annette

Plan on going to Niagara Falls in mid August and not sure which side to stay on. Looked into Sheraton on the Falls (Canadian), Hampton Inn (Can.), Holiday Inn (Amer.) Any insights on which side and any hotel would be appreciated. (Need queen beds, non-smoking) Staying 3 nights want to do Maid of the Mist, Old Fort Niagara, Erie Canal for sure. Probably take the two boys (11,13) to the Marvel attractions at the Sheraton if we stay there or not. Any suggestions? Thanks!

ramekin

I can't suggest a specific hotel, but definitely view the falls from the Canadian side. That's also where you'll find Maid of the Mist and the walk behind the falls. U.S. dollars are a good value in Canada, too!

LoisL

I'd recommend staying on the Canadian side, but strongly recommend seeing the falls from both sides. And, as far as the Maid of the Mist goes, you can pick it up from either side. The American side also has a walkway behind and along the bottom of the falls that I suspect the boys would enjoy. The state park on the American side has a tram that stops at several scenic spots, and also gives a narrative with some of the area's history that we enjoyed doing. The two spots on the American side that were my family's favorites were the Three Sisters Island and the spot where you can stand with the falls coming down on both sides of you.

cd

Canadian

djkbooks

When you say "looked into" was there availability at the Sheraton Fallsview? I've heard they're completely booked for the Marvel festival. Otherwise, I'd recommend booking there forthwith. In my opinion, this hotel is the best on the Canadian side in every way, particularly the views of the falls. It's very well located and a fabulous hotel.

Due to the configuration of the Falls, the "Canadian Side" is far superior to the American side. And, the Canadian Parks Commission has done a fabulous job of maintaining the integrity of the area around the Falls, along with spectacular landscaping.

If you stay on the American side, you'll endure border crossing (which may or may not be a time-consuming endeavor each way, all depending) each time you visit.

Also on the Canadian side, a drive the entire length of the parkway is a must-do.

Stephanie

This is an easy answer - Canadian. Its more beautiful and more designed toward tourists with some really nice breakfast buffets, Minolta Tower, Hard Rock Cafe, souvenir shops, Clifton Hill and a beautiful park to walk around in.

LilMsFoodie

Canadian side. American side is still kind of tacky. View of the falls better, lovely gardens (not that the boys will care). Looks unanimous for the Canadian side.

Paul

Stay on the Canadian side. Just back from the area - the Maid of The Mist has shorter lines on the American side, however (you can catch the attraction from either side).

BuffaloGirl

Stay on the Canadian side due to vast choices of hotels and your $$$ will go much further. However, I highly suggest visiting the American side. It's all a matter of personal opinion what the best views are. From the Canadian side you get a panoramic view of everything from a distance and it is breathtaking. On the American side you can stand at the railing (at many different spots)right where the water drops over and also you can stand near the upper rapids.

I'm happy to hear you're taking the boys to Old Fort Niagara. I always suggest it to Niagara Falls visitors. Your boys will love it! If it's a nice day, bring bathing suits and a picnic lunch. The for sits within a state park and they have a large, clean outdoor pool and there's a lovely grass beach (no swimming) to sit and have a picnic and watch the sail boats on Lake Ontario. On a clear day you can see Toronto. Have fun.

Flyboy

We enjoyed the Canadian side. If you're looking for a hotel that is very convenient to the falls without having very high rates, here's one where we stayed:

http://www.holidayinn.com/

NOTE: This is an independent; NOT a franchised Holiday Inn that's part of the chain, although it probably was at one time. (I have no idea why they can still use the name.) But we found it to be an excellent location and a decent lower mid-range choice for the money.

Rachel

The hotels on the Canadian side are nicer and your American dollar is still strong (although its down to about $1 US = $1.36 CAN). You might want to walk across the Rainbow Bridge, which is what you can also drive over to get from NF, US to NF, CA. YOu get a beautiful view of the falls from the bridge. Also, check out the Cave of the Winds on the US side-you walk behind the Falls through caves. As part of your admission, they give you sandals to keep (rubber soled for safety) which make a good souvenir for your kids. My 13 y.o. son liked Cave of the Winds better than Maid of the Mist (maybe because he's been on the Maid of the Mist many times and only did Cave of the Winds once.)
The Erie Canal is not much to look at unless you go see the locks which are not that close to Niagara Falls. If you're planning on going to Lockport, which is where there are, of course, operating locks, its about a 25 minute drive from NF. Aside from watching the locks, there's not much to do there. There is a boat ride through old caves, which I've heard is fun, but havent tried it.

suzanne

I just went there a month ago. Stay on the Canadian side. I don't believe any hotels on the American side have a view of the falls. But you should definitely check out the falls from Goat Island too (American side).

I stayed at the Sheraton Fallsview. The view was incredible from there!