Visiting Niagra early January from Sydney - Need help...

Hi guys. Firstly what a great site. I am stunned by your obvious pride of your country that makes you help us tourists as you do.

My wife and I will arrive in Buffalo on January 4. Some questions for you.

- I have read that Maid of the Mist does not operate. True?

- Can you get tours at that time or is a car required?

(We are only there for the 2 days and don%26#39;t want to risk missing seeing the falls preferably before and after sunset)

- What sort of temperatures might I expect?

Thanks Mate!

I had to say that because people expect us Australians to speak like that. :-)

Visiting Niagra early January from Sydney - Need help...

Funny Michael-do you really do ';shrimp on the barbie'; too?

I have been obsessed with it ever since I saw it on the Travel Channel.

Well bring your Parkas and leather gloves (they block the wind) because January is high winter around here. It starts getting dark around 4:00 pm-we do have some brilliant days-but it would be very hard to predict as our weather is so dependent on the Lakes. The maid of the mist does not run in January, however the cave of the winds, and a few of the other spots are open.

The Falls in the winter has unsurpassed beauty-on icy days the formations at the brink are impressive, and on snowy days the rapids gleam blue against the snow. It really is breathtaking. Normally, I would suggest that you rent a car-there is so much to see and do-it would be nice to chart your own course. But, because our weather could be god-awful in January you may be better off booking a tour and let someone else do the driving. The temperatures will almost certainly be cold-probably well below 0 degrees (C)-dress in layers-light shirt, heavy sweater, winter coat, hats, gloves, scarfs. That way you can remove things if the sun gets hot. Good luck!!!

Visiting Niagra early January from Sydney - Need help...

yea it will be cold and theres definately not as many tourists as there are in the summer. its not like everything shuts down though. of course there will be fewer things to do while here but youll see theres tons to do. im sure youve heard about that lake effect snow thing that us buffalonians get used to. buffalogirl%26#39;s right, unless youre used to driving in the snow you might want to book a tour, but the most common sense option probably would be to rent a car because the traffic in the area as a whole isnt bad at all. plus you can use the car to travel accross the border instead of walking the bridge and you can travel to local malls or whatever you please. but overall remember, dress appropriately. the forecast might call for a high of 20F, but add in winds and then the fact that youll be by the falls, it will feel more like 0F.

I am going in June of this year. Flying into Buffalo for 2 days and Staying at the Sheraton on the Falls. Do I need to rent a car? Is there anything I need to drive to in Niagra, or can I just walk or take the shuttle to the major attractions?

i always recommend to rent a car, but thats to people who plan on doing other things while here. if you plan on staying strictly in niagara falls and not venturing to niagara on the lake, buffalo, etc then by all means save yourself the money. but if you do plan on doing extra things save yourself some time by renting cause the public metro system here isnt like it is in nyc.

Hey guys, thanks heaps. More Aussie slang.

Re: Shrimp on the BBQ. We throw everything on there. Including prawns as we know them. (Shrimp to you)

Our comercials with Paul Hogan that used the term shrimp was specifically written for you guys in the states.

Hey Buffalogirl, what was it that fascinated you about Australia?

Your advice is great. Another quick question how long would it take to get to Toronto? Is it worth it? Is there easy transport there?

Michael the maid of the mist definitely does not operate in january and when you get there you will understand why.We went 10 years ago in april.We really wanted to go on the maid of the mist and our travel agent couldnt tell us why.

When we arrived it was totally iced over below the falls and huge chunks of ice were going over.Spectacular.Also great because very few tourists.But it will be cold easpecially if you get a winter storm.

Michael,

Travel channel did a panoramic view of Sydney Harbor-that was most beautiful-they also spent time on the fact that the toilets flush in the oppisite direction from us-

Is that true?

Anyway, one day I will go to Sydney-you will have to let me know how you survived that looonggg flight.

Toronto is actually around 90k from Niagara Falls-but you must deal with terrible traffic-so the travel time is a good 2 hours.

When I just didn%26#39;t want to deal with it- I have taken the train to Toronto-the depot is right over the whirlpool bridge-which also has beautiful scenery. In fact the train I think it is VIA-has all inclusive trips that include train, transfers, and hotel-take a look at the web site. It is easy to get around in Toronto

their public transport is much better than what we have around here.

Toronto is a wonderful experience, and depending on how busy you like to be-it is a great place to visit.

I am so glad to see that you are willing to brave our winter for a visit, you won%26#39;t be disappointed.

Coming to SYDNEY in June 2006, but returning to Falls with a group - to help fund my Australia adventure - in October. I love this site, too. It is fair dingum! I%26#39;%26#39;m practicing up for you blokes.

Tours don%26#39;t run in January, best to rent a car. Try to stay at a hotel walking distance to the Falls. I heard Howard Johnson on 454 Main Street on NY side has best location.

Have fun !

Hey RainbowTravel - good try but the expression is ';Fair Dinkum'; and it means true or real. Have a great time in Australia - I had a great time in Niagara Falls in July.