
The Niagara Falls consist of three sections. The large Canadian falls – with their distinctive curved shape – are also known as the Horseshoe Falls. They are separated by Goat Island from the American Falls, which are separated by a small island at their south end, from the narrow Bridal Veil falls.
Each side of the falls offers a different perspective, and it is always best to visit both sides to maximize your experience. The American side gives a side-on view of the American Falls, and an observation point only 20yds from the top of the falls. It has a more distant and partially obscured view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, as the closest side of the Horseshoe is obscured by the curve of the falls. There are also views of the hotel skyline on the Canadian side. The Canadian side directly faces the American Falls and offers full views of both the American and Horseshoe Falls. The Canadian side also has a greater number of attractions and hotels.
There are many operators offering tours of the area:
Views of Niagara Falls are free and accessible. Access to the riverside walks and parks offer great views. You can walk across to Goat Island on the pedestrian bridge.
There are a number of attractions designed to give different experiences of the falls.
You can combine all these attractions with a Niagara USA Discover pass for $35, which you can purchase at the attractions.
Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (Code: BUF), in Buffalo is a major airport, with flights across the United States. It is about 30-40 minutes away.
Niagara Falls Intl Airport (code: IAG) is the closest airport to the falls, but it is served by only one commercial airline, charter, and private flights.
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (code: YHM) is about a one-hour drive west of Niagara Falls in the Canadian province of Ontario. The airport hosts low-cost Canadian carrier WestJet which offers frequent flights all over Canada. In addition, Transat Holidays offers weekly direct flights to Cancun, Mexico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. FlyGlobeSpan.com, a British carrier, also serves the Hamilton airport with direct flights from Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Manchester. However, most flights are only once per week.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (Code: YYZ), in Toronto is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from the falls. However, expect to deal with heavy traffic in the Toronto area which could make the trip much longer.
Cleveland airport is around 3 hours drive from Niagara, but is a hub for Continental Airlines, and has direct flights to many destinations. It is another opportunity to seek out cheap fares into the region.
You can really do a lot without a car once you get to the immediate vicinity of the Falls. If you are staying downtown you may be able to get by without a car. The toll for walking the bridge to Canada is $0.50, paid on the Canadian side coming into the US. It can be paid in American or Canadian quarters.
Car is a convenient option to get around, and to see the attractions surrounding the Falls. If you are hiring a car, check the restrictions on driving it into Canada if you want to see the Canadian side of the falls. Even a day trip across the border by car may be in violation of a rental agreement.
There is a bus line that covers the region (NFTA), but it is nothing special. There's also a line #210, which runs every 2 hours between Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Niagara Falls. Currently it is scheduled until June 30th. See schedule at NFTA's website.
There are outlet malls, which may be of interest to bargain hunters crossing the border.
There are numerous places to pick up gifts and souvenirs including:
The drinking age in New York is 21, however, due to the fact that Niagara Falls straddles the border, many 19 and 20 year-olds cross the border into Canada to legally drink. Alcohol is more expensive in Canada.
Oliver Street was in the guiness book of World records for many years for having the most bars on one street. Upwards of 100 bars on still on Oliver. One of the best being Soos's bar. Oliver Street is located in NT (North Tonawanda) about 15 minutes from the Falls. At the end there are many things to do. Roller skating, tattoo shops, The Riviera Theatre.