Niagara-Which side is better USA or Canada?

Question

I am going to Niagara from Texas next weekend and confused to go which side- US or Canada? Is it worth to pay visa fee for Canadian side, as I am required to have canadian visa? Does maid of mist takes us to horse shoe falls?

Answer 1

The Canadian side of the falls has more attractions, more hotels and better views, but there are also attractions on the US side that are worth visiting, but I would advise you to stay on the Canaidan side because the hotels have the better views there.

If you are an American citizen you do NOT need a visa to enter Canada and you do NOT need a passport to enter Canada.

From the U.S. Department of State:

"On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document. "

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbp...

You only need a passport if you are flying to Canada. If you are driving to Canada you do NOT need a passport and you do not need one to return to the US (until 2009). What you do need is a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

The Maid of the Mist takes you right up to the American Falls and the Horse Shoe Falls. You can board the Maid of the Mist from either the Canadian side or the American side. The price for a ticket on Maid of the Mist costs $14.50 on the Canadian side, and $12.50 on the American side.

http://www.maidofthemist.com/en

There is lot's to do on the Canadian side, Clifton Hill is a great area to visit. It's a tourist trap, but it's fun. Lot's of restaurants, arcades, haunted houses, and a big ferris wheel. If you have kids they will love it. There is also Marineland which is like Sea World (but smaller). The Skylon Tower has a good restaurant on top with great views of the falls. If you like to gamble, there are two casinos on the Canadian side, and one on the American side called the Seneca Niagara Casino.

I would advise you to stay on the Canadian side and visit the attractions there during your stay. On your last day, go to the state park on the American side of the falls. It's a lot quiter than the Canadian side and it's nice to see the falls surrounded by the trees and nature and it has great views of the Niagara Falls, Ontario skyline. You can also visit the observation tower which is located in the state park. Cave of the Winds is also a great experience. You can walk right up to the American falls. It's a great way to end your trip to Niagara Falls Canada / USA.

http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com

Websites that you might find helpful for planning your trip:

Niagara Falls, Canada Tourist information:

http://www.niagarafallstourism.com

Niagara Falls, Ontario hotels:

http://www.infoniagara.com/fallsview.htm...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g15499...

Niagara Falls, USA:

http://www.niagara-usa.com

Clifton Hill Tourist Area:

http://www.cliftonhill.com

Niagara Falls, Canada and Niagara Falls, USA are both great places to visit.

Enjoy your trip!

Answer 2

Canada side is better.

Better Views.

More fun attractions.

Worth paying the money.

Yes maid of mist takes you to Horseshoe Falls.

Have Fun!!!!

Answer 3

It'll be clearly apparent when you get there the Canadian side is where it's at. The Canadian side is covered in hotels and casinos, the American side is a ghost town. With the dollar as it is right now, you might want to post pone your trip.

Answer 4

first of all you just need your drivers identification and a birth certificate.  no passport needed until next year.

canadian falls are beautiful.  maid of the mist is worth the money.  it is about $15 and well worth it.

we stayed on the canadian side at the marriott overlooking the falls.  on sunday nights they do fireworks over the american falls and you can see them from both sides.  many amusements and restaurants  and casinos and shuttle buses from hotels to these attractions.

Answer 5

the canadian side is amazing.  look at images at google images and see what you think.  

I think you may need a passport however, if you are entering canada to see the canadian side :

'Effective January 8, 2007 US citizens travelling by air between the United States and Canada will be required to present a valid US passport, Air Nexus card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.'

a great resource page for the canadian side is

Answer 6

No question here - the Canadian side is worth the trip - spectacular - (hmm Canadian Visa fee?? can't be much).  Maid of the Mist - very cold, very wet - you may feel its not worth the $.