Niagara Falls is revered as one of Mother Nature’s greatest creations and draws millions of visitors to the USA and Canada every year. Planning a trip to Niagara Falls involves several considerations: should you visit the USA or the Canadian side? How much time should you allocate for your visit? When is the optimal time to go?
This comprehensive guide has been compiled to address all these questions for you. Having visited multiple times, we believe we have a solid grasp on how to maximize your Niagara Falls experience.
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USA vs. Canada:
The perennial debate revolves around which side of Niagara Falls is superior: the USA or the Canadian side.
From my personal experience, I enjoyed the larger, Vegas-style city on the Canadian side compared to the lackluster town on the US side. However, the interactions with the waterfalls were much more immersive on the US side, with the Cave of the Winds being a standout attraction. Fortunately, you can visit both sides in one day by crossing the Rainbow Bridge, which connects the east and west. All you need is some spare change for the toll and your passport, of course.
When to Visit Niagara Falls:
The optimal months to visit the falls are from June to September when temperatures average around 26°C, perfect for getting soaked without freezing afterward.
The colder months, from November to April, see temperatures dropping below zero on certain days. On the plus side, you'll get to witness the beauty of snow. However, many boat tours cease operation during winter.
A helpful tip is to spend the day at the falls and conclude with a breathtaking sunset over the water in the evening; the view is well worth the wait.
Top Attractions:
Maid of the Mist:
The Maid of the Mist is a boat tour that takes passengers directly into the dense mist spray of Horseshoe Falls. Before embarking, you'll receive a complimentary poncho to help keep dry.
The touг costs aгound $24 peг adult and гuns fгoм 9 aм until 7:30 pм in мay – Noveмbeг.
Cave of the Winds:
Cave of the Winds is our favorite activity at Niagara Falls. Don a poncho and complimentary footwear, then descend via elevator to the base of the falls. Experience the raging waters as you stand underneath the actual falls; it's an exhilarating experience, to say the least. Tickets cost around $22 per adult and are open during high season from 9 am until as late as 10 pm.
For a fantastic panoramic view of all three falls, head to the Niagara Falls Observation Tower. The building extends over the gorge, providing unobstructed views. Take an elevator down to the base of the tower to experience blasts of misty spray.
Open fгoм 9:30 aм until 7 pм with adмission costing you a whopping $1.
Canada Falls Experiences
The experience at Canada Falls is distinctly different from the USA Falls. We found that the city on the Canadian side was more lively, with a plethora of activities, more restaurants, and shorter queues.
Niagara's Fury is a fantastic experience, while Journey Behind the Falls comes highly recommended. If you wish to sail out on the water and get up close to the falls, then the Hornblower Cruise is a must!
Niagara's Fury
Niagara's Fury offers a unique twist on experiencing the falls. You'll encounter all the thunderous power of the falling water, the spray, and even snow, all within the comfort of a 4-D cinema. This Hollywood-esque approach places you on a moving platform surrounded by a 360-degree screen, immersing you in the sights and sounds. It's a convenient way to experience the falls.
Tickets cost around $18 for the show.
Journey Behind the Falls
Journey Behind the Falls is a popular attraction with tourists. Take an elevator down to the Great Falls Portal, where you'll be positioned behind a massive sheet of falling water. From here, you can walk to the upper and lower observation decks for the best viewpoints in the area. Priced at $20 per adult, this experience is not to be missed.
Hornblower Cruise
Hornblower Niagara Cruises is Canada's answer to the Maid of the Mist. Following the same route into the mist of the thundering Horseshoe Falls, this state-of-the-art catamaran offers a more refined perspective compared to its rival across the river.
Tickets for the Hornblower cost around $26 and the cruise lasts approximately 20 minutes.
The Verdict
So, which side of Niagara Falls wins the prize?
The Canadian side boasts a larger city with numerous attractions to see and do, including wax museums, water parks, theaters, bowling alleys, mini-golf, and restaurants on every corner. Conversely, the US side leaves much to be desired, lacking decent restaurants and notable attractions.
However, the truly exhilarating interaction with the waterfalls on the US side is far superior. The Cave of the Winds and the beautiful walking trails just above the falls offer breathtaking scenery that Canadians can't compete with.
The verdict? We're calling it a draw. With the Rainbow Bridge connecting the two sides, there's no harm in starting your day in Canada, enjoying their bustling city, and then spending the afternoon in America soaking up their stunning scenery and beautiful sunset.