Julali

We will be flying into Buffalo, NY for 4 days total in Niagara Falls area and Toronto, arriving on Saturday in July. Since Niagara hotels rates are higher on Saturday (+100) than Sunday or weekdays, we decided to go to Toronto first x 2 days. Would you advise for last 2 days that we get hotel on American or Canadian side Niagara Falls since we have flight to catch (although very late flight, but worried about long lines thru custom)? Secondly, I think we will doing lots of walking in Niagara or using public transportation once we check into hotel. Would it be easier to return rental car, avoid parking fees and catch cab to airport? We will be traveling with children, ages +9. If not practical or creates hardship, we'll just keep the car.

Thanks for your thoughts!!!

tom42

The hotel selection on the American side of the Falls is pretty underwhelming. Additionally most of the attractions are on the Canadian side. I would recommend staying in Canada. The line to get back into the US midweek from the Rainbow Bridge shouldn't be too bad.

djkbooks

Definitely stay on the Canadian side. Due to the configuration of the Falls, views are far superior from that side. And, as mentioned, hotels are much nicer, along with there being much more to see and do.

sequess

We were there in late April and you will want to be on the Canadian side. The views are far better. Make sure to take the kids on the boat ride on the Maid of the Mist. Going through customs both ways was a breeze for us and though it's likely to be more crowded when you're there it shouldn't be too bad mid-week.

nytraveler

The Canadian side has much better views of the falls, a larger and better selection of hotels and is much more pleasant overall. Plus - if you rent the car in the US you will have to return it there (and need approval and insurance to take it into Canada). We only waited about 5 minutes to cross the border - ad long as your passports and car documents are in order should be esy.

ruwithme

We made this trip last year and recvd lots of great info on planning the overall trip; and spent the entire time on the Canadian side.

Unfortunately we didn't catch two of the most exciting attractions (the speed boat ride & the falls on the American side). So...if you haven't planned your attractions yet, give these two great consideration. Have fun!

dcd

Here's my trip report from a few years ago:
http://tinyurl.com/mk46px

Definitely stay on the Canadian side.