Hi sweet friends! I hope you enjoyed a long holiday weekend. Recently, Mr. Decor and I took a trip up to Buffalo, NY and then headed to Ontario, Canada to see a true wonder of the world. When visiting this magical place many people seem to wonder Which Niagara Falls View Is Better?
Which Niagara Falls View Is Better?
Longtime readers may be familiar in that I am quite a meticulous planner when it comes to travel excursions. Call it FOMO or just not wanting to overlook anything of importance I do countless hours of research prior to taking a trip. A recent trip to see Niagara Falls was no different.
For those who are not aware, Niagara Falls encompasses the great Horseshoe Falls (on the far right), Bridal Veil Falls (the small center falls) and the American Falls (on the far left).
The viewpoint for this image was taken at the top of a hill on the Canadian side.
Another thing to note is that there are many viewpoints available in which to look at various angles of the falls. This post will cover several.
We opted to purchase the Canadian Niagara Falls Adventure Plus Pass. For some reason the American side has eliminated their pass and each activity must be purchased separately now.
Journey Behind the Falls
After taking in the overall above/birdseye view we opted to visit the Journey Behind the Falls attraction. You descend 125 ft. ( 38.1 meters) by elevator to walk a short distance to two observation decks.
This gets you fairly close next to the right side of Horseshoe Falls. You can see the falls in action on my Instagram account HERE.
We then walked over to the century old Niagara Parks Power Station. The walk afforded some stunning views of the top of Horseshoe Falls.
Niagara Falls Power Plant
The plant offers numerous exhibits and restored artifacts on how hydropower was harnessed and turned into electricity. There is also a new tunnel experience 80 feet below the plant. It’s a bit of a walk but leads you to a great observation deck at the river’s edge.
To the right you get to see and feel the mist of Horseshoe Falls.
To the left you can view the American and Bridal Veil Falls as well as the Rainbow Bridge.
White Water Walk
The White Water Walk features a 1,000 feet (305 meter) boardwalk located right on the edge of an amazing stretch of the Niagara River with its powerful Whiter Water.
The views of the gorge are spectacular.
It also offers an amazing photo op as well as the history of some of the most inspiring barrel riding daredevils.
On a serious note: it is illegal to go over the falls or ride the white water rapids.
Niagara Falls Aero Car
The historic Whirlpool Aero Car glides above the swirling teal-colored waters of the Niagara River. The total distance traveled across the gorge is 3,500 feet (1066.8 meters).
Viewing the whirlpool has been a tourist attraction dating back to the late 1800s.
In 1913, a group of Spanish businessmen wanted to build a cable car that would take visitors across the Niagara Whirlpool. It’s been running ever since.
Last winter the car was removed from its tracks and sent to Saint-Jérôme, Québec, to undergo refurbishments. The lower section was restored with brand-new mechanical parts. The iconic yellow arch, designed by renowned Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres-Quevedo, was replaced with an identical arch.
So I felt confident in climbing aboard.
The massive volume of water falling over Horseshoe Falls creates Grade 6 white water rapids as it tries to fit into the narrow Niagara Gorge. The rapids end abruptly at the end of the gorge and turn abruptly counterclockwise. This change in direction creates the whirlpool.
The Aero car provides truly stunning views of the gorge and whirlpool.
The Hornblower Versus Maid of The Mist Boat Ride
You can see the falls by boat by either taking off from the Canadian side (The Hornblower) or the American side (The Maid of the Mist).
This image captures just how high the mist, created by the plunging water, goes into the sky.
We decided to take a ride on the Hornblower. Please note that the boat ride is not included in the adventure pass.
You will get drenched!
We opted to roll out of bed and take the very first boat ride of the day at 8:30 am. We then went back to our hotel to change into dry clothes.
This was the last photo I took before the whipping winds and surrounding mist were so intense that I put my phone away so that it would not get damaged.
American Side
On the American side you can see a portion of Horseshoe Falls and of course the powerful top cascade of Bridal Veil Falls.
As well as the descent of the American Falls.
There is also a large observation deck that is shown in front of Rainbow Bridge.
On the American side you can also visit the Cave of the Winds.
There is an elevator ride down of 175 feet (53 meters) into the Niagara Gorge. Then, you follow a tour guide over a series of wooden walkways to the famous Hurricane Deck which is just 20 feet (6 meters) from Bridal Veil Falls.
We decided not to do this activity as we were headed back to Buffalo, NY and did not want to sit in the car soaking wet.
We instead decided to walk along the various promenades that overlook the falls as well as the river.
It was very inspiring and lovely.
Overall, the Canadian side, in my opinion, offers better views of all three of the falls as well as more activities. If you are American, you will need a passport to get into Canada.
I’ll be back on Friday with two outfits that I created from the classic 1953 film, Niagara.
You won’t want to miss it!
Laura
Other Accompanying Trip Posts
Genesee Country Village and Museum
Beautiful Pictures Laura!!
I Enjoyed them ,as I will probably never get there!!
Thank you, Lisa M McCarthy
I really don’t like open water but I did like the quiet rippling scene ,Glad you are able to go and thank you for sharing.
you so much for passing along the thrill of your anniversary trip. I think it is fabulously beautiful, but as a person who is afraid of heights, I have to tell you that my stomach was reeling just sitting here at the kitchen table. Oh, my gosh, you are so brave and adventurous. I wouldn’t have gotten into that cable car for, as my grandmother used to say, “love nor money.” No-siree-bob! Looking forward to seeing your outfits! The red and white dress is just beautiful. I love it.
Ginene
Dear Laura,
Thank you for sharing these amazing pictures and your blog post with us. I have visited the Canadian side of Niagara Falls many many times and have experienced many of your adventures there. I have visited the USA side of the Falls. I enjoy the Canadian side of the Falls much, much more..
Again, thank you.
My son went to school in Rochester NY. We went to the falls every time we visited him (at least 4 times a year). Coming from Houston Texas both sides were exciting the first few times! Then I discovered things I liked best on both sides! It is awe inspiring! And your photos did show both at their best!
These are just fabulous photos, Laura. I’ve done one of the system tours but never the boat ride and that looks like loads of fun. You are maxing out this trip and I love it!
I don’t think being wet seems all that fun although maybe on the hottest day of the year I could be easily coaxed into it. Nor will I be doing the cable car ride. That looks super sketchy! You are a brave woman. I knew Eric would make me smile in a photo or two. Y’all are the perfect couple and have crazy, funny, addicting personalities! Glad you had fun. NF is on our bucket list. In the process of getting my first passport now. Woohoo! I’m dying to check out some Hallmark movie towns in Canada this Christmas.