Niagara Falls: a Comprehensive Guide

Niagara Falls have always fascinated thousands of travellers from all over the world. You can visit Niagara Falls in one day, but if you want to take it easy and enjoy even the Canadian side (which is my favorite one) stay here at least one night. I thought to write a comprehensive guide about this magical place, partly because my Facebook page‘s fan is going to visit Niagara Falls in a few days.

These stunning waterfalls are located between the United States and Canada. There are three separate waterfalls: the two main American Falls (so called because they are located on the American side), the Horseshoe Falls (Canadian side, so called because the shape looks like a horseshoe) and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls (American side). You can use the Rainbow Bridge to switch sides on river. You could pay taxes to cross the border (about $0.50 if you are pedestrians and $3 if you get there by car). Do not forget your passport!

TIP: Visit both sides. As I said, the Canadian side is really very nice.

Here’s what to do in Niagara Falls:

– Visiting Niagara-on-the-lake. If your trip includes accommodation then you cannot miss this nice 19th-century village in the Canadian province of Ontario, situated on the banks of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. It can be reached in just 15-20 minutes away by car.

– Enjoying Fireworks and Illumination. Fireworks Shows are every Friday, Sunday, and Holiday until November 30th, 2014. Here is the schedule. Illumination is from 8.30 to midnight, from August 16 to September 30. If you are going to visit Niagara Falls in other months of the year look at this schedule.

– Tasting local wine. This area is particularly rich in vineyards. The Niagara Wine Trail USA is located between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario. The micro-climate is ideal for the production of the best wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay and Merlot. Many wine events are organized to let people to taste these delicious wines.

– “Maid of the Mist” boat tour. The boats leave from the pier at the base of Clifton Hill. The cost is $17 per adult, $9.90 per child. Buy the Discovery pass (if you have time) and save up to 35%. The price is $36 (Adults) and $29 (Children between 6-12). It offers 5 attraction. There are different passes to enjoy Niagara falls. Here I give you my personal opinion about which passes choose and why.

– Attractions for kids. The must-see attractions for kids are the Aquarium of Niagara, where there are penguins, sea lions and sharks. The price is $10 (Adults), $6.50 (Kids from 3 to 12). It is free for infants. Another nice attraction is the Botanical Gardens in Niagara, where more than 2,000 exotic butterflies, flutter through a tropical rainforest. The admission is free. You have to pay only $5 for parking.

– Admiring the falls from the sky. You can also see Niagara Falls from the sky. There are companies that perform helicopter tours daily, weather permitting; so enjoy. The price is from $119 for only 12 minutes. Well, I think that the price is high, but this is another original solution to see Niagara Falls.

– Enjoying the view from Skylon Tower. The view from Skylon Tower is breathetaking! 775 feet above the falls. The admission is FREE.You can also have dinner but it costs a lot.

I think that Niagara Falls have a lot to offer. Enjoy your stay!

P.S Do you know any attractions worthwhile to visit?

Salva