Questions about Niagara Falls

[katiedid36]

This may seem silly but what is the difference between the US side & the Canadian side? (other than the obvious different countries). DH & I are considering taking a trip in the Fall. I am just not sure where to start. We would be driving. Any suggestions where to stay or eat? This is for our 10th wedding anniversary.

TIA!

 

[ckay87]

Oooh, hey! We just got back 2 days ago. Our trip included a bunch of stops, one stop in Niagara.

We stayed in Canada and it was fabulous. Really. Honestly, we just drove through the US side and it didn't look like anything special. The Canadian side had so much to do - a casino along with every other touristy thing you can think of (such as the Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum ) The US side just looked like a humble little town. Someone else might correct me on that, though.

They SAY that horseshoe falls (the Canadian Falls) is prettier, but it was hard to actually see because of all of the mist! You can see both falls just fine from Canada.

From my perspective, you may as well get your passports and be prepared to just visit Canada. I'd hate to go up and NOT be able to at least go to that side to do all the fun stuff.

Maid of the Mist was a blast - do it! We didn't do any of the other excursions. We had the kids (13 and 16) and they were like "ok, we've seen it, now let's move on." You'll be able to have a more leisurely time with just DH. Enjoy!

 

[ckay87]

Oh and watch your spelling of "Niagara." I am NOT picking on you - I made the same spelling mistake and was so confused why I could find nothing on the internet related to "Niagra"

 

[DeluxePrincess]

There are more family activites on the Canadian side, but I've enjoyed myself on the US, as well. I would not get a passport just to go to the Falls, since you can see them perfectly well from the US. US side has their own Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds. The casino on US side, Seneca Niagara, has a very nice hotel.

 

[DrCavin]

The US side doesnt offer the best views of the falls, it does have some activities, like the cave and Maid Of Mist, but the Canadian side is better

Remember you will need passcard/passport.

 

[katiedid36]

Oh and watch your spelling of "Niagara." I am NOT picking on you - I made the same spelling mistake and was so confused why I could find nothing on the internet related to "Niagra"

Thanks I fixed it!

 

[travelbug]

I definitely like the Canadian side better. While I'm not a big fan of the tourist trap type places (some of the junkier wax museums, etc.), there are definitely lots of other attractions well worth seeing and doing.

ckay87 is right. The Maid of the Mist is a great experience. I also like Journey Behind the Falls, the walk along the gorge, the floral clock, etc. I've been on the Aero Car above the gorge, but that is not for the faint of heart. I haven't been on the boat ride on the gorge (I forget what that's called), but maybe some day.

I like this one restaurant that overlooks the Horseshoe Falls, especially at night when they change the colors of the lights they shine on the falls. Very scenic! I think the restaurant is called Table Rock Restaurant.

Have a wonderful trip if you go!

 

[luv2sew]

Canadian side is much better. There is an IMAX movie all about the history of the falls, tours of the view from behind the falls, the Sky tower, Maid of the Mist, an Aviary, a garden that is beautiful with a butterfly exhibit and a working clock made out of flowers, and so much more. I would definately plan on going to the other side. we have been there twice, I could just stand there all day watching the water flow over the horshoe falls it is that spellbinding and if your just going with adults you can go into the casino. For kids there is a great little street that I kinda liken it to a boardwalk at the beach with mini golf and museums and if you are going with kids and they have never been outside the US before what a thrill to teach them about going into another country and the currency. We just love the Canadian side of the falls.

 

[S. C.]

Lots of info and links here.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2194485

 

[onelilspark]

It's widely accepted that the Canadian side of the Falls is much more beautiful. The NY side is also a little more well..hmmm...how do I put it? Rough? Dirty? Like, the city itself. There's really not much goin' on. I live about 1.5hrs, just over that away from the NY side, I do a lot of trade shows, etc up there. I kind of dread having to go up. Granted I go up in the off season, when it's cold and wet and miserable. But if I were planning a trip with my boyfriend, without a doubt we'd stay on the Canadian side. (Which is sad, I mean, I want you to keep your dollars in the US, but really, I can't tell you to do that.)


...How about a pitstop in Rochester? We're a good time!!

ETA: I feel kind of bad...the NY side isn't that bad...if you decided to stay in the US, stay at the Casino, easily the best place. But really the Canadian side is better. But the NY side isn't you know, awful...

 

[3boymthr]

If you have at least a full day you will have time to visit the falls themselves from both sides. If you have more than that you'll be able to visit all the area activities too.

I have to say the US side is more "natural". The US side has a lot of walking trails in the park to get various overlooks of the falls. There is an observatory and information center. Views of the falls from the US side compete with background views of Canadian development while the Canadian side has the better views possibly because the US state park is the background. The canadian side also has an observatory and information center.

 

[JoanGirardi]

If you just want to see the falls, you can see it from the American side, experience the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, etc. You can also still see the horseshoe falls from the American side, though it is not as spectacular a view. That being said, the Canadian side has much much much more of the tourist trap type stuff--which is my favorite stuff, I must admit. I love going through the tacky souvenir shops and the more upscale type shops as well, and there are a lot of activities like the Ripley's museum, wax museums, etc. There are also a couple of towers on the Canadian side to get an aerial view of the falls that's quite impressive. It's all in what you are looking for. Have a great trip!

 

[katiedid36]

Thanks for the replies. Keep em coming. This will be an adults only trip. I think for our 10th anniversary we deserve a couple nights away from the kids.

 

[AnnR]

It's widely accepted that the Canadian side of the Falls is much more beautiful. The NY side is also a little more well..hmmm...how do I put it? Rough? Dirty? Like, the city itself. There's really not much goin' on. I live about 1.5hrs, just over that away from the NY side, I do a lot of trade shows, etc up there. I kind of dread having to go up. Granted I go up in the off season, when it's cold and wet and miserable. But if I were planning a trip with my boyfriend, without a doubt we'd stay on the Canadian side. (Which is sad, I mean, I want you to keep your dollars in the US, but really, I can't tell you to do that.)


...How about a pitstop in Rochester? We're a good time!!

ETA: I feel kind of bad...the NY side isn't that bad...if you decided to stay in the US, stay at the Casino, easily the best place. But really the Canadian side is better. But the NY side isn't you know, awful...

Hey fellow Rochestarian! nice to see another who likes are city and doesn't just put it down! Great places around here too!

 

[VMK_MagicalLadee]

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me, I go to Niagara Falls every weekend. haha.

Everyone is right. The Canadian side is much better. (I'm biased, being Canadian and all) Lots of attractions on Clifton Hill, the new casino, theres a hardrock cafe along the street where the falls are.

A nice walk along the falls, and by the gorge is pretty as well.

 

[merryweather20]

If you have at least a full day you will have time to visit the falls themselves from both sides. If you have more than that you'll be able to visit all the area activities too.

I have to say the US side is more "natural". The US side has a lot of walking trails in the park to get various overlooks of the falls. There is an observatory and information center. Views of the falls from the US side compete with background views of Canadian development while the Canadian side has the better views possibly because the US state park is the background. The canadian side also has an observatory and information center.

This just goes to show different strokes for different folks. When I look over to the American side it looks kind of dank, there's a gas station and some plain dirty buildings. Whereas the Canadian side has all the gardens etc.

ITA that Clifton Hill just looks tacky, it would be nice if it had something other than tourist trap junk on it. I really feel like they have left a ton to gardens and parks though which I .

 

[Amy]

We just got back from a trip to Niagara Falls and Toronto, and you'll love it! We stayed on the CAnadian side (like others have said, you'll need a passport). There's an Adventure Pass you can buy online (or when you get there) - it includes 2 days of transportation on the "People Mover" (bus) so you won't need your car, admission to Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara's Fury movie (not the IMAX movie), and the White Water Walk, and includes 1/2 price coupons for the Spanish Aerocar (way cool) and the Butterfly Conservatory (also something not to miss). I think there are 1/2 price coupons for some other things, too.

If you and your DH are into the touristy things on Clifton Hill, there's also a pass you can buy that includes admission to some of the wax museums and mini golf. You just have to figure out what all you want to do and see if it's cheaper to buy the pass or pay separately.

Beware! Because it's a tourist area, food is REALLY expensive!!

The falls are absolutely beautiful! If you can arrange your trip, they have fireworks over the Canadian horseshoe falls every Friday and Sunday night, plus Wed. night during July and August. There's also a free concert at 8pm prior to the fireworks, but we didn't make it to the concert, so I can't say if it's any good.

We did Maid of the Mist the day we got there, around 3pm, and we walked right on. Maybe most tourists do it first thing in the morning and that's when the lines are? I was kind of surprised that there wasn't a long line when we went.

Let me know if you have any questions. One of these days I'll get around to posting a mini-trip report, just trying to figure out which photos to use!

 

[DisneyDad1964]

This may seem silly but what is the difference between the US side & the Canadian side? (other than the obvious different countries). DH & I are considering taking a trip in the Fall. I am just not sure where to start. We would be driving. Any suggestions where to stay or eat? This is for our 10th wedding anniversary.

TIA!

I've been to the falls 4 times- always on the Canadian side, so I'd say that's definitely the way to go. Much to do and see. Lots of cheesy touristy stuff, but there's also a Falls museum and a casino. Not sure, but I don't think there's much on the U.S. side.

You should go to Marineland while you're there and go on the big tower ride (not sure what it's called). You zip up the tower at about 60mph and you're about 300 feet in the air. Just dangling. Get on the side that faces the falls and you'll have tremendous views that you can't get anywhere else!

...then you come plunging down....

If you stay in a Falls view hotel you'll pay quite a bit more. Last time we went, we stayed at a Holiday Inn a mile or two from the Falls. They have a great bus service, and you can buy day passes.

Of course since it's your anniversary- I say spoil yourselves with a Falls view room down by the action! Plus you'll have the option of watching the fireworks from your room. The shoreline will be packed!

Happy Anniversary! (We just celebrated #18 down at Disney.)

 

[ntsammy5]

I live in Niagara County, NY and, well the Canadian side is much more commercial, a bigger tourist trap and much nicer - they also have a Rainforest Cafe there and Clifton Hill is one of the ultimate tourist traps I've ever seen, but still fun. .

The US side is not developed and is much more natural, FWIW.

 

[S. C.]

Two more threads about Niagara Falls.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=990786

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=990786