Please review my itinerary Niagara theme
 

Hi, I am considering for financial reasons doing the following: flight NYC to Buffalo, rent a car a couple of days see the New York side of Niagara, return car to train station and take Amtrak to Toronto (really cheap fare)
I plan on using public transportation around Toronto then taking the Amtrak back to Buffalo where I am just a couple of miles from airport and, supposedly, Hertz will take me to airport back to NY.

Also, any opinion on amtrak trip from buffalo to toronto?
Thanks
Ken

I heard that the bus in really cheap from Buffalo to Toronto. around $25. Not sure but you should look into taking the bus if you are on a budget.

Hi, Kendu. I answered your post on the US forum, but you didn't offer as much info. as you did here.

If you are renting a car in Buffalo, I would suggest using the car to go the NF and on to Toronto. Taking the car to Niagara Falls, then returning it to Buffalo and taking the train to Toronto, is just too much work.

It is very easy to drive from Buffalo to NF and on to Toronto....very easy.

Thanks, Buffalo girl and others. Is Goat's Island really worth it. Or, just go right to Canada, no insult to Buffalo, of course. If I had to do Maid of the Mist on one of the sides, which side should it be?
Thanks
Ken

If you are driving, consider on dinner at Pellar Estates Wineries in Niagara On the Lake.

Kendu
We really enjoyed Goat Island because you can get up co close to Horseshoe Falls. You can visit all along the shore line from Horseshoe Falls up to the American falls within 2hrs. I would then go over to the Canadian side for the Maid of the Mist and lodging.

kendu, I always suggest staying on the Canadian side, but absolutely viewing the falls from the Canadian AND American sides.

The Canadian side offers a panoramic view that shows the American and Canadian falls in their entirety. On the American side, you can check out several vantage points where you literally stand at the brink of the falls - most of which are on Goat Island. The view is awesome. Also on the American side, you can stand right next to the upper rapids.

Another thing I suggest is going down to the lower Niagara river gorge to view the gorge walls and the incredible rapids - considered the strongest and most dangerous in the world. On the Canadian side you can visit the rapids in the Great Gorge Adventure (or Whitwater Walk)....I'm not certain of the name. I'm sure you'll find it on all the tourist websites. There is a wooden boardwalk that you can walk along.

On the American side, you would have to hike down a narrow stairway into the gorge in Devil's Hole state park. There is no charge, and it's something only locals seem to know about. There is no wooden walkway, but just a pathway along the river.

No matter how you do it, I personally think it's the best part of visiting Niagara Falls.

Which ever way you do it, check out the car rental regulations and make sure you can take a rental car across an international border! That could put a stop to your plans at the Peace Bridge!