When I was a young child, my grandparents loved to travel with their children and grandchildren. They had a spanking new blue 1978 Chevy Suburban and a new travel trailer that they called their “hotel on wheels.” Although, sometimes, depending on where we were on our travels, we would bring the camper but stay in a hotel for a night or two.
My cousin, who is four days younger than I, was my bunkmate, and I was lucky enough to get to sleep with his big feet in my face (haha). It was always him and I with seven adults. Family story has it that our grandparents stayed at hotels sometimes, mainly because they knew my cousin and I loved to swim in hotel pools. Awe, thanks, Nana and Papa!
One of my grandparents’ favorite places to vacation was Niagara Falls. We stayed on both sides of the Falls, the United States side in Buffalo, New York, and the Canadian side in Niagara, Ontario. From what I remember, we thought the view from the Canadian side was the greatest. However, by today’s standards, it is far more economical to stay on the Buffalo, NY side. And even if you stay on the US side, you can play on the Canadian side.
We always got to take a cruise on the Maid of the Mist which travels under the Falls. The Maid of the Mist boat ride is a twenty-minute escapade that goes on a journey through the Niagara River at the foot of the wondrous Niagara Gorge and up close to the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Besides the wax museum, that was my favorite part of going to Niagara.
In this instance, I know it is not because I was a child and everything seemed “ so big” because to witness the enormity and magnificent beauty of Niagara Falls is something you surely do not ever forget. Although, I do remember always wondering, since the Falls are so humungous and there is an astronomical amount of water, is there a fear of a flood claiming Buffalo or Niagara? Fast forward to today, and guess what? I can Google it! Meanwhile, back in 1981, my cousin and I pondered the idea the whole road trip home. Kids today don’t know how good they have it!
From where we lived in Michigan, we would typically take the following route:
- I-275 North
- I-96 East
- Take the exit toward I-75 S/I-96/Toledo/Bridge To Canada onto Ambassador Bridge
- Continue on Ambassador Brg (HWY-3)
- Take ramp onto HWY-401 E (Right Honorable Herb Gray Pkwy) toward RTE-401 E/London
- Continue on HWY-401 E (MacDonald-Cartier Fwy)
- Take exit 235 toward HWY-403/Brantford/Hamilton/Niagara Falls onto HWY-403 E (Alexander Graham Bell Pkwy)
- Continue on HWY-403 E (Alexander Graham Bell Pkwy)
- Take exit 64 toward Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway onto Lincoln M Alexander Pkwy.
- Continue on Red Hill Valley Pkwy. Go for 5.4 mi.
- Take the exit toward QEW/Niagara onto QEW. Go for 35.9 mi.
- Keep left onto HWY-420 E toward HWY-420/The Falls/Niagara Falls U.S.A. Go for 2.2 mi.
- Turn left onto Stanley Ave (RR-102). Go for 0.9 mi.
- Turn right onto Bridge St (RR-43). Go for 0.6 mi.
- Continue toward Bridge St/RR-43. Go for 112 ft.
- Take the 2nd exit from roundabout onto Bridge St (RR-43). Go for 0.5 mi.
- Turn right onto Erie Ave.
- Turn right onto Queen St. to enjoy the view!
Where is the best place to see Niagara Falls?
As I mentioned earlier, our family preferred the view from the Canadian side. So does that mean we think the US side is more beautiful? And if you view from the US side, does that mean the Canadian side is the best place to view Niagara Falls? Let’s see what others have to say about it.
According to the official website of Niagara Falls USA, “Here are the best places to see Niagara Falls from the US:
- Observation Tower & Maid of the Mist.
- Terrapin Point.
- Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours.
- Whirlpool State Park.
- Three Sisters Islands.
- Prospect Point.
- Luna Island, “.
From Niagara Falls Tourism, they suggest the “best places to view the Falls (from the Canadian side) are:
- Table Rock Centre (free)
- Niagara City Cruises
- Journey Behind the Falls
- Niagara Helicopters
- National Helicopters
- Skylon Tower,”.
I guess the beauty of Niagara Falls lies in where the beholder is, which could be subjective, like art. That’s life for you!
Is it better to stay in Buffalo or Niagara Falls?
Earlier, I mentioned that it is far more economical to stay on the US side (especially for US Citizens) as Niagara, Ontario, can get costly very quickly.
Buffalo is an excellent place to stay for a Niagara Falls vacation due to its proximity and many tourist offerings. If you plan to take one of the Canadian tours, do not forget to bring proof of citizenship and proof of identity for the border crossing. And since the 911 attacks, you must have a passport to cross the border. However, for Michigan and New York residents on the eastern border, we are able to get what is called an “enhanced license,” which we can use by crossing borders by foot, by boat, by train, etc., BUT NOT via air travel.
As we debated whether the view was better from the US or Canadian side, one thing became clear – each vantage point offered its unique perspective on the Falls. Whether it was the Observation Tower & Maid of the Mist on the US side or the Table Rock Centre on the Canadian side, there was no denying the sheer magnificence of Niagara Falls from any angle.
Choosing where to stay, whether in Buffalo or Niagara Falls, can depend on your budget and preferences. While staying on the US side may be more economical, the Canadian side offers a wide range of accommodations and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you choose to explore the charming streets of Buffalo or immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Niagara Falls, each destination has its charm and allure.
Is Niagara Falls better in US or Canada?
In the end, the beauty of Niagara Falls transcends borders and viewpoints. Whichever side you choose to experience this natural wonder from, one thing is sure – you’ll be left spellbound by the sheer power and majesty of the Falls.