On the American-Canadian border lays one of the most magnificent sights and a true natural wonder of the world; Niagara Falls. Did you know there are two official sides to the falls? Call us naïve, but It was not until our confirmation for our hotel came back with a Canadian address that it clicked. We genuinely did not realise that there were two separate official sides to Niagara Falls. The American falls and of course, the Canadian falls. Niagra Falls and the river are split down the middle; each with their own character and beauty. So which side is better? The American Falls or the Canadian Falls?
There is an old saying that there are two sides to every story, and to truly make an educated decision or judgement you must consider both sides in full. Each side of the mighty falls offers a completely different experience. If you are a hiker or nature lover; the American side will most likely suit you better. If you are all about the activities, entertainment; and the best views of the Falls the Canadian side will be your jam.
Getting to Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is often booked as a short trip or quick stopover; from New York so if you only have a short amount of time. On our USA road trip, we decided to spend 48 hours at Niagara Falls driving from New York City; Choosing to use the entry point at the Rainbow International Bridge to cross to the Canadian Side. Being the main hub and border crossing point this area can get quite congested; so be prepared to wait.
Tip: Off Niagara Road turn right onto 07th,08th street then take a left that will take you to the main road which links up with Niagara road this is pretty much at the entrance of the border.
The current prices to cross are USD4.00 or CAD5.50 but they may change. Use this website to check the traffic conditions for the bridge Like any international border crossing be polite, helpful and there will be no issues. The officials will check passports, accommodation papers; car permits ask a few questions in regards to your travel plans. Driving over Rainbow bridge the excitement builds as the roar of the falls Ecco through the car; there you will get your first glimpse of the size and magnitude of the Falls. Niagara Falls is made up of 3 separate waterfalls, the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls.
The Canadian Falls
Throw your expectations out the window as the Canadian side was nothing like what we had pictured when we decided to visit Niagara Falls. Imagine this Disneyland, a fantastic fair/carnival and a dance rave all mashed into one amazing area. The streets are full of life, pubs, extreme mini-golf, funfair style arcades, food, ice cream, an upside-down house; the coolest thing of all is a SPEEDWAY!!!! The Clifton Hill Sky wheel is a fantastic way to get some awesome aerial photos of the falls; it is about CAD 15.00 per adult and totally worth it for the view.
If you are planning on going on a few of the main attractions we would suggest jumping on https://www.cliftonhill.com/fun-pass you can get a fun pass for 3 of the main attractions including the Sky Wheel for CAN $19.95 which will save you some cash. This area was quite expensive, so just keep that in mind when planning your trip. Accommodation can get quite expensive as well; however, the location is the key. We stayed at Falls View Cascade; it was a perfect spot; located on the hill it was a short walk to the main street of course to the beautiful falls.
See the raw natural beauty of this magnificent site; get up early and make the most of the sunrise we can guarantee you; you will get those Instagram worthy pictures. By night is where the Falls are changed into a magical wonderland; bands play on the sidewalk, the falls illuminated with fantastic colours and designs perfectly positioned on the water. During summer fireworks extravaganzas take place every night; seeing the night sky lit up with the beauty of fireworks backdropped by the glorious falls is truly breathtaking.
The Hornblower Niagara Falls Cruise
This is the newest edition to the Canadian Side; the Hornblower is basically the same as the world-famous Maid of the Mist (American Falls Side). They offer a 20 min trip on a paddle steamer up the river towards the falls. It is slightly more expensive than the Maid of the Mist and is about CAN $25.95. The unique thing with the Hornblower is they offer a 40 min illumination cruise; as well as a fireworks cruise, these itineraries set sail after dark; which are designed so you can enjoy the beauty of the lights from the river. You can find their schedule and prices here.
Walk across an international border
This is quite a unique experience, not many places in the world you can walk across an international border. Why not aye? To walk across the border the same rules apply as if you were driving or flying; you have to have your passport, accommodation details, answer questions about your purpose of travel; and pay the USD1.00 fee to cross.
After a magical evening soaking in the beauty of the Canadian Falls; set off early and experience the falls from another point of view.
The American Falls
The roar of the 567,811 Liters of water per second; the mist hitting your face and the sheer size and beauty will awaken your sensors; to the colossal American Falls. The American Falls has an untouched feeling; you can stand right up to the edge of the falls, and it is all national parks and walking through there. It is very surreal and breathtaking. A car park ($10 cash or card), information building and toilet block is the only real signs of info structure; the rest is made up of the natural park.
The Cave of the Winds
A natural cave that has been carved into the side of the rock face; for USD 19.00 per adult you can descend the wooden stairs to the base; it is here you will find the Cave of the Winds. It is a fantastic way to see the size and experience the power of Niagara Falls from the bottom. Be sure to take a poncho or raincoat and good grip shoes; you will get wet!
Maid of the Mist
The maiden voyage set out in 1846; some very determined people used a paddle steamer to go up the river against the force of the water. To this day the Maid of the Mist is a beloved tourist attraction giving people the chance to cruise up the stream on the paddle steamer and enjoy the magnitude of the Falls from a different angle. The 2020 prices are USD$22.25 for an adult and it leaves and returns from the American side of the Falls.
Prospect Point Observation Tower
Unlike regular observation towers which usually go straight up giving you a birds-eye view of the area, the Prospect Point observation Tower extends out over the Gorge giving you an opportunity to walk out onto the deck; high above the raging river.
So which side is better the American Falls or the Canadian Falls?
In our opinion you need to visit both sides of the falls; they both have a unique experience to offer. The American side for your sensors to be awoken; with the roar of the water and being up close and personal with the magnitude of the Falls. The problem with the American side is that you are on the edge of the falls so essentially you do not get those postcard-perfect views and photos of the Horseshoe Falls.
The Canadian side is extremely touristy, with its arcade games, flashy lights and high prices but it really is worth staying on that side. The entertainment factor combined with the panoramic views of all three waterfalls is breathtaking. You can get clear beautiful photos of the iconic Falls from all angles, in both daylight and at night.
The ease of having access to both sides in such close proximity is your ticket to explore and experience it all, do yourself a favour and enjoy both sides to the Niagara Falls story.
