Lake Ontario - N or S side?

[kohldad]

Within the next month, I'll have six days to go from Niagara Falls to Freeport, ME and can't decide if I want to travel around Lake Ontario on the north side or the south side. Going through customs in/out Canada is not a concern.

North route was looking at hitting KOA-Niagara Falls, Darlington Provincial Park, Ferris or Sandbanks PP, and finally Charleston Lake PP before crossing back to the US at Ogdensburg.

South route was thinking Four Mile Creek SP, Lakeside Beach SP, Fair Haven Beach and then into Adirondacks.

Since we have a truck camper with almost zero setup time, we tend to move every day about 50-100 miles and sightsee along the way.

Which side and why would you prefer it?

[DavidandDayle]

My father always said that the Americans owned the better falls, but the Canadians have the better view.

[Jebby14]

charlston lake is a great park

[bsinmich]

The Canadian side of the falls is the best view but Goat Island on the NY side is good also. Niagara, NY is worth skipping. Cross on the Rainbow Bridge and cross back at Lewiston.

[camp-n-family]

Yes, much better view and things to do on the Canadian side of the falls.

[kohldad]

Thanks for the advice.

Sounds like the south side it is. Definitely don't want to deal with lots of traffic and was thinking a few extra days in the Adirondack will be nice.

What started the decision, was my wife wants to visit the Canadian side of the falls. Is it worth the walk over Rainbow Bridge to view the falls from that side? She has heard the Canadian side is prettier and cleaner.

[shepstone]

X3 Getting through the 6 is a nightmare at the best of times, I have gone around the lake a few times usually as a December shakedown before the winter snow birding trip in Jan or Feb I can't say that either side close to the lake is very scenic, you have to get further away , camp-n-family has good advice.

[obgraham]

I agree with campnfam. The issue isn't Canada vs. USA, it's simply that the north side route involves a huge amount more urban driving. From Niagara all the way around to perhaps Cobourg, it's all multilane traffic.

[camp-n-family]

I'm Canadian and live in SW Ontario. I have travelled and camped both ways many times. If you're not sightseeing in Toronto, I would take the south route. Much more scenic and cheaper gas for a start.

The north side takes you through Toronto. The QEW and hwy401 are very busy and usually backed up with traffic, no matter what time of day or night. I avoid it as much as possible.

Darlington is not a nice park. Right in the city and right next to the highway. Sandbanks is nice and really popular. Never been to Ferris or Charleston so can't comment on those. Consider Presqu'ile PP if you go the North route.

The south side takes you by not only the parks you mention, but consider Letchworth SP, and Watkins Glen. The finger lakes area is beautiful, then Adirondacks etc. Much nicer IMHO.