Tours to see Niagara Falls?

I am always amazed at tour buses. I never knew that you have to belong to the Niagara Falls Commission or pay dues to them to get your tour bus to be able to drive along the Niagara Parkway (Canadian side). If you do not drive along the Parkway, you cannot even see the Horseshoe falls. Another thing I just learned was that tour bus drivers get their meals free, so when he/she stops for you to eat they are not thinking about the best place/price for you, but which restaurant will let them dine for free. I think you are correct in reading all of the reviews, and I think you may need to call some reputable hotels like the Sheraton, or Crown Plaza to ask who they can recommend for a tour bus trip of the falls. If you did have a vehicle, I would be tempted to take the trip myself, with a little internet research, you could have a great independent trip. Not too sure what your budget is, but there are lots of great things to do in the falls without spending lots of money. If you don't care about the money, you have to go for dinner in the Skylon Tower Dining Room. It will cost you about $75-100pp, but it is the coolest view of the falls around. Hope this help, happy traveling, Erin

http://www.niagarafallslive.com/Frequently_asked_questions_about_Niagara_Falls.htm CHECK THIS SITE FOR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.. ONCE THERE.. http://www.niagarafallslive.com/Frequently_asked_questions_about_Niagara_Falls.htm Q: Is there a charge to see the Falls ? A: The parks are free and open to the public 365 days a year. During the busier months of May through September there is a charge for parking your automobile, r/v etc. There are also fees for municipally operated "attractions" ie: cave of the winds, maid of the mist, journey behind the falls.

You can easily visit Niagara Falls without joining an organized tour. Do you really want to be herded around like sheep following some set schedule where half of the stops are Souvenir Shops. (be sure to check out Niagara-on-the-Lake too)