Niagara Falls:
Niagara Falls, NY and Niagara Falls, ON

When people ask which of the Falls is nicer, the American or the Horseshoe Falls, it is almost like asking which of your children do you like best. Both sides of the Niagara Falls have their own unique beauty. The Horseshoe Falls, also known as the Canadian Falls, are named for their semicircle shape. It is larger than the American Falls. It is hard to see the whole falls since there is so much mist. The Falls look smooth without all the rocks present in the American Falls. I like the Rocks in the American Falls since they break up the falls and add some more dimension to the straight American Falls.

Above the American Falls is the Niagara Falls State Park. The Park extends to an overlook point above the Horseshoe Falls as well. There are close up views of the falls at the park. Parking in a Niagara Falls State Park lot is only $10 for the whole day.  Parking near the falls on the Canadian side is not easy to find and is generally expensive.

The Niagara Parkway is where you can see the falls from the Canadian side. There are complete views of the American and Canadian Falls. Most hotels with rooms overlooking the falls are located on the Canadian side.

I’m often asked what I would do if I just had one day at the falls. I would suggest the Cave of the Winds which is the closest access to the falls and is absolutely amazing. I would also suggest the Maid of the Mist Boat Ride if on the American side. Visiting the area just overlooking the falls is definitely worth it and if possible stay for the illuminated falls at night. If on the Canadian side with just a day, I liked the Hornblower Cruise, The Mistrider Zipline for the more adventurous, The Skylon Tower or the Niagara Skywheel is a great way to view the Falls.

During the summertime m, there is a five minute fireworks display over the American Falls every night.

The Chabad Shul is just a few minute walk from the Falls on the Canadian side. In the same building as the shul is both a Meat Restaurant and a dairy Bagel/ Pizza Shop. The closest supermarket with a bakery, takeout and kosher section of food is Tops in Buffalo, about 45 minutes’ drive from the Falls in New York.

Niagara Falls is an excellent destination for a family vacation or just a stop on the way from Toronto to New York or vice versa there so much to do at Niagara Falls. We stayed for close to a week but we could’ve stayed longer than that and still have had what to do.


Posted: October 17, 2018
