Clifton Hill has always been the "carny" section of Niagara Falls, right up to Victoria Avenue and onwards to Ferry Street, but still rather contained. The casinos have changed everything, though. I seriously doubt that most people visiting the area actually ever stand next to the falls or the gorge to absorb the beauty. It's all just a backdrop to the gambling. I can't speak to changes in "downtown" Niagara, but that area from around Clifton Hill out through Lundy's Lane has gotten more seedy over the years. I can't even imagine what the land values look like now near the casinos.

I really envy the rides you got in. How far up the river towards Fort Erie did you ride? The fact that practically the entire river is accessible to the public is so strangely un-American. It's one of the reasons I've always loved the area. If I ever came into a serious windfall of cash (you listening, Powerball?), I'd move there.