niagara falls attractions (Lewiston, Ontario, Mexico: appointed, hotels, homes)

[trusam]

i have been to niagara falls (ontario) three times. i have been to journey behind the falls, maid of the mist and spent time near the horseshoe fall. i have been to rainforest cafe (the one which is very close to the falls), scary museum (not sure about the name) and couple of places around falls ave. this time I want to visit new places like butterfly conservatory, parks and whirlpool. i have 1full day and one half. are there more exciting places to visit? is it worth going to see the fall from the US?

thanks

[Dockwalliper]

The U.S. side is much more park like. The view is different but the city is not as touristy as the Canadian side. We do have the Cave of the winds and the 3 sisters islands.

[cheese9988]

I agree, the Canadian side is kind of a tourist trap, Cliftin hill, the casino etc. The American side has much better parks, and with the exception of a couple areas will give you better views of the falls, rapids and whirlpool.

The whirlpool is worth it, but be prepared to walk, there is a *huge* staircase to get down the hill and it is another hike to walk over to it. Gorgeous scenery though, bring a camera and you won't be disappointed. The Canadian side has a cable car that can go across.

The parks around the rapids are nice. You could take a tour of the power plant if your into that. There is the Hard Rock Cafe. Fort Niagara isn't too far away either.

[omigawd]

I would love to know the approximate expense of visiting Niagara Falls. I've been wanting to take my daughter for a short trip there and we'd be coming from NYC. I know there are some day trips and some 2 day trips that include transportation and lodging, but I don't know if I want to go on one of those "tour" things, having to be part of a group, etc. We'd rather explore on our own.

Can anyone give me an idea on the cost of hotels, restaurants, etc in the area (I guess on the Canada side)

Thanks

[FedupWNY]

On the American side of Niagara Falls, it's a "State park" which means you can sit on a bench and read a book along the rapids, if you like. You can pack a picnic basket, unfold a blanket and enjoy the sights and sounds of a natural wonder. Some of my best moments at the Falls have been enjoying the mist hitting me in a slight breeze on a warm summer's day. Something I'll never have to pay for. The best part of being on the American side, it's been kept as most "natural". No tour guides needed. You stop where you want to stop, you sit where you want to sit. You walk when you want to walk, and before you know it, 5 hours have gone by and you'll spend the whole day talking about how great it was being at "The Falls".

[Dockwalliper]

Remember if your doing the Canadian side after June 1st you will need a passport or enhenced drivers license.

[omigawd]

Originally Posted by Dockwalliper

Remember if your doing the Canadian side after June 1st you will need a passport or enhenced drivers license.

There are also Passport Cards now that are much less expensive than a Passport and are used for travel from the US to Canada, Mexico, and the islands.

[warm heatherette]

We took our six nephews on the Niagara gorge rapids jetboat tour. Loved it. Great fun!

Whirlpool Jet Boats Tours - Home - Niagara River Jetboating - Niagara Falls

If you're into hiking, the gorge trails on the US or Canadian sides are awesome hikes. Best to hike on the sunny side of the gorge - US afternoon; Canada morning.

For picnic and a swim, Dufferin Islands on the Ontario side is quite nice - and free - but can get quite busy in the summer.

Dufferin Islands Nature Area - Niagara Parks, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

If you bring your bicycles or roller-blades, on the Canadian side you can ride all the way from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake beside the Niagara Parkway, an excellent bike/walking path.

If you're driving, the stretch of the Niagara Parkway from Niagara Falls through Queenston to Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautiful drive, with lots of wineries and vistas along the way. Queenston Heights is also a good place to stop for a picnic, or anywhere along the Parkway. Niagara-on-the-Lake is fabulous - historic inns and homes, restaurants, shopping, live theatre - but can be expensive. Loads of history here.

On the U.S. side a drive along the river from the Falls through Lewiston to Youngstown is also lovely. Both are small, quaint villages. Artpark is in Lewston, with free music events on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (great view of Brock's monument on the Canadian side, too) Youngstown has Fort Niagara within the state park, right at the mouth of the river on Lake Ontario. Another great picnic spot also with loads of history.

Definitely see the falls from the U.S. side, a different & much more natural perspective than the Canadian side (unless you look up and over ). A side trip to Goat Island is also interesting.

[JustinH]

Maid of the mist is a very fun boat ride that takes you near the falls, you get soaked. They give you a poncho however.

It was pretty cheap about 12 dollars per person. Well worth it.

Only do it on very warm days. I seen a bunch of people from overseas going on it yesterday when it was 50 degrees, they are nuts. They must have been freezing.