Anyone been to Niagra Falls?

GoingUp

Lifer
Jul 31, 2002
16,720
1
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Should be heading right past Niagra falls as I drive through Canada to the Buffalo area.

I'd like to stop and see the falls and maybe take some pictures. What side is better to take pictures from? Anything I need to know about the area at all?

Thanks :)
 

IronWing

No Lifer
Jul 20, 2001
72,970
34,170
136
Canadian side offers better views.
Don't miss the big whirlpool above the falls.
Use post-processing to correct barrel distortion.
 

Dragnov

Diamond Member
Apr 24, 2001
6,878
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It was smaller than I expected.... It always looked so ginormous on television. Still pretty amazing though seeing how so many waterfalls are combining into one area.

If you are planning on actually walking behind/by the falls the American side is better. Both sides cost money.
 

GoingUp

Lifer
Jul 31, 2002
16,720
1
71
Originally posted by: ironwing
Canadian side offers better views.
Don't miss the big whirlpool above the falls.
Use post-processing to correct barrel distortion.

I've only got a point and shoot Canon S70. I do have a tripod though :)

We'll see what turns out. I should be there at night on the way there and noon on the way back. Hope the weather cooperates.
 

gsethi

Diamond Member
Feb 28, 2002
3,457
5
81
dont forget to take that ferry/boat trip (called Maid of the Mist). The views from the Canadian side are better.
 

EvilYoda

Lifer
Apr 1, 2001
21,198
9
81
How long are you in Buffalo? I'm actually going to be there for work next week...I also plan on checking out Niagara Falls, since I haven't been there since I was a kid.
 

GoingUp

Lifer
Jul 31, 2002
16,720
1
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Originally posted by: EvilYoda
How long are you in Buffalo? I'm actually going to be there for work next week...I also plan on checking out Niagara Falls, since I haven't been there since I was a kid.

I'm actually just driving through on my way to visit the Skoorbs :)
 

axelfox

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
6,719
1
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Canada is the better side.

The bridge is where Long Kiss Goodnight was shot, I think.
 

SoulAssassin

Diamond Member
Feb 1, 2001
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Originally posted by: gsethi
dont forget to take that ferry/boat trip (called Maid of the Mist). The views from the Canadian side are better.

It's closed this time of year, I was just there in late November. Canadian side is definitely better. The trip down under the falls is like $12 and there's also a ~700ft tower can you take an elevator up to and take pictures from there for something like another $12. If you're driving through, plan on eating elsewhere because all of the restaurants on the area are extremely overpriced.
 

Bob151

Senior member
Apr 13, 2000
857
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Another vote for Canada side. If your staying over night, do Canada. The people of Niagara Falls, NY tore down their buildings (the kind that now get revitalized in cities) and built new ugly ones in the 60s as a part of that urban revitalization wave that swept America. Sorry, but the best thing about Niagara is that they didn't building concrete walls obstructing the view.
 
Sep 29, 2004
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People seem to be posting most of hte info you need.

DO NOT FORGET YOUR PASSPORT if you want ot go accross the border. I think your original birth certificate might also be needed. Do your homework on this.
 

tami

Lifer
Nov 14, 2004
11,588
3
81
this question is best asked in a photography forum. in fact, they can probably tell you more than just "canada is the best side."
 

alm99

Diamond Member
Apr 16, 2000
4,560
0
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Originally posted by: Gobadgrs
Originally posted by: EvilYoda
How long are you in Buffalo? I'm actually going to be there for work next week...I also plan on checking out Niagara Falls, since I haven't been there since I was a kid.

I'm actually just driving through on my way to visit the Skoorbs :)

I thought the skoorbs lived in alabama.

EDIT: I know they are from Canada, did they move back recently?
 

Pepsi90919

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
25,162
1
81
i've lived in the Niagara region from 1984-1993 and 1996-present. the Canadian side is better, although as of late, the view has become obstructed by hotels and casinos.

and you won't need a passport if you're walking or taking your car until 2008.

there are many things to do between Toronto and Fort Erie besides go to Niagara Falls. you're driving through a rich wine country. St. Catharines and Hamilton have cool things to do but you're coming in the wrong season really.
 

syee

Senior member
Oct 6, 2001
827
0
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I remember goign up in the midst of winter. It was COLD, and most of the place was iced over. (trees had icicles hanging off them, anywhere where people weren't walking were covered in ice)

It was actually quite spectacular, but very cold and windy. Just remember to bring something to protect you from the elements... :)
 

GoingUp

Lifer
Jul 31, 2002
16,720
1
71
Originally posted by: SoulAssassin
Originally posted by: gsethi
dont forget to take that ferry/boat trip (called Maid of the Mist). The views from the Canadian side are better.

It's closed this time of year, I was just there in late November. Canadian side is definitely better. The trip down under the falls is like $12 and there's also a ~700ft tower can you take an elevator up to and take pictures from there for something like another $12. If you're driving through, plan on eating elsewhere because all of the restaurants on the area are extremely overpriced.

Where is the tower by? Or where can I get some info on it?
 

conjur

No Lifer
Jun 7, 2001
58,686
3
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I have some crappy videos from my digicam on my YouTube:

Video 1
Video 2
Video 3

I've stopped by there twice on the home with my daughters from visiting a friend up in Toronto. Niagara Falls are beautiful. There's a cool PBS (or was it Discovery) documentary on it, too.
 

conjur

No Lifer
Jun 7, 2001
58,686
3
0
Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
i've lived in the Niagara region from 1984-1993 and 1996-present. the Canadian side is better, although as of late, the view has become obstructed by hotels and casinos.

and you won't need a passport if you're walking or taking your car until 2008.

there are many things to do between Toronto and Fort Erie besides go to Niagara Falls. you're driving through a rich wine country. St. Catharines and Hamilton have cool things to do but you're coming in the wrong season really.

You sure about that?

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/
anuary 23, 2007: A passport will be required for re-entering the United States by air from the following destinations: Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Bermuda, in addition to all other foreign destinations that already require a passport.
 

syee

Senior member
Oct 6, 2001
827
0
76
You sure about that?

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/
anuary 23, 2007: A passport will be required for re-entering the United States by air from the following destinations: Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Bermuda, in addition to all other foreign destinations that already require a passport.

Yes, pepsi90919 is correct. 2008 is when driving or walking over requires a passport. Currently, only people flying in require a passport.
 

snowdogg187

Golden Member
Nov 1, 2000
1,400
0
76
Been there once, the Canadien side is much better and that is the only instance ever in which Canada > USA.
 

conjur

No Lifer
Jun 7, 2001
58,686
3
0
Originally posted by: syee
You sure about that?

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/
anuary 23, 2007: A passport will be required for re-entering the United States by air from the following destinations: Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Bermuda, in addition to all other foreign destinations that already require a passport.
Yes, pepsi90919 is correct. 2008 is when driving or walking over requires a passport. Currently, only people flying in require a passport.
DOH! I totally missed that. :eek:
 

SoulAssassin

Diamond Member
Feb 1, 2001
6,135
2
0
Originally posted by: Gobadgrs
Originally posted by: SoulAssassin
Originally posted by: gsethi
dont forget to take that ferry/boat trip (called Maid of the Mist). The views from the Canadian side are better.

It's closed this time of year, I was just there in late November. Canadian side is definitely better. The trip down under the falls is like $12 and there's also a ~700ft tower can you take an elevator up to and take pictures from there for something like another $12. If you're driving through, plan on eating elsewhere because all of the restaurants on the area are extremely overpriced.

Where is the tower by? Or where can I get some info on it?

http://www.skylon.com/

There's a restaurant at the top and another level where you can take pictures from. It was damn cold and windy up there in November...I bet it's insanely cold now.