My name is Jake and I have been traveling North America for the last two years. I have been just about everywhere and have learned a lot about traveling and how to get the best out of your time and money. So let me take you on this adventure to the #NiagaraFalls.
In this post I will go into detail about visiting Niagara Falls, #Canada. I will tell you when the best time is to go, activities you can do, other attractions, the do's and dont's, and more!
First off this post is strictly for the Canadian side of the falls (the best side). For those that don't know there are two sides you can visit to see the Niagara Falls, in New York, United States or Ontario, Canada. The towns that are located in Canada and the United States are both called Niagara Falls but completely separate towns and country's.
The reason why I stated the Canada side is better is because it is. You get as close to the Horseshoe Falls you could ever get without actually falling in and I mean that. You are literally standing on the edge of the falls, you can't do that on the American side. Not only do you get to get closer you also have a better view of the falls because of how the falls are angled.
There are two main falls at Niagara Falls. The Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. The Horseshoe Falls is in both Canada and United States. The American Falls is only on the United States side hence the name. The thing about the American Falls is that it is facing directly at Canada and you can't see the full waterfall from the United States side.
There are many tours that you are able to take while at the falls. The only one you absolutely have to do to experience everything Niagara Falls has to offer is the boat tour. You have to do this tour if you really want the best experience. If you have some extra time, then sure do the journey behind the falls, it's nice for photographers and family's but it's not a must. The boat tour on the Canada side is called the Hornblower. The United States boat is called the Maid of the Mist. If you are only able to visit the United States side then you are in luck because the boats do the same route for the most part. If you are lucky enough to be towards the front of the line, pick the bottom deck in front of the boat slightly to the right. All the employees told us to go there because we were first in line. It was the best.
I went twice, once at night and a week later in the day time. This is the hardest decision to make. If you are able to go both times do it. The reason I say this is because the firework show and the light display they do every night is phenomenal but then again you don't have a lot of light to see the falls in it's full glory. I would say if you can only go once to go in the afternoon while it's light out, do the boat tour, explore the town, then come back for the fireworks and light display.
That brings us to our next topic, exploring the town. There are many things to do in town but to me, most of them seemed like a tourist trap. I guess it depends if you're with kids or not. There is the Niagara Falls Casino which was actually pretty nice. One of the nicer casinos I've been to outside of Vegas. They have a cool water fountain inside the lobby which is almost worth it alone. They also have the Skylon tower. I did not do the tower. You pay money to go up into a tower that over looks everything including the falls. It might be worth it to some people. Other than that there is a theater, a huge ferris wheel, Riplyes Believe it or Not, and more. Everything is on the main strip so you can kind of decide what you want to do depending on your situation.
For your first time, definitely go in the warmer months. Yes it does look amazing in the winter months but to really experience it you will want the falls to be flowing.
Other than going to Niagara Falls I would highly recommend checking out Toronto, Canada. It's only a 1 hour and 30 minute drive to downtown there are also shuttles as well. I have spoke to some people who went to Niagara Falls and a lot of them have regretted not going to Toronto. I loved it, there is so much to do but I'll save that for another post.
That concludes my #travel blog for the day. Thank you for reading and have a good New Year.