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201 Rainbow Boulevard, Niagara Falls, New York, 14303, United States
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At the beginning of the trail
An exhibit showing historical information
Horseshoe Falls
American Falls by Prospect Point
Hi all!
I have seen in the timetable in the Maid of the Mist website that they say "American side: 15 minutes later".
My question is: is the trip exactly the same whether you board in Canada or in USA? Or is it better to cross the border and board the boat in Canada?
I have read 1000 times that Canadian side is much more impressive, but I don't know if the sights will be the same wherever you board or not.
Thanks for your help!!! :)
Best regards!
Maria
Yes they both do the same trip.....it's the view from land that's different. Both worth a look....I was there in 1999 and for a small Visa fee was allowed to cross over the border into the USA for a few hours to have a look.
But there is more to see and so on the Canadian side.
Have fun
Col
Hi !
I was just there last year and went to both sides.
We took the Maid of the Mist from the US side. It was incredible! Whether you take this ride in the US or in Canada, it would be the same. The ship will take you as close as possible to the falls and get ready to get wet!
They have the same ride from Canada side, but if it's not going to cost you anymore, YES - the Canada side shows a better picture of the Falls (on land). It's definitely a "MUST SEE"!
Make sure you call the Canadian Embassy to find out if you need a visa.
Hope this helps!
Just rode the Maid of the Mist yesterday! View is same from both sides, however the boats on the U.S. side carry a few less people. According to my guide 500 vs 300. Either way they carry a lot of folks. ;-)
As for land, Canada is much nicer. If you are booked on the U.S. side, it's only a short walk to the Rainbow bridge from most of the hotels. No charge to go across to Canada by foot, but .50 (fifty cents) to return to the U.S.
I'll be leaving Niagara Falls tomorrow, will try to get some current tips and photo uploaded the next few days.
See Niagara Falls from the American and the Canadian sides. Honestly, the Canadian side offer MUCH more to the visitor. Well, actually, this is a bad memory. When we went to Niagara my dad thought it was necessary to spend 3 days there!!! Take it from me- that is way too long!! One night or 3-4 hours is all you need to enjoy this majestic natural wonder!!
It would be a mistake to rush right by this Visitor Center on your way to see Niagara Falls. Here you can get all the details about the many things to see and do at Niagara Falls, as well as learn much about the history and geology of these magnificent falls.
The kids, and adults too, will love the Discovery Center, featuring fossils and mineral specimens and a multi-screen theatre presentation showing how the Falls have evolved over the past 12,000 years.
In addition to the interpretative displays you can also shop for unique souvenirs, books and gifts inspired by the beauty of Niagara Falls. Naturally, I added another refrigerator magnet to my collection - GRIN!
Niagara Falls State Park
If you come to Niagara Falls, you MUST take the Maid of the Mist cruise.... and/or the Whirlpool Jet boat ride which operates from early May to late October. Very fun! And I doubt if you'd regret it. I sure didn't.... :-D
However, during the months of November-April, the Maid of the Mist, Jetboat, Cave of the Winds are all closed. :-(
For the most part you can leave the fancy clothing at home. The area dresses very casual.
Good walking shoes that can handle getting a little wet.
Many people say to pack rain gear, but with airline weight limits, it isn't worth the weight. Any of the attractions that you may get wet, give you a poncho to keep. Also the 'Cave of the Winds' give you a cheap pair of sandals.
A folding umbrella. Scattered storms are common. The don't last long, but come when you least need them.
Of course this list is for the warmer months, when most people visit. For winter, I think common sence would tell you to pack a very warm coat, hat and gloves. A small comb or hair brush you can carry with you. Many of the attractions will bring new meaning to 'bad hair day'.
Sun block, even those days with an overcast can burn you. Most people want to take photos and use a point & shot camera. Bring a tripod or at least a mini one! The falls at night are great, but you won't get a clear shot hand holding your camera.
If you don't have a water proof case for your camera, you need to bring either a special cover (for SLRs) or a plastic sandwich bag for point and shoot cameras. For you rookie SLR folks... before you leave home, check with your local camera shop for a proctive cover. These are like little raincoats for the body and lens, most will handle up to a 400mm lens. Cost is only about $6.00 for two. I DID NOT see any in the area for sale, you must bring it from home. Water bottle, it can get hot here and you don't want to pay those tourist prices for bottle water.
Everyone will tell you this, and some people still don't pack it... your PASSPORT! As of right now American's can still cross the boarder, if they have their official (with raised seal) birth certificate and photo ID, but this won't be lasting much longer.
Some of the best views of the Niagara Escarpment are not found at the conventional tourists points. For the cheapest, prettiest and more secluded pictures of this beautiful area, park at the Niagara Falls (New York side) Aquarium. Walk across the pedestrian bridge that goes over the highway and you'll find yourself at some trail destination points.
Pick one and walk it! You won't get elaborate views of the falls but you will get to see some pretty amazing scenery. Bridges, look-out points and historical markers make this journey worth exploring in moderate terrain.
A free activity thats good for you, with your not so common tourist pics.
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