Wednesday, August 02, 2006

[general] niagara falls - which side is best


Peter Mandel, of the Washington Post, wrote: To know Niagara Falls these days is to know two mist-split shores: the Canadian city and the American town. Newlyweds still book rooms in both, and some say the negative ions from the rush of the falls cause feelings of attraction. But if you're not into ions, there are all sorts of other, mostly positive lures, like the Canadian side's sleek casinos and space needle towers, and the U.S. side's Italian bakeries and a state park, the nation's oldest, by Frederick Law Olmsted. He then proceeds to dissect both sides as dispassionately as he is able. Which is better?

3 comments:

  1. we don't know.
    we've never been.
    we're going to the canadian side, but won't be able to compare it to the american side.

    sorry.

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  2. Still - report on that when you get back, all right?

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  3. Without a doubt the Canadian side is better. Much to do for all ages at any time of the day. The one most distinguishing factor is the cleanliness of the Canadian side. Canadian side attrations not to miss: Clifton Hill, the Butterfly Conservatory (Make sure you wear red clothing - the butterflies will land on you!), Casino, and the Skylon Tower. For the Men: Lundy's Lane. College crowd don't forget: the drinking age is 19 in Canada. If you're stuck on the American side, be sure to check out: The gorge/ Devil's hole, Three sisters Island & Goat Island, The new Casino, Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, and the whirlpool jetboat. Also many fishing hot spots. Both sides: fireworks over the falls every friday in the summer and the illumination of the falls at night. If you're in the area, don't forget to make a 20 minute drive south to Buffalo - plenty of GREAT restaurants / bars, a nice theater district, wonderful architecture, Tons of sporting events, An awesome zoo, and plenty of concerts & festivals (most of which are free) during the summer. The falls themselves also look amazing in the winter, but I would suggest a summer visit. Most of the attractions are closed in the winter - and it's freezing! Hotels are definitley nicer on the Canadian side as well, and worth the extra cost. Honestly, if you are planning a trip to the area, I would suggest visiting both sides, you can even walk across the bridge between the two sides and there are plenty of activities and attractions within walking distance. Don't forget to bring identification (birth certificates for the kids) for everyone in the family if you're planning on going across the border - Passports may be required soon as well. I was born and raised in Niagara Falls, NY, so this is basically an insider's guide / opinion. Hope this helped!

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