Which side of Niagara Falls is better, American or Canadian side?

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sarge927

No question -- the Canadian side is nicer. Still touristy, but much cleaner and much more family-friendly. You might also want to look into Niagara-On-The-Lake in Canada. It's a quaint town not far from the falls with all kinds of shops, restaurants, and nice places to stay.

Right now you don't need a passport to get into Canada or get back into the U.S. All you need is a picture ID and a birth certificate issued by the state or county (children don't need picture ID, obviously). That's supposed to change the first of the year, but they're not 100% sure the new rule will be implemented by then. The new rule is EVERYONE must have a passport to travel abroad, even children. So if you plan to leave the country after January 1, 2008, you should consider getting passports for everyone.

christabella611

I perfer the Canadian side of the Falls. From there you can better appreciate the smaller and often over looked American Falls. The Canadian side of the Falls have many touristy and family focused activities, many of which your little ones would enjoy. I recommend the Maid of the Midst ferry ride, which will take you into Horseshoe Falls.

At the moment, you can drive into Canada (and then back into the US) without a passport. They won't be required for land crossings until the end of summer 2008 according to the US and Canadian governments, due to unexpected costs. However, you should have both your birth certificated and a photo id when entering either country, as well as your green card if you are a permanent resident. There is a security check point, but generally speaking if your car doesn't look like you are trying to hide something they usually let you go without a problem.

Something else to note: if you are travelling with young ones, if both parents are not accompying the child, make sure you get written (and notarized) permission from the other parent and take the child's birth certificate with you. This will ensure a much easier time dealing with the border guards.

Another option is to stay on the American side, take ids with you and walk across to the Canadian side. The bridge is a quick walk and a beautiful view.

walkerhound03

The Canadian side is much better with more to do. For now you don't need passports. You do need your id and birth certificates to cross over though. For the 1 year old just their birth certificate is fine. If you do get passports then all you need is your passport.

Hoosier Daddy

I lived in Buffalo for 8 years, and have visited the falls many times. I can tell you that the Canadian side is much more beautiful. When I was there, you didn't need to have a passport to get to the Canadian side, but I believe that has recently changed. I believe you need a passport now.

flirtyloverme

canadian

Seriously?

Canadian side - hands down! The American side was okay - but we had a much better time on the Canadian side. I believe they waived the passport rules for everyone right now - go to the U.S. governments passport site to double check the rule

jimmy crack corn

Far better view of both the american falls and horseshoe falls from the canadian side, plus more attractions. Only thing is that now with the canadian dollar so strong and the US dollar so weak it is far more expensive for americans then a few years back. Don't need a passport to cross by land until sometime in 2008

honestboy777

Canada side has more things to see.

create62

Canadian, by far is the best. The American side is a ghetto in comparison.

Melanie B

Personally I like the canadian side better as there is more to do and it's a more relaxed amosphere

Barbia

My husband took me to the Falls a couple of years ago. The Candian side is so much prettier it is unreal. You could hardly tell they are the same thing!

The Candian side also has a very nice center and walkway along the water to see, nearby resturants that overlook the falls etc...

It is a beautiful trip... enjoy it when you go. I do believe since 9-11 you now need a passport to back in to the states from Canada. Be sure you have one if this is so and not depend on your birth certificates. You don't want to be stranded!

As far as children go... there are tons there. If your little ones are not too antsy with long walks they should be fine. Take a stroller and some snacks etc for them. Be sure to take a camera to get some pictures of them near the falls. They will love them when they are old enough to appreciate them!

Depends which side is possible for you. The other side is more beautiful (as they always say -grass is greener on the other side).

nbr660

Canadian side is better, only need birth certif & drivers license & written permission from other parent of baby.

m_c_m_a_n

I know which side is cleaner. No, you don't need a passport but they may search your car.

anon

I prefer the Canadian side. More to do. The American side has the better view though. Why not do both?

If you are traveling by car you do not need a passport until Jan 1, 2008. Bring driver's license and birth certificate (esp. for the baby)

tpooram

I always prefer sailing between the two falls enjoying the splashes from both sides.

Bethany

I grew up 45 minutes away from the Falls and I think the American side is better. No hassle getting across the border, and if you explore a little, there are some really fascinating areas you can visit. I recommend parking on Goat Island and doing a walking tour, especially to Three Sisters Islands. There is no roadway to get there and it's really cool. You're out in the middle of the river with the rapids rushing right past, it's very serene.
There is plenty of touristy stuff to do on both sides of the Falls, so I encourage you to explore. The American side has the Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds (really neat, they rebuild the platforms every year so it's never exactly the same tour), among other things. If you're only going to be there once, take some time and explore both sides, it's definitely worth it!

Luba .

I think that America is the best.

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