Niagara Falls

Hi everyone,

I'm off on a road trip next month around Canada and the US, starting and ending in Toronto, so will be heading past the Niagara Falls. Obviously we'll have to stop and do the touristy thing but what I'd really like to know is if there are any tips or tricks on getting the best shots. Maybe there are some people with knowledge of the falls area who could help me out. Maybe also some tips on places to stay in the area.

thanks!

I and the family just returned from vacation in that area, U.S. side only. My observations are that if you are on the American side, by the American falls, you should be able to get some great rainbow shots, sometimes double rainbows, hence the name Rainbow Bridge. It seemed best early morning (8-9am) located just behind the Park visitor center. We also did the tourist stuff, Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds etc. which also allows some great photo opertunities. If you are by the restaurent on Goat Island, you can also get people shots along the railing with the telescopes, with the Maid of the Mist in the backround. We found that getting there early to avoid the crowds worked best. Also, there are fireworks from the Canada side I believe Sunday, Wednesday and Friday nights during the summer.

Enjoy,

Brian

1 day might be pushing it at the Falls. You must ride the Maid of the Mist , and be sure to hit to the Butterfly Conservatory(~10 min. out of town) on the Canadian side; take a macro if you have one(100mm at least). Things are stupidly expensive in Niagara Falls, but that's what tourist towns are like.

Oh, and if you have time, check out the wax museums.

Lights on the falls every night, great view from the canadian side. Tripod, long exposure will ensure great shots. US side- great views of the rapids, nice walking areas around Goat Island. Great shots from the Canada side from Table Rock. I find taking time and long walks are a good bet. I like to shoot from the Rainbow Bridge. There is a Horticultural College just north of the falls in Canada. Worth a walk around the grounds also.

thanks for the feedback!

Would you recommend staying overnight on the Canadian side or the US side of the border, or both? I reckon we have time to spend two nights there if there is enough to see and do.

By the butterfly conservatory is a cable car that goes over the whirlpool. they take jetboats into it for tourists but you can ridge over the river in the cable car. that's pretty neat.

There is also an AWESOME indoor bird conservatory heading back from the butterfly garden. it's like being in Jurassic park

NCSA197 wrote in post #14720763
Lights on the falls every night, great view from the canadian side.

2001 I perched my old Minolta 7000 on a fence post and got some great shots of the lights coming through the falls (really should scan them). Good memory ...

I got a double rainbow shot from the Maid on the Mist but the mist got on the lens and ruined the shot, so dry off the lens if you're going that route. Also, when looking to eat on the American side, I would not suggest Top of the Falls. They have weird hours, and fast food quality hamburgers for 2 to 3 times the price.