Journey Behind vs. White Water
 

We are going to be in Niagara Falls, ON in September, but just for one full day. We won't be able to do everything so are trying to pick and choose. If you had to choose between Journey Behind the Falls or White Water Walk, which would it be? Or are they so different that it warrants doing both?

JtbF - you go down an elevator and then follow a tunnel to a viewing point just to the side of the Falls near the bottom. Then you follow the tunnel and there are two tunnels that lead to directly behind the falls. In both spots, you get the spray from the falls.

WWW - you go down an elevator and then follow a tunnel to the edge of the river below the Falls. You follow a wooden plank walkway along the river. You don't get wet at all. You are a ways downstream from the falls.

For a one-day visit, you can do:

Maid of the Mist - 9 a.m. (take the first trip of the day - less crowded)
JbtF - 10:30 a.m.
take People Mover downriver
Spanish Aero Car - 11:30 a.m.
Butterflies - 12:30 p.m. - take a picnic lunch with you and eat outside in the gardens
take People Move upriver
cross Rainbow Bridge on foot
take Scenic Trolley
explore Goat Island and Three Sisters Islands - 2 p.m.
Cave of the Winds - 4 p.m.
dinner - either US side or Canadian side

At this point, if you are traveling towards Toronto, drive along the parkway and visit Niagara on the Lake for dinner.

If you are staying the night, explore Clifton Hill - yes, it's tacky, but it's a carnival atmosphere and can be a lot of fun.

This is not the question you asked so please excuse me but the two best things in Niagara Falls IMO is Queen of the Mist and Cave of the Winds. That is what I would recommend but maybe you've already done them.

opps, Maid of the Mist

Many thanks to you both for your tips. We hadn't considered going over to the NY side. I like the sound of Goat Island and Cave of the Winds. It sounds like we're going to have a jam-packed visit to Niagara Falls!

Emc - my first visit was for one full day with a couple hours on the night before and morning after. I realized it wasn't enough. My last visit was for 2 full days plus an additional 1/2 day. I'm now thinking I need to go for a week and go at a slightly slower pace. :-d

emc,

If you do go the U.S. side, just make sure to build time into your schedule for customs in both directions.

Skip Journey behind the Falls in favor of Cave of the winds... You can also catch the Maid of the Mist on the US side... You might consider walking across the Rainbow Bridge and using the People Mover system to get around the US side.... also consider the Whirlpool Jet boats over White water walk..... You ride the Boats into the lower rapids and experience a ride along the Niagara Gorge... its a world class ride...