We have had the privilege of living rather close to the Canadian border. Because, of this we have vacationed to Niagara Falls several times. This past weekend we took a trip to the New York side of the falls and learned some new tricks I think you should save for a future trip! Enjoy my secrets to the New York side of Niagara Falls:
If you are traveling to the New York side from Niagara you will notice the toll booths have been pulled. They now require a EZPASS or mail a toll charge through your car registration. I suggest following the scenic way which brings you next to the Niagara Park.
Once down town we found the BEST place to park your vehicle!! It’s called Goat Island! Welcome to the secret that has alluded us for years. We have paid up to $25 to park and walked long distances just to reach this place. The parking here is $10….PLUS it skips all the extra hiking!
They do have trolleys that run daily. Again because of the great parking we did not have to pay for any of that. If you are interested just click here for their rates.
As you walk around you will see various statues. For example, Chief Clinton Rickard (pictured above), the founder of the Indian Defense League.
Many people ask which side do I prefer: the New York side of the Falls verses the Canadian HorseShoe Falls. My answer will always be hands down the New York side. Not because I am from this state BUT because you can get so close to these magnificent sites!
The mist literally sprays you CLOSE! Over the last few years they have paved the trails making this so easy for you to walk around.
As you walk to the different Falls you can stop at several look out points for different angled views.
They also have some great gift shops and food vendors to stop at.
Because it is a State park, you could easily bring a lunch with you.
I would suggest also bringing some quarters because they have several looking glasses to operate. Another tip I can offer is patience. People from all over the world flock here to look at these attractions. Waiting for a photo spot can be frustrating. Many people do NOT want to move once they have it. Just be patient eventually people will move and you can score the good views!
The Canadian side is always are next stop. If you are visiting the Canadian side I have several places I would suggest you also visit. You can check some of them out here. While this is the larger of the two water falls you have a harder time seeing it from the New York side. The best view I have gotten of it was in our Skylon Tower, Niagara Falls, Canada tour.
From the New York side you can only see a small piece of it.
The picture above is an example BUT worth a trip in my opinion!
Do you want to visit the New York side of Niagara Falls?
If you have which side is you favorite?
Let us know in the comments!!
Great tips! It's a while since I went to Niagara Falls… I'd like to go again some time!
I've always heard the Canadian side was better, but I've never been either way and would love to see it. One day, we want to take a trip and bring the boys to see the falls. Thanks for the tip about the parking, that's always so frustrating!
I went to Niagara falls once, in early april.. and everything was still frozen, snow on the ground and not nearly as lush as your pictures captured. this proves that I need to go back when the weather is warmer
It's nice to see what it looks like from the US side. I'm from Canada and have only ever seen it from one side! Whatever side though, it's really majestic.
Growing up, my grandparents always said the Canadian side was better, so we only every went there. My mom recently has discovered the new York side and was just telling us how wonderful it was. I have only been on the NY side once, but I hope next summer to take my family.
The views are gorgeous…even at the risk of stating the obvious 🙂
I have heard the HorseShoe Falls to be the best…but, I feel if you are visiting a place more than once, it's pays to explore interesting locations around it too.
– Nandita
I've visited both sides; good point about the toll booths going away! (Many of the tolls near where we live are now EZPass or Pay-By-Plate only too). I prefer the Canadian side only because (as an American) that means I am probably going to or coming from visiting my best friend, who is Canadian 🙂
Beautiful pictures!! I've always wanted to visit Niagara Falls! I didn't know there are two sides, so that was interesting!
This is a lovely post. Been to Niagara falls and it was beautiful. Also great from a helicopter ride too x
Oh fun. I haven't been to Niagara Falls in years. I bet my kids would love to visit.