Review: Niagara Falls, New York + Seeing Past the Falls
It’s debatable: If you want to see Niagara Falls, do you head to the Canadian side or the American? Here is my take on what to expect on U.S. soil and how to make the most of your trip.
Niagara Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls- Horseshoe, Bridal Veil and American Falls – that overlap the borders of Canada and the United States. The water travels from four of the five great lakes: Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior, then to the Niagara River, then the St. Lawrence River and finally to the Atlantic Ocean.
On the U.S. side, you can get up close and personal with the falls. Walkways and viewing stations along the Cave of The Winds Tour ($14) drop your bright blue poncho-wearing self to a wooden deck that is feet from the rushing waters of Bridal Veil Falls. Stand back for a light mist, or belly up to the rail to be drenched with water.
For a vantage point of all three falls, buy a ticket for Maid of The Mist ($17 adults). Stand at the bow of the boat for a watery wake up call as more and more water splashes into the ship as it inches in on the 18-story Horseshoe Falls- the most powerful waterfall in North America that is also a powerful source of hydroelectric energy. The rides have been running for more than 130 years and attract tourists (many armed with selfie sticks) from across the world to see the fall that stretches 2,600 feet across, spanning the U.S.–Canadian border.
Take advantage of more time in the park and have lunch at Top of The Falls Restaurant on Goat Island, which overlooks Horseshoe Falls from an outdoor dining deck or through floor to ceiling windows if you opt to sit inside. Order the fish and chips, which comes out as one heaping portion of fried cod instead of individual strips.
Insider tip: A morning or afternoon in the park, at least on a non-holiday weekend, is ample time. If you can visit on a weekday you will breeze through lines leaving you more time for other sites. Parking on Goat Island is $10 but those on foot or bike have free entry.
Now What? Since you can easily see the falls in half a day, extend your trip by exploring the neighboring town of Lockport, New York, a more rural and agricultural setting than Niagara. Lockport has its own water experience that is worth the 40-minute drive from the falls. On a Lockport Locks boat cruise ($17.50 price) you’ll journey along the hand-dug Erie Canal (built in TK YEAR to connect the Hudson River with the Niagara River), which is an engineering feat worth seeing. The two-hour river cruise passes under bridges, by the famous “Flight of Five” and also raises and lowers passengers 50 feet in the only double set of locks on the Erie Canal. Cruises depart daily from May to October from the banks of the Erie Canal.
Another place to add to your itinerary is a tour of Old Fort Niagara ($12 Cost). France, Great Britain and the United States all occupied the Fort at one point, and battled to keep it because of easy access to the Great Lakes. Walk inside the French Castle, built in 1726, where soldiers kept a constant watch for enemies. Native American, French, British and American soldiers all lived and worked inside. Today, visitors can see the classy quarters of the comandante, the less luxe bunk beds for soldiers and even a spot on the wall where soldiers carved their names. Old Fort Niagara served as a training station for the army until 1964. At the museum you can see original artifacts from the site and view the massive original War of 1812 Flag that has since been restored. Keep an ear out for musket and artillery firings from actors dressed in period costume.
Where to Eat:
One of the first things you may notice about Niagara is the amount of Indian restaurants, many of which have excellent reviews. But if you are looking to fill up on something other than flatbread and curry, try some of these spots that are newer to the scene.
Webster’s Bistro and Bar (102 Webster Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120)
This spot serves upscale French-American cuisine and gives off a European vibe—right down to the carafes, music and servers, who are uniformed in colorful bow ties and vests. To start, go for the classic French onion soup topped with a homemade crouton. For an entrée, try the Salmon Wellington, served in a puff pastry and topped with a dill cream sauce. It’s one of the restaurant’s most ordered entrees.
Mericana (80 Main Street, Lockport, New York)
Upscale comfort food is the theme here, including rotating flavors of macaroni and cheese with scrumptious additions like broccoli, lobster and TK (try to find another unusual ingredient). Other top picks are the bacon-wrapped meatloaf and peanut butter goat cheese salad- because who said peanut butter just meshes with jelly?
Culinary Institue of Niagara (28 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303)
A high-end restaurant, Savor, sits inside this culinary institute where students cook, help create the menu and even serve. You’ll find seasonal salads, pizzas from a hearth stone oven and more protein-focused fare like burgers, chicken and pulled pork on the menu. The goal of the school is to bring students a hands-on learning environment. Beyond the restaurant, find 25 kitchens, classrooms and labs, including a New York Style Deli, French pastry café, wine store and Barnes and Noble bookstore.
Where to Stay: The Giacomo (222 First St) is the only boutique hotel in downtown Niagara and is within walking distance to the falls, hiking trails and a short drive to Old Fort Niagara. It’s about 35 minutes from the Buffalo Airport and 40 minutes from Lockport. Once you spot a towering Art Deco building in the skyline, you know you have arrived. Don’t be surprised if you hear a knock on your door around bedtime–staff deliver fresh baked cookies to every room, which will put you right to sleep on the comfy pillow top mattress beds. Insider Tip: Head to the 18th floor lounge for aerial views of Niagara Falls.
