US or Canada? Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
from the Niagara Falls Honeymoon Planner

Niagara Falls lies on the US-Canada border. There are actually two towns: one on the Canadian side in the province of Ontario, the other on the US side in the state of New York. Which should you visit?

It’s easy to visit both. You can walk across the border via the Rainbow Bridge, a good vantage point for viewing the falls, drive across, or hop a taxi across the border. You’ll need to take proof of citizenship with you for the border crossing.

On which side should you book your hotel? We’d recommend the Canadian side. Here you’ll find the lion’s share of the tourism business: luxury resorts, casinos, romantic dining, etc. The US side has older hotels. The Canadian side also has the best view of the falls.

Crossing the International Border

If you’re a US citizen, you’ll need to bring proof of citizenship to enter Canada, such as an official birth certificate or passport. By the of 2006, the US will require that Americans returning from Canada have a passport. (To get your passport, see our special section on Getting Your First Passport.)

For more on federal requirements for entering the US and Canada, see www.travel.state.gov (US) or www.cbsa.gc.ca (Canada).

Above: American Falls (with Bridalveil Falls on the right) with Niagara Falls, New York in the background. Photo taken from Canadian side.