6 Reasons You Should Travel to the Canadian Side of Niagara Falls
We're going to ignore TLC's advice – don't go chasing waterfalls – and instead we're going to go in search of them. At over 180 feet tall, one of the most well-known and largest waterfalls in the US is Niagara Falls. Every year it brings millions of tourists to both the United States and Canadian side of the border combined.
While I haven't been to the US side, I did make a day trip to Niagara Falls when I lived in Toronto, so I was able to see it from the Canadian side. And now I know why I’ve heard you have to go to the Canadian side.
About Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is made up of 3 waterfalls – American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are technically located on the US side while Horseshoe Falls is located on both the US and Canada side of the border.
The falls are over 12,000 years old and were formed by melting glaciers. Horseshoe Falls allows 6 million cubic feet (168,000 cubic meters) of water over the crestline every minute during peak hours. Learn more facts like these about Niagara Falls here.
Here are 6 reasons you should travel to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls:
The view of the waterfall is breathtaking, from many different angles
When you're exploring the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, there is a very long boardwalk that runs alongside the falls.
It has many great viewpoints for you to stop and enjoy the sounds of flowing water and to see the sheer beauty of the Horseshoe Falls.
You can go right up next to the part of the falls in the bend and even get misted by the water while walking near the power station.
When you’re walking alongside the falls, there really isn’t a bad viewpoint – besides the fact that there are a lot of people.
You can visit Journey Behind The Falls
If you want to get up close and personal with the water at the waterfall, go to Journey Behind the Falls.
In addition to the observation deck, you can go to the tunnels where you can see the power of the flowing water from behind them.
Tickets are required and can be purchased in-person. I recommend purchasing tickets in-advance online.
Get a 360 degree view of the Falls at Skylon Tower
Located a short distance from the falls is Skylon Tower.
You can ride the elevator to the top and enjoy the falls in one of two ways.
Walk around the indoor/outdoor observation deck – tickets are required – P.S. it's very windy up on the outdoor observation deck!
Dine at the rotating restaurant, which completes a 360 degree rotation every hour – reservations are required; when you dine here, you are provided with free access to the observation deck – *please note the restaurant requires you to spend a certain amount per person.
Take a spin on the Niagara Skywheel
Who doesn’t love a good ferris wheel ride?! This one includes incredible views of the falls as you circle around and around.
Make a splash on the Niagara City Cruise
If you want to get really close to Horseshoe Falls and get soaked while doing it, then you need to book a Niagara City Cruise. This 20 minute ride takes you on a boat ride straight to face the falls.
There’s a lot to do in the area in addition to the falls
The actual town of Niagara Falls has so many attractions and activities for everyone. Put on some good walking shoes to explore places like the Upside Down House, casinos, the power station, floral gardens, and so much more!
Or you could purchase a Niagara Falls Wonder Pass – which includes admission to five of Niagara Parks’ breathtaking attractions plus two consecutive days of WEGO bus transportation and Falls Incline Railway Access – so you can get around town more easily.
If Niagara Falls is on your travel bucket list, then you need to consider going to the Canadian side for your trip. It has so many great attractions and lots to do in the surrounding area. I highly recommend traveling there for at least a full day but ideally 2 to 3 days to be able to take in all the best sights.
