Any tips on how best to enjoy a day at Niagara Falls?

Question

I’ve been dazzled by huge competing websites and guidebooks and now my head is spinning with information overload! What with all the different observation areas, the Maid of the Mist, the walk behind the falls, the shuttles etc., it is difficult to plan the day without having been there and knowing the scale of the place. I will be taking a small party with me of widely different ages and I am anxious to avoid zigzagging up and down and around the site. I suppose want I am aiming for is efficiency and balance. I don’t want to kill anybody through exhaustion!

Answer 1

These are my suggestions.  A walk on the promenade with close up views of the Canadian falls.  Would not recommend  the "behind the falls" -  to me it was a let down.  Maid of the Mist is a must and that should be a sufficient itinerary for the actual Falls.  I did enjoy the Spanish Aero Cable Car ride over the Niagara river Whirlpool - you can get there by shuttle bus.  Enjoy.

Answer 2

lol - stay out of the water? (unless you have a barrel)

Answer 3

If you only have one day it will be difficult to decide what to see and it also depends on what you like.

Getting tickets for the shuttle bus is a good idea especially if it is your first time in Niagara Falls - we don't usually do that because we know exactly where we want to go, but it sure does save lots of time finding somewhere to park each time you stop somewhere.

I too would say that you should go on the Maid of the Mist - I go to Niagara every year and never miss it.

The Behind the falls in okay, but not as exciting as the boat.  

If you have young people with you, then go to Clifton Hill tourist area, there are Museums and Waxworks, the House of Horrors and the Rain-forest Cafe.

If you like Nature and Wildlife check out the Botanical Gardens, the Winery Route to Niagara on the Lake, the Floral Clock, and in early summer the acres and acres of Lilac trees.  The Butterfly Conservatory is lovely too if you like that.

We also like (now and again) to spring for dinner at the top of the revolving tower near the Falls (I can't remember if it is the Minolta Tower or the Skylon Tower), the food is good and the views are spectacular.  On Fridays, Sundays and holidays there is a fireworks display over the falls between mid-May and the end of August.

I hope you enjoy your day at the Falls and come back often!

Answer 4

I have to say I live right across the border on the American side and all it takes for me to enjoy the falls is walking near the rapids and over the bridge to the islands I can get extremly close to the falls. As for the canadain side there is Clifton Hill, Walk Around the Falls, Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, The Casinos both Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino, and on the American side as well there is one called the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel.

Answer 5

I grew up in Niagara Falls, and I tell any one who is visiting - go on the Maid of the Mist.  Hands down, it's the best of the tourist attractions.  In that area, the falls (of course) are right there, you can get your fill of souvenir shops, and it's close to Clifton Hill.  You should walk Clifton Hill, even if you don't go in any shops - it's a great place for people watching.  

If you are travelling by car, you could spend the morning right at the falls, and then in the afternoon, drive north along the parkway (it's a pretty drive) to visit the Spanish Aerocar, the Horticulture Gardens (and the floral clock), and then to Niagara-on-the-Lake.  The main street in Niagara-on-the-Lake is another great place to walk - lots of shops, and very historic buildings.  And you can stop and do some wine tasting, if you like.

Hope I helped, and I hope you have a great vacation!

Answer 6

A great day out. The Maid of the Mist is a must. I was disappointed with Behind the falls. The views of the falls from the Canadian side are spectacular but you do get a greater impression of their height from the USA side (you can walk across the bridge and pay for a Visa $10US   take your passport). Also the USA side is not as commercial as the Canadian side. The parkland around the falls is nice to walk in. The walk from the Rainbow bridge to the falls  is about a mile the shuttle busses are frequent and will take you to many other sites and you can get day tickets if you don't want to walk!

Answer 7

Not looking for "best answer" but you have to check out Clifton Hill