Niagara Falls, which side is better?

Question

I've only been to the Canadian side because I was told the view and things to do were better. Friends we are going to the falls with have only been to the American side and seem satisfied. I say we get our passports so we can at least go over to Canada.

Answer 1

I agree with Marie, Canadian side is way better

Also there is more to do on the Canadian side, I would defiantly check out maid of the mist.

Hope you have a blast!!

Answer 2

Canadian side for all the reasons already mentioned.  Unless I missed it, nobody mentioned that most of the businesses around the falls on the Canadian side take US currency as well.

Answer 3

Canadian side is better, and you do NOT need passports to walk, drive, or take a bus or taxi over the border.  Passports for LAND travel to and from Canada will not be needed until June 1, 2009.  See site below.  You will need your birth certificates and  photo I.D.s.

Answer 4

There are more attractions and restaurants on the Canadian side and the hotel rooms on the Canadian side have the best views of the falls, but there is also lot's of things to do on the American side. For the best experience, you should visit BOTH sides of the falls. You do NOT need a passport to enter Canada or return to the US, you only need a birth certificate and a drivers license for photo ID (anyone under 19 only needs a birth certificate or passport). Passports are not required until summer 2009, but if you have enough time to apply for a passport (it takes several weeks for it to arrive in the mail after application), you should do that anyways because it’s better to have a passport.

On the American side of the falls, visit Niagara Falls State Park. You can get very close to the falls and it's usually less crowded than the Canadian side. There's a restaurant in the state park called Top of the Falls Restaurant that provides good views of the Horseshoe Falls / Canadian Falls and the Niagara Falls, Ontario hotel skyline. There's also an observation deck in the park. Cave of the Winds is a series of boardwalks beside the American Falls, the cost is $10.00 for adults / $7.00 for children. The Aquarium  of Niagara is also located in Niagara Falls, NY. Maid of the Mist is the boat that takes you up close to the falls. You can board from the Canadian side or American side, but it’s better to board from the American side as the lines to get on are shorter. You can buy a Niagara Falls USA Discover Pass for $30 that provides access to most of the major attractions on the American side.

On the Canadian side of the falls, visit Clifton Hill. It’s basically a tourist trap with lot’s of tacky stores, arcades, haunted houses and fast food establishments, but it’s a fun place to visit, especially at night when all the neon lights are flashing. There’s also a huge ferris wheel at Clifton Hill. The observation areas on the Canadian provide the best views of the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. Most of the high rise hotels are located on the Canadian side, so if you plan on staying several nights at the falls, stay at a hotel on the Canadian side. Marineland is a theme park, similar to Sea World (but it’s definitely not as good as Sea World), with lot’s of rides and aquatic attractions. There are also other attractions on the Canadian falls like Journey behind the falls and the Niagara Whirlpool Aero car. Most of the “natural” attractions are maintained by the Niagara Falls Park Commission, there’s a link to their site below that provides a list of all of their attractions. It’s very easy to travel between the American and Canadian sides. You can walk across the bridge as much as you want, just have your passport or birth certificate with you.

There are three casinos in the area. Niagara Falls Casino Resort on the Canadian side is a Las Vegas style hotel and casino. The other Casino on the Canadian side is Casino Niagara. On the American side, the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel is another Vegas style hotel and casino.

- Niagara Falls, NY, USA attractions -

Niagara Falls USA tourism

http://www.niagara-usa.com

Niagara Falls State Park

http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com

Niagara Falls USA Discover Pass

http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/Pas...

Cave of the Winds

http://www.niagarafallslive.com/cave_of_...

- Niagara Falls, ON, Canada attractions -

Niagara Falls Canada tourism

http://www.niagarafallstourism.com

Niagara Parks Commission

http://www.niagaraparks.com

Clifton Hill Attractions

http://www.cliftonhill.com

Niagara Falls Information

http://www.infoniagara.com

Enjoy your trip to Niagara Falls USA / Canada

Answer 5

Staying on the Canadian side is WAY better.  If you're going to do something like "The Maid of the Mist," board the boat on the American side -- there are shorter lines/wait times.