True the city of Niagara Falls has major problems but the visit to the Falls is breathtaking and an amazing !!!! Visit during the day and stay in the tourist areas you will love the experience.
I grew up in Buffalo lived there for 50 years. I missse. eing the falls and riding on the maid of the mist. I also miss the anchor bar. Now I live on Denver. If anyone wants to have an experience of of a lifetime go see the falls and take that boat ride
To everyone who is reading this, you’re beautiful and an amazing person. Please exercise frequently and eat more fruits/veggies. I wish you all good health, great success, and everlasting happiness!!!
As much as I dislike how run down my city has gotten, I wouldn't go and blatantly say "Go to Niagara Falls Ontario". I'd say see both. Both are a different experience and different things to do. Niagara Falls NY has a LOT less to do, but it's significantly cheaper and most of the items you 'can' do are actually free, compared to Ontario where not only is everything paid, it becomes a very big headache attempting to make sure you're not getting ripped off from the currency exchange. You did what would be considered the prime highlights of tourism in the area. The walk around the gorge/trails, Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Observation deck, etc. These are all GREAT things to see, along with just the falls itself. However, the beauty of the region and of the natural sights comes when you venture out into other cities in the area. It's no secret, Niagara Falls NY is a very impoverished city, with plenty of run-down buildings and a housing market that feels like a third world Country. BUT when visiting 20 minutes up to Lewiston, you see the lower end of the Niagara River. You can see the whirlpools, and even go on a boat that takes you around them. You can see concerts in the park, and even various events going on there. Up Old Falls St in Niagara Falls, you'll also see events going on weekly which are music or art oriented. There are plenty of small places to visit across all of the cities, including Grand Island, which has a trail that takes hours to get around, with plenty of creeks and interesting things to see. Lewiston, itself also has plenty of trails past Art Park that have amazing sight lines of the lake and the river below. Visiting this city as a tourist is enthralling. Living here is depressing because the mentality of this region is negative. It's hard to push away from that mindset, and to just look at the beauty that is in this world...and in this region. This city has GREAT potential, but our officials and business owners focus heavily on individual profits of Hotels instead of for tourism. It's true, Niagara Falls Ontario has a great 'sight' of the falls. But they don't have a lot of nature...they do have plenty of 'fun' things to do outside of nature. Which is why seeing both is practically ideal and something I suggest EVERYONE who visits does. The only thing I do advise, though, is when in Niagara Falls NY, try to be humble and not be violent, as the people in this city are always hostile, and there is a greater chance of you getting injured for being mouthy than there is walking away from the conversation. It's kind of a common-sense thing, but you would be surprised how many people dislike Niagara Falls because the people who live here are just violent angry people. It's not surprising, though. We have the highest crime-rate per capita in all NYS, and we do have a very uneducated population that is infamously known for drinking way too much and drugs (Across all of Western NY). The great take away: Visiting is amazing. Living here is dreadful at times, but with hope there is change. Maybe in a few years, we'll have a different mindset in this city.
How old are you josh?! Lol not saying that in a bad way at all! I’m 35 and have lived in Niagara Falls NY my entire life and have never had things broken down about our city the way you’ve done it! I love our city bc it’s my hometown but at the same time...it is depressing bc it’s not like it used to be...yet it’s so beautiful and has so much potential...you’re right on the mark w everything you’ve said, I do have hope for change however....they’re working outside my house as we speak on whirlpool st to build a brand new huge beautiful park...my actual street that I live on is a historical area which is cool as well! What I’m trying to say is...you did a great job breaking it down to those who may visit NF and there’s not very many people in this city who would describe it the way have and I appreciate that!!!!
@@ashevans5152 I just wrote something possibly a bit too long for a simple reply. I'm 30. And I love the city, but I do have a LOT of issues with this city, and it all comes down to corruption. No amount of parks or repaved roads, unfortunately, will not fix this. Maybe a generational shift will change this. I don't think it will immediately, but maybe something will in 5 years. At the very least, I hope we rip down the majority of renter-occupied housing down toward the tourist region, as there's no reason why anyone should pay $400/month to stay in a place that actually is appraised for $4,000 total. And yes, that's the majority of the city, but that comes into our housing market, but that's a topic for another time.
@@ashevans5152 i do solo traveling twice a year. Im thinking about going to Niagara Falls, 3 days on the American side, hotel etc all of that i will need. Do u think i need to take precaution❓
I visited Niagara Falls this past weekend and did Maid of the Mist and Cave of the winds, saw the Falls lit up with fireworks and walked over the Rainbow bridge to Canada and I have to say its awesome and beautiful loved every minute if it !!
@@MonicaGoesShow i went to the falls in canada. We took the long way home, driving by the water in new york. It was huge, but it looked kinda gross. Is the water at the falls yucky looking, too?
@@gloriadejesus8685 yes there lots of great spots. To visted In Niagara falls. Many great hiking areas. And some amazing restaurant. I know a few that do great wood oven pizzas. And amazing drinks
@@gloriadejesus8685 Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante Such a amazing food. And the Niagara Glen. is a great Trail. That brings you to the river. And the Botanical gardens. Is really nice.
I live there. Hell, that trail you started the video on is less than a 2 minute walk from my house. I go there a ton. My best advice for visitors is to go to the Canadian side and stay there. It’s way nicer. The US side (my side) is full of crackheads and you will get robbed. Canadian sides expensive but safe
Yeah I live here and have my entire life and the one thing is I must carry a knife no matter where I ho, I'll even bring it to school and that no one notices shows just how bad it is
@@morgenbrown4789 yeah i had to do the samething(kept a lil pocket knife on me, especially when i was going to middle school... Like its fucking CRAZY, I CANT WAIT TO MOVE TO 🇨🇦
Morgen Brown if youre talking about my school, nfhs, then yeah you need some sort of defense honestly. I have no idea about wheatfield or lewport or any of the other schools nearby but nfhs is essentially lawless
I'd love to explore the American side. My girlfriend and I go to Niagara Falls Canada pretty much every time we're in Ontario and always have a great time. But crossing the border is such a pain these days.
@@MonicaGoesShow hi there loved the video. Is there other attractions at the Niagara Falls that you can recommend that are as good as Maidin the Mist and Cave in the Wind ? Thanks🙂
I'm happy for all of you that go to the falls just for a day to see it because living here isn't fun at all. Worst part is the city government really only cares for the tourist and not the local residents
I couldn’t believe the changes there. Visited the first time on September 1st -18th in 2001. That was a very interesting time to be there. Went back a few times after that till 2010, then again in 2018. Wow what a change. I love Visiting Canada but Niagara has really gone overboard.
I laugh at all the complainers of the New York side of Niagara Falls. Ask them what have they ever done but whine and complain about life there? If it sucks so badly why don't they move away? At least to the Canadian side?
@@firstnamelastname7857 oh ok. So residents can't pick up a 2 year degree from community college entirely paid for on a Pell Grant and move up into a higher tax bracket?
In the State of New York... that is again unrealistic. It’s a decent education, yes but still not enough. From what I’ve witnessed thus far anyway. Ik people who have already graduated and have jobs and they still struggle living here.
If you're planning on doing most of the things in this video, don't forget to look into buying a "discovery pass" and saving some money! Also check out the amazing Italian and Indian food (and local wine) NF, NY is known for :)
By the way, bit of trivia, Buffalo got its name apparently (read this to a Buffalo resident who themself didn't know), from the early French settlers who saw Niagara falls and declared it a 'beau fleu (unsure spelling), meaning beautiful river.. hence Buffalo.
False. Buffalo is called Buffalo because before it was a city it was home to millions of ACTUAL Buffalo. Which were then all hunted to near extinction...
Fun facts from a life long resident of NF NY. 1 in 79 people will experience an assault. We have the worst school district in NY. 1-4 are unemployed and on government asst. NF is the proud recipient of the states pedophiles, they are housed within 4 blocks of Niagara st. Elementary school. NF has the highest property tax rates in NY state. NF is home to the largest land fill in NY. NF has the worst roads in NY. Niagara Falls was once populated by over 150 thousand residents, today there are less than 40,000 most of whom are above the age of 65. The median income is 14,000 unless your employed by the city where the median income is 45,000. The mayor is a three time elected Democrat who makes 120,000 a year. The mighty Niagara River powers the historic Niagara Power project power plant. State owned and run the city receives no power from the plant. I could keep going...
My wife and I went in October and it was amazing. We did most of the things on your list, some were closed and it was too cold for the cave of the winds. Definitely didn't miss out on Maid of the mist though. Humbling and incredible experience.
Thank you, We live nearby, love visiting the Falls, go there twice a month for decades, it never gets old. Both sides have different things to offer, but my perspective is that the Canadian side has a lot of the cheesy tourist attractions, wax museums etc, and American side has much better scenic views and a beautiful maintained State park. You caught a number of my favorites in your video, suggest setting a lawn chair up by the rapids upstream of the Falls, Terrapin point, Bridal View Falls, bands and street vendors on Old Falls Street, riding bikes along the trails, and hiking down Devils Hole, upstream along the river for about 40 minutes - you'll be treated to an outcrop of rocks sitting right in the whirlpool rapids area. You might also enjoy jet boats running up the river from Youngstown to the whirlpool rapids. A mile from the Falls the area is as some of your viewers mentioned, rough, not safe. But stay in or near the park, in the tourist areas, and you'll be fine. I have met many wonderful people from all over the world there. Thanks for showing what is truly a wonder of the world.
I live in Niagara Falls in the summer and it is definitely run down, but don't be paranoid when driving through or if you want to stop at subway or something. China Town chinese food place on Pine Ave is the best Chinese food. I also like The Why Coffee Shop, Main Street Diner, Third Street Retreat, and Power City Eatery. People are people. It's mostly just a very poor place so it's hard for people to afford the upkeep on their houses, businesses, etc. I love all of your suggestions. I would also add to visit the Schoelkopf powerplant ruins, near the Discovery Center. You can go down the elevator to the bottom and look up, it is amazing, and you can learn some stuff. The area at the bottom, by the river, is also the area where they store the Maid of the Mist ferry boats. They park them there on the dock at night so you can look at them up close. And in the winter, they bring them up on the deck.
Hunny I live there it’s not good on our side you need to go to Canada’s side our side isn’t the best place it can be dangerous and also anyone who wants to know just go there park in a hotel parking lot ask staff for a wheelchair if someone needs it and just walk everything is just unbelievably expensive
Niagara Falls, New York reminds me a bit of Atlantic City, New Jersey. The area in the immediate vicinity of the state park, like the Atlantic City boardwalk, is pretty nice. There are several hotels, including the Seneca resort that towers above everything else on the New York side. There are plenty of shops where you can get tee shirts, coffee or tea mugs, and other tourist items. The area has a decent selection of restaurants, including some that are locally owned and operated along with the national chains like Fridays and the Hard Rock Cafe. There's an arcade for children and those who are kids at heart. The Maid of the Mist boat gets you up and close to the falls and there's a gift shop if you want Mist-focused tourist items. A museum and aquarium are nearby. If you get tired of walking, there's a trolley. The state park seems quite safe, even at night. Even after sundown the park was loaded with tourists who watched the fireworks display and saw the falls lit by colored lights. Yes, Niagara Falls, New York is a city with lots of boarded up buildings and folks who look like they never saw a dentist. However, I found the locals to be quite friendly. Indeed, you can have a good time on the New York side of Niagara Falls. You can also feel quite safe.
From experience, a lot of experience (I lived there for 18 years and worked for NYS Parks with tourists), you could not do these 7 things in any enjoyable fashion in 24 hours. I would say at least about 48 hours. If you extend to 72 hours, you could add Power Vista, ArtPark hike, Fort Niagara, and Lake Ontario beach (a tight squeeze). Add another 36 hours and pick up sights in Canada like Queen Victoria Park, Clifton Hill, Skylon Tower, the Butterfly Conservatory, Spanish Aerocar, Brock's Monument, and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
I just went to the NY side in October, you can do everything in the park as long as you get up early in the morning to get your ticket to beat the line for Maid of the Mist and buy Cave of the Wind tickets before they sell out. In my experience, the park wasn’t as big as I thought it would be.
Thank you for this! I have foster kids and wanted to take them to Niagara Falls but cant go out of the US. There is very little video information about activities on the NY side! This was super helpful to get the kids excited to go!
I did all of them except #2 and #4 , cave of the winds was one of the most beautiful refreshing moments in my life! i lovedd the canadian side i felt more comfortable with the people but i prefer the american side for more adventures and more places that the canadian side didnt have!. ❤️ One of the most beautiful places ive been too the trip was everything🤩.
Great video - we're looking to come over and see Niagara Falls once the world is safe for travel again - thanks for sharing some really useful information!
If you got a passport you really should check out the Canadian side of the Falls from everything I hear! I got my passport ready and this April I'm gonna check out a few things out there 😉
That was a great vacation when I was a kid, went on the Maid of the Mist...I was in a yellow rain coat back in the 1960's...the trip was so awesome. We all had a great time.
I'm heading to Niagara Falls this spring. I've heard before that the American side isn't good and Canadian side is better. Maybe this is so but I'm flying into Buffalo anyway. Besides who knows if the border will even be open.What place is safe anymore? I had tons of warnings going to New Orleans but had a safe and amazing time. It's just necessary to be vigilant and smart. There's no guarantee anywhere
Hope you had a fantastic experience. And for anyone else reading this, don't miss the USA side of the experience. You can always bring your passport and walk over the rainbow bridge to see the Canadian viewpoint... not right now (7/24/21), but hopefully again some day.
Avoid downtown from 3rd Street up I don't advise leaving the tourist area unless you're going uptown to the LaSalle area. Low income housing... the housing program and the changing demographic in Niagara Falls has slowly but surely caused the downtown area to become even worse. Be aware of your surroundings and be safe.
@@MonicaGoesShow no problem it's this way in a lot of cities. It's just got much worse over the past few years here in the Falls alot more violent crime downtown. The downtown area grows with people moving in from Buffalo and the Uptown area is losing its numbers. Plus a lot of mismanagement with the budget here... We have one of the Seven Wonders of the World in our own backyard Niagara Falls should be a top tourist spot on this side of the Mississippi we should be bringing in enough profit to fix this city up. Instead we have a dump in the middle of the city and downtown looks like a dump. It's actually kind of a shame but I appreciate The Falls itself for the beautiful natural wonder of the world that it is. It is pretty amazing.
@@docholidayproductions Thank you so much. I agree, it's in a lot of areas and its definitely good to know to help people have the best experience possible and stay safe.
Oh hi I did not see you standing there. Do you like Niagara Falls? Me too! So let's all go to see Niagara Falls it is in Niagara Falls. So come on! And let's go to Niagara Falls.
Living in the falls is actually boring and everything is expense it is really nothing to do there l being living in falls for my whole life and you do not what to live here
In 1984 & 85 I drove one of those trains around Goat Island. I'd go to the special collections room at the Niagara Falls Public Library to read old books to pepper my speeches with unique details. Every day when I got off work, I would run down to the Cave of the Winds and run up to the Hurricane Deck. Your experience there put a tear in my eye.
Still one of my fav places I've been. Much love from the UK. The Candian side IS way prettier as per the comment below, I agree. Clifton Hill is great too and awesome to hear the falls as you make your way down that Casino and party strip. The US Buffalo side is good, but yeah Canadian side is better. I didn't get robbed (as per comment below), walked along the Niagara river and was with someone from the Buffalo area who knew the place well, but yeah best side is the Canadian without a doubt. We had dinner in an awesome Korean restaurant somewhere beyond Clifton hill, maybe a side street, was 20 years ago.
Hahaha I live in Niagara Falls it's the toilet bowl of America if you look closely you can see toilet paper going down them false it is disgusting and I can't even say LOL to that you can't even walk down the streets at night they will steal everything you have including your sneakers you should find a something else 2 showcase not a toilet bowl
Live in Florida now, but while growing up in the 50's and 60's use to go down into the Gorge between Chilton and Ashland Avenues, where the old sewage plant was at the time. Use to see large Turds being released from the plant and floating down River.
@@bobsit1945 he was not being sarcastic. His words hold truth. It's sad but true. As long as you stay away from the city streets then you should have a decent time tho
i definitely agree with what you’re saying, but you honestly just need to know when to walk around and when to stay home. not every part of the falls is a piece of shit. yeah it has a lot of issues with the people who live there and everything they’ve done and how they practically ruined the place but there’s also some places in the falls that aren’t terrible. you won’t get shot up or robbed if you know where you’re at and the history of the streets you walk on. i’ve lived here for about 13 years and i still haven’t gotten robbed or shot at. you just gotta lay low and keep thoughts to yourself.
Why would anyone stay in New York side? Canadian side is 1000 times better. I know many Americans dont have a passport and its a good reason to make one if you're planning to visit Niagara Falls.reason.
Oh wow, you took great video on your falls tour. I didn't go on a boat tour last time so this is great to see up close (and not get all the spray in your face lol)
Is there an immigration checkpoint there? Because it’s right next to Canada. Or can you avoid it if you’re on the US side? I don’t want to be anywhere where close where I can get checked by immigration just for being at a park
I’m not sure about any of the activities but the falls themselves you can walk around outdoors so I assume it would be ok. I would double check the website though
I've been several time at the Canadian side and only once in the U. S. side for a couple of hours but liked your video for the next time I consider to get to the NY side. Cheers from Costa Rica!
i stayed really close to the falls in canada but in the american side i had to walk all the devils hole trail to get there! but it was so enjoyable with all the insects around😂😂
the ny side of niagara falls isn’t as great as it seems, considering i live there. it’s a great thing to see and it has some good attractions but the town is so worn down and full of druggies. but i definitely recommend going to the canadian side and go visit all the attractions they have that we don’t happen to offer over here.
Did u like it ? I live there and have lived there my whole life so it’s not really exciting to me I actually work at the start park and so I am used to seeing all the tourists but did u in enjoy your time ?
I've lived here 21 years and work in the tourist district. Theres really no way to describe how awful this place is. If you've never seen the waterfalls they're cool to see in person, but other than that this is a poor, dirty desolate city with the highest crime rate and taxes in the state of ny, were dictated by NYC and king andrew cuomo (which we power with the hydro plant) and 1 in 4 people who dont happen to be in jail are unemployed. Oh and did I mention that the Seneca indians control the most prime piece of real estate in the tourist district and have the largest casino in NY on it? Or that the city doesnt see a dime from that casino. FUCK niagara falls new york, like the rest of these comments, this city(even though it's technically a town as of last year cause our population dipped under 30k LOL) is LITERALLY a big giant shit filled toilet bowl. Thanks for giving it a shot tho
The city doesn’t see a dime of that money because it’s not their money to begin with. That casino is to solely support a small portion of the native Americans. I’m glad to hear that. Niagara Falls will be getting 12 million from the state anyway, but the city itself still won’t see that money because the people here are money hungry.
Couldn't help but notice thats all just the falls but don't go outside it most dangerous city in America because the locals are fucked up and will take advantage of you
You must try going to De Dee's Dairy for their Ice cream. Those women wearing shorts are so beautiful and nice. I love this ice cream place all the time.
Hi Emily! Great question! Yeah I would say during the week and off-season. March/April could be a great time. September/October would be good as well. Have fun!
@@MonicaGoesShow Thank you so much! As we are planning to go on a Monday on June. Fingers cross that this time we can go as we planned before the pandemic and couldn’t make it.
Im so exited we going for spring break at the end of march, but i have a question how the weather over there cuz im from miami and here it’s hot 🥵 always hot 🥵
maria prado that time of year is really hit and miss. I’m sure some years it’s beautiful and in the 70’s and other years they are still in the 40’s. It shouldn’t be freezing cold though
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