Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

I'm planning a trip to Niagara Falls area later this month. Looking for any advice or insight as to any unusual vantage points, etc. Also, whether better to stay on US side or Canadian side? Appreciate any advice.

kskarma Loc: Topeka, KS

First of all, make sure you have a current passport...that is, IF you want to get back into the U.S.

I've been there several times (both summer AND winter when lots of it are frozen...amazing sight..)... and really you can't go wrong...it's an overwhelming sight...so much natural power and beauty. Most of the better access and views are from the Canadian side...and if you have kids, they will get a kick out of being in another country...different money, road signs, prices in English and French, etc...our kids loved their visit to Canada...(Toronto) as well as the falls.

There are a lot of different vantage points to view the falls...all the way from a ride on the "Maid of the Mist"...(there are several boats that bears this iconic name...all the same ride and thrill...!)...to taking an elevator to the lower river level and being able to go "behind" the Falls, to just watching from the overlook and being stunned by the sheer volume and ground vibrations of the jillions of tons of water...! There's also a tall observation tower...not sure, but I think a dozen stories or more....from where you can get a wider view of some of the lake, the river, the Falls and downstream. I've never gone up in that tower, but it might give you some new perspective.


The Canadian side has a TON of other activities...like a Ripley's Believe it or Not....a lot of curio and souvenir shops, places to eat and drink...so IF you have lots of extra cash, you can find places to spend it there.

Hope this helps....have fun....

kcimato

Don't forget a short ride up to Niagara on the Lake. Beautiful town full of unique shops and restaurants. Everyplace has an amazing display of flower beds and hanging baskets. Good views of Lake Ontario.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

We were there a few years ago, and the US side has nothing in comparison to the Canadian side. We stayed in the US, but wished that we hadn’t.

farleymr Loc: Brevard NC

Was just there three weeks ago. Stayed on the Canadian side (much better views IMO). Lodged at a B&B in Niagara on the Lake. Awesome trip!

dalematt Loc: Goderich, Ontario, Canada

With our weak Canadian dollar, you can have an even better holiday getting "more bang for the buck".

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Residents of NY can get an Enhanced Driver's License that allows them to travel to Canada and Mexico - and return home.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Drive up alone the river on the Canadian side to Niagara on the lake. Take a large memory card, u will need it.

tkraatz

Growing up in nearby Buffalo I agree the "best views' are from the Canadian site, and as was pointed out the exchange rate really makes the other side more affordable. Lots to do on the Canadian site, almost too touristy, but MUCH cleaner than the American side.

It gets wet so be prepared, but the only way to really experience the power of the falls is to take the Maid of the Mist boat ride from below.

tkraatz

Growing up in nearby Buffalo I agree the "best views' are from the Canadian site, and as was pointed out the exchange rate really makes the other side more affordable. Lots to do on the Canadian site, almost too touristy, but MUCH cleaner than the American side.

It gets wet so be prepared, but the only way to really experience the power of the falls is to take the Maid of the Mist boat ride from below.

rexk189

Depends if you will have access to a car or not. The Niagara River connects Lake Erie (eastern terminus is Buffalo) to Lake Ontario, the Falls roughly half-way. Best way to take it in is from both Canadian and American sides. You’ll need your passports.
I suggest crossing into Canada, Buffalo to Fort Erie, via the Peace Bridge. Take the Niagara Parkway/River Road from Fort Erie to Niagara Falls. Much to see on the Canadian side, with lights on the Falls at night.
Continue on same road out of Falls to Queenston where you can cross back via the Lewiston Bridge to Lewiston, NY. On the way you will see the Whirlpool and cable car ride (and the classic Whirlpool Golf Course), a must see, the power projects (US and Canada) and the Floral Clock, another must see. Niagara Parks.com website covers everything to see on the Canadian side from the Falls up.
Lewiston is a cool little town, very historic. North from Lewiston on Robert Moses Parkway is Old Fort Niagara at entrance to Lake Ontario. A must see for history buffs. South from Lewiston on the Robert Moses is American side of Niagara Falls. Take in the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Goat Island, Three Sisters Islands, Maid of the Mist, etc. All must sees. There is also the Seneca Indian Casino. You can also cross the Niagara River at Niagara Falls via the Rainbow Bridge. The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario is nicer and has more to do outside of the Falls than the US side.

FredCM Loc: Central Illinois

"Maid of the Mist," they named it right. Be sure to have a way to keep the camera dry. Supposedly only 1/3 of the water goes over the falls, the rest through the powerhouse for the generators. Down river, it's all the water, going 45 mph. Very impressive sight. Used to be one could get near the edge of the US falls from the park on the river by the edge. Since that fool jumped over a few years ago, I'm not sure if you still can. It's impressive too, all that water going over the edge.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Be Careful of the Water Mist in the air when getting close to the Falls, you do not want to damage your Camera, maybe have a plastic bag handy to help keep any water mist off of your Camera, especially if you go on the "Maid of the Mist" tourist boat ride to the edge of the Falls. Also both USA side and Canadian side have wonderful views of the Falls, take lots of images, then when you get home you will be able to decide which to keep and throw away.

RWCRNC Loc: Pennsylvania

DEFINITELY Canadian side. Take a tripod. The illuminate the falls on Sunday nites and holidays

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mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

We were there last summer. Stay on the Canadian side. Take the expensive all-day tour that includes Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds — worth every penny. Bring a “raincoat” for your gear. Mist is an understatement! I have an Oly e-M5 II and the 14-150 II lens which are both weather sealed so I didn’t need the extra protection. As a side trip, there’s a butterfly conservatory that’s well worth the trip. We stayed at the Embassy Suites and had a view of the American and Canadian falls. Did I mention nightly fireworks? Have a blast.