we will gain almost three minutes of daylight per day.

3. The winter solstice occurs when the Sun is directly overhead the Tropic Of Capricorn & reaches its most southern declination of -23.4° when the North Pole is tilted the furthest away from the Sun.

Because the earth spins on a tilted axis, the farther north from the equator you are, the less sunlight you’ll receive during the winter solstice and the shorter the day it will be. Niagara we will see about 9 hours of daylight today. Whitehorse, Yukon will only receive 5 hours, 37 minutes and 51 seconds of daylight today. Even farther north in Iqaliut, Nunavut today’s daylight will only be 4 hours, 20 minutes and 14 seconds long.

4. Just because we have the least amount of sunlight today doesn’t mean it will be the coolest day of the year.

There is a lag between the shortest day of the year and the coldest average temperatures because of the Earth’s oceans. It takes a significant amount of time for the ocean to release all of the sun’s energy that it collected during the warm months. That is why our average temperatures are cooler in January than they are in December. You will find the same delay between the longest day of the year and the warmest average temperatures in the summer as well. The time of the lag will also vary depending on location.

5. A full moon will appear to be in the night sky

Although December’s full moon officially isn’t until December 22, 2018, look up in the night sky to see what is also known as the Cold Moon. Though the forecast predicts flurries and cloud cover tonight, a brief clearing may allow those in the Niagara Region a glimpse of a stunning nighttime view!

The Shortest day of the year could be an opportunity to drive down the Niagara Parkway and see the Festival of Lights at their best earlier in the day!

The Niagara Winter Festival of Lights features a Fireworks show tonight at 9pm. Also catch the  animated light installations, projections and entertainment – as you drive down the Niagara Parkway through Dufferin Islands and by the Falls! The festival is marked with many weeks of celebration, which literally shines up the entire Niagara Falls destination with its brilliance and dazzles people with its joy.

Click here for more details

The post Five Facts About Winter Solstice in Niagara Falls appeared first on Niagara Falls Blog.

Reading Time:  2 minutes -New Morning and Evening Train Service Will Start Four Years Ahead of Schedule

December 14, 2018

ST. CATHARINES — Ontario’s Government for the People continues to deliver on its promise to get people moving faster by adding regular weekday GO train service to Niagara Falls and St. Catharines for the first time.

Today, Jeff Yurek, Minister of Transportation, Kinga Surma, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation, Sam Oosterhoff, MPP Niagara West, along with Leslie Woo, Chief Planning and Development Officer, Metrolinx, visited the rail station in St. Catharines to announce that the government will introduce long-asked-for weekday GO train service to Niagara Falls and St. Catharines on the Lakeshore West line.

“Our government is keeping our promise to get people moving and make life better for everyone in Ontario by expanding GO train service to Niagara Falls,” said Yurek. “We are working with our railway partner, CN, to use the existing rail infrastructure to expand GO Transit service for people in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines four years sooner than promised.”

Beginning on January 7, 2019, people travelling by GO Transit between Niagara Falls and Toronto’s Union Station will benefit from a new morning trip with an evening return every weekday. The morning train that currently starts from West Harbour station in Hamilton at 6:39 a.m. will now start in Niagara Falls at 5:19 a.m., stopping at St. Catharines before continuing on to Toronto. In the evening, the existing train from Union Station at 5:15 p.m. to West Harbour will continue on to serve St. Catharines and Niagara Falls.

“This is great news for people in Niagara Region,” said Oosterhoff. “Weekday GO train service between Niagara Falls and Toronto will help connect the region and create new business opportunities.”

“We are very excited to introduce this essential commuter rail service to this market. Regular weekday GO trains have never operated out of Niagara Falls or St. Catharines before,” said Leslie Woo, Chief Planning and Development Officer of Metrolinx. “This is new territory and a sign of more great things to come.”

“Today’s announcement is a demonstration of our commitment to improving the transportation experience and getting people moving. We make every decision with the customer – the Ontario taxpayer – in mind. Our Government for the People looks forward to continuing to provide better transportation across the province,” said Yurek.

Additional Resources

GO Transit Service Changes

Media Contacts

Andrew Buttigieg
Minister of Transportation’s Office

andrew.buttigieg@ontario.ca

437-224-4599

Bob Nichols
Ministry of Transportation

416-327-1158

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