Niagara Falls! I grew up there. My family still lives there. I used to work as a guide for tourists visiting Niagara Falls. I presently live in Costa Rica with my wife. Most people here have heard of Niagara Falls but they think it is located in Canada. When Costa Ricans find out where I am from, the conversation usually goes like this:
“How beautiful! It must be so peaceful.”
“Yes, the falls are incredibally beautiful; I never grew tired of admiring them. Yes, it is pretty quiet there”.
“Isn’t Canada very cold?”
“It is very cold in the winter and yes Canada is very cold but so is the American side of the Falls.”
“But isn’t Niagara in Canada?”
“Niagara Falls is shared by Canada and the USA. I am from the American side, from Niagara Falls, New York.”
For many people, not just Costa Ricans, Niagara has become practically synonymous with Canada. I have been personally affected by this half truth; Costa Ricans who have known me for several years still falsely believe I am Canadian. My own wife used to believe I was Canadian! Although it is true that the view from the Canadian side offers a classic panoramic view of the falls, in my opinion, the views from the American side are just as stunning. Niagara Falls, New York is a fine, family-friendly tourist destination unto itself and should not be overlooked. The following information with insider tips is meant to ensure that you can have a succesful, fun, summer trip to Niagara Falls, New York without having to cross the border.
What to do
1. See the falls!
Niagara Falls comprises three main cataracts; the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. The Horseshoe Falls is sometimes known as the Canadian Falls as three-fourths of it is located in Canadian territory. The American and Bridal Veil Falls are located entirely on the American side. On the American side, the simplest way to see the Falls is to park on Goat Island located within the Niagara Reservation State Park. (Parking may cost up to $10 per day from Memorial Day until Labor Day). Paid parking (meter and lots) is available on the nearby mainland as well along Rainbow Boulevard and vicinity.
Insider Tip: If you tire of walking in the summer heat, buy a day pass for the Viewmobile; transportation accompanied by commentary from the geological museum to Goat Island. Costs around $6.
Beautiful, wooded Goat Island separates the American and Horseshoe Falls and is accessible by car as well as a pedestrian bridge. It can take from five to twenty minutes to walk from the parking lots right up to the brink of all three cataracts. Although some food is sold at a cafeteria here, Goat Island is one of the most idyllic places I have ever seen for picnicing. Tables and grills (bring your own charcoal) are available.
Insider Tip: Don’t sleep in or you might miss the huge, gorgeous rainbow that is visible on sunny mornings above the Horseshoe Falls. Whenever I brought folks visiting Niagara Falls, New York to this spot, they never failed to literally gasp in amazement.
Luna Island is accessed from Goat Island. It is an islet found between the Bridal Veil and American Falls. Feel the spray and roar of both cataracts standing right at their brinks!
Near the entrance to Luna Island is the access point for the Cave of the Winds trip. Ponchos and sandals are provided to those who dare to take an elevator to several wooden platforms at the base of the Bridal Veil Falls. Although the cave hasn’t been there for years, the microclimates made by all that falling water ensure a permanent windy forecast. This adventure costs eight to ten dollars and can be quite busy.
Insider Tip: A great way to cool off on hot summer days.
At the brink of the American Falls on the mainland is an observation tower and the entrance to the Maid of the Mist boat ride. After watching the falling water at the brink, board the Maid of the Mist for a fantastic and unique view of the Falls from below. This activity should not be missed! The boat gets fairly up close and personal to all three cataracts; an amazing experience!
Insider Tip: You will get wet! Open Memorial Day to the first week in October.
For visitors who need to see the falls from an aerial perspective, helicopter rides for $70 are offered next to the Three Sisters Trading Post on Main street a block or two from the Rainbow bridge.
2. Visit the Niagara gorge
Most of the American side of the Niagara gorge lies within the boundaries of the Niagara Reservation State Park. The natural beauty of the forested Niagara gorge is a perfect backdrop for the hiking trail that follows the rim from the brink of the American falls to Devil’s Hole State Park. It is at least five miles in length and has a few access points along the Robert Moses Parkway. The Parkway can be reached by taking the first left after the Howard Johnson’s hotel on Main street (three blocks north of the Rainbow bridge).
Insider Tip: Half of the Parkway was closed and converted into a bike path some years ago to encourage access to and preserve the Niagara Gorge. There is also a walking/bike path along the banks of the upper Niagara River upstream of the cataracts.
Less than one mile from the Falls is a geological museum and the remains of an old power generating plant. There is also a pedestrian bridge to the Niagara Falls Aquarium. Parking is available here and at the aquarium. From this point, one can also cycle along the trail until Whirlpool and Devil’s Hole State Parks are reached.
Whirlpool State Park is reached about three miles from the falls. This is a beautiful park with picnic tables, grills and a playground. It overlooks a section of the Niagara River known as the whirpool because of the whirlpools frequently generated by the strong river currents below.
Insider Tip: A set of steps descend into the Niagara Gorge just north of this park. At the bottom is a path following the course of the lower Niagara River for about a mile until Devil’s Hole is reached.
Devil’s Hole State Park is found at the end of the hiking trail and also has steps that descend to the river below.
The Niagara Power Project is located just down river from Devil’s Hole. Their visitor center is very educational with many hands-on learning exhibits; a great place to bring the kids.
Insider Tip: Access can be difficult with parking mostly at nearby Niagara University (found on the other side of a wide street with fast traffic).
3. If you don’t feel like driving around to look for parking and would rather have a professional guide tell you about the sites you are visiting, take a guided tour.
There are several tour companies that offer guided tours of the cataracts. Although all guides must be licensed by the municipality, quality surely varies. Most tours last half a day and include the Maid of the Mist boat ride. Some tours also go to Canada (make sure you have a passport). Here are some links to the more well established companies:
Bedore Tours
Grayline Tours
Over the Falls Tours
Niagara Majestic Tours
For a unique tour that focuses on the historic importance of the Niagara region for the underground railroad, take a Spirit of Niagara tour.
4. If gambling is your thing, go to the Seneca Niagara Casino (the tall building with the lit up feather about a fifteen minute walk from the falls).
5. If excellent bakeries with amazing Italian bread are your thing, visit DiCamillo’s Bakery. One of the main things I miss from Niagara Falls is DiCamillo’s bread and I am not alone; almost every Niagaran I know who has moved away feels the same way! When my parents came to Costa Rica for my wedding, I didn’t ask them to bring my favorite books or clothes or my fishing rod. I asked them to please bring some loaves of DiCamillo’s bread. While growing up, I thought it was normal to eat excellent, real Italian bread every day. It wasn’t until I traveled and lived in other parts of the U.S. that I realized how truly rare it can be to find good Italian bread and biscotti. The bakery also sells doughnuts, pies, different types of pizza (the only place I have seen pizza similar to their “old-fashioned” was in Rome, Italy) and a variety of other goodies. There are two branches not too far from the falls; one is located about two miles north of the Falls on Linwood Avenue west of Main Street, and the other is located about two miles from the Falls along Pine Avenue.
Insider Tip: Try the excellent biscotti and cookies and if you visit the branch on Pine, you will be officially in Niagara Little Italy. This area of town frequently hosts summer festivals and live music at the Gazebo next to Saint Joseph’s church.
6. If used bookstores are your thing, do not miss The Book Corner. This fantastic book store is a rare find and is found on a mostly vacant section of Main Street about 3.5 miles north of the Falls. There are three floors of books both new and used with a comfortable seating area on the second floor. This is a very special place that always has many books I have never seen elsewhere.
7. Where to buy souvenirs
Like most tourist destinations, souvenirs vary and are widely available. The Three Sisters Trading Post located a block or two north of the Rainbow bridge offers higher quality souvenirs as well as arts and crafts. The Daredevil Museum is found along Rainbow Boulevard just south of the Seneca Niagara Casino. This friendly souvenir shop is not just a place to stop for gifts, snacks, and cold drinks, but also shows a free exhibit of barrels and devices used by daredevils who tried to survive a trip over the Falls.
Where to Stay
For folks visiting Niagara Falls, New York, there are a wide variety of accomodations to choose from. from KOA campgrounds to motels along Niagara Falls Boulevard to larger hotels near the falls itself. There are also a few Bed and Breakfasts and even a youth hostel.
Insider Tip: Make reservations during the busy summer months.
Where to Eat and Drink
The following are a few suggestions of many possibilities by area.
Near the falls:
Tommy Ryan’s provides American fare in a fifties era atmosphere. Somewhat over-priced in my opinion.
he Red Coach Inn offers excellent fine dining with a view of the nearby Niagara rapids.
Insider Tip: I worked at this establishment years ago and would still eat there.
Up Rainbow Boulevard to Third Street are several authentic Indian restuarants.
Third Street:
Donatello’s pizza and subs is one of the closest pizzerias to the falls that offers up real Buffalo wings.
There was also a nice wine bar that opened here in 2007. Pleasant and upscale, I hope it is still there.
Main Street:
Mary’s Soul Food has authentic home-cooked soul food.
Chu’s is one of the more popular Chinese restuarants in town.
Pine Avenue:
This is Niagara Little Italy and there are several restuarants here that serve excellent Italian. The most well known is the Como restaurant and deli. Found near Twenty-Second and Pine. Try the gnochii!
Insider Tip: You can get take out from the deli which is open until seven P.M.. Whatever is left is usually sold at half price about a half hour before closing time.
Macri’s is another family run Italian place. Found near nineteenth street.
In the City Market area is Goodfella’s pizzeria; a small, family-run place with good Niagara style pizza.
How to get to Niagara Falls, New York
Car: Arriving by car is pretty easy for people visiting Niagara Falls, New York. Whether you arrive from the south, east or west, signs on the Niagara State Thruway (I 90) indicate which exit to take for Niagara Falls.
Plane: Fly into the Buffalo Niagara Regional Airport. A taxi to Niagara Falls, New York would be pretty expensive as it is a forty minute drive. If you decide upon a rental car, the entrance to the Thruway system is directly across the street from the airport. From there, follow the signs to the 290, then to Niagara Falls.
Bus: Take a Greyhound bus to Buffalo, then on to Niagara Falls. The bus terminal in Niagara Falls, New York is located about a mile from the cataracts. Taxi it from here, or walk three blocks south past Tops supermarket to Pine Avenue. Take a right on Pine and continue for about four blocks to Main Street. Take a left on Main and continue on for about six blocks to the Niagara Reservation State Park.
Train: The Amtrak system offers trains to Niagara Falls, New York. They arrive in a pretty unattractive part of town several miles from the cataracts. From there, it is probably easiest to taxi it to the state park. Trains are also available to Buffalo, New York.
Although summer is the warmest time to visit the falls, the cataracts are stunning at all seasons. Whatever time of year you visit, have a great trip!
Sources
http://www.threesisterstradingpost.com
http://www.bedoretours.com
http://www.grayline-niagara.com
http://www.overthefalls.com
http://www.niagaramajestic.com
http://thespiritofniagara.com
http://www.dicamillobakery.com
