Niagara Falls | New York Side

One of the greatest wonders in all of North America lies just a plane flight or car drive away in the state of New York: the year-round majestic system of waterfalls known collectively as Niagara Falls. These three waterfalls—Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and the American Falls—are a bucket list item everyone should check off at some point during their lifetime. Because Niagara Falls spans two different countries there is often debate over which side is better. While both sides have their inherent advantages over the other, the New York side is where I chose to take in my first glimpse of Niagara Falls.

New York Side

The American side, located in New York, is where you will be able to take in Niagara Falls up close and personal. However, unless you’re going on a paid excursion, you’re only going to see the falls from the top down or from a side profile. If you don’t want to fork out more money on top of admission and parking fees for a paid excursion, your experience could be underwhelming.

The American side, however, is noticeably quieter than the Canadian side. This could be attributed to the reputation Canada has as the “better side.” The Canadian side also has quite a few urban developments aimed to draw even more tourists to the area, such as a towering Ferris wheel.

Attractions

Maid of the Mist

Maid of the Mist is best described as America’s most amazing boat ride since 1846. This boat ride is the best way to take in the falls from below—seeing the raging currents, hearing the deafening thunder, and feeling the refreshing mist of 600,000 gallons of water falling before your eyes. For over 100 years, captains have safely navigated tens of millions of visitors directly into the center of the swirling mist.

Don’t forget your rain poncho for this attraction.

Cave of the Winds

Cave of the Winds takes thrill seekers as close to the falls as you can get, where “soaking up the experience” really holds true. The journey begins with an elevator ride 175 feet down into the Niagara Gorge. Covered with a poncho, guests follow wooden walkways along Niagara River to the Hurricane deck, where they can experience and feel the torrents of Niagara Falls.

This attraction is only available on the American side.

Observation Tower

To get a panoramic view of all three Niagara Falls the best option is the Niagara Falls Observation Tower. Extending over Niagara Gorge, the architectural wonder provides unobstructed views of the cascading Niagara Falls, as well as the raging whitewater rapids below.

Facts about American side

Height: 180 ft (56 metres)
Crestline: 1075 ft (328 metres) wide
Estimated Water Flow: Each second 75,000 gallons
Recent Notable Rock Fall: 1954 (Fall at the north of Prospect Poin

The Canadian Side

The Canadian side is where you see most of the pictures of Niagara Falls, with the ability to capture gorgeous panoramas of both the American Falls and the mighty Horseshoe Falls. You won’t be able to get as close to the falls as you can on the American side, however you can get to the brink of Horseshoe Falls. With the stunning views comes an increase in price—it is more expensive to stay at, park, and eat on this side. This side also has less of the natural appeal that can be found on the American side. Instead, it has been largely developed and turned into a major tourist attraction.

Best seen from the Canadian side aside from the three waterfalls, is the floodlights that begin once darkness falls until midnight. They seemingly change colors at random which makes this a mesmerizing sight—you can easily lose track of time while enjoying this view.

Note: U.S citizens returning to the U.S. after visiting Niagara Falls Canada are required to provide a passport, passport card, or enhanced drivers license at the immigration checkpoint.

Which side is the better side?

Both sides have their advantages and disadvantages, and features that may be more appealing to some. For those seeking more of a nature-filled experience, the American side is arguably the destination of choice. This side is also better for those seeking a quieter and relatively less commercialized feel than its Canadian neighbor. However, the views on the American side will not be as spectacular unless you pay for an excursion.

The Canadian side is better in terms of what you could see and do without paying for an excursion. There are also hotels that offer breathtaking views of the falls you can enjoy in the comfort and privacy of your room. To contrast, the Canadian side does have more of a Las Vegas feel with its high rise casinos, intense foot traffic, and high prices.

With both sides you take the good and the bad, so why not check them both out?