Niagara Falls: The American Side

The summer months are here, and a popular travel destination here in Ontario is Niagara Falls. Millions of people come each year to see the falls in Niagara and to enjoy some of the local attractions. On the Canadian side we have the better view, casinos, tacky tourist attractions, bars, hotels, you name it. As much as I love the view and walking along the falls on the Canadian side, the American side, in my honest opinion, is much better. My blog today is centered on my reasons why you should walk, ride or stroll (that’s right, leave your car behind) across the Rainbow Bridge.


The Niagara Falls should be appreciated for their beautiful nature

Although Niagara Parks have done a great job in terms of landscaping and maintaining the land around the Canadian falls, the American’s are preserving the natural habitat of the falls as they have declared the land around the falls to be Niagara Falls State Park. As you walk around the park, you can truly appreciate the nature and the beauty of the falls.





It is not as crowded as the Canadian side 


Taking a picture by the falls on a beautiful summer day can surely test someone’s patience. People are often pushing and shoving each other to take a photo by the falls, and you are often so crammed in the shot that you can barely get a nice photo taken of you (assuming you don’t want 10 other tourists in your photo). Photos aside, the number of people that are there seems to make it more difficult to appreciate the beauty of the falls.


On the American side, you have the freedom to walk around and take beautiful pictures without being pushed and shoved (note: I went on the Canada Day/Independence Day long weekend, and did not find the American side nearly as crowded as the Canadian).




You can feel the power of the falls

If you have been to Niagara Falls, you know exactly what I am talking about. These falls are so loud and so powerful, and it is no wonder…just take a look at their stats:




And just look at the mist they create!



The walk across the Rainbow Bridge is beautiful 


If you have ever crossed the boarder by car from the Canadian side to the American side (or vice versa) over the Rainbow Bridge, you know that the view is beautiful. But it is even more beautiful when you do not have other cars and the concrete barrier blocking your view.




The walk across does not take long, and border crossing is a breeze (as long as you are not flagged in the American system for something suspicious, then you are just out of luck). You will need to bring your passport with you and you will need to be able to enter America and re-enter Canada. Added bonus, if you like to get stamps in your passport like I do, you can ask the customs agent for one. It looks something like this:



If you are a fan of Nikola Tesla

If you want to get a great picture with one of the world’s greatest inventors (if not the best), you can snap a photo with the very large Nikola Tesla statue. 



And if you have no idea who Tesla is, well, get to know him at the Tesla Memorial Society of New York website, or do your own research online.

What about the food?


Because the American side is not as touristy, your food options are very limited, and may be overpriced (they are overpriced on the Canadian side as well). What we did was walk to the casino and eat at the buffet. The options were great (larger variety than in Canada), and affordable.


I want to hear from you!


Have you been on the American side of the falls? Which side do you prefer? Are there any other things you would suggest or would like to add? Feel free to do so in the comments section below!



Happy Travels Everyone!

Andrea

6 thoughts on “Niagara Falls: The American Side”

  1. Interesting. I've only been to the Canadian side – it was busy but not as busy as you describe! I wonder how the different countries rate the experiences of the others at Victoria Falls?

  2. Any time I have gone, it has been busy. Maybe I notice it more now that I have been to the American side. Or it could be because I always go on really beautiful sunny summer days and long weekends. You should cross over if you get the chance to sometime soon. It is a nice change. And I wonder that too…I guess I will need to go to Victoria Falls one day and see for myself so that I can compare.

  3. I have not been on the American side yet, however the next time, as per your advice, I will cross the bridge.

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