Picking sides: Niagara Canada vs. Niagara USA (infographic)

Visiting Niagara Falls is actually a tale of two distinct regions—or should we say tourist attractions? There is both the US and Canadian side of the Falls and both impress—and aim to lure your dollars—in different ways. Which side offers the better views, tours, casinos and more? Our side-by-side guide reveals all!

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Transcript

Niagara vs. Niagara

By Michele Herrmann

Dreaming of boarding a boat and heading into the mist to watch more than 3,000 tons of water cascade down Niagara Falls every second? It’s a classic vacation destination, to be sure. But should you view this natural wonder from the Canadian side or the US side? We’ll help you decide?

VIEWS
Canada: The Journey Behind the Falls tour takes you through old tunnels to view Horseshoe Falls from above and behind.

US: Horseshoe and American Falls are best viewed from within Niagara Falls State Park. A closer view of Bridal Veil Falls can be had via the Cave of the Winds.

COST
Canada: The exchange rate is favorable for Americans ($1 USD  is about $135 CAD), which makes a Canadian jaunt appealing.

US: Parking, food and activities cost less on the US side.

BOAT TOURS
Canada: Hornblower Cruises state-of-the-art catamaran or the Hornblower Guardian, a private chartered, 150-passenger jet boat, carries visitors along the Niagara River both day and night.

US: The seasonal Maid of the Mist boat tour has plied the waters of the Niagara Gorge for well over a century, journeying along the Niagara River to the base of American and Horseshoe Falls.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Canada: Clifton Hills Family Amusements, arty St. Catharines, wineries, Lake Erie beaches, historic Niagara on the Lake village

US: The Erie Canal, legendary Reid’s Drive-In, the Niagara Power Vista, Old Fort Niagara and Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard

GAMING
Canada: Casino Niagara’s 1,300 slot machines, 30 gaming tables and weekend entertainment; or the Fallsview Casino Resort with over 3,000 slot machines, 100 gaming tables and luxury hotel

US: The massive Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino with 3,000 reel and video slot machines, nearly 100 tables and live entertainment seven nights a week

WINERIES
Canada: Visit more than 50 wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake and the surrounding Niagara wine region.

US: The Niagara Wine Trail includes more than 20 wineries, plus breweries and cideries, like Woodcock Brothers Brewery, the first Brewery in Niagara County.

HOTELS
Canada: You can’t stay much closer to the Falls than Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls. Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls Fallsview has great falls-view rooms, too. Both are bookable through Orbitz.

US: DoubleTree Fallsview Resort and Spa by Hilton Niagara Falls along the Niagara River puts you close to the action; Sheraton at the Falls near Niagara Falls State Park is 10 minutes from Goat Island Vantage point. Both are bookable through Orbitz.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Canada: Take the car-free Niagara River Recreational Trail along the river from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie. South of the Falls, the Dufferin Islands offer 10 acres of park.

US: New York boasts 11 state parks including Niagara State Falls Park, the oldest state park in the country, and the Erie Canalway Trail.

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Tagged: Canada, New York