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Spring is an ideal time to see the falls: the key rides—closed for the winter—reopen, minus the summer mobs. But Niagara is a year-round destination. Niagara-usa.com and tourismniagara.com list what’s up.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport is 20 miles away. See buffaloairport.com for shuttles to the falls. To explore Niagara-on-the-Lake, rent a car. Don’t forget passports for entry into Canada.
Center of the action. Perks: jaw-dropping views and indoor and outdoor pools. 5875 Falls Ave., Niagara Falls, Ontario; 800/325- 3535; sheratononthefalls.com; doubles from $128.
Quiet luxury 25 minutes from the falls. 85 Melville St., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario; 866/277-6677; harbourhousehotel.ca; rooms from $273, including breakfast.
The experience is more memorable than the food. 5200 Robinson St., Niagara Falls, Ontario; 905/356-2651; skylon.com; dinner for four $188; reservations recommended.
Afternoon tea served by hostesses in early-1900’s-style garb. 15927 Niagara Pkwy., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario; 905/ 468-3322; niagaraparks.com; tea for four $67.
Call ahead for tours and wine-making seminars. 1249 Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario; 905/468-3201; hillebrand.com; lunch for four $128, dinner $189.
Although viewing the falls is free, many of the attractions charge fees. The Great Gorge Adventure Pass (niagaraparks.com; 13 and up $39.50, 6–12 $24.50, five and under free) covers all Canadian offerings. Passport to the Falls (niagarafallsstatepark.com; adults $30, kids six and up $23) gets you into almost everything you’ll want to do stateside. Tip: Although both passes cover the Maid of the Mist boat ride, board on the American side—the wait is shorter and the boats less packed.
Outfitter Zoom Leisure runs guided winery tours (full day $95 per person). Or rent bikes for your own itinerary ($31 per day). 2017 Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario; 866/ 811-6993; zoomleisure.com.
The 60’s-era Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant, 4 1/2 miles north of the falls, has displays showing how hydropower is converted to electricity. 5777 Lewiston Rd., Lewiston, N.Y.; 716/ 286-6661; nypa.gov; free.
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours depart from Lewiston, N.Y., and Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. This is likely to be your most expensive hour in Niagara—but also your most thrilling. 888/438-4444; whirlpooljet.com; adults $50, 6–13 $42; reservations required.
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