Let us talk today on the much-debated topic: Niagara Falls is one beauty that can be viewed from both the American side and the Canadian side.

Now is there anyone on Earth who does not dream of visiting Niagara Falls??

Well, I do not think so; every year, this natural wonder is visited by about 14 million tourists. Naturally, everyone dreams of taking a photo here, refreshing themselves in the cool spray of the waterfall, and of course, tossing a coin for luck. The view of Niagara Falls is absolutely breathtaking.

People come here for different purposes, family vacations, honeymoons, paid excursions, vacations or holidays, and many more. Be it for whatever purpose, they are in here for a delight.

However, people are often confused between the sides to see Niagara Falls. The view from both sides has many differences and yet some similarities too. The one question tourists always have in mind is what’s better: the Canadian view vs. the American view.

So, in this article, we will try to solve that confusion for you. Before that, let’s know a bit about Niagara Falls.

Mystery related to Niagara Falls

It would seem what mystery could be hiding in a place with such a huge flow of people. But turns out it still has its share of secrets. Some of them are pretty eerie, but people still try to unravel them today.

One of the terrifying places within the vicinity of the waterfall, where many brave people have risked their lives for the sake of conquering a dangerous element is the Devil’s Hole.

Let’s start with the fact that the Devil’s Hole is located on the territory of the National Park. This is the name of a cave that it’s best to steer clear of. This may not seem very scientific, but it’s believed that evil spirits live here, and trouble awaits anyone who dares to climb inside.

It might sound implausible at the moment, but even in the guidebooks for Niagara Falls, this place is a hard pass. Fatal accidents always happen here.

There is a legendary tale that in the 17th century, the famous explorer of North America, LaSalle, visited the cave. An evil spirit spoke to him and ordered him to return home immediately and end his expeditions and explorations of the world.

The traveler ran out of the cave in horror but chose not to believe the evil and continued to conquer new lands. But bad luck followed him right after that, diseases, pirates, and shipwrecks, yet he continued his expedition.

Alas, it all came to an end for him somewhere near the coast of Texas in 1687. He met his death as a mutiny erupted and around five men attacked and killed him, and thus the predictions of the evil spirit came true.

History of the origin of the Niagara falls

Niagara Falls serves as a kind of border between the two countries. Its history can be traced back to the time of the ice age, which was about 16,000 years ago.

At that time, the northern region of America was covered by a glacier more than a kilometer thick. When the ice was treated, the Great Lakes had formed about 12,000 years ago.

The waters flowing from the lakes made a path for themselves, later cutting the Niagara Falls channel. The lakes were arranged in a cascade, and the water flowed from one to the other. This is how one of the world’s most famous waterfalls was born.

Geography

We use to refer to it simply as the Niagara Falls, but this is a whole complex of waterfalls on the Niagara River. The river connects the two great lakes of North America, i.e., lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

Niagara falls comprises a collection of three falls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. The Horseshoe Falls is a waterfall located in the Canadian province of Ontario, and the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are in the state of New York, USA.

Today Niagara Falls is one of the biggest falls in the world. It is admired for its massive size, and interestingly the height of the falls is compared to the famous monument the Arc de Triomphe in Paris or the famous leaning tower of Pisa, and the speed of its flow is so incredible that it’s comparable to a tsunami.

It would take an average family about seven and half years to use up the volume of water that flows through Niagara Falls in just one second, but what is hidden behind this mighty column of water is worth watching.

So, let’s check out what the views hold for us.

Similarities

American side:

The tourist can take a 30-minute boat ride which goes very close to the Horseshoe Falls in the Maid of the Mist (a red one). The maid of the mist leaves every 30 minutes. Sidewalks or footwalks are present on both sides to the possibility of going near the falls.

Canadian side:

This site also offers 30-minute boat tours that go very close to the Horseshoe Falls in the Mist boat ride (a blue one), but the boat is not called the Maid of the Mist here. Rather it is called Hornblower Niagara Cruise. It also leaves every 30 minutes.

The Differences

American side:

The most striking difference is the view from both sides. The Niagara Falls in the USA do not provide a complete view of the horseshoe falls despite developing the observation decks. The American Falls can only be seen and felt if you enter the sidewalks of the cave of the winds, but yet not in full.

Canadian side:

The Canadian side is just very lucky enough to have such panoramic views of all three falls from the Niagara Gorge. But the most closely felt is the horseshoe falls.

Niagara Falls: American side

1. You can have a very close view of the falls from the wooden walkways of the cave of the york winds. This cave got collapsed in 1954.
2. As you walk across the sidewalks, you can have a free shower, especially on the hurricane deck of the American falls.
3. When you go down to the cave of the winds, you can also experience a closer view of the Bridal Veil Falls.
4. There is a little island called the Goat Island, which separates the American Falls from the Horseshoe Falls, and some also prefer to view the Niagara Falls, New York, from the rim of this island. The Goat Island, along with the prospect point park, makes up the state park.
5. People who have difficulty walking but still want to enjoy the majestic view of the new york Niagara falls can get a hop-on hop-off trolley service just for 2 Canadian dollars.
6. The maid of the mist boat, which runs along the Niagara river, goes pretty close to Niagara falls. They have tickets of different prices for different age groups of people.
7. If you decide to visit the Three Sisters’ Islands, you can see many whirlpool rapids rushing into Niagara falls.
8. If one got dollars to spend, you can take the helicopter rides or visit the adventure theater.

Niagara Falls: Canadian side

It is understood that the Canadian side offers the most majestic view of the Niagara falls from the walking paths, and the question is no longer a difficulty. A few options for you-

1. But in case you want to expand and enrich your view a little more, do give it a shot from the Skylon Tower.
2. The point of main attraction there is the revolving restaurant which gives a broader view of the three waterfalls while enjoying your meals or snacks from the observation tower. Or else you can also reserve a table here well in advance, which automatically comes with the observation deck, the ticket for which is now available online.
3. Also, one can now view the falls from the brand new sky wheel or the largest observation wheel.
4. The Canadian side border is a little fancier. There are casinos over there, like the Casino Niagara and the Fallsview Casino Resort. Some hotels are there, which gives it a Las Vegas feel full of glamor. It is a very touristy area called Clifton Hill.
5. There are a lot of main attractions like it has got a Niagara sky wheel called the Hornblower and also a zip line. This side is busier and a little more open with some trees.
6. If you stay overnight at Niagara falls, do visit the fall light show. In the summer months, the falls are illuminated with different changing colors on Sundays and Fridays and maybe on some public holidays.
7. The Niagara’s fury (a 4D theatre experience) or journey behind the falls is more to see and explore while visiting Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.
8. Go and spend some time at the Niagara Glen ar Niagara gorge, which offers a 2.5 miles hiking trail.

Cities in and around Niagara Falls

Canada

Canada is no more the old city of haunted houses, wax museums, or the many fast-food chains along the road.

It is now adorned in neon lights, more entertainment for both the adults and the kids if you can spend a little more Canadian dollars. There are also two casinos for the adults to hang out.

USA

There is a state park on the American side of Niagara Falls, which you can visit or maybe enjoy an outdoor movie night. There is not much on this side, but this side is for sure more family-friendly, less crowded, and has more green space around it.

But if you are a hiking enthusiast, it’s your spot as it has many hiking trails along the Niagara River.

Which side to visit?

If visiting Niagara falls is on your list, then take my opinion and try visiting both sides with proper planning and time management. Both sides offer the best they can, and one cannot skip visiting any one side.

The Canadian side is more touristy and wins for the view and a lot more to do up there, but if you want a quiet place to be and a nice close feel of Niagara falls, maybe the American side is for you.

How to reach the Canadian side from the American side??

Suppose you start from the American side border at the visitor center. From here, it takes around 20 minutes to walk to the Horseshoe Falls, which is the main Falls, and from there, you can make your way to the other side, i.e., Canada.

Although you can take a bicycle to reach Canada to America through the Rainbow bridge once you come across the sign welcome to go to Niagara falls state park, where the road also splits, you have to walk for the rest of the journey across the rainbow bridge.

The wind here is very misty and windy. There runs a trolley that charges 3 Canadian dollars for adults and 2 dollars for children, and it takes you around the park. Just donot forget to take your passport.

Hotels near Niagara Falls

The tourist footfall to see and enjoy the beauty of Niagara falls is very high, and hence the number of hotel options available is also very high. Hotel accommodations are available on all budgets and on both sides of Niagara Falls.

However, choose very wisely before making a booking. The Canadian side has more and better options being the fancier one.

Some of the hotel rooms on the Canada side have a direct view of the falls, like the Marriot, or the Radisson hotels. The American side has hotels that offer free wi-fi and are available in high, low, or mid ranges like the holiday inn or the La Quinta. The best place to stay is in the downtown area, just a walking distance from Niagara Falls, New York.

Well, that’s all we have for you.

No more confusion about view. Then what are you waiting for? Grab your visa and passport and save the date for your next vacation to Niagara Falls.

Also, don’t forget to keep your kids’ birth certificates if you are taking them along with you. Be ready to visit Niagara falls on both sides, and the connecting link will be the Rainbow bridge.

Remember visiting Niagara falls also gives you the perk of visiting the Niagara falls state park, Clifton hill, Canadian falls, Skylon tower, frozen falls, enjoying a boat ride, exploring the cave of the winds, adventure theater, vintage point, discovery center, and many more in the list.

In short, it is a full package, so take your time, and give a visit to everything possible. Do not rush, or you may miss something!

Do share this article with your friends and family who has the same confusions as you.

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Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by ritukhare