Niagara Falls Must-Do Attractions: USA vs Canada (Review)

I literally couldn't have had a better time in Niagara Falls and I defintely made the most of it. I visited both the USA and Canadian side and loved every second. The Canadian side is the most picturesque so if you have the opportunity, it take $1 to do the 10 minute walk over the bridge. You have beautiful views along the way and then the view on the other side is just incredible. You also have the added benefit of more of the night life attraction area. Personally, it felt like an old-school British seaside resort but slightly more upper class. Either way, not particularly by thing so it didn't really apply to me either way. 

National Park Walk vs Border Walk

I started my trip walking through the USA side of the National Park. It's a beautiful walk and takes about 2 hours to do the whole area, stopping at each stop. It's here I saw the falls for the first time and I was able to appreciate the sheer size and power of the water. It was incredible and I was honestly so amazed. 

It wasn't until I walked to Canada that I realised that although the USA side is beautiful and defintely feels more like a naturist area, that I realised I didn't even see a snippet of the falls in their beauty. On the Canadian side you see both waterfalls in all their glory and it truly is the most amazing thing I've ever seen. It's about a 30 minute walk from the bridge to the Horseshoe Falls and you really just walk around amazed. 

Maid of the Mist vs Niagara City Cruises

In all honesty, these two are the exact same. The Canadian City Cruises is slightly cheaper and if you buy the bundle pass, it works out a much better deal which is good, but the actual cruise has no difference. I ended up doing the USA side Maid of the Mist because I wanted to do the Cave of the Winds. You start by being provided with thick waterproofs. These have tight fitted hoods to wear over your clothes and definitely don't miss out on this one. Then you board the boat and start your journey. You first go to the traditionally seen falls and sail by length ways, before heading to the Horseshoe Falls.

I didn't realise how close and far in you went. You drive into the centre of the falls, spin around and then come back out, heading head on to the first falls again. It was amazing to see the power of the waters, but I didn't really recognise the benefit of driving that far in because at that point, it's just a white haze and then I had to close my eyes because I was getting so wet. On the way back, you stop at a smaller additional waterfall that is very pretty, before heading back to the dock. I'm not sure if the Canadian City Cruises does that latter part but I seem to think they do. 

The whole cruise is about 15 minutes. It's very smooth sailing, both literally on the water and in terms of organisation. Each of the companies have 2 boats running, and take turns to send a boat out. It defintely feels like you're out there by yourself when you're on the boats and not at all crowded. 

USA Observation Deck

This is included in the ticket price for the Maid of the Mist, but you can also do it separately for I think $3 which is defintely worth it, especially if you can't go to the Canadian side. I would say it's the only place in America where you can really see the actual falls properly. It's also the perfect place to dry off after the Maid of the Mist and best place for selfies. It is quite busy up there, so you may have to wait a little while for the best spots, but it's worth it. 

Cave of the Winds vs Journey Behind the Falls

This was an easy one for me to choose between, but I also think it would be worth doing both. The USA Cave of the Winds takes you on a pathway up the main falls. You start with an indoor exhibit, then a video of the history of the falls and previous uses, before taking a lift down to the base and then the staircases up the side of the falls. It really is beautiful and amazing to see it from the bottom up, so close. You do again get very wet and the waterproofs don't achieve much this time as they are much thinner. It is also supposed to be wheelchair accessible, and whilst some parts are, I wouldn't recommend it for these individuals. Fascinatingly, the whole staircase route is rebuilt every single year due to the erosion from the falls!

The alternative on the Canadian side is Journey Behind the Falls. This one is a walk next to the Horseshoe Falls. It defintely doesn't take you as close as the USA equivalent, but then you don't get as wet which may be nice. I can't comment on the experience before and after but it's suppose to have two outdoor observation decks and two portals located behind the Falls, compared to the fully outdoor staircase route. 

Trolley Tour 

Again, this is a cheap attraction on the USA side. I wouldn't say it's something that is needed, but I wanted to tick off all the attractions. It takes you on a little tour to all the scenic viewpoints, but also provides some tourist information of the falls and some interesting history which I enjoyed. I got on and off at a couple of the stops, but it was pretty much the same route that I walked the previous day. I would say, it's great for those with limited mobility as you can still get to all of the main spots!

Aquarium and Nature Walk

One thing I would have really enjoyed to do is the Aquarium. It's the earliest attraction to close so defintely go there first, enjoy the time and take it in, then go back to the more popular components that are open until late. There is a free trolley which takes about 5 minutes to drive down to the side. I did go to the outdoor exhibits which were lovely and free. It was fun watching the rescued seals swim around and interact. Also, there's a wildlife nature walk pathway nearby. I walked about 15 minutes down to the second observation area, but it looks like it could be a long walk if you have more time.

Canadian Zipline 

The one thing that didn't appeal to me at all was the WildPlay Zipline to the Falls. It was fun to watch and get some epic shots, but it isn't something I would ever want to do. I don't really see the point in it, given that whilst you're on the zipline, you can't really see the falls anyway, which is obviously the selling point of the attraction. Not to mention, there is a huge staircase to walk up to the top which is longgggg. 

Fireworks and Illuminations

Of course, this was the main reason I chose to stay overnight in the end. I headed down to the falls once I checked in to my hotel, and saw the beautiful lights displaying on the falls. They seemed to be on a cycle, so for the majority of the time it was just white lights, but when they did come on with the different colours, it was beautiful and so impressive. I loved the stripes they did and of course the USA flag. 

Once I walked back to the middle of the falls to watch the fireworks, they were great. I thought there would be music alongside them, so that was a little disappointing and I think it would have been extra special if the colours matched, but it was still an impressive display, simply because of the background. Both are "visible" from the USA side, but obviously it can't really be seen so...

Honestly, this is something that should be on everyone's bucket list! DO IT!