I am about 4 hours from Niagara Falls(time depends on border crossing/complications). I prefer the Canada side. LOVE IT IN WINTER.. ice crystals on plants, buildings etc for thousands of feet.. At night the colors of floodlights on falls is great. Summer is nice too but more crowded. The gardens are a MUST SEE. When you go there check out my favorite restaurant.. Franks Tomato Pie... they have good food & a wonderful Sunday Morning brunch... The Niagara peninsula has a lot to offer.. the Shaw festival in summer (all season); the wineries, great biking trails, kayaking on Niagara river, fishing (for those that do that).. I love Ontario in general..If you get there let me know .. I can perhaps work out a trip also... OR maybe if Rus gets together a Buffalo Freeper social we could combine? I have an uncle & cousin in Dunkirk & so would stay there
I'm thinking now, maybe make it a very early fall trip, since you said it gets crowded. Right before my son joins the Coast Guard, I'd love for us to take a trip. Sounds wonderful. I'd love to see beautiful gardens and I'll be in the know of great place to eat. :)