Niagara Falls
 

Which is the better side to view the falls? American or Canadian? I will be arriving from the American side and was also wondering if it is easy to cross to the Canadian Side. Are there many formalities or delays in doing this?

From the bottom, looking up.

We stayed on the Canadian side, where I think it's the nicer view. Also, the Cave of the Winds Tour offers a very different look at the falls. <BR>Because we were there prior to 2001, I do not know if crossing the border is still as easy as it had been.<BR>Another interesting view of the area can be found a bit downstream from the falls at the whirlpool from the Spanish aerocar.

One of the most beautiful ways to cross from the U.S. to Canada is to walk across the Rainbow Bridge (which is the bridge you would also drive across). You will be able to stop and have a sensational view of the Falls. Both sides are beautiful, but there is more to do on the Canadian side and it is better maintained. If you are a US or Canadian citizen, it is best to have some ID with you (driver's license, Board of Elections Card). I keep our kids' birth certificates with me as we go across the US/Canada border frequently. We keep hearing about longer lines at the bridges this summer, but so far, it usually isn't a problem going across. If you are not a citizen, make sure you have your passport.

Another vote for the Canadian side. The jet boat ride up the Niagara rapids from Niagara-on-the-Lake is pretty fun, too.

Don't know about crossing since 9/11, but the Canadian side is a lot better. Do take the time to cross over. Whatever time it takes it will be worth it.<BR><BR>

We were there last summer, be sure to go on the Maid of the Mist boat ride into the falls. The lines may look long but they get you onl quickly and it is worth the trip. Also another vote for the Canadian side.

I'm at the Canadian side once a month for business, and its no hassle at all to cross. The hotels are newer, cleaner and a much better view. Coupled with the strenght of the dollar relative to the Canadian Dollar its a no=brainer. Go and enjoy. BTW check out Niagra on the Lake. A great town and not as touristy as Niagra Falls.

I agree that the view is better and there is more to do on the Canadian side. However, do spend some time at the state park on the American side. You can walk out on to Three Sisters Island to really feel the power of the river as it heads toward the falls, there are great spots to view the falls from alongside both the Canadian and American falls, and it is kind of amazing to be right in between the American falls on a platform. Also, the walkway beneath the falls [also from the American side] is worth the experience. The last attraction is only open from May till Oct.[approximately] There can be delays crossing either way. The last time I crossed back from Canada, I had to wait in line about 20-25 min. You may need a passport or birth certificate now. Prior to Sept. 11 you just needed a dr. licence. I've been up to Canada twice in the last couple months. Once I needed the extra ID, more recently, I didn't.

George, I live down the road from Niagara Falls in Buffalo. There is no "better" side to view the falls. Both sides offer very different, yet wonderful views. From the Canadian side you view the falls in its' entirety from a distance. It is breathtaking. However, on the American side, you can stand at the railing right where the water drops over the side. It is an awesome experience. Also on the American side, you can get up close to the upper rapids. On the Canadian side, take the walkway down to the lower rapids. These rapids are the strongest in the world. Another suggestion is to visit Old Fort Niagara on the American side (about a 10 minute drive from the falls). It is a wonderful, very well preserved piece of American history (www.oldfortniagara.org). <BR><BR>In conclusion, view, stay and play on the Canadian side, but don't miss the sites on the American side. Have a great time. P.S. Don't attempt to go over the border without "proof" of citizenship. You driver's license is NOT proof. A birth certificate (not a copy), passport, voters registration card serve as proof.