48 hours at Niagara Falls: what was worth doing

We spent 48 hours seeing Niagara Falls from both the US and Canadian sides, mixing the area's big tourist draws with lesser-known nearby spots. My cousin favored camping and long hikes while I wanted the classic attractions, so we split our time between both approaches and ended up with a varied weekend.

A 10-minute helicopter tour with Rainbow Air felt like a worthy splurge at $180 each. From the air the scale of the Falls was obvious in a way you don't get from the ground, and the view stayed with me after we landed. The Maid of the Mist boat ride — about $30 per person — and the Cave of the Winds, roughly $23 with its own poncho, deliver very different perspectives.

The boat leaves you drenched as it turns toward the Falls, and the Cave of the Winds boardwalks take you right to the base of Bridal Veil Falls; seeing the Falls from air, water, and base made the visit feel complete. Walking the Rainbow Bridge into Canada was free one way and cost $1 returning, and it offered a panoramic view plus the chance to try poutine.

United States, Canada, Niagara Falls

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