I headed for Niagara Falls from the Canadian side with overseas students from my university in Ottawa. Six long hours in the bus to think about the impressive, world-famous waterfalls, and when you get there, it's worth it!
The falls really are spectacular when seen from this side, and if you want to appreciate just how powerful they are, I recommend that you take the boat trip on the "Maid of the Mist" which will get you as close to the falls as possible. You'll be "protected" by lovely yellow or blue plastic ponchos - don't be afraid of being made fun of as everyone is equal in that respect! Pay attention to cameras as they may get wet from all the water during the visit.
We spent a full weekend there, but a day would have been enough. I was disappointed by the town itself, which is a kind of mini Las Vegas. It was built, in its entirety, solely because of the falls' status as a tourist attraction, which detracts from the site's beauty at the end of the day.
Any tour of eastern Canada must include the Niagara Falls, preferably from the Canadian side, which I think is the most beautiful.
Give the ultra commercial village around the Falls a miss, it's full of tourist traps, sandwich shops and a few ice-cream sellers. Personally, I prefer to head straight for nature's masterpiece. I was surprised by the noise of the water and the spray that flies though the air with each gust of wind. The diffraction of the sun's rays in the water droplets creates rainbows wherever you look!
Get a ticket and protect yourself before facing the power of the current at water level! I visited the Falls on a hot August day, so I was wearing light clothing which dried out quickly while I watched the others getting wet. As you will have understood, it's better to go on a sunny day to get the most out of the place.
Having visited the Falls from the Canadian and the American sides, I declare that the American side is easily the winner. The small park they have built is superb and there is a magnificent view of Canada too.
Many years ago, Niagara Falls inspired an American daredevil. He set himself a somewhat crazy challenge. To jump from the top of the Fall inside a wooden barrel and, obviously, come out alive at the bottom. The daredevil didn't succeed in his challenge, the force of the water killed him.
The horseshoe shaped falls are also a favoured spot for couples who want to face the future together. As it's famous for being an affordable and quick place to get married! And it's true that Niagara Falls is an exceptional setting for wonderful wedding photos.