Hotel Accommodations

Hello Family!
I feel the need to clarify something about the hotel accommodations.
Great Wolf Lodge was chosen as the venue based on feedback I received from some family members who have already RSVP'd. I understand that GWL rates are somewhat high - however, you have to see this place to realize the value we'll get if we stay there. They have offered us a GROUP RATE of $269.00 per night if our family books a minimum of 10 rooms at the hotel. This is $100 off their regular rates for July. I am only getting trickles of feedback but recently, I have heard concerns about these rates.

Of course there are other hotels in the Falls that have more reasonable rates - they are everywhere. I have also looked into the other large waterpark in Niagara Falls, which is atop the Casino, overlooking the Falls, and they have rates especially for locals, which means if we wanted to stay in other, more affordable accommodations, and take a trip to the waterpark, we could do that and it would free funds up for sightseeing, shopping, etc.

So, I am including TWO other options for accommodations in and around the Clifton Hill vicinity of Niagara Falls. Great Wolf Lodge is about 5 to 8 minutes away from Clifton Hill by car.
My suggestions are:

The Days Inn - http://www.daysbythefalls.com/ $416 for two nights on the weekend of the reunion, including taxes.

The Hampon Inn by the Falls - http://www.hamptoninnatthefalls.com/index.php $347 for two nights on the weekend of the reunion, excluding taxes.

Both of these are very accessible to the tourist area, and close enought to GWL so that if anyone wants to stay at Great Wolf Lodge, we can still all connect very easily. At this rate though, if you have not booked your hotel because of the high rates, now you have options.

PLEASE contact me directly if you have any questions at all! I am eager to hear from you. As always, please pass this information along to family members who may not know about it, as I am dealing with a limited contact list.

Thanks, and we'll see you in July!

Update on Family Reunion

Just wanted to remind you all that the Family Reunion is coming soon this July, 2009 in Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada). So far, we have attending - the Christiansens, the McKenzies, and the Grants. Will you be joining us?
If you don't want to stay in a hotel but would like a more family feel, there are several vacation homes available for rent in the Niagara region. This will allow you to come and go as you please; most homes have 3-4 bedrooms so a large family can stay there comfortably for one rate, rather than trying to cram everyone into a small hotel room, or worse yet, having to pay for several hotel rooms for the whole family. Don't forget that Great Wolf Lodge also has some large suites that can sleep up to 7 people, so you have plenty of affordable options.
If you are a descendant of the Pearce Family (Gardenpiece, Jamaica) and need any information at all, please email me (julieATjuliechristiansen.com).
See you in July!

2009 Pearce Family Reunion

The Pearce Family Reunion dates have been set! Save the date for July 17 to 19 - and bring your family to Niagara Falls for a weekend of fun and fellowship. We have chosen Great Wolf Lodge as our choice hotel, because of the wide range of in-house activities it offers for people of all ages, including Canada's largest indoor waterpark, and a world class Aveda Spa.

If you look back to older posts in this blog, you will see some important information about the requirements for crossing into Canada from the USA. Please note that the Niagara Region is very accessible from all points both on the Canadian and American sides. The basic agenda for the reunion is as follows:

Friday evening: Arrivals, Check ins, Meet and Greet (Fireworks at 10 p.m.)
Saturday: Breakfast - Sightseeing Tours (Wine Tours, The Falls Tourist District, Double Decker Bus Tours) OR stay and play at the Lodge.
Saturday Evening: Family Banquet (entertainment and other details TBA)
Sunday: A.M. Church service followed by brunch. (Free time/Family time - farewells)

Please pass the link to this site along to your family members who may not be familiar with it. If you plan to attend, you can post a note in the comments section of the blog, call 1-866-754-6169 or call Julie direct at 905-329-6169.

Thanks so much! I look forward to seeing you in July!
Julie Christiansen

Crossing the Border into Canada - US Requirements

This came from cousin Tony Johnson- Please take note:


American citizens crossing the border into Canada by land or water need ID that proves two things: 1) Citizenship, and 2) Identity by way of a photo. A driver's license on its own or a Social Security Card on its own are not valid ID to cross the Canadian border.

Tony

Julie's additional comment: If you have a passport or a NEXXUS Card, that is your best bet.