Philly to Niagara Falls (York: spring break, hotels, school)

[WhiteHorseFlier]

Hello,
We’re new to Philly, as of last summer. It’s time we started pressing outside the suburbs, I think, and spring break might just be the first opportunity for us to do that.
I’d be grateful for suggestions on how the best way to do this might be. We’ll be taking our two easy dogs with us.
So I’m thinking maybe a VRBO stay upstate New York, and making the trip to and fro the Falls in a day.
What do you think?

Thanks 🙏

[1ondoner]

It's going to be really cold at Niagara falls at this time of the year. For the best experience, I would go in the Summer. If you really want to experience the spectacular of the waterfalls, you should stay in one of the falls view hotels on the Canadian side. Just pay a bit more money and be done with the experience. In addition, most of the tourist places/activities/events are fully operational after Memorial day.

I've been to Niagara falls from Toronto so I can't speak about the drive from the US side or the border crossing but I from what I've heard the border crossing can get crazy in the Summer. The falls are in the US but the Canadians have the best views. The waters in the boat ride are cold, even in the Summer because Canadian Summers are mild, so you can imagine how chilly it will be on the boat ride this time of the year.

Regarding the dogs, as a non-dog owner, I would say leave them in a pet hotel here in Philly. I've never traveled with pets so I can't speak about taking your dogs for the trip.

[Finger Laker]

Do you have any other interests to build out the trip? There is some fantastic natural scenery going through upstate NY on the way to falls. I last crossed over from NY 5 years ago, but no problem. Most congestion was Niagara on the Lake, but that was because it was July 1st (Canada Day)

Cave of the Winds on the NY side is cool, but you'll want to get to the Canadian side.

We'll be back in that area this summer

[WhiteHorseFlier]

Gosh, of course. I should have thought it's going to be really cold since it's only a couple of weeks away. 1ondoner, you make alot of sense. Thank you.

Finger Laker - I'm desperate to get to upstate New York. We're in English family located in Philly for 3 years. I did Camp America in the Adirondacks years ago, young and very green, and I've have always wanted to return with a bit more time and confidence. I can see online that the camp is still in operation with the same people...and that was over 20 years ago.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by WhiteHorseFlier

Hello,
We’re new to Philly, as of last summer. It’s time we started pressing outside the suburbs, I think, and spring break might just be the first opportunity for us to do that.
I’d be grateful for suggestions on how the best way to do this might be. We’ll be taking our two easy dogs with us.
So I’m thinking maybe a VRBO stay upstate New York, and making the trip to and fro the Falls in a day.
What do you think?

Thanks 🙏

It's too cold for Canada.

If Skyline Drive & the Blueridge Parkway are open, go to Asheville & visit the Biltmore.

[KansastoSouthphilly]

Originally Posted by southbound_295

It's too cold for Canada.

If Skyline Drive & the Blueridge Parkway are open, go to Asheville & visit the Biltmore.

I second this recommendation.


Niagra falls is fun and worth the trip. I went during the early fall season and it wasn't too crowded. Upstate NY in beautiful. I also enjoy Buffalo.


I also recommend making the drive up to Montreal and/or Quebec City sometime.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by KansastoSouthphilly

I second this recommendation.


Niagra falls is fun and worth the trip. I went during the early fall season and it wasn't too crowded. Upstate NY in beautiful. I also enjoy Buffalo.


I also recommend making the drive up to Montreal and/or Quebec City sometime.

The Biltmore is lovely, with seasonal gardens. Considering what the OP wants, though, it would be best to do it, only if Skyline Drive & the Blueridge Parkway are open. It would take her through the highest mountains east of the Mississippi. This winter has been brutal there, though. Kids have missed a month of school because of the weather.

I second Montreal & Quebec City, in the summer.

[WhiteHorseFlier]

Thank you. If you’ll forgive the pun, I think I’ve gone cold on the idea.

Definitely want to do this in the summer though. Sounds brilliant.

[1ondoner]

Hotel rooms sell out fast. And you get the best deals if you book early, even for the 24 hr cancellation rates. Especially if you want a non standard room e.g. a family suite. I normally book my Summer vacation by the end of February latest. I'm only on the hook for plane tickets, which can be changed for a fee and be used within 1 yr. In your case since you are driving this is a non issue.

Originally Posted by WhiteHorseFlier

Thank you. If you’ll forgive the pun, I think I’ve gone cold on the idea.

Definitely want to do this in the summer though. Sounds brilliant.

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by WhiteHorseFlier

Thank you. If you’ll forgive the pun, I think I’ve gone cold on the idea.

Definitely want to do this in the summer though. Sounds brilliant.

My son and I went at the end of August. He didn't start school until after Labor Day. The kids in Niagara Falls, Ontario, started a week earlier. We got a really good rate on a room in a nice hotel.