Thinking of taking a quick trip to see the falls on our way home from a graduation.
Have passports so want to see the falls from the Canadian side.
Any pointers where to stay? What to do? Where to eat?
And yea I know it’s kitschy but I’ve never been and it’s not far.
Hmmmmm…I actually like the American side better now. The Canadian side has gotten VERY touristy. (Like arcades and goofy museums and such). While the view of the falls is better on the Canadian side, you can see more of the Niagra River and can get very close to the actual falls on the American side. On the American side there are about zero touristy things. Total opposite of Canadian side. If you have little kids or teens to entertain, Canadian side is better. But bring your wallet!
Lots of hotels and motels on the Canadian side. Generally, the farther you are from the falls, the lower the price. Prices might be better in Canada, too, as the Canadian dollar is trading at about 74 cents U.S.
If you like theater, check out the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, about a half hour drive from Niagara Falls on the Canadian side, on the shores of Lake Ontario. They do a lot of George Bernard Shaw plays as well as new works and older classics, including some musicals. Pretty high quality productions. And it’s a cute little town, touristy as they come but charming nonetheless.
The Niagara region is also Canada’s wine country. They’re very proud of the local product, some of which is quite good. You can book a wine tour or do tastings at individual wineries on your own.
There’s also a lovely bike trail along the Niagara River on the Canadian side. Rent a bike or bring your own.
If you’re a history buff, Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Niagara across the river on the American side are pretty interesting.
The Canadian side is shocking LOL. I didn't believe it until I went. The actual falls are awesome, but don't stay anywhere close.
Stay in Niagara on the Lake, a beautiful town less than a half hour away. Visit the Falls, most definitely a better view from the Canadian side, then enjoy NOTL. Niagara Falls is a tacky tourist trap.
Canadian side. Do the walk under the falls. Maid of the Mist. Yes, it’s kitschy, but it’s Niagara Falls for goodness sakes! See the falls at night with the light show as you walk along the pathway.
We stayed a couple of blocks out, within walking distance but not right by the falls and with no view, for a very reasonable price. But I agree that the area is very, very commercial.
We liked the Canadian side. The butterfly conservatory is a must-see! We also enjoyed dinner in the revolving restaurant close to the Falls - great views.
I’m thinking it’s like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or Myrtle Beach. I’ve been to all 3 and embraced them all.
I’m prepared for tacky 
But I’ve never been so decided to do a quick trip to see the falls.
I didn’t think it was nearly as touristy as Gatlinburg.
Never been to Gatlinburg but was TOTALLY unimpressed with Niagara Falls. With so many places to visit in this world, my advice is to use your money to go elsewhere. It was a side trip when we were traveling elsewhere but still one of the most disappointing travel experiences in my lifetime.
^That’s so interesting how people have different experiences. We had a wonderful time there and were really glad we made the trip. I’ve been to a lot of places around the world, too.
I think it is definitely worth a visit if you will be in the vicinity. Agree with those who say embrace the kitsch. We went on the Maid of the Mist (save that for last – we got soaked), walked under the falls, played mini-golf etc. See the falls lit up at night too. We ate at the Skylon Tower – a revolving restaurant to get every last bit of touristy stuff in. If I remember right we stayed at the Sheraton right at the falls on the Canadian side and it was just fine but that was years ago.
Born and raised there on the American side of the Falls. My dad was in the tourist business on the Canadian side and even I think it’s become a little over the top with the introduction of the casinos. However, for pure natural beauty it is well worth stopping. Try to see the Falls from both sides…Goat Island State Park on the American side will offer another "behind the Falls"view alongside the Bridal Veil Falls which are just to the side of the American Falls. The view of the Horseshoe Falls (what are referred to as the Canadian Falls) is best from Victoria Park on the Canadian side. I agree that the Maid of the Mist is an experience not to be missed, and the tricky-tacky shops up and down Clifton Hill are as one would expect. There are many hotels along the strip but value is probably better found somewhat away from the actual Falls.
Staying in Niagara-on-the-Lake would be my choice, too, and there are some new, great restaurants in that vicinity. I’d research anything farm-to-table in that area. Driving to or from the Falls to NotL you can explore the wineries and the Butterfly Conservatory.
I’ve travelled quite a bit since leaving Niagara Falls, but every time I return I am amazed by the sound, sight, and power of the Falls. Sorry I can’t be more helpful with specific recommendations, but living there and with relatives still in Buffalo, I’ve actually never stayed there as a tourist! Oh wait, I actually spent my wedding night in a honeymoon suite at Michael’s Inn along River Road, courtesy of my Dad and his contacts in the industry. It was a hoot!
We stopped over there for one night on our way to Toronto. We stayed at a hotel with a direct view of the Fall from our hotel rooms. We saw people walk under the mist and all. I asked the girls if they wanted to go down to the Fall and they said no.
While vacationing in Toronto, we drove to Canadian Niagara Falls with our kids for a day. We had a great time on Maid of the MIst. After that, DH and DS (who was of age) went to the casino while DD and I saw the IMAX movie about the falls. I can’t say I wanted to stay a lot longer, but it was a great day trip.
I asked the girls if they wanted to go down to the Fall and they said no.<<<<<<<<<<
Wow. That is sad. They are awesome. Sad for your kids, not to have some excitement over the natural beauty part.
Thanks for this, as I booked a trip over Thanksgiving for our family. It’s been on our bucket list. We don’t mind tacky and touristy. Everyone in our area either vacations every summer in Myrtle Beach or Pigeon Forge. We did that for years until the kids got older and I wanted them to see the world. I got a deal on a Casino room on the American side and told my kids about it, and they were excited. I thought it would be cool and something different for them.
They were able to see it from their room. They saw people getting kind of wet down there.
We didn’t like the American side at all. City has the vibe of “has had its day”. Falls, of course were beautiful.
We visited for one day/night on the way back from Toronto 2 or 3 years ago. I enjoyed the boat ride but H and S hated it. We ate lunch at a really terrific little french restaurant in downtown Niagara Falls. Our hotel room was in the Marriott with a beautiful view of the falls (high floor) so we ordered room service for dinner, drank a bottle of wine and watched the sun set over the falls. It was great to do that once.