Readers weigh in on a which-side-is-better debate on Niagara Falls and include their own favorite recommendations. Here is a sampling of insider tips for visits to both the American and Canadian Falls.
— Our favorite place in Niagara Falls, Canada, was the Welland Canal. This is where the huge Laker Ships, approximately 400 feet long and sometimes longer, go from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and out to the St. Lawrence Seaway. There is an observation desk, restaurant and souvenir shop. You can even drive the length of the canal and observe these huge ships. What a thrill to see them in the bottom of the canal and watch the ships rise with the water.
— One of the most natural (non-commercialized) and still pristine observation spots is Goat Island, which sits between the two falls. It's accessible only from the American side and has both an auto and pedestrian bridge to it. I run its 1 1/2-mile loop path at least once a year (last May, at 82) for the sheer beauty of watching the sun rise on the upper Niagara and gradually catch the mist rising high over both waters.
— The American side of the falls is less crowded and feels much more natural. I particularly like the Three Sisters Islands, which are off Goat Island away from the falls, because they are very tranquil and appear almost unchanged from a century ago.
Other favorites on the American side are the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, which includes a nifty simulated elevator ride down through the rock strata and a remote camera that viewers can operate to spy on areas around the falls. A beautiful drive along the river north of the city takes you to the attractively restored 19th century village of Lewiston and, farther north, to Old Fort Niagara, a restored fort dating back to the French occupation in 1726.
— Niagara Falls occurs when the Niagara River cuts through the Niagara Escarpment. The escarpment itself is a very interesting geological feature, visible for many miles along the Ontario shore, with many vistas, parks and lesser waterfalls.
The Escarpment provides a unique shelter for vineyards. Many of the wineries offer tastings and tours.
Old Fort Niagara, on the American side of the river, offers a restored European-style fortification. Fort Erie, across from Buffalo, has a more Colonial look to it. In between are various battlefields, forts and historical sites.
The War of 1812 is particularly well-represented, with battle monuments and museums for Lundy's Lane, Chippawa and Queenston Heights. Perhaps the quirkiest battlefield is the little park at Ridgeway, which commemorates an 1866 skirmish between Canadian militia and Irish-American Civil War veterans.
— On the Canadian side, I strongly recommend a visit to the horticultural school. It used to be free and is on the gorge-side road that connects Niagara Falls to Queenston. On the New York side is the Wintergarden. Although it has been commercialized somewhat since opening, it still is lovely in the winter and is a good place to eat food bought in the adjacent food court. Artpark in Lewiston is a park for creative arts with resident artists who do their work in public and are available for demonstrations and to answer questions. There is also an enclosed auditorium for shows.
The border crossing has become much tougher than it used to be — I used to ride or walk across with no problems, but increased security after the Sept. 11 attacks has made it more rigorous (passports strongly recommended), and a slowdown by Canadian personnel means hourlong waits to cross the Rainbow bridge into Canada.
— You left one very distinctive aspect out of your ratings. Whether you call it customer service, friendliness or hospitality, the American side is totally lacking in it, while the Canadian side exemplifies what it takes to make one's visit a pleasurable memory. Warm smiles, helpful attitudes and nice people were the trademark of the Canadian service personnel and park employees.