Which side of Niagra Falls?

miami85 ↓

Sat, Jun 15 2024, 11:58 pm

We're supposed to be going end of this month be"H. I haven't done Maid of the Mist in over 20 years. We can do either the American or Canadian side. Which one is more worth it? I've seen the American side is cheaper and tickets can be bought in advance, but lines can be unpredictable--I will have kids of all ages. On the other hand I don't really know when we will get to the Canadian side to "reserve a slot in advance".

Any words of wisdom are appreciated.

amother

Tomato ↓

Sun, Jun 16 2024, 12:06 am

The canadian side has a better view, American side youre right there and can feel the mist.
In my opinion the canadian side is better for the boat ride and American for the cabr of the winds.
The canadian side also has the bug/beetle thing which take you up high to see it and the skywheel which is a ferris wheel there.
Nit sure about lines and stuff cuz I didnt go during tourist season.
I didnt book tickets in advance for American side.

stillnewlywed

Sun, Jun 16 2024, 12:09 am

The Canadian side has so much more to do. If you are just going for a day the American side is probably fine, but if you are going to be there a couple of days the Canadian side definitely.
On the Canadian Side -
Hornblower
Journey Behind the Falls
Ferris Wheel
Arcades
Botanical Gardens
Marineland Amusement Park
Whirlpool Jet Boat
There's also Chabad on the Canadian side right nearby with kosher food etc

patzer

Sun, Jun 16 2024, 12:38 am

stillnewlywed wrote:

The American side has the Maid of the Mist, which is the equivalent of the Hornblower. (Btw, the Hornblower has been renamed; it's now known as Niagara City Cruise).
The Whirlpool jet boat ride is available on the American side as well.
I would highly recommend visiting both sides, each had its own unique perspective and personality.

Last edited by patzer on Sun, Jun 16 2024, 11:45 am; edited 1 time in total

ra_mom

Sun, Jun 16 2024, 1:01 am

miami85 wrote:

The Canadian side is better.
Are you only planning on going on the Maid of the Mist? If you're going to be doing other things as well, definitely choose Canadian if you can.
The views are amazing. There are so many activities and options. (There's also chabad and some food if that's helpful to you.)

Can I ask what you mean about reserving a slot on advance on the Canadian side?

amother

Pearl

Sun, Jun 16 2024, 1:26 am

You can do both, and MUST see the falls frik the Canadian side

We went last year at the end pg August and it was not crowded.

Got there around 1 and ate lunch at picnic tables.

Then went to see falls frim the american side frim the top
Then did cave of tbe winds -- highly recommended. Nothing like it on the Canadian side.

Then we walked around the area on top of the bridal falls

Then drove to Canada

Saw the Canadian falls..a MUST. THIS IS THE BREATHTAKING VIEW.

Went on hornblower. Fabulous. (Note. Its a nice walk down the boardwalk from where you see the falls.)

Bu now it was about 6 and my dh wanted to make mincha on the us side and head home so we left, but we could have done
Behind the falls if w le were willing to stay later or had gotten there earlier.

amother

↑ Tomato

Sun, Jun 16 2024, 11:46 am

miami85 wrote:

To clarify, we can do both sides of the falls, which boat ride should we do?

Canadian side goes closer

pause

Sun, Jun 16 2024, 12:00 pm

miami85 wrote:

To clarify, we can do both sides of the falls, which boat ride should we do?

I think most posters were responding to your thread title and not to your OP question. A visit to Niagara Falls is not complete without also going to the Canadian side, as has been posted here by other posters already.

To answer the question regarding the boat ride: I've been on both and the Canadian Hornblower is a better experience. It gets closer to the falls, and you get wetter (if you want). The lines are ridiculous everywhere you go in peak season.