Getting there: Niagara Falls is a 30-minute drive from Buffalo. Numerous airlines offer service.

Getting there: Niagara Falls is a 30-minute drive from Buffalo. Numerous airlines offer service.
Planning a trip: Because of the surrounding lakes, the climate is milder than you might expect; still, only a die-hard would visit in midwinter. Plan to spend at least a day at the falls, longer if you want to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Crossing the border: Views are best on the Canadian side, but each offers unique viewpoints, and it's worth your while to see the falls from both. Note that the Maid of the Mist cruises to the base of Horseshoe Falls sails from both sides. You can easily walk across the border bridge, though if you're going to be spending much time on the other side, you'll do best to drive it. Proof of citizenship is needed.
U.S. SIDE
Niagara Falls State Park: Aside from the falls themselves, the parkland is, in many ways, prettier here than on the Canadian side. Once you park your car ($8-$10), you can buy a ticket for the trolley ($5 adults, $3 ages 6-12) that runs continuously through the New York park.
The tram is also included in the Master Pass ($27.50 for adults, $19.25 for children 6-12), which covers admission to Maid of the Mist cruise, the Observation Tower (on the way to Maid of the Mist), Cave of the Winds (the cave itself closed decades ago, but you can still walk along the Hurricane Deck deep within the gorge at the base of Bridal Veil Falls), the Festival Theater (featuring a film about the falls), the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center (geology-oriented), and the Aquarium (best with small children.) Purchased separately, tickets to all attractions cost 27 percent more. Discounts for some other local attractions are also included.
Park information: Call (716) 278-1796 or visit www.niagarafallsstatepark.com.
Area information: Call (800) 338-7890 or visit www.niagara-usa.com.
CANADIAN SIDE
Niagara parks: The commission overseeing these lands -- which stretch along the river to Niagara-on-the-Lake -- offers the Niagara Falls & amp; Great Gorge Adventure Pass (about $23 U.S. for adults, $14 ages 6-12) that includes the Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls (a walk through rocky tunnels to stand on a platform at the base of the Horseshoe Falls), White Water Walk and the Butterfly Conservatory and botanical garden, plus transportation via bus between attractions. Discounts for some other local attractions are also included.
Park information: visit www.niagaraparks.com on the Web.
Area information: Call (905) 984-3626 or (800) 263-2988 or visit www.tourismniagara.com on the Web. Also try www.discoverniagara.com and www.ontariotravel.net on the Web.
LODGING
Chain lodgings are located on both sides of the falls, as are an array of bed-and-breakfast rooms and inns. Due to currency rates, rooms may be cheaper in Canada, where U.S. $50 will buy you a snug but clean room with private bath.
If you want a room with views of the falls, you'll need to stay in Canada. The Sheraton on the Falls -- (800) 263-7135, 888-229-9961; www.niagarafallshotels.com -- offers the best views of the American Falls. There are several hotels -- including a Sheraton and Marriott -- clustered above Horseshoe Falls, and Hyatt is under construction on a casino/hotel with falls-view rooms.
If you're really in for charm, romance and decent dining, stay 30 minutes north in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Along with a range of bed-and-breakfasts and inns (see the Tourism Niagara Web site), check out offerings from the Vintage Inns group -- (888) 669-5566; www.vintageinns.com -- which owns several historical lodgings including the romantic The Oban Inn -- the oldest continuously run inn in North America (from U.S. $139) -- and the elegant Prince of Wales Hotel (from U.S. $210.)
TYING THE KNOT
In the U.S., call (716) 286-4393 or visit www.niagara-usa.com for information about venues and services.
In Canada, several companies facilitate weddings at venues ranging from the quaint -- the historical Queenston Chapel -- to the Vegas-esque. For details, check www.tourismniagara.com; click on services, or www.niagara-info.com/wedding.htm.
Same-sex ceremonies are also legal in Canada. The United Church of Canada is a good place to start; www.united-church.ca.