Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights & Activities
The falls are in two separate towns: Niagara Falls, New York (USA) and Niagara Falls,
Ontario (Canada). The towns face each other across the Niagara River, spanned by the
Rainbow Bridge, which is accessible for cars and pedestrians. Famous landscape archi-
tect Frederick Law Olmstead helped rescue and preserve the New York side, which by
the 1870s was dominated by industry and gaudy signs. You can see views of the
Americ-
an Falls
and their western portion, the
Bridal Veil Falls
, which drop 180ft from the
Pro-
spect Point Observation Tower
( 716-278-1796; admission $1, free from 5pm;
9:30am-7pm)
. Cross the small bridge to
Goat Island
for close-up viewpoints, including
Terrapin Point, which has a fine view of Horseshoe Falls and pedestrian bridges to the
Three Sisters Islands in the upper rapids. From the north corner of Goat Island, an elevat-
or descends to the
Cave of the Winds
( 716-278-1730; adult/child $11/8)
, where walk-
ways go within 25ft of the cataracts (raincoats provided).
child $15.50/9; 9am-7pm summer, times vary so check website)
boat trip around the bottom
of the falls has been a major attraction since 1846 and is highly recommended. Boats
leave from the base of the Prospect Park Observation Tower on the US side and from the
bottom of Clifton Hill on the Canadian side.
For those seeking more of an adrenaline rush, check out
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
(
a charming town with several good eateries 8 miles north of Niagara Falls. Shoppers can
head to the
Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls
, a few miles west of town, for designer-
wear discounts.
Northeast of Niagara Falls is the town of
Lockport
, the western terminus of the Erie
Canal. There's an excellent visitors center and
museum
and
boat tours
during the sum-
mer months.
Sleeping & Eating
Most all of the national hotel chains are represented - Ramada Inn, Howard Johnson,
Holiday Inn. However, the quality of the pickings are poor compared to the Canadian
side. There are a few restaurants near the bridge area, including several Indian takeaway
places.
Giacomo
BOUTIQUE HOTEL$$$
