Cave of the Winds gets you soaked. Journey Behind the Falls is more about the view.

Cave of the Winds puts you right next to the Bridal Veil Falls on the American side. You walk down to a wooden deck that’s maybe 20 feet from the falling water. You get absolutely blasted with spray. They give you a poncho and sandals, but you will be wet head to toe. It’s loud, it’s wild, it’s the closest you can get to being in the falls without going over.

Journey Behind the Falls is on the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. You take an elevator down and walk through tunnels carved into the rock behind the falls. You step out onto two observation decks that are directly beside and behind the falling water. The spray is lighter — more like heavy mist — but you are looking out through the curtain of water. You’ll get damp but not drenched. The poncho is mostly optional.

So if you want to get sprayed, go to Cave of the Winds. If you want to see the massive wall of water from behind, go to Journey Behind the Falls. Both are worth it, but different experiences.

You won’t stay dry at either one, but Cave of the Winds is where you’ll wring out your socks.