One fantastic location that spans two countries is Niagara Falls. These falls help divide the border between Canada and the United States. The Niagara Falls attractions are at the Niagara Gorge’s southern end and include three impressive waterfalls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
Exploring the Wonders: Discovering the Best Attractions on the New York Side of Niagara Falls
The American side of Niagara Falls in New York contains the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Visitors will have the best view of these falls from the American side.
The falls are impressive to see during the daytime because of their beauty. However, multicolored lights illuminate the falls at night, creating a spectacular show.
Letchworth State Park, part of the New York State Park System, has 500-ft canyon cliffs that frequently evoke comparisons to the Grand Canyon.
An up-close visit to the falls is an experience that you will remember. Elevator rides that take visitors to the bottom of the Niagara Gorge (a depth of about 170 ft) are the best way to see the falls up as close as possible.
The Cave of the Winds, part of New York’s Niagara Falls State Park, is a top tourist attraction. Although this structure has not been a cave since the overhang collapsed in the early 30th century, the name has persisted.
Another perfect way to experience the falls as close as possible is to take a trip on the Maid of the Mist. Guests will see the base of the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls basin.
Niagara Falls State Park hosts several exciting hiking trails that offer beautiful perspectives. The Great Gorge and Upper Great Gorge are suitable for all ability levels.
The Devil’s Hole Rapids and Giant Rock are slightly longer trail options. Hikers with a lot of experience will want to take full advantage of Whirlpool Rapids.
The Niagara Falls USA Prospect Point Observation Tower has unhindered views of all three falls. If you enjoy watching birds, the tower provides a perfect vantage point.
Unveiling the Wonders: Top Attractions on the Canadian Side of the Falls to Explore
The Canadian side hosts Horseshoe Falls, often considered the most majestic of the three waterfalls. This waterfall is easily visible from both sides.
One of the top attractions on the Canadian side is Journey Behind the Falls. Going through a tunnel takes visitors behind the falls to enjoy views from two portals and observation decks.
Tours run by licensed guides are one of the best sightseeing options for the falls and surrounding attractions. One of the advantages of using guided tours is VIP access o some of the most popular attractions.
Ziplining is one of the most popular activities for adventure-seekers. This adventurous activity is a perfect way to experience the scenic beauty of the falls from a beautiful perspective.
One of the best perspectives of Niagara Falls comes from the Skylon Tower. Besides having two excellent dining options, the tower has an indoor amusement area, and shopping visitors will love.
Helicopter tours are an exciting way to see the falls from the air. Visitors can take advantage of overhead views from the helicopters and get closer looks without getting soaked.
You can take cruises that let you interact with the falls more personally. These cruises offer memorable photo opportunities if you’re not afraid to get a little wet.
Niagara Falls Travel Guide: Which Side is the Best Fit for You?
The American and Canadian sides of the falls have excellent attractions and offer great access to the sights. However, each side’s character might influence how you interact with the sights.
Being in western New York, the American side of the falls offers easy access to Buffalo, which has a wealth of attractions. All three falls are visible on the American side but have a top-down view unless you take a paid excursion.
The Canadian side has seen a lot more development in recent years. Many visitors draw frequent comparisons to Las Vegas when describing development on the Canadian side.
Excursions on the American side provide some exciting things to see. Some of these include the base of Bridal Veil Falls when you visit Cave of the Winds, lookout decks with unhindered views of Horseshoe Falls, and a Nikola Tesla statue on Goat Island.
Personal preference is what makes most of the difference. The view you want of the falls is one important consideration, and you’ll want to consider the attractions overall.
What Should You Bring?
When you visit the falls, you should always bring a change of clothing. Rain ponchos provided for some trips won’t prevent you from getting drenched.
Casual shoes like sneakers or hiking boots will be comfortable for walking. Sandals are less well-suited for walking in this area because your feet will likely get very wet.
Rain gear is always recommended if you get very close to the falls. A jacket or sweatshirt will also be useful when visiting Niagara Falls in case temperatures are cooler than expected.
If you are interested in National parks we have a similar article about Yellowstone National Park that is also worth reading!