Niagara Falls: New York vs. Canada side

You could easily visit the falls from the New York side and never cross over the border.

Many people do it every year and aren't disappointed with their trip. Many people are disappointed.

Many people go to the Canadian side and are disappointed with their trip. Many people are thrilled.

This past summer, I went to both sides. Honestly, I don't think one side is "better" than the other in terms of atmosphere, etc. They are different, but I really enjoyed both.

View of the falls wise, the difference is:

Horseshoe Falls - you get a good full look at the falls from down river on the Canadian side. You get very close looks at the brink of the falls from both Terrapin Point and Table Rock.

American Falls - you get the best full look from the Canadian side directly across from the falls. You get very nice side views from the American side.

Goat Island (US) has wonderful views of the rapids, etc. above the falls.

Niagara Glen (CAN) has wonderful views of the rapids, etc. below the falls.

I would recommend going to both sides - why go there and not see it all? However, if it's a choice of going only to the US or CAN side and not going at all, then go. Go and experience the Falls in whatever way you can. Don't worry about what people will tell you or the naysayers, etc. Go, see the falls, and decide for yourself what you think.

Thanks-I don't have a problem with going to the Canadian side and I would want to if I were to go right now. The problem is that sometime next summer they are going to start requiring passports. I believe they are $80 apiece plus a picture fee and I have a family of 4. For a 3 day trip, it starts to cost as much as the trip itself. I don't know if I am going to get there before this requirement or not. If I do get there before this, sure I will go over to Canada. But, if I don't there before it happens, it is a question is it worth it? It is only for a 3 day trip and I probably won't be using the passport for anything else. I was just wondering if you can get good pictures of the falls from NY and experince it. Is the NY side as breathtaking? Don't you get a full view from Maid of the Mist? But, whenever I go, I am probably going to base myself in NY. I like the sound of the attractions on the NY side better, not as commercial as Canada. But, the reason I would want to go over to canada is the different view of the falls. I tend to stay away from the commercial things i.e. the skywheel on the canadian side. and stick with the natural scenery. Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds are an exception though. From what I have read, they are two best ways to experience the falls. I have also read, that NY's Cave of the Winds is better than Canada's Journey Behind the Falls. And taking the Maid of the Mist from the NY side is better than taking it from the Canadian Side.
Thanks-

My suggestion to families debating the passport issue is to get one passport per year. Even if you don't think you're going to travel outside of the U.S., if that opportunity arises, you'd hate to have to say "Oh, I'd love to go to XX, but I don't have a passport." It would be even worse if that trip were offered free of charge.

If cost is a concern, don't worry about the passports or the Canadian side this trip. You can always go back later.

Yes, you will get a full view of the falls from the Maid of the Mist. No problem there. But, when you're right up at the falls, it is very wet, so cameras are a bit difficult (use a ziplock bag and stick the camera in it, use a waterproof camera - disposable or otherwise, get a waterproof casing, or don't plan on taking photos close up. The other option is to chance your camera once or twice).

Cave of the Winds is spectacular.

The Canadian side has much more to offer than the American side. We have american relatives to come to visit us from New York City and they would agree. The American side is not developped as much and I am not sure that the hotel choices are as varied.

Have been to both sides twice(2006 the latest). To me, without question, the Canadian side is much much better. I don't think you will find 3 days worth to do on the American side. This last time we stayed 4 days over the 4th of July. We should have stayed 3. We did everything. The Butterfly Garden is interesting. It sounded boring to me, but was pretty darn cool once we got there. If you could go around July 1 you will get to see plenty of fireworks over the falls. Canada Day is July 1st or 2nd (cant remember). It was neat to see that. Try to have dinner with a falls view for one meal. The revolving restaraunt is neat. Lunch and earlybird dinner is not priced near as expensive as their regular dinner. If you do end up crossingthe border be prepared to wait for a long time. Sometimes you get right thru, other times 2 or 3 hours. We enjoyed seeing the falls and it is something you should see and do once in your lifetime. The two things I always think about as terms of really seeing something are still The Grand Canyon, and Niagra Falls. I have been to several other National Parks, and all area unique. The Falls is all about the rate and power of the water. You mentioned Maid of the Mist and it is something you MUST do while there. Enjoy your trip.

I listed out a bunch of stuff on the NY side to do in my very first post. I definetly think it could fill 3 days. Somethings are not directly related to the falls, but are within 30 minutes of downtown Niagara Falls,NY. Here is the list/description again of things on the NY side:
there is the state park you can walk around, maid of the mist, cave of the winds, there is the Niagara Falls Discovery Center, up the road is the Whirlpool State Park which is free and you can do similar hiking there to the White Water Walk across the river that costs $, the Niagara Power Plant, and further up the road, Old Fort Niagara.
I have looked all this stuff up. Maybe I only need 2 days. About the passport, I have no interest in traveling to Europe or anywhere else except around the US. I just can't see myself traveling outside the country. So, if I got a passport, it would just be for this one short trip. Is it necessary?
Thanks-

My husband, 11 year old daughter and myself were there this past August. We had a great time, better than we expected. Stayed in Doubletree on the Canadian side. I think that it is a good idea to have passports just for air-travel within the US. With security the way it is, it just seems easier to just show our passports. Good suggestion from toedtoes, get two passports now then get the other two in a few months so your pocketbook won't be hit at one time. Get the kids at the same time because children's passports expire after 5 years this way they will expire at the same time.

We LOVED the Cave of the Winds on the NY side. The restaurant within Goat Island was surprising good. On the Canadian side lodging prices and accomodations vary greatly. You can probably save some money on lodging which can help offset some of your passport fees. We also drove to Niagara-On-The-Lake for dinner one night which was lovely.

The other thing that we did was spend a day in Toronto. Since we went on a Saturday, city traffic wasn't so bad, however, the Toronto attractions were packed. I've been told that traveling to Toronto during the week has tons of commuter traffic, but the attractions are much less crowded. In Toronto we purchased a one-day family transit pass, which was good on the trains, buses, and trolley and we really got our money's worth out of that pass.

Asdaven - it sounds like you know what you're doing. Don't worry about the Passports and just go and enjoy the New York side.

I will always recommend that people go to both sides. I will also always recommend that people get a passport "just in case" - it's better to have it (it last 10 years) now when you don't need or want it, than to have to try and get it at the last minute later on when an opportunity arises.

But, if you don't, you're not going to miss what you're not interested in seeing. It sounds like you know what you want, so don't worry about what everyone else says and just enjoy your trip.

The Canadian side is gorgeous.

Well, I would love to see the Canadian side, but the passport especially with 4 people is a budget-breaker and plus it is just for a 3 day trip. I just don't want to spend all my time on the New York side and not think I am seeing Niagara Falls. I assume the world-famous views of the falls is from the Canadian side? What's wrong with the NY side? On the Canadian Side, there are not any attractions that interest me, but the viewing area on that side does. But, Cave of the Winds is similar to or better than Journey Behind the Falls, the Maid of the Mist leaves from NY and is less crowded, Whirlpool State Park offers a hike along the whirlpool rapids on the same section of river, and so on. Well, there maybe some attractions in Canada that interest me. But, the main reason I would go over to Canada is the views of the falls. I am considering Lewiston,NY for a base instead of Niagara Falls,NY. Is this a good idea? That puts me closer to Old Fort Niagara and is only 15 minutes from the falls. I kind of know what I am doing, but I kind of don't know what to do as far a passport. The cost of a passport is almost the cost to stay there. But, I would like to go over to Canada. I guess the best thing to do is to go before the new requirement is in place if I can.
Thanks-

I'm not sure about this, but I don't think that a date has been set yet for the passport requirement. If you go early in the summer, you'd have a better chance of getting into Canada without having to have a passport. Lewiston NY is a very nice town but I don't know anything about the hotels there. I don't believe there are many. Another activity you can do from the American side is the Whirlpool Jet Boat ride, which leaves from Lewiston as well as from Canada.

The passport thing is still being debated, and I believe authorities on both sides are discussing other options. Border cities like Buffalo draw many Canadians on a daily basis for shopping and entertainment. Many people here go to Canada during the summer for the beaches. I was out shopping last weekend and I think there were more Canadian license plates in the parking lots than NY plates.

Although at some point it may come down to passports, I don't think it will be in place within the next year. As of right NOW, you must have a certified birth certificate and picture I.D. (like your license). When you return to the U.S., you may not be asked for a birth certificate, but if you are asked, well......you ought to have one.

Hotel choices are much better on the Canadian side and you can walk around at night. Although a lot of it is cheesy, there are t-shirt shops, stores, and other things that light up the streets and there are attractions for kids. On the NY side there is really no night time entertainment for kids. And you don't want to go driving around the City of NF, NY at night.

The Canadian side offers you a full panaramic view of the falls. But I do prefer the NY side better, as you can stand so close to the falls. I love Terrapin Point on Goat Island and Luna Island. And the upper rapids are amazing.

I absolutely, positively recommend Old Fort Niagara on the NY side. It is a wonderful piece of American history, and even if the kids aren't into history, they will think the fort is a cool place. And adults will, too. Just check to see if there are re-enactments before you go. Old Fort Niagara is within a state park, and on a clear day you can see Toronto across Lake Ontario. There are several swimming pools, even a splash one for little kids, with slides, etc. It's a wonderful place to spend a day. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day.

I highly recommend it over Niagara on the Lake (Canadian side). Although it is a quaint, historical town, it is very expensive and just not exciting for kids. Unless they like expensive restaurants, stores, and wineries (hopefully not .

I hope this helps. Have fun!

If you're going to make a deliberate trip to see Niagara Falls (vs just driving through from Cleveland to Boston, for example), then for god's sake, please go over to the Canada side.

If you don't want to get passports, then go early. Before they may require one.

If you can't afford to get the passports then don't.

If, when you go to Niagara Falls, they require passports to cross the border, then just stay on the NY side and enjoy that.

If, when you go, they don't require passports, then bring the required documents and cross the border and enjoy the CAD side.

Of course everyone is going to tell you the Canadian side is worth it. It is. But if you can't afford it, then do what you can afford. If getting the passports means your 8 day trip will be a 3 day trip, then only you can decide if it's worth it for your family.

I think most people reco the Canadian side since the views of the falls are much more dramatic. From there you see the water falling over the falls coming at you - so you get a complete view.

From the US side you are looking more at the top of the falls - and don;t get a view of all the water coming at you - esp dramatic when floodlit at night.

What's wrong with Niagara Falls,NY at night? Is it dangerous or something?

Asdaven: It's fine where all the hotels are (they're pretty much clustered together in the same area). If you're going to eat dinner and call it a night in your hotel room, then fine. If you want night time entertainment for your family, there really is nothing to do except view the falls.

OUTSIDE of the immediate hotel area, you do NOT want to walk around or drive around because it's isolated and ghetto. Lots of crime.

To recap....go ahead and stay on the New York side. There is really nothing to do with KIDS at night. Don't go driving around outside the hotel/falls zone at night.

I hope this helps.

Hi as,

Have you looked into getting a family passport?

To me going to Niagra and not seeing it from the Canadian side is like taking your kids to Orlando and skipping Disney. When we went two years ago everyone was talking passports even then. Today, when you cross the border they only ask you a couple of questions and I can't imagine the security being worse. They didn't even ask us for a drivers license and we crossed 2 times (4 times entering and exiting). However, I would have the documents required. Have you called any government agency concerning crossing the border? There is a reason everyone says to see it from the Canadian side. Thats because it is that much better overall panoramic view. To me it is totally different looking from both sides. An inexpensive place for breakfast that we liked was Bob Hortons. Aparently, they are in the north several places. We live in the Oklahoma and had never been to one. Have you looked into the limited passport. Below is the latest from www.cbp.gov customs and border protection

11/01/2007)
Beginning January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and over will need to present a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or passport to enter the U.S. by land or sea.

A passport or NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST card will be accepted as ID and citizenship requirements. Border Crossing Cards will continue to be accepted documents for Mexican citizens to meet both requirements.


As early as summer 2008, all travelers who enter or depart the U.S. by any means (land, sea or air) will be required to have a valid passport, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST, Border Crossing Card or other acceptable document.


The State Department also intends to make available in spring 2008 a limited-use Passport Card, specifically for land and sea travel from these neighboring countries. In addition, several states including Washington, Vermont and New York are creating an Enhanced Driver’s License that will fulfill these new identification requirements. Ample notice of the exact date of implementation will be provided to ensure travelers can obtain the appropriate documents.

Buffalogirl- I didn't know Niagara Falls,NY had a lot of crime. I just heard it was rundown. Are there any restaurants in the "immediate" hotel area? I am considering staying in Lewiston. I think I am going to go over to Canada, but probably just to see the falls. Is Journey Behind the Falls worth doing or is it basically the same thing as Cave of the Winds? I still see myself spending most of the time in New York doing the stuff I mentioned, like the Niagara Power-plant and Old Fort Niagara, and the hike in the gorge at Whirlpool State Park. What is the big deal about Niagara-on-the-lake? Although I probably will be just walking over to Canada. It is easier to walk over and get through customs than drive. Or I might drive over if I do decide to go to Niagara-on the lake. But, I really want to go before they start requiring passports? How long into the year does it stay cold and snowy? I know Buffalo is famous for its snow. What's the weather like in early April?
Thanks-

Niagara on the Lake is a quaint town with lots of wineries. Although we enjoyed having dinner there, my 11 year old was less than thrilled. I think you may want to skip it. We went to Cave of the Winds first and then Behind the Falls a few days later; my family LOVED Cave of the Winds (we even thought about going twice) and were disappointed in Behind the Falls where you walk through a few "danky" tunnels between 3 viewing points. Most of Cave of the Winds is outdoors - be prepared to get VERY wet and have a ball. At least that was our opinion.

asdaven-
It sounds like you would be perfectly happy with your visit to the falls from the American side. As you have pointed out you have other interests as well. I've done visits both ways. The view of the falls from the Canadian side is better though. There are some very nice hotels on the Canadian side that have "falls view" rooms and they can't be beat for your personal viewing of the falls. However, you do get wonderful views of the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls from the Maid of the Mist. The Cave of the Winds tour is awesome! Skip Journey behind the falls even if you do go to Canada. Niagara on the Lake did not "Wow" me either but I'd heard so much about it I decided to go. Although it is very nice we have plenty of similar (nicer even) towns here on the American side. My favorite spot for lunch on the American side is the Hard Rock Cafe.
I will say this. I just visited Niagara Falls NY in July with my cousin from Sweden. It was his first visit and we chose not to cross over in to Canada because of time retraints. He loved the entire visit. We did Cave of the Winds and the Maid of the Mist. Then we walked up to Terrapin Point. He had a fabulous time. (I wish he could have seen the falls from the Canadian side.) He doesn't know the view from the Canadian side so he can't compare the 2. Trust me he was not disappointed with his NY visit.
Go and have fun! You can't go wrong either way.
Hope this helped.

I would not recommend going to Niagara Falls in early April. It could still be snowing. The Maid of the Mist does not start running until sometime in May I believe. Generally the weather doesn't start to warm up until early to mid May (Even that is not a guarantee). Does your family of 4 include children? Niagara on the Lake is a very quaint town with lots of restaurants, shops and wineries. Most kids would be bored there, but as an adult I love to visit there. If you decide not to go there then walking across the bridge is a good way to see the Canadian side of the falls. What are the hotel choices in Lewiston? I can't think of any.

I just checked the internet for hotels in Lewiston and the only one that I found was the Barton Hotel and Spa. It's brand new and expensive. Lewiston has better shops and restaurants than Niagara Falls USA. And less crime.

I don't have any kids. It is me and some friends. I know that the main thing of Journey Behind the Falls is the tunnels and cave of the winds you can't go behind the falls, but there is a viewing area at the bottom of Horseshoe Falls for Journey Behind the Falls and Cave of the Winds, how do they compare? These are my interests: small towns, outdoors/natural wonders, and history. As far as lodging, I am more looking into a cabin or something like that instead of a hotel. I have two dogs and I need to stay at a place where I can leave them for the day. Although, I could probably do a couple things with them. Hotels that allows pets tend to have a policy that you can't leave dogs unattended because they bark. What's the point if you can't do anything and have to stay in a hotel room the whole time? The dogs are another reason I would rather stay in NY because who knows what you have to do to get them over the boarder.
Thanks-

asdaven
RE: Niagara on the Lake
We toured the wineries, your kids would hate it. The one thing they would love is the whirlpool boat that leaves out of Niagara on the Lake. Its expensive but check it out at: http://www.niagarafallslive.com/niagara_falls_whirlpool_jetboat_.htm

When we visit Niagara Falls we always stay on the Canadian side. There's a magical feel to walking all around and seeing the Falls as you walk. It's also magical to have a hotel room with a Fallsview room and to be able to see the Falls at night as they glow in color. The Embassy Suites is great for a family as they would have a seperate sleeping area for your children and they offer Fallsview rooms. They also offer a complimenty, full breakfast each morning, the dining room also has views of the Falls. None of this is available from the American side.

We do visit Goat Island while we're there. The views are awesome and Cave of the Winds cannot be beat.

Opps, just read your post and see you don't have children. Sorry.

Definitely go to the Canadian side. It's all about the vantage point of the Falls and it's much better from the Canadian side. Anyone who has seen Niagara Falls would tell you it is one of the most amazing sites in the world. It is more than worth the $80 passport. You will be so disappointed once you get there if you don't at least have the option of crossing to the Canadian side.

In order to avoid long lines, parking frustrations, etc., I would recommend taking a bus tour of the Falls. I am not the tour bus type, but it takes you to all the major sites so much more efficiently that it is really a good idea. I stayed at the Marriott and just purchased tickets in their lobby. I believe it was about $145 and included Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, Skylon Tower, Butterfly House.

The Falls at night is spectacular. So beautiful. We ate at the Skylon Tower and enjoyed the fireworks with a birds-eye view. The food wasn't that great, but Niagara Falls is all about the views.

Also, after you have seen everything at the Falls, you would love Niagara-on-the-Lake (about a 30 minute drive). Or you could drive to Toronto for the day.

For 3 days, you would be much happier on the Canadian side. Don't try to convince yourself that the NY side will suffice because you will be disappointed (and very bored). If you start saving now, you should be able to swing it by next summer. Also, look into other less costly options through the State Department.

Not sure where you would find cabins to rent.

But - if you plan on taking dogs into Canada or back into the US be sure that they have proper ID/license and also valid rabies vaccinations forms from your vet.

(Really anyone traveling with a dog should be sure to have the subcutaneous ID implants - so if anything should happen they can be traced back to you.)

Short answer: Both sides have their advantages.

To expand on this;
Canadian side has better view of the falls, US side has better parks, IMO. This was the absolute opposite of what I'd expected. Stayed on the US side so that I wouldn't have to take my car across the border (and deal with any possible delays) When I walked across to the Canadian side, it felt like I was in one big carnival/county fair without the livestock exhibits. This wasn't a horrible thing, but I'd expected the Canadian side to be more..undeveloped than the US side. It was my first time on Canadian soil and I just thought that the US side would be like a big shopping mall overrun with souvenir stands and chain restaurants...when in fact it was the Canadian side that had more of that stuff.

Conversely, the US side had more parks along the water...which I was pleasantly surprised to see.

It almost doesn't matter which side you stay at, as long as you visit both sides during your visit!

Have been to both sides many times and without question, the Canadians win. In general, Niagara Falls, NY is run down and dirty. Very little investment has taken place and even when investment happens it is done in a less than desirable way. Take the casino on the American side which allows smoking everywhere on the property to make your clothing stink and is over-powering. The Canadians do not allow smoking in their beautiful building. It is truly a shame that more has not been done to attract visitors to the American side.

Re: the last post.
The casino is owned by the Native American Indians. NY state no smoking policies do not apply to their property.