We have 2 days to see Niagara Falls next month and I cannot figure out which side to stay on. The Canada side seems to have better views and the touristy Clifton Hill stuff, but I’ve also read that the NY side has better hiking trails and you can get way closer to the actual falls at the state park. We have passports so crossing the border isn’t an issue.
For those who’ve been to both, which side did you prefer sleeping on? We’re not big on wax museums and chain restaurants so if the Canada side is just that, maybe NY is better for us. Also is the Maid of the Mist still running or is it the Hornblower now? Getting confused by old info online.
Definitely the Canadian side is where you want to be if you only have to go to one side. The horseshoe fall has a better, closer, spectacular and dramatic view from there. The tunnels take you under the fall; the boats take you as close as possible to the mighty waters as well. The magnolias filled park associated, including the IMAX theatre, is something one should not miss, in their lifetime :-)! The American side is also nice, to admire the rainbow of the midst and stroll in the park. Oh, on the Canadian side you may want to go to Niagara-on-the-Fall… in case you like good wine; and butterflies!
I love the Canadian side, beautiful drive up the Niagara parkway. I believe the view of the falls is better from Canadian side. There are two boats to view the falls, Hornblower on Canadian side and Maid of the Mist on American side. No real need to walk Clifton hill if you don’t want museums.
Visited Niagra falls" 3 weeks ago. Both side have a good view. Take the boat ride (worth it). Canadian side have some good hiking trils. Make sure to take your “Passport” with you.
The NY side definitely gets you closer to the falls itself, especially with the state park trails. But overall, I think the Canadian side has the better panoramic views of the falls. You’ll be able to see the light shows they project onto the falls much better! It can get a little busy during the summer because of all the tourists travelling from Toronto, though.
If you’re looking for a boat ride to the falls, check out the Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour. Something I’ve definitely been looking into lately is the zipline over the water too, it looks pretty cool. Also, if you’re into wineries at all, that’s another neat thing about staying on the Canadian side. The Niagara region has quite a few wineries nearby that can make for a fun half-day trip.
Are you really into nature by chance? There’s a few exhibits and an observatory on the Canada side with some cool things to see!
We live in Toronto and go atleast once a year, usually twice as it’s amazing around Christmas too. We did a 3 day stay at the Brock, a Hilton hotel that has a new adult Oasis water area. Niagara Parks has passes from 1-3 days with a range of very interesting and fun activities, check it out here, https://www.niagaraparks.com/
If you have two full days, you could see both sides. I was only in that area for two days. I spent a few hours on the Canadian side, spent the night on the American side, and then the next day saw the American side. The Canadian side has more to do (shops, restaurants, etc.), and you can get close to Horseshoe Falls. The American side is quieter, and you can get close to American Falls. I don’t know if the Maid of the Mist is still running, but if it is, it is definitely worth going on.