Niagara Falls

I don't recommend the US side of Niagara Falls for two reasons: the falls view is not as good and the city is is a sad, sorry place to be with too many abandoned manufacturing buildings left to rot, homes that need windows not boards, and tourist places that provide fun that are not a casino! We were there when COVID measures meant no one was working but a lot of people were visiting. Restaurants were closed. the few that were open would only serve 8 families at a time. It is just so sad. You can tell the government has tried to reinvest in the area around the river with falls viewing and boat rides. That was fun. And then we left.

Niagara Falls, N.Y. was a dumpster fire. Avoid at all costs. While the falls are an attraction there is nothing else there and hardly worth the money you pay to park in the state lots. The small tourist trap area in the city could be compared to food row at a state fair with roach coaches lining the streets. The looks of disappointment on tourists faces doesn't help brighten the stay. Old, run down, many empty storefronts. Laughable tourist destination.

The C19 pandemic isn't stopping the people to hop on board and have a good time. At first I thought this quick boat ride was a bit on the pricey side but it's worth every penny. The five in our group were showered by what felt like a rain storm fell upon us - too much fun.

The Niagara Falls park is beautiful! Lots of areas to walk along the river and over to Goat Island is SOOOO worth the walk. It will take about 10-15 mins to walk casually over to Goat Island from the main tourist area. We went in March and some of the overlook areas were closed still due to ice and snow on the trails.
Going up on the Tower/ Walkway is very cool! Wish they had it open at sunset! It is so pretty up there looking both at the Falls and down river.
Make sure to visit at night too. The Falls is lite up with different colors and with the Canadian skyline in the background, it is breathtaking!

For our 35 anniversary we returned to Niagara Falls. We chose to visit at night to see the lights and the colors projected on the falls. It was quite crowded but everyone took turns stopping g along the rails for photo opps. A few even volunteered to take our
I turn and vise verse!
We didn’t go or see anything else, the signage at night was not full of information and getting there in the dark was easy, and the park was nice, but without the visitors center help b you see the options I am sure we missed other views of it.we followed signs for the falls and that was it.
On the way back was a skunk walking right by us, and my husband was trying to get a picture when we saw the tail go up and I told him if he got spayed he wasn’t getting in the car. He didn’t and was lucky.

The New York Side of Niagara Falls is beautiful, and the park is very pretty. There are walkways that lead you down to observation areas that get very close to the water. The park is well kept and clean, and the views are pretty amazing. If you want to see the falls up close and personal, you have to do a tour that includes the Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds. Prepare to get very wet, but you won't be sorry that you got to experience the falls this way. Both are truly amazing to see!!!

We actually visited the Canadian side of the falls on our first day in town. Do Not Miss seeing the Canadian side - remember your passports!!! The Canadian side of the falls was absolutely beautiful!!! Their park and visitor center is right on the Horseshoe Falls. It's mesmerizing to see this up close. There were rainbows over the falls when we visited because it was a sunny day. The park is so beautiful and the landscaping and plantings are lovely. We visited after Labor Day, so I'm sure it was a little less crowded than full blown tourist season. We ate lunch at Table Rock in the visitor center. The food is a little expensive, which is to be expected, but the food was also well worth it - it was delicious. The restaurant overlooks the Horseshoe Falls, so you have a spectacular view while you're dining.

I hadn’t visited the Falls since I was a child, and I had forgotten just how beautiful and mesmerizing they were. We spent time at the Whirlpool State Park - I highly recommend it. The water is a stunning blue, reminiscent of the Caribbean. Free parking and awesome hiking trails. I also recommend doing at least one of the typical tourist activities, such as Maid of the Mist or Cave of the Wind. We chose Maid of the Mist. With either one you will get wet, but to my surprise the souvenir rain poncho kept my clothes dry. After the boat ride we climbed the steps to the Crow’s Nest for a beautiful view of the American Falls and great photo ops.

We stayed at the Double Tree on the Canadian side. We paid more for a room with a view, but it was worth it to see the Falls illuminated at night, and it was perfect for watching the nightly fireworks display. The room was clean, the restaurant was good with excellent service, and the Starbucks in the hotel lobby was an plus. The hotel was within walking distance of the Horseshoe Falls visitor center and lookout point. We thoroughly enjoyed just watching the amazing falls and enjoying the beautiful morning.

I recommend visiting on a week day if you can. Hotel rooms are less expensive and lines are significantly shorter. As it is only a 3 1/2 hour drive, we will definitely be returning and hope to try some different activities.

The full shape of the waterfall is more visible when viewed from the Canadian side than from the American side. But unable to cross the Rainbow Bridge as we have not yet fully vaccinated

There is an electric boat facility to go near the waterfall. But still, don’t go too close. Even if we wear poncho (a top made of polythene,) we will still get somewhat wet. The beauty of the waterfall splashing and falling on us is a personal feeling.

Great one day trip doing Niagara Falls US side including Cave of the Winds Maid of the Mist Boat ride, lookouts (Prospect Point, Luna Island, Terrapin Point), and strolling through Niagara Park. Recommend say trolley pass which allows off and on at any of the stops all day for only $3 a person for the full day. Will get very wet at both the boat ride and Cave of the Winds. Initially walked from Rainbow Bridge all the way to Terrapin Point as not all that long a distance but then took trolley to ride the whole loop. Started at Cave of the Winds as couldn’t but those tickets in advance.

For those who have no idea where to go this summer, might I recommend a short trip to Niagara Falls. It is not passe; it is a wonder of nature that will take your breath away. And when you come take the Over the Falls Tour. Don't let the fact that the Canadian side is "closed" deter you. You will be pleasantly surprised at how much there is to see and do, and how close you will get to the maelstrom that is the falls.