Originally Posted by B1

Recommendations for NF: US side - park on the mainland and walk across the bridge to Goat Island and then to the top of the Bridal Veil Falls - best view in the whole area. Then continue to Terrapin Point where you can see Horseshoe Falls. On the Canadian side my kids loved the Niagara Glen. You park across from the golf course north of the Aerocar. Then walk down the stairs and follow the trails to the river at Whirlpool Rapids. The trails are lovely. You can get a map at the store at the top. All these things are free and never very busy.
In Toronto - Edwards Gardens and the Civic Garden Centre are gorgeous this time of year. Lots of flowers and water features - walk to the Teaching Garden and the rose gardens on the west side of the valley or continue on down the pathways into Wilket Creek. There is free parking at Lawrence and Leslie and no admission fee either. This is my favorite place in the city. The Toronto Islands are interesting but starting at the Wards ferry and walking to the Centre Island dock gives you a lot of views and perspective.