Planning a trip to Niagara Falls/need your input

[StanProff]

The wife and I are planning a 20th anniversary trip to Niagara Falls. Here is the Question: Spyder or car? We took a 17 day cross country trip in 2011 and had a great time, no problems what so ever! (we traveled by our selves, Spyder and 622 trailer). South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorodo, Kansas and a bunch more. Is crossing into Canada a problem on the Spyder (we have passports)? Are the people in the area friendly to motorcycles/Spyders? Any safety concerns as it is going to be only my wife and I (unless some spyderlovers out there want to join the ride along the way). Hotel parking at Niagara a problem or no? As far as the route goes I am very familiar with Tennessee into VA. on through WV all the way to Morgantown next to PA. I haven't been any farther through PA to lake Erie at New York. It is only 700 miles or so from home so the ride is not the issue, just the concern of actually being there and not being in a cage. If any of you have been there please chime in.
Thanks,
Stan

 

[otter28169]

When are you taking the trip?

The border crossing into Canada is usually fairly routine, getting back into the US is where you are more likely to run into problems. Rule Number one at the border: Do not make any jokes with the Border guards, they can pull you out of line and dismantle your vehicle if you are a wise:cus:.

I also believe the Canadian side of Niagra falls is much nicer. While you are out that way, you may want to check out Letchworth State Park. It is called "The Grand Canyon of the East" and has some awesome scenery. You could also cruise the coast of Lake Ontario if you like.

 

[StanProff]

When are you taking the trip?

The border crossing into Canada is usually fairly routine, getting back into the US is where you are more likely to run into problems. Rule Number one at the border: Do not make any jokes with the Border guards, they can pull you out of line and dismantle your vehicle if you are a wise:cus:.

I also believe the Canadian side of Niagra falls is much nicer. While you are out that way, you may want to check out Letchworth State Park. It is called "The Grand Canyon of the East" and has some awesome scenery. You could also cruise the coast of Lake Ontario if you like.

Right now we are looking at August or September. Thanks for the info. Yes we are planning on the Canadian side.

 

[otter28169]

It gets a little cool off of the lakes in September, August would be a warmer option. The leaves will begin to turn out there in mid September. It is pretty riding out there anytime of year though. Don't forget to take lots of pictures. We will all be waiting for the slide show when you get backopcorn:

 

[ValCruzSpyder]

We go to the Falls every year.

You are going to enjoy it!!! The wife and I go up there every year. Being that we just got the Spyder last year, we haven't taken it up there yet. During our last trip there, we saw several Spyders. Wise choice, going with the Canadian side. The people are fabulous. If you are wine lovers, make sure you take the Spyder down the lakeside road to the town of Niagara. You will come across plenty of friendly wineries and vineyards. Perfect place for a romantic picnic for two. As far as security for you Spyder, not to worry. Some of the Hotels on the main street have their own garages. Those that don't, usually have a secure parking area that is patrolled by security. If you are a "Great Wolf Lodge" person, there is one of those there as well. Go on Google to find more about Great Wolf Lodge. I actually have about 1,000 or so photos of our trips to Niagara. PM me if you want to see some. You will love the trip!! Take lots of photos to share with your friends. I'll almost bet that they will want to go with you two on your next trip there. As far as the drive up there, one of the "interesting" parts will be going over the mountain and through the Allegany Tunnel. Great photo ops!!! Hope this was helpful. If you want some more info, don't hesitate to PM us. I'm originally from Kingsport, but now call Virginia Beach home (thanks to Uncle Sam).

 

[StanProff]

You are going to enjoy it!!! The wife and I go up there every year. Being that we just got the Spyder last year, we haven't taken it up there yet. During our last trip there, we saw several Spyders. Wise choice, going with the Canadian side. The people are fabulous. If you are wine lovers, make sure you take the Spyder down the lakeside road to the town of Niagara. You will come across plenty of friendly wineries and vineyards. Perfect place for a romantic picnic for two. As far as security for you Spyder, not to worry. Some of the Hotels on the main street have their own garages. Those that don't, usually have a secure parking area that is patrolled by security. If you are a "Great Wolf Lodge" person, there is one of those there as well. Go on Google to find more about Great Wolf Lodge. I actually have about 1,000 or so photos of our trips to Niagara. PM me if you want to see some. You will love the trip!! Take lots of photos to share with your friends. I'll almost bet that they will want to go with you two on your next trip there. As far as the drive up there, one of the "interesting" parts will be going over the mountain and through the Allegany Tunnel. Great photo ops!!! Hope this was helpful. If you want some more info, don't hesitate to PM us. I'm originally from Kingsport, but now call Virginia Beach home (thanks to Uncle Sam).

Some pictures would be great! thanks for the info on the area. I live 30 minutes from Kingsport and have been here in the tri-cities all my life. My work takes me to West Va., Va, N.C and tenn. I make it to the Virginia Beach area quite often (to see the grandson). My oldest son is stationed at Norfolk and lives in Chesapeake, he and his wife are dual military. He has served 11 years now.

 

[weapon]

Come on up the weather late Aug. early Sept. is perfect. Sometimes a little warm. Don't worry it doesn't start snowing until Dec.:roflblack::roflblack:
Crossing the boarder is easy. We do it all the time. All you need is your passport and no criminal record.
One word of advise don't try to bring firearms across you could get in trouble.
I would cross in Buffalo I90 / Fort Erie and ride the river on the Canadian side into the falls. The rainbow bridge is nice but Niagara falls NY is hard to navigate.
Make sure you have travel insurance valid in another Country.
Niagara Falls is quite built up. I would get hotel reservations. It will be busy. Less so when the kids are back to school. After labour day.
Lundy's lane is a fun place.
If you stay at one of the larger hotels / Casinos they have inside parking. It is a fun place. Kind of like our version of Las Vegas (but not realy).
You should look into "Niagara on the Lake". It's a nice ride along the gorge. Like was said above if you like wine you are in the right place.
Oh when the speed limit says 100 it is in Kilometers. Its only 60 MPH. :lecturef_smilie:

Enjoy its a great place.

 

[otter28169]

You are going to enjoy it!!! The wife and I go up there every year. Being that we just got the Spyder last year, we haven't taken it up there yet. During our last trip there, we saw several Spyders. Wise choice, going with the Canadian side. The people are fabulous. If you are wine lovers, make sure you take the Spyder down the lakeside road to the town of Niagara. You will come across plenty of friendly wineries and vineyards. Perfect place for a romantic picnic for two. As far as security for you Spyder, not to worry. Some of the Hotels on the main street have their own garages. Those that don't, usually have a secure parking area that is patrolled by security. If you are a "Great Wolf Lodge" person, there is one of those there as well. Go on Google to find more about Great Wolf Lodge. I actually have about 1,000 or so photos of our trips to Niagara. PM me if you want to see some. You will love the trip!! Take lots of photos to share with your friends. I'll almost bet that they will want to go with you two on your next trip there. As far as the drive up there, one of the "interesting" parts will be going over the mountain and through the Allegany Tunnel. Great photo ops!!! Hope this was helpful. If you want some more info, don't hesitate to PM us. I'm originally from Kingsport, but now call Virginia Beach home (thanks to Uncle Sam).

I forgot about great wolf lodge!!!! The kids went there this summer while I was building the store in NH. It sucked having to miss it, but they had a ball. I think it is more of a family place than a romantic place though. Then again, who doesn't love a lazy river?
hyea:

 

[StanProff]

Thanks Otter, I'll check it out.

 

[Phantom888]

My wife and I took the camper up with the spyder last year. We camped at branches its on the us side. So we had to cross the boarder at the rainbow bridge everyday we went into canada no problems at all. Other then the people looking at the ride. But we are all use to that.

We will be back up again this year the first week in august. At the camp grounds they have really nice cabins right on a small man made lake. VERY Very Nice. www.branchesofniagara.com This campgrounds does not mind a little motorcycle traffic either. (Hard to Find)

As for in canda take a ride up to toronto for lunch find the back roads to go up. Its an all day ride if you take the back roads but so many different wineries to stop at. Something about riding the spyder in the grape vines. Its cool.

If your up there on the first week of august give us a shout. 267-342-4198

 

[JkRbbt]

Canadian side. :thumbup: On the American side, the ride along the river out to Old Fort Niagra is scenic and the old fort is really cool if you are into the history sort of thing. Have fun!

 

[StanProff]

My wife and I took the camper up with the spyder last year. We camped at branches its on the us side. So we had to cross the boarder at the rainbow bridge everyday we went into canada no problems at all. Other then the people looking at the ride. But we are all use to that.

We will be back up again this year the first week in august. At the camp grounds they have really nice cabins right on a small man made lake. VERY Very Nice. www.branchesofniagara.com This campgrounds does not mind a little motorcycle traffic either. (Hard to Find)

As for in canda take a ride up to toronto for lunch find the back roads to go up. Its an all day ride if you take the back roads but so many different wineries to stop at. Something about riding the spyder in the grape vines. Its cool.

If your up there on the first week of august give us a shout. 267-342-4198

thanks for the info and advise. I'll keep your number, it looks like we may be there in september though.

 

[SpyderSteve]

There are lots of Spyder Ryders up here, When you have your dates confirmed make sure you post them. I'm sure a few of us will be around to show you the sights :clap:

 

[CMA Cowboy]

We took a bike ride up throught there and New England a couple years ago. Great scenery and all but be careful in and around Buffalo. Some of the craziest drivers we met up with. Just saying we were glad to get out of there with our skins intact and the wheels still down.

 

[DocRags]

Definitely take the Spyder. Ed and I spent 4 days camping near Niagara Falls on the US side, and crossed the border every day. We crossed over at all three bridges and didn't have trouble at any of them. Folks were quite friendly; no trouble crossing the border at all (as earlier post said, don't bring firearms with you). Niagara-by-the-Lake was a beautiful ride; lots of nice wineries. You can bring 2 bottles of wine/person across daily. Bring cash with you for the parking lots since they have fees but the attendants were good about keeping an eye on our Spyder. We didn't go directly to the Niagara Falls area so I can't help with travel directions. A number of the Indian reservations have gas for about 30 cents/gallon cheaper, so you may want to make a note of where you find cheaper gas; the prices in NY were a bit of a sticker shock for us, and we spent almost a month in NY state. Plenty of gorgeous scenery and Spyder riding around the state...Watkins Glen, Adirondacks, etc. Have a great time.

 

[spydrluvr]

The wife and I are planning a 20th anniversary trip to Niagara Falls. Here is the Question: Spyder or car? We took a 17 day cross country trip in 2011 and had a great time, no problems what so ever! (we traveled by our selves, Spyder and 622 trailer). South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorodo, Kansas and a bunch more. Is crossing into Canada a problem on the Spyder (we have passports)? Are the people in the area friendly to motorcycles/Spyders? Any safety concerns as it is going to be only my wife and I (unless some spyderlovers out there want to join the ride along the way). Hotel parking at Niagara a problem or no? As far as the route goes I am very familiar with Tennessee into VA. on through WV all the way to Morgantown next to PA. I haven't been any farther through PA to lake Erie at New York. It is only 700 miles or so from home so the ride is not the issue, just the concern of actually being there and not being in a cage. If any of you have been there please chime in.
Thanks,
Stan

Our riding group went to the falls last year. no problem crossing into or out of canada on the bikes. you will also need a letter from your insurance company that states that they will cover you if you have an accident in canada. definately take the spyder...we went on some beautiful rides....enjoy and be safe :thumbup:

 

[StanProff]

Great information

Thanks to everyone for all the replies for our upcoming trip! Getting excited reading of the great senary and places to see! Can't wait. Sounds like there's not a choice as to weather to take a cage or the Spyder with all of your comments on the great rides in the area and the good people there.
Again thanks to everyone. I'll keep you posted with our dates for the trip and hope to meet some of you up there.

Stan

 

[grumpybob]

When are you taking the trip?

The border crossing into Canada is usually fairly routine, getting back into the US is where you are more likely to run into problems. Rule Number one at the border: Do not make any jokes with the Border guards, they can pull you out of line and dismantle your vehicle if you are a wise:cus:.

I also believe the Canadian side of Niagra falls is much nicer. While you are out that way, you may want to check out Letchworth State Park. It is called "The Grand Canyon of the East" and has some awesome scenery. You could also cruise the coast of Lake Ontario if you like.

:agree: with everything above. If you ride lake Ontario shoreline & get near Oswego NY. let us know, & we will try to meet up with you.

 

[viperryder]

The wife and I are planning a 20th anniversary trip to Niagara Falls. Here is the Question: Spyder or car? We took a 17 day cross country trip in 2011 and had a great time, no problems what so ever! (we traveled by our selves, Spyder and 622 trailer). South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorodo, Kansas and a bunch more. Is crossing into Canada a problem on the Spyder (we have passports)? Are the people in the area friendly to motorcycles/Spyders? Any safety concerns as it is going to be only my wife and I (unless some spyderlovers out there want to join the ride along the way). Hotel parking at Niagara a problem or no? As far as the route goes I am very familiar with Tennessee into VA. on through WV all the way to Morgantown next to PA. I haven't been any farther through PA to lake Erie at New York. It is only 700 miles or so from home so the ride is not the issue, just the concern of actually being there and not being in a cage. If any of you have been there please chime in.
Thanks,
Stan

Once you go throuh customs, ask them how to get to the Niagara parkway.It is beautiful. Only 35 MPH all the way, but it follows the Niagara River all the way to Niagara On the Lake. This is a quant little town and has lots of shops. They have quite a few bed and breakfasts. One that we are fimilar with is the Empty Nest. At the tiem we were the owner wasmayor of the town. Niagara On the Lake has many wineries to visit, but you can only drink insde as they do not have outside liquor laws. Hope you enjoy the trip.:yes::yes:

 

[pickelhead]

Don't take your Spyder over the falls, they don't float too well! :roflblack: