Verified answer

I would take a full day and visit:

Maid of the Mist

Journey behind the Falls

Spanish Aerocar over the whirlpool

The Niagara Gorge/WhiteWater Boardwalk or hiking in the Niagara Glen

Niagara on the Lake

go up the Skylon Tower fo a view of the Falls

or if you're more adventurous: The whirlpool jet boats

The Niagara movie at the IMAX is good too

Honestly, it could take as little as 20 minute if natural beauty is what you are interested in. Just get as close to the Canadian side as possible and take the sights in. I recall at night they light up the Falls too, so that's your option... some restaurants have a half-decent view of the Falls but they are costly of course on the Canadian side.

The only other option is to consider that Maid of the Mist boat that takes you close to the Falls, I don't know how long the line up is, maybe 20-30 minutes. Set aside 3 hours for that but hope for 1-2 hours. They take you under to change into raincoats and boots, and put you on a boatride that takes maybe 30-40 minutes (just guessing).

That's about it.. Of course, there are some nice gardens around there as well as a nice trip north to Niagara-on-the-Lake on the Canadian side, maybe a 20 minute drive but totally optional (quaint town stuff, theatre).

Ignore the tourist traps, museums, just a waste of your time.

Casinos are just depressing, nothing there either, honest.

Don't waste your time on the American side of the Falls.the Canadian side is much nicer,cleaner,and a lot more to do in town than the American Side.

There are casinos there now,and Hard Rock Cafe's on both sides of the border.

There's a good Italian Restaurant on the American Side.

The Canadian side is much more fun,with the Tousadd's Wax Museum,and many other novelty shops along the Main St. in Niagara Falls,Canada.

By the way I am an American..and believe me....go to the Canadian side,you won't regret it.

My tip; Be carefull !!!

I would take a whole day, it is a memorable sight. H