Niagara Falls is in the Niagara Frontier region of New York state. The Niagara Falls consist of three sections. The large Canadian falls – with their distinctive curved shape – are also known as the Horseshoe Falls. They are separated by Goat Island from the American Falls, which are separated by a small island at their south end, from the narrow Bridal Veil falls. Each side offers a different perspective. The American side offers great views of the Canadian Horseshoe falls and the hotel skyline on the Canadian side. The Canadian side offers views of both the American and Horseshoe Falls. The Canadian side is usually the most popular due to its view of both falls and the number of attractions and hotels. Although the Canadian side of the falls has more to do and see, it is always best to visit both sides to maximize your experience.
Niagara Falls is composed of two major sections separated by Goat Island: Horseshoe Falls, the majority of which lies on the Canadian side of the border, and American Falls on the American side. The smaller Bridal Veil Falls also is located on the American side, separated from the main falls by Luna Island. Niagara Falls were formed when glaciers receded at the end of the Wisconsin glaciation (the last ice age), and water from the newly-formed Great Lakes carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. While not exceptionally high, the Niagara Falls are very wide.
WHAT TO DO
Bedore Tours, 1-800-538-8433, Sightseeing tours of Niagara Falls USA and Canada.
Seneca-Niagara Casino, is a brand new casino and hotel complex with stores and restaurants, a short walk from the falls.
Magic Mist Limousine, 1-800-689-8189 Private Sightseeing tours of Niagara Falls USA and Canada by limousine.
The Mob Tours, Historic sightseeing tours of former crime family homes, hideouts and people by bus.
Daredevil's of Niagara Museum, Kinda cheesy museum/store, but it is free. A couple minutes from the falls
Dare Devil Tours, Limousine tours highlighting the real life stories of people who challenged Niagara.
Helicopter Tour, - its an awesome experience even though the charges of $90 seem too much for a 15 minute ride
Passport to the Falls' is a one time pass that can be bought for $30 at the counters in the park. It is your ticket to the following Niagara Falls State Park attractions:
Niagara Wine Tours, Go to any Winery/ info shop. drink all the wine you can and but cheap bottles that are local.
Schoelfopf Museum, Whirlpool (Near the aquirium). educational videos and other nifty geological artifacts
HOW TO REACH
By air - Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (Code: BUF), in Buffalo is a major airport, with flights across the country. It is about 30-40 minutes away.
Niagara Falls Intl Airport (code: IAG) is the closest airport to the falls, but it is only for chartered and private flights. Myrtle Beach Direct Air offers twice weekly, non-stop service to Myrtle Beach. On site airport parking is free.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (Code: YYZ), in Toronto is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from the falls.
By car - From Buffalo-Niagara International Airport: Take the I-90 East to the I-290 West to the I-190 North. Take the I-190 North (over both Grand Island Bridges, $0.75 toll) to the Robert Moses Parkway.
From Toronto Pearson International Airport: Take HWY 427 S to QEW towards Hamilton. Drive for about 100 km and then keep left to take the Provential Route 420 E toward Niagara Falls Bridge to USA. Provential Route 420 E becomes Roberts St. Stay straight to go onto Falls AVE. Turn sharp left onto Rainbow Bridge.
From New York, Boston, and the East Coast: Take I-90 W towards Buffalo to the 290 W. Exit onto the 190 N towards Grand Island and Niagara Falls. Follow highway through Grand Island, than take the exit immeadiatley after the North Grand Island Bridge (as you're leaving the island) for the Robert Moses Pkwy. Continue until in downtowan Niagara Falls.
From Chicago and the Midwest: Take I-90 East towards Buffalo to the 190 W. Follow signs for Grand Island and Niagara Falls. Follow highway through Grand Island, than take the exit immeadiatley after the North Grand Island Bridge (as you're leaving the island) for the Robert Moses Pkwy. Continue until in downtowan Niagara Falls.
