beginner, just want to point and shoot pictures

The cameras you're looking at are a bit of an overkill in your case. If your mind is set on a DSLR you can get the D3100 by Nikon instead. And as you are a beginner, you probably will not use most of the features of a DSLR anyway. Nikon is a good manufacturer so have a look at their compacts. If you really want interchangeable lenses The Nikon 1 is a pretty good buy.

I agree with the fact that you are probably comparing these two based on ratings rather than effective use.

Both of these cameras are AMAZING for their price... But one is a NICHE camera, and the other requires more investment.

The Nikon usually comes with an 18-55mm Lens... which is mainly just good enough for portraits... no real Zoom... and you are probably going to want MORE ZOOM... which will cost you around the price of the camera to start.

The Canon is a FIXED lens, with a Range of about 30-115mm... Which is a slightly better range... but if you want MORE ZOOM... you need to Buy a different camera... Simple.

I would recommend a "Bridge Camera" like the Canon SX40 HS, which offers great image quality, VIDEO, and an amazing Zoom... for under $400.

I don't plan on making the choice for you, but you can start with the sx40HS in Sortable, and then see similar cameras from other Makers.

"just want to point and shoot pictures"

If your mindset is just that, then neither camera are for you as they both have a lot of features and buttons that may intimidate or distract you.  However, they are excellent cameras if you wanted to explore and learn about taking better pictures.

Instead, why not consider a camera with simpler menu and good IQ such as Canon S100, Canon 300/320 HS, Canon SX260HS or Nikon P0300/310?  They are also small, easy to carry, and responsive. All are excellent for family and general purpose photography needs without having to break out the manual.

Spending more money doesn't necessarily guarantee better pictures, although both D5100 and G1X are certainly more capable at giving you better quality images under more difficult lighting conditions, IF you know what you are doing in terms of ISO, shutter and aperture settings.  With D5100, you have to purchase separate lens (lenses), which will add to the cost and complexity.

Point and shoot. Sony with 20x zoom. Amazing quality and a great price. About half of either of these.

One critical note at the beginning, Nikon D5100 is an interchangeable lens camera, Canon G1X has a fixed lens. For point and shoot action and ease of use, I would recommend a fixed lens camera.

If your budget is in the price category of Nikon D5100 and Canon G1X and you especially want a point and shoot camera, I would recommend the G1X out of these two. But in my opinion, there is still a slightly better alternative out there, the Sony RX100. Slightly better, because its tiny size. It is so small you can take it anywhere. And it is more versatile than the G1X (macro, panoramas, action photography). 

Although the RX100 lacks the zoom required in some travel situations, the high pixel count (and image quality) allow you to crop the images and they are still usable. The G1X is slightly better in portraits and low-light photography, but I would still recommend the RX100 for your purposes. But in overall, these two are the best compacts currently available so you cannot go wrong choosing either one.