Feedback - Linda here - I'll work with anyone who e-mails me to arrange a trip. It is my pleasure to do so and there is no charge but I am not a travel agent. I don't know everything nor do I pretend to. I don't book hotels or attractions. I am also brutally honest. If I don't think a place is the best use of your time and/or energy, I'll tell you so, but in the longrun, what you do is entirely up to you. I wish you the very best trip possible here in Niagara. If you do your homework, find the best hotel for your needs, and plan your days, I can honestly say there is enough here to give you at least three or four days of terrific food and wine, good fun and awesome sights.

Oct. 15, 2007
Hi Linda,
Just wanted to say thank you for all the work you've put into this site.
Part of my job is to plan trips (both around Ontario and further out) - I'm always amazed at how difficult it is to compile this sort of info - if only there was a site like yours for every city!
Your advice has been a wonderful planning tool and the pictures are great for when people ask me about the hotel or attraction we've chosen
Thank you -thank you - thank you!
Abbey Royle
Summer Holiday Director
Program Assistant, Recreation and Integration Services
ONTARIO MARCH OF DIMES
10 Overlea Blvd.
Toronto,ON M4H 1A4
Tel: 416-425 DIME (3463) ext. 7251

Toll-free: 1-800-263-DIME(3463) ext. 7251

Sept.10, 2006
Dear Linda,
I just had to take a moment to let you know how helpful your site was to me and my family on our recent trip to Niagara Falls. My grandson, 11, has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and is confined to a power wheel chair. He cannot stand to transfer and always needs special assistance. All the information you provided helped make his 11th birthday a trip to remember. The hotel, The Embassy Suites, was perfect. All the staff really were great (and I mean it.) The room was wonderful and the view was awesome! We followed your guidelines for the activities and were amazed at how we were able to walk almost anywhere. The hills were a bit difficult in the warm August sun, but we managed. We changed to a manual chair when we knew we were going to the Maid of the Mist. It too was special. Thank you again for all your guidance and recommendations. Wish there were more people who would do such an outstanding job from a wheelchair perspective of other places to visit.
thanks again,
Sheila - Long Island, NY

Sept. 7, 2006

THIS IS BETTY AT AAA COLUMBIANA OHIO AND I AM TRYING TO GET MOTORIZE SCOOTERS FOR TWO HANDICAPPED ADULTS IN NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA FOR 3 DAY. SEPT 18 MAYBE THRU SEPT 21SEP. SO FAR I'VE HAD NO LUCK.
THE ONLY PROBLEM IS I NEED TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE THEM WHEN THEY GET THERE.
I CALLED LEWIS AND KRALL BUT THEY WON'T GUARANTEE A SCOOTER UNTIL 3 DAYS PRIOR AND NO GUARANTEE THEY BE AVAILABLE.
PLEASE EMAIL ME
THANK YOU
BETTY
(Linda here - This was corrected with one phonecall to Lewis and Krall. Sometimes people don't understand that we have to know if we have scooter or not, because without one, we have no mobility, period. There are no maybees in our travel vocabulary.)

Aug. 31/2006
Hello. My name is Carmela Valentino. I recently used the Accessible Niagara 2005-2006 guide. I booked a room at the Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview (pages 12-13 of the guide).
I have severe arthritis and use crutches for short distances and a wheelchair for long distances. I was travelling with a girlfriend and needed a roll in shower and 2 beds. This is stated in the guide and I was told twice over the phone that it was available.
When we arrived, we discovered that the room did have a roll in shower, but only a king bed that could not be converted to 2 queens. I showed the manager the guide and told him I had confirmation that we were getting 2 beds.
He apologized profusely. We could have 2 beds, but no roll in shower. Since that was a necessity for me, my friend said we should take the king bed and she would sleep on a cot.
The manager discounted the room slightly and gave us breakfast vouchers.
This was not a good start to our trip. In future, I stongly advise that you make sure all information is accurate, even if that means personally viewing the room.
Sincerely,
Carmela
Sept .9, 2006
Hi Linda. It's Carmela Valentino again. I'm from Markham, which is north of Toronto.
Re: what happened at the Marriott Fallsview. We stayed in room 1411.
The manager of the day was Adam and he said his engineers told him the king bed couldn't be converted to 2 queens. He said it may have been possible in the past, but not now.
I brought along the guide and he photocopied it since it specified that room 1411 could have 2 queens.
Thanks for your support.
Carmela
(Linda here - No matter how thorough we are, no matter what is said... things can change. Always call the hotel and ask to speak to the manager if you are worried about getting exactly what you must have. They understand and I'm sure they'll be helpful. Better one little call than a huge disappointment.)

Mark, dancehall lady from Oh, Canada Eh?! and Blake Woolf-Tange

January 24, 2006
Linda
First let me say that I absolutely LOVE your site about accessibility in Niagara Falls. My son, Blake, is almost 17 years old and has cerebral palsy - he usually uses a walker, but on vacation he uses a wheelchair. I have a back problem and use an electric scooter.
We'll be coming to Niagara Falls in August for a week's vacation and are trying to decide on a hotel. I want something "nice" but nothing overly expensive. We have very simple tastes. We would love to stay at the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill but from what I hear it's very steep. Obviously we wouldn't walk to the falls - we would drive - but, if we would stay there, would we be able to get around the attractions or would the hill be too steep? My husband pushes my son in the chair - but he is a BIG boy - actually he weighs more than my husband. I'm a very large woman and have a problem with the scooter if the hills are too steep.
Any help or recommendations for hotels you could offer would certainly help. We don't need an "accessible" room - my son does fine with "regular" bathrooms and tubs. We just need a room that's accessible to get to with the wheelchair and scooter.
Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to offer us -
Lynn Woolf-Tange

Linda answers:

Linda -

Thank you for your quick response. To tell you the truth - I'm not as worried about going down the hill as I am going up. My battery tends to wear down very very quickly on steep hills and it may just do my husband in to push our son UP hill - LOL

I was also looking at the Rodeway Inn and Suites 7720 - Lundy's Lane - do you know anything about that location? I know it's out of the way - not right in the middle of things - but that's OK. I've seen prices around $325 per night (I'm sure that's for the suites) - but on the homepage for the hotel they have rooms in the mid $50 range (US dollars). It looks like a nice hotel from the webpage - but you know how that goes.

Thanks again for your help -
Lynn

Linda Crabtree <linda@lindacrabtree.com> wrote:
Hi - You could stay at the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill but you might want to drive down to the falls. If you feel brave you could give it a try. I can go down it on my Pride Scooter as long as I go sideways a bit, sort of zigzag and once you are down, you'll be fine. The room at the Comfort Inn is large and the bathroom is large with a nice big tub with a ledge. You can't get into the lobby but your husband can register for all and you and your son go in the side door to the room. You can get breakfast at the restaurant there and they'll tell you how to get to it from your room. There's plenty of parking at that hotel. And, parking right acorss from the falls is only $12 for the entire day. You'd be at the falls parking in about 3 minutes from the hotel. There are some good restaurants just above the hotel within rolling distance, try Antica pizza, very good. Betty's in Chippawa is only a few miles and they have an absolutely terrific Sunday brunch from 10:30 till 2:30. My husband and I go almost every week. And you can drive everywhere from that hotel.
I don't know the exact gradient of Clifton Hill or Murray Hill but it is going to be a challenge for your husband to keep your son from rolling down it unless he goes down backwards with him or asks if a bellboy from the hotel would accompany him the first time just to see how it goes and this is entirely possible. I think you'll be okay as long as your scooter has a good braking system and you drive on the low speed. I'll try to find out just how steep it really is for you but you'll be fine if you drive down and you may even try to roll down once you've seen it.
No matter what hotel you stay at in the falls you are going to run into the hill probem. I'm working with the Niagara Parks Commission to try to fix it.
I'd book that room early if I were you, it is a favorite with everyone because it is so large.
Talk to me anytime.
L
Jan. 24, 2006
Hey, ask away.
There are a lot of really nice hotels near the falls and the Americana isn't near the falls but is (could be a bit) cheaper because you have to drive a bit.
The lady at the Clifton Hill Comfort Inn doesn't use a scooter. I do. It can be done on a scooter, believe me, but if you are uncomfortable, your husband can take the car and drive you down to the falls in five minutes or less, park it for $12, and you'll all just be across the road from the falls. He doesn't have to drop you off, you can all go over together. There is a stairway and a ramp right off the parking lot at the intersection that leads you to the Table Rock complex, you can go around Table Rock or through it and you are right at the falls.
If you go upstairs at the Table Rock complex, onto the balcony by the restaurant, you'll have a magnificent view of everything. The hotel is five minutes away from the falls and so is the parking, you won't be staying at the actual falls all the time and might go down twice for a half day each. And you've got to go down at night to see the lights and fireworks on the falls. It is magical. The Falls and Maid of the Mist are within rolling distance of each other and can be done on three hours lazily. Then the Butterfly Conservatory and park another couple of hours in the afternoon, Marineland is good for kids and you can spend four hours there easily. I'd stay at the Clifton hotel simply becasue it is one of the best rooms I've seen, and use your car unless you think you can do it with your scooter but you'll know once you've seen it. You've just got to do the Maid of the Mist. The boat takes you right into the basin of the falls. You'll get really wet so dress accordingly, no fancy footwear especially, and ask for an extra plastic poncho for your scooter front and his wheelchair. You'll likely dry off just rolling around afterwards in the August heat. Go to the Butterfly Conservatory and the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens where it is located (both in the same park about a 10 minutes drive from the falls). They are lovley and the conservatory is incredible. You could go jet boating, or your husband and son could, if it is too much for you, it's too much for me. I'll bet your son would love it but they'll have to tell him if they think it is safe for him.
There's also a new place opening up, Great Wolf Lodge, on the Niagara Parkway. I'll be auditing it as soon as it is finished and it promises to be a terrific place with a huge waterpark for kids. I'll have it on the website soon.
I can help you plan your trip so you don't miss anything really awesome if you let me know how many days you want to spend and how much money you can spend. Where are you coming from? Driving a van?
Take care,
L.

Jan. 31, 2006
Hi - Very busy right now but please get back to me when your trip gets closer. We have a new circus here, Cirque Niagara, that looks promising but I haven't seen it yet and Oh Canada, Eh?! is a great dinner theatre. If your son likes Shaw, Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake is lovely. Look at my website under theatre. Also if you want a printed Accessible Niagara guide just e-mail gateway@tourismniagara.com and ask for a free 2005-6 Accessible Niagara guide.
Talk to you soon.
L.
Linda -
Sorry it's taken me so long to respond.
We are definitely planning on going to the fireworks display at the falls. From what I've read - it's just lights the other nights - but with fireworks on Sunday and Friday. Since we will be arriving on Sunday, we thought we could go that night and then again the night before we leave. We'll be arriving August 13th and leaving on the 19th.
I'm saving all of your suggestions so we make sure we hit all the high points. I asked our son if he wanted to jet ski and he just looked at me - LOL He's not really into that kind of thing - but he loves to go sightseeing. What all do you suggest we hit? My husband and son LOVE to eat out on vacation - any suggestions? The one MUST DO is Rainforest Cafe. We've only ever been to the two they have in Orlando, Florida.
We'll be coming from Bethlehem, PA and yes, we'll be driving our van. As a matter of fact - a Great Wolf Lodge just opened recently (or soon to be opened) in the Poconos - just an hour away from our house. I've gotten info on the resort and it looks wonderful - but terribly expensive. I think it ran about $300-$400 per night. Of course it includes the water park - but still not cheap.
We cancelled our reservations at the Rodeway - I read some terrible reviews about it. We're still keeping our eye out for another hotel - but in the meantime we did go ahead and reserve a room at the Best Western Summit Inn in Niagara Falls, NY. They have free parking, continental breakfast, indoor pool (VERY important to our son - LOL) - and we got it for a little less than $90 per night (US dollars). I know you recommended the Comfort Inn at Clifton Hill - but we really don't need the handicapped room. A regular room is just fine for us. We just need the hotel itself to be accessible. I guess we've been spoiled by the Americans with Disabilities Act - but my son is a real advocate for the rights of handicapped people and doesn't want to stay at any hotel he can't get around in on general principal. He's a tough cookie - but then I guess I raised him to be that way - LOL
When it comes to our budget - we're pretty open. We aren't rich - but I don't mind spending money if something is worthwhile. I'm sure we'll be spending quite a bit on things like the Maid of the Mist, the Butterfly Conservatory, etc. Are there any dinner theaters you would suggest we go to? Any other "out of the way" attractions we should see?
BTW - if I don't plug in my scooter every night - forget it - I'm out of power - LOL As a matter of fact - many times when we've gone somewhere like Disney, I even plug in while we're doing something like dinner. But then again - I'm a very large woman and it takes a lot of power to get me around - LOL
Thanks again for offering to help - we really appreciate it!!!!
Lynn

August 6, 2006
Linda -
OK - we're now DEFINITELY closer to our trip. We leave Sunday, August 13th. We'll be coming from Bethlehem, PA and yes, we'll be driving our van in answer to your previous questions. We ordered your brochure and it's WONDERFUL!!!! From what I've seen - you're making a real difference for handicapped people in the Niagara Falls area - keep up the terrific work!!!!
OK - here's a list of what we think we'd like to do. It may be too ambitious for a week (we arrive Sunday, August 13th and leave Saturday, August 19th). If you wouldn't mind telling me what you think of the attractions we've chosen when it comes to accessibility and which attractions you think we should "group" together because of their locations. (I'll answer in italics - -just my opinions after having visited, or not - Linda )
Aquarium of Niagara (we've decided to skip Marineland) There really isn't one on the Canadian side and the one on the American side is very small and really not worth the stop, in my estimation. Ripley's is building one here but it's just begun.
Brocks Monument - okay but you can see it in five minutes, a nice place to rest with a really nice restaurant beside it with an incredible view of the Niagara River. It's accessible too with accessible washrooms. If you cann't climb it really isn't much fun.
Butterfly Conservatory- absolutely. Worth the price and surrounded by gorgeous gardens
Cave of the Winds - don't know where you got this but it might be on the U.S. side.
Cirque Niagara - absolutely - I hear it is fabulous.
Cruise on the Erie Canal - way out of your way
Fireworks over the Falls - beautiful and cheap - free
Floral Clock - you can drive by or park - it'll take you five minutes and it's on the way to Brock's monument and Niagara-on-the-Lake
Greg Frewin Dinner Theatre- haven't seen the show but the theatre is accesible and I think it's a Las Vegas type show with plenty of magic. Looks nice - not tacky.
Guinness World Book of Records - only if you're into that kind of stuff - kind of tacky but fun. There's a great pizzeria, Antica Pizza, just up the hill further and to the left if you go to Guinness.
IMAX Theatre or any 3-4D Theatre - which would you recommend? I think there's one at Guinness, Skylon Tower, not sure where else. Both my son and I can transfer from the wheelchair and/or scooter - IMAX is best. You don't have to transfer. They have a spot just for wheelchair and scooter users. Skylon is a disappointment because you can't get out like other people. The outer lip isn't accessible. If you want to get a good view of the falls try the Minolta tower up top.
Journey Behind the Falls - is this necessary if we've already done the Cave of the Winds? Which would you recommend? Cave of the winds is unknown to me and Journey Behind the Falls isn't half as good (or someone in a wheelchair)as The Maid of the Mist for awe power. I'd just go Maid of the Mist.
Maid of the Mist - if you do nothing else, do that.
New York State Power Authority - It's on the other side from us. I'm in Canada. Have no idea what they do but Ontario Hydro has one on our side It's not great for people in wheelchairs because there's two places where you aren't tall enough but it is a really good learning opportunity. Ypu have to aprk at the Floral Clock and roll over. If time is short, I'd skip it but depending on your son's age, he could learn a lot there.
Niagara Falls Aviary - good - accessible - takes about an hour to go through. learn al ot about birds and see some really lovely one.
Niagara Gorge Discovery Center & Schoellkopf Geological Museum - in the U.S.A. - no idea
Niagara on the Lake - nice little town - very pretty but 90% of the shops are not accessible. More a grown up place than a kid place.
Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley - would this be accessible for my son and I to both ride at the same time? I know some of these types of transportation only take one wheelchair/scooter at a time and some don't take scooters. Must be in U.S. - sorry, never heard of it.
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show - a lot of fun and a decent meal for not a huge amount of money. I'd book ahead if I were you. Their 1-800 number is in my booklet or on my website.
Old Fort Niagara, Fort Gorge, & Old Fort Erie - have you ever done the Ghost Tour on Friday night at Old Fort Erie? If you like forts we have 'em. Never done the ghost tour but I hear it's fun. Fort George is a favorite of mine.
Ripley's Believe It or Not - I think its in the same building as Guinness on Clifton Hill. You have to go up and down Clifton Hill just for fun but beware you need good brakes on your scooter and wheelchair. It is steep.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - they don't have a station or anything here. There may be a couple on hand near the falls just for tourists to take pictures of but that's about it. They are working police just like every other cop so they don't just hang around.
Sir Adam Beck Generating Station - that's the Ontario Hydro I spoke of above, same thing.
SkyWheel (for my husband and son only - I'm afraid of heights and claustrophobic - LOL) - have no idea what this is but there's a SkyScreamer at Marineland.
Welland Canal -if you like huge ships go to Lock three on the Welland Canal - there's a museum there that'll tell you all about the canal and a viewing platform that will get you above the big lakers and freighters. I love the place and the ships are awesome.
White Water Walk - again, should we do this if we're already doing Cave of the Winds or Journey Behind the Falls. Don't do Cave of the Winds or Journey behind the Falls - do this, it's better and checkout the Buddhist Temple across the road from it. It's really something and you can go into the temple and meet the monk and see the hundred thousand golds buddhas or how many there are. I have and it's really something...another world, quiet, contemplative and respectful.
The falls is right at Table Rock House and you can park across the road from Table Rock House for $12, I think it is, for the day. You could do The Falls, (go up the elevator in Table Rock House to the second floor patio to get a terrific view of the falls without a railing in the way. See the falls, go up to the balcony, scope out some souvenirs, use the bathroom if you need to (about an hour), then ride in your scooter or whatever to the Maid of the Mist, do it (at least an hour and there are accessible bathrooms at the base of the hill there), then go up Clifton Hill just for fun, it'll be time to eat likely, go to Antica pizza or grab something on the hill, then drive down to the new casino, it's within rolling distance and check it out, it's really neat and there's an awesome view from the back of it of the falls. The gaming floors are guarded so kids aren't allowed in but kids can go other places in it and through it. Then go a little further and do the Minolta Tower so you can really see the falls or the Skylon if you want to. When you've finished that, go back down to the car but this time take Murray Hill. Be careful, it is steep, too. I think you will have had enough for the day. No sure where you are staying. The next day you can do the Butterfly Garden, Botanical Gardens, drive in closer to the falls again, White Water Walk, Buddhist Temple and Niagara Falls Aviary and then Oh. Canada, eh!. If your son can get into a helicopter that would be something for him and your husband to do. He'll never forget it. (See ad in my booklet). OH Canada, eh?! is really fun and I know you'll all love it. It starts at 5 p.m. I think but make sure. Reservations are a must.
So what do you think? Can we do it all? Any help you could offer would be truly appreciated!!!! Yes, you can do it all. Not sure how many days you intend to spend here. You can do it all in three or four days easily, rushing it for two so take what I've suggested and figure out what you'd like to do and spread it out over the two or three or four days.
Don't forget Cirque Niagara - really worth it. It and Oh Canada Eh?! and IMAX all have 5 or 6 p/m. start times so you can do them last and rest afer a busy day. Greg Frewin has one a little later I think but it is dinner theatre as well so check it out. I'm thinking it is a little more Vegassy than Oh Canada, eh which is just plain poke fun at Canadians. Those four are definitely worth it. IMAX is also in during the day, too.
Talk to me anytime. L.
Thanks - Lynn

And now for Lynn's follow-up and feedback on her trip.

August 29, 2006
Linda -
I wanted to get back to you and several others who had helped us with our plans for Niagara Falls. We just got back a little over a week ago. We had a wonderful time with a few minor exceptions (doesn't that always happen on vacation - LOL). We had PERFECT weather - one evening it rained a little, but we were on our way to a dinner show so it was no big deal. It was in the 80's and sunny EVERY day. It did rain for the drive home which wasn't fun - but I'd rather have rain then instead of while we were walking around. Here's a list of all the places we went -
Seneca Niagara Casino - dinner - LOVED it - HUGE and free parking and food discounts with the Player's Card
Illuminations of the Falls and Fireworks Over the Falls - watched this from the Rainbow Bridge - very nice
Aquarium of Niagara - small, but very nice - Whaling Wall by Wyland is beautiful
Niagara Gorge Discovery Center & Schoellkopf Geological Museum - small, but interesting
Hard Rock Café – lunch - American side one - had a great meal there - not cheap, but no worse than any of the other places around
Niagara Falls State Park - so much to see - wonderful just to ride the full loop on the trolley and then get off wherever you'd like
Niagara Scenic Trolley - terrific deal - only $2 per person ALL day
Cave of the Winds - all handicapped accesible except for the "Hurricane Deck" which is only about 20 from the handicapped accessible deck
Maid of the Mist and Observation Tower - we did the American side and it was WONDERFUL - much shorter lines than the Canadian side and MUCH more handicapped accessible than the Canadian side too - fee also includes the Observation Deck
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show - this was HYSTERICAL - if you've ever been to the Hoop De Doo Review at Walt Disney World it was like that - VERY funny and good food
Erie Canal Cruise – Lockport, NY - I never thought we'd get to ride down the Erie Canal - very cool
Canalside Cafe & Pub in Lockport, NY - lunch - good sandwiches, inexpensive
New York State Power Authority - Lewiston, NY - interesting since we did the generating stations on both side of the border
Butterfly Conservatory - absolutely GORGEOUS - I would have liked to have spent more time here viewing all the grounds
Sir Adam Beck Generating Station - nice tour - learned a lot about how they use the power of the river for electricity for the area and how the falls are controlled by them - BTW - didn't have to "roll over" from the Floral Clock - they had lots of free parking there
Floral Clock - quick stop but very pretty
Brock’s Monument - nice place to walk around and "regroup" - we ate lunch at the restaurant there - GORGEOUS view
Niagara on the Lake – Fort George - very interesting and surprisingly handicapped accessible! The shops in the town itself weren't really accessible, but the fort was!
Welland Canal – St. Catharines - boy did we luck out here!!!! They said that many times there isn't a ship through the locks for hours and hours. We happened to get there as one ship had just entered and within half an hour another one came through. The next ship wasn't scheduled until 9 hours later!!! VERY interesting watching these huge freighters going through the locks.
Planet Hollywood – lunch - had a $20 off coupon for here - so our bill wasn't too bad - we parked in the nearby parking garage and didn't have to pay anything since we got a Player's Card from the casino there
Guinness World Book of Records - didn't charge for two of us because they don't charge for handicapped using a walker, wheelchair or ECV because only half of the museum is accessible - they also offer student discounts - very interesting of what we could see
Ripley's Believe It or Not 3D/4D Movie - OMG - NEVER, NEVER, NEVER AGAIN - We hadn't planned on doing this - but had some time to kill before the Greg Frewin show. I didn't do it because it warned about not going on if you had back problems. It was about $30 for my husband and son. It was "supposed" to be about 15 minutes long and actually was more of a "ride" than a movie. They show two short films back to back while you are "thrown around" in your "cubby" (otherwise known as a "seat"). They told them at the beginning if it was "too much" for anyone to put their hand in the air and they would stop the show (should have been their first clue that other people had wanted OUT before). Well - by the end of the first film, Blake threw both his hands up in the air and told them he'd had enough. By the time he got outside the theater, he had a bruise on each thigh the size of a small cantaloupe!!!!!! The manager walked over to us and apologized and said "maybe we should tell people just how rough it can be". GEE - YOU THINK?!?!? She offered us our money back - which we gladly accepted. By the time Blake went to bed - his legs were every color under the sun and I felt like the worst mother in the world for suggesting they ride it. My husband just ended up with scratched knuckles. NEVER AGAIN.
Greg Frewin Theatre – dinner - very nice "Vegas style" magic show and dinner wasn't bad
Niagara Falls Aviary - very cool!!!! The pictures on the internet show the birds sitting on your head or hands - that only happened in special area where they charged for photos
Skylon Tower – lunch - over priced for the buffet - but the view was worth EVERY CENT
IMAX Movie - this was the National Geographic one - near Skylon Tower - very nice - very educational
Cirque Niagara - nice show - we were expecting it to be more like Cirque du Soleil - but it wasn't really - still very nice show except for my son all of a sudden becoming allergic to the horses!!!! Thank goodness I had Benedryl with me (unfortunately I forgot I had it until half way through the show - UGH)
Rainforest Café - dinner - NEVER AGAIN - we normally love Rainforest Cafe in other locations - but we found out AFTER we used our Safari Card to get in that they didn't really "accept" the Safari Card and we couldn't get any of the other benefits from it besides getting in without waiting. They wouldn't even accept the gift cards we had from Rainforest. They said they are one of two privately owned Rainforest Cafes in the world and "didn't have to live by their rules" - UGH UGH UGH
Queen Victoria Park - hands down - the most PERFECT view of the falls - both sides!!!!!
BTW - the Skywheel I spoke of is a huge "ferris wheel" on Clifton Hill - we didn't do it though. We weren't overly thrilled with Clifton Hill itself - as my son said - "it's kind of like a Boardwalk at the shore, but on a hill!!!"
Sorry this has turned into a novel - LOL I just wanted to thank you so much for helping us with our planning and sharing all your wonderful information with us to help make our vacation a success.
Linda -
One other thing I forgot to mention in my previous message you may want to add. When we went to the Skylon Tower for lunch - I knew the observation deck was included with our lunch (even though the outside rim isn't accessible). We stopped to ask at the desk about the $10 parking fee we had paid because I thought I read somewhere parking was free if you ate there. We were told that parking isn't free with the restaurant - BUT that handicapped parking WAS free and they returned our $10.
Thanks again!!!!
Lynn
(Linda here - It's feedback like this that really helps people plan a super vacation. Also, any criticism is meant to be productive and we hope those who have received it, learn from it. Many thanks to Lynn, husband, Mark, and son, Blake.)

April 18, 2005

Linda,
I was referred to your web site by Niagara Parks Information and I want to thank you for such a wonderful service. I may be visiting there the first week of June with my son and I will be in a wheelchair. I can get up some if necessary but it is painful so I have to limit it. I have been debating for a week about whether or not to try to see Niagara or to visit Thousand Islands instead. I was concerned about the crowd of people being a problem at Niagara.
I was also concerned about the advisability of trying to go on the Maid of the Mist tour, which I really want to do. From reading the specific information you provide on your web site, I am greatly encouraged and just may try it. Thank you for this wealth of information that would otherwise not be available.
You've given many people a selfless gift.
Jan

Hi Jan: I think you'll be surprised by the lack of crowding and the civility of it all. There is no pushing or shoving, everything is very civilized. Crowds aren't usually a problem and everything is well managed. The Maid of the Mist is awesome in the true sense of the word.My husband and I go on it every year simply to wonder at it all and I especially, to keep myself
humble. Nature helps you keep your work and life in perspective it is as incredibly powerful as it is at Niagara Falls.
Be sure to go up on the patio over Table Rock House so you have a full, clear view of the falls. There is an elevator inside Table Rock house that will take you up. And, there is time to get one of my guides. Forty pages of goodthings to see in
Niagara...all accessible. Just e-mail gateway@tourismniagara.com and ask for one. It is free and they'll mail it out to you. You
can take it with you so you know exactly what you want to see and do in
Niagara Falls.
Were you thinking of staying if you come here?
If I can help please let me know. I can stand a little bit, too, but not enough to climb into a shower with a lip on it or a bathtub. I use a tub with a large shower chair and hand held shower head, usually.
Talk to me anytime and thank you for your lovely e-mail.
Kind words, much appreciated.
Cheers!
Linda

Linda,
It was nice to hear from you. Thanks for giving me a better idea about the crowding. A friend of mine
visited the falls last summer and told me some things that made me have second thoughts about the
advisability of going there in a wheelchair. That was one thing he mentioned and he thought it would be hard
to get around with so many people packed in. I bet it was more crowded when he went because it was in July
and I'm going the first week of June.
When I first visited your web site, I saw where you recommended emailing for a copy of your guide so I
already did that. I also took your suggestion and asked them to send me a free map. Thanks. I don't know
where the Table Rock House is in relation to the Maid of the Mist building but I guess the guide will tell
me that.
Thanks for offering to help find a room to stay in but we won't need that because we will only be there one
day. I am going to New York to attend my son's college graduation and I'll be staying with him in Ithaca, NY.
We will rent a car for a few days after graduation and we have one day to go to the falls. I want to spend
the entire day there. It's a long drive from Ithaca, though.
I have a few other questions, if you have time to answer them.
Have you been to the Skylon Tower in a wheelchair? If so, how is it - is it accessible? Is there close parking and is there a fee to park? I have to watch my money because the whole trip of almost 2 weeks is already costing a lot, and there is a sizable fee to go to the observation deck at the tower. I was wondering if I go to the Maid of the Mist Centre and
the Table Rock House balcony, do you think it is worth it to also go to the tower? Is the vantage similar? Is
there a fee at the Maid of the Mist Centre and the Table Rock House to look and take pictures? I don'tthink I saw the Skylon Tower mentioned on your web site and thought I would suggest it as another place to consider adding.
On the Maid of the Mist boat, I've been curious about how one takes pictures of these amazing sites when it
is so wet. I love to take pictures. On the boat, is it impractical to take a camera? Or, are there some times
when you can take pictures and some times when it is too wet? If so, how can you keep your camera dry
during the wet periods? Also, in the pictures of people on the boats, they all seem to be standing. Is
that the way it works? Or are there places where people can stay seated and still have a good view?
One more area of concern - parking. My friend said that parking is impossible and expensive. He is able-
bodied and wasn't paying any attention to the provisions for handicapped people. He said you have to
park in town and take a "people mover" which wouldn't work with a wheelchair. He said there were also places
closer to park that cost $4 per hour. He said you can't park for less than $10 and that is still a long ways away. According to your description, though, there is a parking lot with close parking for handicapped visitors. Is that correct? Is it reliable?
How much does it cost? We would be driving there in the rented car and would need to park for quite awhile. Is that where we would park to go on the pathway that goes along the fall? Would we also park there for the Maid of the Mist and for Table Rock House?

I also don't understand the whole Canada-US border thing. Do we go through a border control type place when we go along the pathway - does it cross from the US into Canada? Would we be driving into Canada to see some of the sites and if so, do we need a birth certificate? It's too late for me to get a passport now, I think. Is there a problem with it on the boat-
does it cross from the US into Canada?

Sorry for all of the questions. I appreciate any help you can provide.

Thank you again for the wonderful web site and information.

Jan

Answers to Jan's questions: (Table Rock House is just up the walkway that goes along the falls from the Maid of the Mist centre. - Table Rock House is right in front of the falls.)

Have you been to the Skylon Tower in a wheelchair? If so, how is it - is it accessible? (Yes I have and yes it is - totally) Is there close parking and is there a fee to park? (If you park across from the falls for $12 for the day you can get to Skylon very easily, It is just up the hill. Note: Things have changed at the Skylon tower. The outer rim of the tower is not accessible. There is still a great view but you have to have legs to go down the steps to the rim. Management is looking into having a small lift installed. We'll let you know on the attractions page when it happens.
Will you have someone with you to help push or are you in an electric chair?) I have to watch my
money because the whole trip of almost 2 weeks is already costing a lot, and there is a sizable fee to
go to the observation deck at the tower. I was wondering if I go to the Maid of the Mist Centre and
the Table Rock House balcony, do you think it is worth it to also go to the tower? (You can get a beautiful view of the falls by
going to the second floor of the Table Rock House and it costs you nothing.
Is the vantage similar? (Yes, you're just a little lower.)
Is there a fee at the Maid of the Mist Centre (N0 - not unless you want to go on theMaid of the Mist, which I would highly recommend - even if you don't do anything else there but look) and the Table Rock House to look and take pictures? (Free) I don't think I saw the Skylon Tower mentioned on your website and thought I would suggest it as another place
to consider adding. (I intend to when it is fully accessible).
On the Maid of the Mist boat, I've been curious about how one takes pictures of these amazing sites when it
is so wet. I love to take pictures. On the boat, is it impractical to take a camera? Or, are there some times
when you can take pictures and some times when it is too wet? (Sometimes it is so wet you are dripping, sometimes there is a
space where it isn't wet at all. Take your camera and keep it under your poncho (they supply free) and just bring it out when you think it is dry enough to take a picture.) If so, how can you keep your camera dry during the wet periods? Also, in the pictures of people on the boats, they all seem to be standing. Is that the way it works? (I sit in my scooter and usually go to the side of the boat. The boat does a complete circle so you get to see everything. You can see very well sitting. Don't go right to the front. In my experience, it is simply too wet to enjoy right up front but it depends on the wind and weather, really. Or, are there places where people can stay seated and still have a good view? (Absolutely).
One more area of concern - parking. My friend said that parking is impossible and expensive. He is able-bodied and wasn't paying any attention to the provisions for handicapped people. He said you have to park in town and take a "people mover" which wouldn't work with a wheelchair. He said there were also places closer to park that cost $4 per hour. He said youcan't park for less than $10 and that is still a long ways away. According to your description, though, there is a parking lot with close parking for handicapped visitors. Is that correct? (Yes) Is it reliable? (There is a huge parking lot right cross from the falls for $12 for the day. And, there is parking in front of the Niagara Parks Building, a horseshoe shaped parking area, look for the wheelchair signs. If you are lucky you might get one of the free ones infront of the police building. You'll need a disabled parking sign for that one. I've parked across from the falls many times and had no problem. If it is very, very busy at the park that lot might be full but I doubt it.) How much does it cost? We would be driving there inthe rented car and would need to park for quite awhile. ($12 for the day. It could be $15 but I'm pretty sure it is $12 and remember, that's Canadian so everything is cheaper for you here.)
Is that where we would park to go on the pathway that goes along the falls? Would we also parkthere for the Maid of the Mist and for Table Rock House? (Yes, it is all together in a lovely strung out parkway that isn't too tiring because there's something to see at every turn. )
I also don't understand the whole Canada-US border thing. Do we go through a border control type place when we go along the pathway - does it cross from the US into Canada? (You cross a bridge into Canada and go through customs at
the bridge. Once you are clear of customs you are free to do what you like in Canada. You follow the signs and park across from the falls. The pathway doesn't go across to the USA. You'll see. It is very easy and very simple to understand once you are here.)
Would we be driving into Canada to see some of the sites (you'll be driving to Canada to see all of the sights unless you want to stay on the American side. The falls are part of a huge gorge that is the border between Canada and the U.S.A) and if so, do we need a birth certificate? (A birth cerificate, drivers license, something with your picture on it is best.)
It's too late for me to get a passport now, I think. Is there a problem with it on the boat-does it cross from the US into Canada? (The boat leaves from the Canadian side and goes back to the Canadian side so you don't need anything for the
Maid of the Mist. Same if you take it on the American side. )
Sorry for all of the questions. I appreciate any help you can provide. (Ask away anytime! I hope I've set your mind at ease.
It's easy and fun and beautiful here. )

June 4, 2005
Linda,
Thanks for the follow-up message. My son and I just went to Niagara 2 days ago and it really was the experience of a lifetime. I'm so glad you encouraged me to go. I did take my wheelchair on the Maid of the Mist boat tour and didn't have any problems. It was amazing.
We did go to the Canada side to park in the big lot, then went all around from there. We went to the observation deck at the Maid of the Mist. Table Rock was closed by the time we got there but that was all right because we felt we had had ample opportunities to view the falls already. We decided to go to both Niagara Falls and the 1000 Island boat tour, instead of choosing between the two. We went to 1000 Island a different day and that is also a beautiful trip. It's a 2 1/4 hour boat ride from Alexandria Bay, NY, and it crosses over into Canada. The parking is close and free, with hardly any walking to get on the boat, then it is all sitting, so I just used my cane to walk onboard and didn't take the wheelchair.
Thanks again for all of your help and suggestions.
Jan Hamatake
Salt Lake City, Utah

June 9, 2005

Would you please send a copy (or two) of the new Accessible Niagara Guide?

The Guide is such a wonderful publication.

I had several copies of the 2003-04 Guide - which I received at an Ontarians with Disabilities Conference in Kitchener - and have given them away to other families in my area who require wheelchair accessible accomodations etc.for their vacations. Also left a copy in the London Easter Seal Society office for families to use.

My family's copy is dog-eared and well appreciated. We've found your reviews & information to be quite accurate and useful in planning our excursions.

Also, a recent map of Niagara would be appreciated. I was in Niagara on the Lake and Niagara again last week, and realized how out-of-date my map is!

Something we really appreciated last week when we stayed at the White Oaks Conference & Spa (wonderful place!) :

was the pamphlet of written directions to area sights and attractions, given to us upon checking in. The directions were so easy to follow (and accurate), with the starting point as the hotel's parking lot. Totally goof-proof!

Have a great summer season.
Thank you,
Mrs. Linda Markham
Zurich, Ontario

Hi Linda,

I live in Ottawa 7 hours away from the falls. I enjoyed your magazine tremendously . I plan to go back to Niagara Falls in 2005. We love Niagara Falls. I am in a motorize wheelchair, I cannot walk at all. I have spina bifida therefore it makes it very hard to get around. Your magazine was a great help to us. Can you provide us with your magazine. (Linda here - The Accessible Nigara guude is published every two years and anyone can get free copy by e-mailing gateway@tourismniagara.com or calling 1-800-263-2988. The 2005-6 guide will be ready in January 2005.)

We stayed at the Radisson Fallsview. They were just amazing. Lee came into the room and move all the furniture out of the room . They were very helpful and anything we missed they provided it. We never missed out .

I visited two Wax Museums on Clifton Hill (very discouraging ), so few are accessible. Saw the Murder Museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not. Went to the Niagara Gorge and visited the Butterfly museum (conservatory), than saw the clock... never knew it changed every year, went to supper at the Minolta Tower and did the Oh, Canada Eh?! dinner show.

(I) saw the falls many times and went to Niagara-on-the-Lake and visited the Jackson Triggs Winery .
I was very surprised to see it was accessible, even the cellar.
We also a day at Marineland, went to the two casinos which were very accessible, did lots of shopping in and around town in the tourism area and saw the Hershey factory (museum) near Clifton Hill.

Coming back from the Niagara on the Lake winery we stopped at this very tiny chapel on the Niagara Parkway.

Will try next year to get the magazine (Accessible Niagara guide) for our next trip

Sue Jones - Ottawa, ON

August 14, 2003

Greetings Linda!

Wow! I was adding some info about an attraction here in Halifax to the Access Guide Canada and, as I'm always curious to keep up with the goings-on in Niagara since moving "away" (as they say here in the Maritimes), I visited St. Catharines info and was pleasantly surprized to visit your site!

I am very impressed with its ease of use and very informative and friendly content. The fruits of your labour are evident.

I am working in Halifax in an Independent Living Resource Centre - just loving what I do - life skills and advocacy - don't often have consumers that can travel any distance due to cost, but...I often talk about my previous life in Niagara and now, I shall be sharing your site with them...who knows, a trip to the Falls maybe on someone's horizon. Niagara truly is a beautiful part of our country.

Thanks, Linda!
Cathy Waite, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

July 4, 2003

Hi Linda, I noticed that Casino Niagara wasn't covered. I thought I'd tell you quickly a funny experience.

We stayed at Sheraton Fallsview in February a year ago. My husband is a C567 quad (manual chair). At the hotel we asked for the bus to go to the casino but were told it wasn't wheelchair accessible at the time. Because the parking near the casino is not ideal, they arranged for a wheel chair accessible taxi to pick us up and take us to the casino at 8pm. At about 1 am we decided to go back to our hotel, only to be told the cab had gone to Toronto with a fare, and was the only one available which was wheelchair accessible! I had to go in a regular cab and leave my man at the casino, clean off the car at 2 am and warm it up and go from the hotel to the casino to pick him up and take us back to the Sheraton. By now it is close to 3 am.

It was an interesting experience and illustrates the need for systematic and cohesive planning strategies by both business and consumers.

Best regards,
Sandi Mugford
Information Counsellor
Rehabilitation Resource Centre, C189
Holbrook Bldg., Chedoke Site
Hamilton Health Sciences
1200 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5

(905) 521-2100 ext. 77575
<mugford@hhsc.ca>

p.s. - I just returned home from a trip to Newfoundland and Labrador and they are doing some fine work around accessibility in spite of physical terrain and economic barriers (Ontario should be red with shame!).

"Treating someone second class, will never achieve first class results". author unknown

May 29, 2003
Hi Linda,
Well, the trip went great and my niece had a fantastic time. We went on Maid of the Mist which was quite exciting. We also did Journey Behind the Falls. We took her to Clifton Hill. I was quite thankful my boyfriend was there to push her up the hill cause it was rather steep. We were able to do the Movieland Wax Museum which she really wanted to do. We also caught a movie at the theatre across from our hotel (Peninsula Inn) which was very nicely accessible for her. The wheelchair seating area is actually in the middle of the theater as opposed to home where it is on the floor and you get quite the neck ache from sitting so close.

The hotel itself was very good and reasonably priced. The room was tremendous and when we asked they searched and found us a chair seat to lay across the tub sides for the shower. The only complaint was that the toilet was a little difficult for my niece to get on because the bar went up and down not across which she needs to push up on. Other than that no complaints about the hotel at all.

We wanted to do a little more but we had a very difficult time getting my niece out of the hotel pool. She takes swimming therapy lessons back home and like most kids loves the water. The pool wasn't huge but it was big enough and we pretty much had it all to ourselves. With help from my sister and my boyfriend we were able to get her in and out of the pool easily and the Jaccuzzi, too.

Thank you so much for your advice and help. We had a great time and are thinking of where we can take my niece next year for a nice vacation. Any suggestions of a few places you know that are good for someone in a wheelchair would be great. We actually went to Orlando last May and it was quite a disappointment for my niece. For being the place where all the Make a Wish children go we found they could really do a lot more for people in a wheelchair. It's funny how now that my niece is in a wheelchair I see the world with a whole new set of eyes. Everyplace we go I find myself looking at the entrance to a building, store or restaurant thinking is this accessible and truthfully I can't go into a bathroom anymore without checking to see if they have the larger stall that is truly wheelchair accessible.

Well like I told you before, as well as my niece, you are inspirational just by being yourself and trying to help others and make a difference. Thank you so much for everything. God Bless.
Sincerely,
Beth O. - South Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S.A.

April 8/2003
I've been waiting 'til I had a good hour to spend before checking into your website and finally just got to it. It's impressive. It's obvious that it's been (and still is) a labour intensive project and I can appreciate the enormous number of hours that have gone into it but what a fabulous result you're getting. Browsing through all the sections filled me with a longing to head south and visit these places which I think is due to your great descriptions. It's going to be a valuable site for everyone visiting your area and will probably entice those who are not planning to visit to do so.
I'll be checking your site regularly from now on. It makes for a very interesting read and you've given it that lovely personal feeling that makes me imagine that I'm visiting these places with you.
Sandie Geden - North Bay, ON

April 2003
Linda, you have done an extraordinary job in your research and thank you for sharing this knowledge with the disabled community. I learned of your website from Access-Able newsletter and will add it to my publication, Around the World Resource Guide. Someday I hope to visit Niagara Falls and this information will be most helpful.
Thank you
Patricia Smither
Access for Disabled Americans
1475 No. Broadway - Suite 420
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Telephone: 925-932-9001
Fax: 925-932-9055
email: PSmither@aol.com
website: http://www.accessfordisabled.com