Weekend getaways are one of my favorite ways to reconnect as a family without planning a big vacation. We made last minute plans to spend the night at the Sheraton on the Falls hotel in Niagara Falls, Canada, and it was just what we needed for a quick Niagara Falls weekend getaway.
It was the weekend before I was leaving for my first trip without the family to Gallup, New Mexico when we decided we should go on an overnight to Niagara Falls. Monday was a holiday and we needed some family time.
After a few internet searches we booked the Sheraton on the Falls hotel. I was surprised at the affordable price, under $200 and a falls view. It was an easy decision to book and we started packing up the car.
Niagara Falls is about a 2 hour drive from our home in Rochester. We are so lucky to live close to such an amazing place and we try to take advantage of it by visiting often.
Although we visit a few times a year this was the first time we ever stayed the night. We usually do a day trip, like this Mystery Day we planned a few summers ago, and then make our way back home.
I was looking forward to the short drive and relaxing weekend getaway. Little did I know if would take us much longer to arrive.
Without getting into to much detail, our car broke down about 20 minutes from home and we had to take it to a mechanic and switch out cars before we finally made our way to Canada.
Niagara Falls Weekend Getaway
Our plan was to enjoy the indoor water park, walk around Clifton Hill, and take a walk down to the falls. We didn’t want to spend a lot of money on activities and really just wanted some time away.
Sheraton on the Falls Hotel Overview
The Sheraton is located at the bottom of Clifton Hill about a few miles from the USA-Canada border. As we waited to go through customs we could see our hotel. I couldn’t wait to check in and see the view of the falls.
The Sheraton on the Falls Hotel is really great for families and I love that it is interconnected to so many places to explore. It is a great perk when the temps drop, which they do, it can get really cold near the falls. We didn’t have to leave the hotel if we didn’t want to.
A few of the family friendly amenities are:
- Dining
- Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant
- Prime Steakhouse Niagara Falls
- Fallsview Buffet
- Freshii
- Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls
- Sweet Jesus (Ice Cream)
- Niagara Brewing Company
- Rainforest Cafe
- Perkins
- Starbucks
- Connected to Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
- Hotel Pool
- Connected to Adventure City (Arcade)
- Iwerks 4D Movie Thearter
- Hershey’s Chocolate World Niagara Falls
- Short Walk to Niagara Falls, Hornblower Boat Ride, Zipline Over the Falls, and the Cave of the Winds.
- Easy Access to Clifton Hill. Clifton Hill is an entertainment district that offers attractions, dining, and entertainment for people visiting Niagara Falls.
Arriving at the Sheraton Fallsview
We arrived a bit behind schedule due to our car issues, checked-in, and got ready to go to the Indoor Waterpark. When we made reservations we booked a water-park package.
The waterpark was nice and they did their best at keeping it clean. Unfortunately, we did not stay long because about 30 minutes after we arrived the wave pool was closed because of fouling. I have to assume what this means, and at no fault to the resort we headed back to our room.
The condition of the waterpark in no way changed my opinion of the hotel. I would highly recommend the Sheraton on the Falls, but would suggest enjoying all the other awesome amenities. That being said-If you and your family love indoor waterparks, you will enjoy Fallsview. The wave pool closing is an issue all waterparks deal with and I was impressed overall with how it was handled.
Exploring Niagara Falls, Canada
When we arrived back to our room we all showered from our waterpark experience and relaxed as we got ready for dinner. Our hotel room was perfect for relaxing. It offered a full floor to ceiling view of the falls and a gas fire place to stay warm as you relaxed. I could have sat there all night but, the kids were hungry and we headed out to explore.
We didn’t have to walk far and ended up doing dinner at Hard Rock Cafe. It has been a while since I’ve eaten at a Hard Rock and it was good. Everyone liked the food and the service was great.
After dinner we headed to Hershey’s Chocolate World to pick up dessert. Hershey’s Chocolate World is a large Hershey gift shop. It is much smaller than Hershey’s Chocolate World in Pennsylvania, but it has amazing desserts to try. We picked out a few brownies for dessert later in the evening.
The best part about visiting Niagara Falls during November and December is the Festival of Lights. The event features different light exhibits throughout the Niagara Falls area. Most are drive thru, but there are few within walking distance from the Sheraton.
Fireworks Over Niagara Falls
At this point it was getting dark and chilly so we made our way back to the hotel. One of the main reasons I wanted a falls view room was to see the evening firework show. Most evenings on the weekends there is a 9:00 pm fireworks display over the falls. With the location of the Sheraton we could easily enjoy the show from the comfort of our room.
The fireworks didn’t disappoint. It was awesome!
One Last Stop at New York State Power Authority Before We Go Home
We woke up and had a lazy morning of coffee, cartoons, and breakfast in our room before we packed up to go home. We weren’t quite ready to end our visit and decided to stop at the New York State Power Authority.
New York State Power Authority has an awesome hidden gem of a museum called the Niagara Power Vista. With free admission this is a must visit when you are nearby. It is located in Lewiston, New York(USA).
I wasn’t sure what to expect but thought it would be a fun place to check out, even for a short visit. What I found was so impressive and I was blown away but the quality of this family friendly destination.
Inside we learned all about electricity and how Niagara Falls helps power it. There were hands on exhibits and there was a lot to do for families. They even have a simulator experience but it was closed on our visit.
Vlog of Our Niagara Falls Weekend at Sheraton on the Falls Hotel
I was so happy we made a point to visit and we are looking forward to returning soon.
Enjoying a Niagara Falls weekend overnight at the Sheraton on the Falls hotel and having a slow weekend to enjoy with the family was awesome. We loved our stay and can’t wait to explore more on our next visit.
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Thats amazing that Niagara is only 2 hours away! Its such a long drive for us (when I went in 2008 I flew). When is your family taking on NYC?
It could be a really fun road trip for you! There is so much to do along the way. I am not sure when we are going to make it to NYC. We keep thinking it is going to happen…and then it doesn’t!