Northeast - Buffalo parking question

I'm planning on doing a ride in the Niagara region of Ontario in a couple of weeks, starting at Fort Niagara. Given the car wait times for crossing the Peace Bridge in Buffalo I thought it would be quicker to cross on my bike. But then I have to figure out where to keep my car.

Any Buffalonians out there who could suggest a parking place that is relatively close to the Bridge and safe for parking? Maybe overnight (if I stay in a hotel in Fort Erie); otherwise if there's a reasonable hotel close to the Bridge in Buffalo (a few miles from lakeshore road park in Ft Erie) I could just leave my car there.

Thanks!

I don't live in Buffalo, but I am from the area, and if you are planning on crossing the peace bridge, there will be no hotels near there that you would want to stay in or leave your car, or ride down the street in the middle of the day on a 1000+ bike. Not a good area, at all. Take the extra time and cross the bridge. Going into Canada isn't bad, coming back is the long wait.

thanks for the info rankin116. I was actually hoping to be able to avoid the lines coming back into the States... I wonder if it would be quicker to drive up to the Niagara Falls crossing to get back into the US?

I think Rankin116 is being totally unfair to Buffalo. I wouldn't be afraid to ride a nice bike up to the Peace Bridge, even though some nearby areas aren't great (e.g. Niagara St. between the bridge and downtown). But if you head east from the bridge towards the symphony hall you will be in the Allentown/Elmwood strip area, which isn't too bad at all. If you want to stay downtown (not far to the Peace Bridge) this place seems to get good reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60974-d224389-Reviews-Hampton_Inn_Suites_Buffalo_Downtown-Buffalo_New_York.html . Or if you want to pamper yourself, the Mansion on Delaware Ave. is a fantastic boutique hotel. Don't know how the cost of staying in Canada compares to Buffalo these days, but the exchange rate is not as favorable for us USAians right now.

I think Rankin116 is being totally unfair to Buffalo. I wouldn't be afraid to ride a nice bike up to the Peace Bridge, even though some nearby areas aren't great (e.g. Niagara St. between the bridge and downtown). But if you head east from the bridge towards the symphony hall you will be in the Allentown/Elmwood strip area, which isn't too bad at all. If you want to stay downtown (not far to the Peace Bridge) this place seems to get good reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60974-d224389-Reviews-Hampton_Inn_Suites_Buffalo_Downtown-Buffalo_New_York.html . Or if you want to pamper yourself, the Mansion on Delaware Ave. is a fantastic boutique hotel. Don't know how the cost of staying in Canada compares to Buffalo these days, but the exchange rate is not as favorable for us USAians right now.

That's good to know, thanks jemoryl, I don't know buffalo at all. I was hoping to find something under $100 if possible, but I'll see what I can find in that general area. Otherwise there are some good rates -- even with the bad US dollar rate -- in Ft Erie.

That's good to know, thanks jemoryl, I don't know buffalo at all. I was hoping to find something under $100 if possible, but I'll see what I can find in that general area. Otherwise there are some good rates -- even with the bad US dollar rate -- in Ft Erie.

If you are familiar with priceline you can get some good hotel deals, but you may not wind up really close to the Peace Bridge unless you bid downtown Buffalo only.

Riding on the Niagara side should be pretty nice - lots of wineries to visit if you like that sort of thing. Niagara on the Lake is also worth a visit, but there is no way you will be getting room there for $100. Fort Erie is kinda blah but there are (were?) a couple decent Chinese restaurants there.