Niagara Falls: both sides or only see it from the American side?
Jan 12th, 2011, 07:03 AM
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Niagara Falls: both sides or only see it from the American side?
This summer, we are planning a trip from Kansas to Niagara Falls. This gives us a chance to see attractions in other states as well -- Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, etc. Advice on that is always appreciated!
But...my real question is: we don't have passports yet. Should I get them so we can cross into Canada and see/do the falls attractions on that side as well, or does it really matter? At this point, we have no other international trips planned, but that's not to say we might not at some point. Thanks!
But...my real question is: we don't have passports yet. Should I get them so we can cross into Canada and see/do the falls attractions on that side as well, or does it really matter? At this point, we have no other international trips planned, but that's not to say we might not at some point. Thanks!
Jan 12th, 2011, 07:15 AM
#2
It's impressive enough from the US side. Save the money you would spend on passports and ride the "Maid of the Mist IV".
Be prepared to answer the question "What happened to the first three?". Unless you want to go to Toronto for some reason, CN Tower maybe save your money.
Be prepared to answer the question "What happened to the first three?". Unless you want to go to Toronto for some reason, CN Tower maybe save your money.
Jan 12th, 2011, 07:29 AM
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Absolutely see Niagara Falls from Canada and stay in a hotel facing the Falls in Canada. You can view the Falls at night when lighted from your room. There are no hotels on the American side close to the Falls to do this. The Canadian side is just much better all the way around! My favorite hotel would be a is a package from Embassy Suites: http://www.embassysuitesniagara.com/ their complimentary breakfast is great! You also get a $40.00 coupon for The Keg restaurant located in the Embassy. Their steaks are good and the view of the Falls is awesome! Be sure and ask for a room with a view of the Falls. There is a Marriot right next door that would offer the same view.
You would want to visit Goat Island on the American side and go to Cave of the Winds there but then spend the rest of your time on the Canadian Side. There is lots of info here on the Falls just type 'Niagara Falls' up top in the 'search box'
You would want to visit Goat Island on the American side and go to Cave of the Winds there but then spend the rest of your time on the Canadian Side. There is lots of info here on the Falls just type 'Niagara Falls' up top in the 'search box'
Jan 12th, 2011, 08:16 AM
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Your other option is passport cards, although they are not cheap, either (but less than passports). They also are usable in a more narrow set of circumstances.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt...card_3926.html
http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt...card_3926.html
Jan 12th, 2011, 08:22 AM
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If you are going to the trouble of driving that distance, certainly see it from every angle possible. Both sides, in it, below it, behind it, and above it. You can easily spend a full day there. Even the butterfly garden there is pretty cool. This waterfall is more about power than beauty, although it is very pretty as well.
Jan 12th, 2011, 08:24 AM
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I hate to say this knowing how much passports cost, but the Canadian side is really the best. I guess I would make the decision based on how many days you plan to stay in the area. The US side is impressive, but I found the immediate surroundings, outside of the state park area, slightly depressing.
We stayed at the Marriott on the Canadian side with a room overlooking the falls. My two teen boys, who are usually hunched over their itouches, were actually stunned speechless by the beauty of the falls and could not take their eyes away from the view. The landscaping was very nice with lots of flowers. The Canadian side is pretty touristy in areas and while restaurants are plentiful food can be expensive. We walked across the bridge to the American side one day and witnessed two young men being detained because they crossed the border without passports even though there were plenty of warning signs.
We stayed at the Marriott on the Canadian side with a room overlooking the falls. My two teen boys, who are usually hunched over their itouches, were actually stunned speechless by the beauty of the falls and could not take their eyes away from the view. The landscaping was very nice with lots of flowers. The Canadian side is pretty touristy in areas and while restaurants are plentiful food can be expensive. We walked across the bridge to the American side one day and witnessed two young men being detained because they crossed the border without passports even though there were plenty of warning signs.
Jan 12th, 2011, 08:35 AM
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I agree with a previous poster's recommendation of the Embassy Suites Fallsview (on the Canadian side). This hotel is perfectly located with large two room suites (with fabulous views of the Falls), complimentary breakfast buffet and evening snacks.
Jan 12th, 2011, 08:51 AM
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You definteely ned to go to the Candaian sid e- since this is the "front" of the falls - the US side is where the river is coming from and is the top of the falls.
Also, the Canadian side is uchmore attractive, better hotels and restaurants - andyou can also visit Niagara on the Lake and even hop into Toronto - only about 1.5 hours away.
Get your passports now and it will be fast and painless.
Also, the Canadian side is uchmore attractive, better hotels and restaurants - andyou can also visit Niagara on the Lake and even hop into Toronto - only about 1.5 hours away.
Get your passports now and it will be fast and painless.
Jan 12th, 2011, 08:53 AM
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Your Passports are good for several years and also serve as the best Identification for airline travel anywhere... Niagara Falls is truly worth seeing from the Canadian side and there's lots to do when you visit...
it is great to watch the water pour over the Falls from a few feet away on the US side, but the panorama from Canada is the favored view...
It would be like watching your favorite play from backstage... you still see the play but from behind...
If you are worried about cost, look into the passport cards..
it is great to watch the water pour over the Falls from a few feet away on the US side, but the panorama from Canada is the favored view...
It would be like watching your favorite play from backstage... you still see the play but from behind...
If you are worried about cost, look into the passport cards..
Jan 12th, 2011, 09:30 AM
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Due to the configuration of the Falls, views are far superior on the Canadian side, where you'll also find better lodging and dining. The Canadian Parks Commission does an outstanding job of landscaping and keeping the more touristy things out of sight.
Also on the Canadian side is the lovely Niagara-on-the-Lake and the magnificent Shaw Festival of plays and shows.
It's also well worth going to the Canadian side to drive the Niagara Parkway.
Also on the Canadian side is the lovely Niagara-on-the-Lake and the magnificent Shaw Festival of plays and shows.
It's also well worth going to the Canadian side to drive the Niagara Parkway.
Jan 12th, 2011, 10:26 AM
#14
passports are $135 for adults and $105 for children. Not sure how many are in your party but if you really doubt that you will use them after this trip, I am not sure I would invest the several hundred dollars necessaryt to see the Falls from the Canadian side. I'm not familiar with passport cards so I can't comment on them.
I guess I would consider how important is this leg of your trip. If you are just swinging through for a day, I think you can get a good view of the Falls from the American side via Goat Island and by going on the Maid of the Mist. If you plan on spending several days at the Falls, then maybe an investment in passports would be wise because, as others have said, the accomodations and dining is better on the Canadian side.
I guess I would consider how important is this leg of your trip. If you are just swinging through for a day, I think you can get a good view of the Falls from the American side via Goat Island and by going on the Maid of the Mist. If you plan on spending several days at the Falls, then maybe an investment in passports would be wise because, as others have said, the accomodations and dining is better on the Canadian side.
Jan 12th, 2011, 10:26 AM
#15
passports are $135 for adults and $105 for children. Not sure how many are in your party but if you really doubt that you will use them after this trip, I am not sure I would invest the several hundred dollars necessaryt to see the Falls from the Canadian side. I'm not familiar with passport cards so I can't comment on them.
I guess I would consider how important is this leg of your trip. If you are just swinging through for a day, I think you can get a good view of the Falls from the American side via Goat Island and by going on the Maid of the Mist. If you plan on spending several days at the Falls, then maybe an investment in passports would be wise because, as others have said, the accomodations and dining is better on the Canadian side.
I guess I would consider how important is this leg of your trip. If you are just swinging through for a day, I think you can get a good view of the Falls from the American side via Goat Island and by going on the Maid of the Mist. If you plan on spending several days at the Falls, then maybe an investment in passports would be wise because, as others have said, the accomodations and dining is better on the Canadian side.
