Lake St. Clair to Niagra River
 

I would like to take a trip to Niagra this summer. I'm thinking the Tonawanda area may be about as close to the Falls that I can get, but really don't know anything about it. Is anyone familiar with the Niagra River? I've also heard that there are a lot of nice events in the surrounding Buffalo area. Any dates of those events, or just general suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

I don't know a whole lot about the area, I think you would have to go through some locks to get there, not positive tho. I was looking into it a bit as I wanted to take a trip to toronto as well. It looks like Tonawanda is on the east side of Grand Island. The freighters go through the welland canal which goes through St. Catherines, I don't think you can get to Lake Ontario through the niagara river, can you?

You definitely can't get to Lake Ontario without going through the locks -- welland canal. I talked to a couple of people in Buffalo and I'm told you can go from Lake Erie into the Niagara River without going through the locks, and then take the Niagara River close to the falls. There doesn't appear to be any marinas near the falls, but, you can stop in Tonawanda, which is about 15 miles away. Staying in Tonawanda, you can make arrangements to shuttle to the falls.

It looks like a nice trip. Lots of nice stops on the U.S. side. I'm not sure what there is on the Canadian side. There is a new marina in Cleveland behind the rock and roll HOF that gives you access to downtown Cleveland. In Buffalo, I hear Buffalo Place is really nice.

I'm not positive we are going, but it looks like we will. So, I have to find out much more than I know now.

Stevwy!

Look forward to seeing a picture on here of you and the Black Thunder cruising with the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls.

Like others have said, you cannot get to lake Ontario without going through the locks. There are however several options for places to go that are further north and down river then Tonawanda. There is Sandy beach Yacht club on the North tip of Grand Island that is pretty close to the falls, there is also the Niagara sailing club on the east side of Grand Island. There is also Niagara Boating Club on the Canadian side near Niagara falls, that is about as close as you can get to the falls.

Consider doing this in August and participating in the Buffalo Poker Run.

Padraig

Is there something that blocks boats from being able to get too close to the falls? Obviously you wouldn't want to get too close, but is there some kind of physical barrier up?

Some of the river is covered by a barrier kind of cement thing on the Canadian side, however you could easily end up in the rapids if you went around it.

The Buffalo Poker Run is definitely a thought. I exchanged an email with the website and learned it is being scheduled for 8-7 and 8-8. As there always are, I have some time limitations. Lots I would like to do in a short period of time, so, I'm not sure if I can create a schedule that includes the run. It's my preferred option though.

I've done a fair amount of reading and am really surprised there aren't more safeguards to keep tourists clear of the falls. From what I've seen, there are a few signs on the U.S. side and a barrier that can be easily avoided on the Canadian side. As for me; I doubt my wife will let me get within 10 miles of the falls!

I boat in the Niagara River when Lake Erie is too rough for my poor old back. There are some warning buoys about 2 miles from the top of the falls, and that's it. when I give rides, I like to take people on the falls side of the buoys so they can tell their friends they went too far. It's not as exciting as it sounds. The rapids haven't started yet, but you can clearly see the mist from the falls. If you get near the Canadian side, there is a sign that is the master of understatement. It says "Navigation prohibited. Dangerous waters ahead." love it. The barrier on the Canadian side is actually a control mechanism for the power plant. If they see someone in trouble, they have the ability to divert enough water away from the falls where most boats would get stuck before they went over. Never tested that theory, however. The Buffalo Poker Run had 120 boats last year. If you go to Sharkey's website you can see the photos from the last couple of runs, including some in the river.[ATTACH=CONFIG]535353[/ATTACH] If you look closely at the photo, you can see the mist from the falls in the center background. That's as close as I get. Carry plenty of fuel, a good anchor and plenty of line.

you can try the lasalle yacht club. they might have a slip open if you call ahead. thata about 2 miles from downtown niagara falls. http://lasalleyachtclub.com/

Niagara Falls Photos

So how much past grand island, if at all, can you go?

About a mile.

It's official, we have decided to do the trip to the falls. We have a small group going to PIB the weekend of 8-7. On Sunday, we will leave PIB and head toward the falls. Our time is ok, so we are not in a huge rush, but would like to schedule our stops to spend one day sightseeing the falls, at least one day in Buffalo, and one night on the return home at the new docks in Cleveland.

We received lots of good advice from this forum on a trip to traverse city a couple years ago, and am hoping we can get equally good advice for this adventure. Looking at the charts there appear to be able plenty of stops along the U.S. Side. Leaving PIB, there could be stops in; vermillion, Huron, Cleveland, Fairport, Ashtubula, Erie, Dunkirk, Buffalo, and then closer to the falls. We will probably run all the way to Buffalo on the first day (maybe aerie or Dunkirk?), but want to stop every 50 miles or so and either eat, drink, or shop (yeah, wives are going).
Obviously keeping a good fuel supply is a must also. We are thinking of Cleveland being our last stop on the return leg. Any suggestions of stops to make, things to do, fueling, and suggested marinas would be much appreciated.

Hey there SteveWy!!!...Have made Cleveland run many times...Just be sure to stay way clear of Pt. Pelee...And try to follow shipping channel to the Detroit Light...To avoid the fishing nets...both marked and unmarked...I know several boaters who have run aground and/or lost drives on those nets...while on plane...Divenstar

I just saw this and would be wiling to assist in anyway, including dockage, just say so,

sam

Thanks Sam. Here is what I am thinking (but totally flexible):

We are planning on leaving PIB Sunday 8-9 early in the morning. We can make a quick run and stop and have breakfast.It looks like Vermillion is about 25 miles, Avon Pt maybe 43. Does either place have an area we can dock and walk to a breakfast restaurant? We should also fuel up there. I prefer 91 but have on occasion used regular without any problem - don't like to though. So, I need a dock - breakfast - and fuel in that general area. Suggestions?

With a full tank of fuel, we will head back out and be ready for a cocktail - or my wife likes to shop, somewhere in the area of fairport (around 55 miles from Vermillion), or Ashtubula (around 75 miles from Vermillion). Keeping a full tank of gas is always good for me. But, just a stop to wander around a little is fine. I'm thinking after we had breakfast, fuel, and ran for another couple of hours it's probably going to be about noon.

Leaving Astubula (or fairport) if we move on to Dunkirk it's about a 90 mile run. Should be time for another snack - cocktail - or more shopping. If I'm running on average 40 MPH it's maybe 3 or 4 o'clock.

Leave Dunkirk and go on about 30 miles to Buffalo. Stop to spend the night and enjoy a little Buffalo. Where should we stay? I would want fuel again

Get up mid morning on Monday and head to Tonawanda. I'll take you up on your offer of assisting with dockage. Just tell me where to be (thanks)

We can catch a shuttle or figure out some way to go up and see the falls by car. Get back to Tonawanda in the late afternoon and head out. We will stop in Erie (about 80 miles from Buffalo) and spend the night. Any suggestions on best place to stay? Again - top off with fuel

Leave Buffalo Tuesday morning and head to Cleveland. Stay at the new docks by the Rock and Roll HOF, and spend Tuesday night.

Up Wednesday morning and head home. Maybe go straight home -- maybe stop at Kelley's --- maybe Maumee State Park.

Be home Wednesday night or Thursday.

Of course, we all know this GREAT plan is weather permitting.

Any advice is really appreciated. Thanks

Oooops leaving Erie Tuesday morning - not Buffalo

If you spend a night downtown, I would stay at Erie Basin Marina, nice area, the naval park is within walking distance, as well as CanalSide, You can also pull into the Buffalo River and dock at CanalSide, but for overnight I'd rather have a spot at Erie Basin, They have Templeton Landing which has a great patio and restaurant, I would also recommend grabbing a cab or even walking to Pearl Street they have amazing food and its a brewery with there own beers, I love this place and would be willing to join,
As far as when u get to Tonawanda I can help u out at River Oaks Marina I may have lost it but tell me again what days you think you will be here, we are also right across from the entrance to the Erie Canal, and there are some nice places to eat as well, Also if you need a break there is a hotel right next door, Nia Falls is a 10 minute cab ride, any more question ask away, I think your little trip is pretty cool, someday

Thanks Sam. We should be in buffalo Sunday 8-9 and tonawanda Monday 8-10

Thanks Sam. I wasn't able to do the trip last year, but am doing it this year. Leaving Detroit on August 6. Any help/advice is appreciated

Steve

Since the trip will happen this year, any advice from anyone is appreciated. Thanks Steve

Pmed

You might want to add a day or 2 to your return trip. If you have any experiance with Lake Erie you already know why. Coming from Buffalo and heading up lake to the south west could add a day or 2 to your trip time easily. This lake is no fun at all if its 2 to 4 near town its 4 to 6 out further and I don't care how long your boat is. Thats going to be a crappy ride. Weather will be the tough one to predict.