Niagara Falls Tourist Traps

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The two sides of the border are quite a contrast, the American side is park-like and fairly quiet, laid back and green, and the Canadien one is a continuous asphalt and concrete strip devoid of trees, with trashy attractions like a Ripley's Believe it or Not museum (whenever you see one of these you know you're in a serious tourist trap!), a Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Cafe, arcade game halls, a casino, golf courses and a large commercial arrangement right beside one of the waterfalls.
Ironically, there's even an IMAX cinema which advertises that you can experience Niagara Falls "larger than life" on a giant six-storey tall screen, despite the fact that the real falls, less than half a mile away, are actually three times higher than this! The Canadian side really is the make-a-buck nightmare!

Unique Suggestions: In its defence, however, there are also some very worthwhile attractions on the Canadian side, including the Spanish Aero Car mentioned previously, a nice walk at river level beside the Whirlpool Rapids, a combined greenhouse and aviary, and a butterfly house with hundreds of colorful denizens of the tropics.

Fun Alternatives: If you visit the Niagara Falls I recommend you to spend most of your time on the American side and only visit the Canadian side for some hours to have nice views to the falls. Especially by night, this can be a great adventure, if you can bear the crowded and loud streets of Niagara Falls, Ontario.

We found that a lot of the souvener shops around are really just tourist traps as far as we are concerned, high priced junk and they are every where. Now there are a few good ones for shopping and souveners but be careful.

Smile and get your picture taken! Stand by the falls! Catch a rainbow! Ride the Maid of the Mist!

The scenery here is so great, ALL of your pictures should come out wonderful. May I suggest 400 speed film and a nice tripod for your camcorder? Be patient with the other tourists, they come from around the world to see this natural wonder!

Unique Suggestions: Wait until after summer to visit the falls. Mid September has moderate temperatures and less crowds. I'm sure a road trip to Niagara Falls during the Fall must be a real treat! Check local websites for peak fall foliage dates.

Fun Alternatives: Take a trip along the main road following the river downward. Lots of places to stop and take pictures and get away from the big crowds along side the falls.

I haven't been to the Niagara Falls before, so at the Visitors Centre somewhere on the Highway it was easy for them to sell us a Package (Hotel/Tour) on the US side. Next time I would book Hotel in advance on the Canadian Side. There's more to do and of course more to see than on the US Side.

A PLACE FOR HONEYMOONERS
Niagara has traditionally been a place for lovers (more than 50.000 couples spend here their HM), since in 1801 Theodosia Burr, daughter of future U.S. Vice-President Aaron Burr and Joseph Alston chose to honeymoon in Niagara Falls. Niagara became soon accessible to less wealthy sweethearts as well. There is even a Scientific theory for that: Negative ions generated by the falling water of the cataract are thought to be a strong aphrodisiac, and the reason of the city's honeymooning popularity.
If you wanna go wedding, take a look at The Wedding Chappel.

THE YELLOW RAINCOAT
This yellow raincoats are a symbol of the Falls. You can get some basic ones if you get into the boats, visit the caves... or you can buy better ones at any souvenir shop here.

Most everything will get you. Money,Money,Money. On a day trip on April 19th, 2001 we went to purchase 3 bottles of Coke and 3 small candy Bars at gift shop on Goat Island on the USA side. It came to almost $10.00. I told them no way was I going to pay that much. Most places would be about $4.00. DON'T BYE! Picture is of Gift shop on Goat Island. This is what I think od their High Prices. Bring your own or go to a restraunt a short distance from the Falls.! We ended up going to Canada and eating at A McDonalds for a reasonable price.
RIP OFF< RIP OFF,Rip Off

Whatever hotel you stay at, there will be a booth in the lobby selling tours. These 'tours' will cost you a minimum of $60 and proclaim some 20 or 30 sights that you will be seeing. What they really are is an expensive alternative to walking around from place to place. You would be paying maybe $20 for the boat ride and the Cave of the Winds. Everything else is free. Then at the end of the 'tour' the guide has the gall to remind you that tipping is appreciated. You do get some interesting historical tidbits, but you have to ask yourself if it's worth the extra $40 to you.