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Niagara's Other Side:
Canada's Niagara

Article and photos by Kathleen Walls

When we talk of going to Niagara Falls we tend to think New York. Don't forget, our nearest northern neighbor shares that magnificent natural wonder. Canada knows how to surround Niagara Falls with glamour and glitz also.

Night skyline of  Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Night skyline of the Canadian side

While our American side is beautiful and relatively quieter, Canada has put on the Ritz around the falls. It's sort of a cross between Vegas and nature. If you are looking for more glamour and excitement, then the Canadian side is for you. Of course it's a simple matter to cross the Rainbow Bridge and see both sides.

 

When I visited it was a simple matter. Regulations have tightened lately. Here are the latest regulations, "If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. "Although, you can get into Canada easily be sure you have what you need to return. You will need a Passport Card crossing at the Rainbow Bridge back into the United States. A few states are using an enhanced drivers license that will work. The border agents will check before you can re-enter the U.S.

Niagara Falls taken from the rainbow bridge going into ontario, Canada
The falls taken  from the Rainbow Bridge

Be sure to stop and take a photo of the falls from the bridge. It is a beautiful shot. Once across, you step into a busy setting. Casinos, midways, hotels, motels, even McDonalds are all positioned as close as they can get to the falls. MacDonalds is an attraction in itself. It is topped by a giant Frankenstein munching on a Whopper.

Frankenstein eating a burger atop Macdonalds in Ontario Canada
Not sure if "Frankenstein eats here" is a big inducement

The biggest attraction in the area, literally, is Skylon Tower. It stands 520 feet above street level and offers fantastic views of the falls. It has two restaurants at its top, the lower Revolving Dining Room] and the upper Summit Suite Buffet and is topped by an observation deck. You can rise rapidly up the outsides to the top via a Yellow Bug Elevator which whisks you up the top in 52 seconds.

skyline of Niagara Falls Onterio Canada showing Fallsview Casino and Skylon tower
The Skylon Tower is the tallest building on Canadian side skyline

There are several boat experiences. Hornblower's "Voyage To The Falls" Niagara Cruise is similar to the US based "Maid in the Mist" and a great way to experience the power and beauty of the falls. For the maximum beauty trip, try the night time Fireworks Cruise. Fireworks over the falls are popular on both sides and if you visit on a weekend you are pretty sure to witness some. The illumination is nightly and due to the winds and water flow as well as the randomly changing colors, it is hypnotic and worth the trip all by itself.

fierworks over Niagara Falls
Fireworks are fairly common on both sides

No matter where you walk around the falls area, there are attractions. There's Movieland Wax Museum and Louis Tussaud's Waxland each featuring celebrities of movies and history and their musical competitor, Rock Legends Wax Museum. Ripley's Believe It or Not features King Kong atop a toppled Empire State Building.

King Kong perches atop a fallen Empire States building in Niagara Falls, Onterio, canada
King Kong atop Ripley's

For the Trivia Pursuit fact collectors, don't miss the Guinness World Records Museum. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the adrenalin junkies might want to try Niagara Freefall and Interactive Center offering simulated sky diving, mechanical bull riding and a multitude of other scary activities.

realistic figure climbs a rope to the top of Guiness world records museum in niagara falls, onterio canada
Want to break some records and climb that rope? You might break something besides records.

There are almost too many theaters to count, most 3D or 4D. "Legends of Niagara Falls" is currently playing at the Skylon Theater. It is a good account of the evolution of the falls and its history. Arcades, midway rides, and souvenir shops are all over. There is even something for the nature lover with the Bird Kingdom and the Butterfly Conservatory.

Movieland wax museumof ht estars in Niagara Falls,onterio, Canada
Movieland is always popular

In the grownup amusements, there are two casinos, Casino Niagara and Fallsview.  Fallsview Casino Resort offers more than just the gaming. It has a hotel with a great view of the falls, dining, spa, tons of shops, nightclubs and nightly entertainment.

Fallsview Casino and Resort Even if you are not staying or gambling it's
worth seeing the casino dome and fountian

This is just the tip of the iceberg, the streets right next to the falls. Venture a bit farther and you will find Canada's Seaworld, tons of historical attractions and even wineries. You won't be bored when you visit our neighbor.

street view in Niagara Falls, Onterio, Canada
The streets around the falls are always busy

 

 

 


 

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