Niagara Falls is a world-famous natural wonder located on the border of the United States and Canada. It is famous for its immense volume of water and its breathtaking beauty. Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America with visitors coming from around the world to witness its beauty. In this travel guide, you will find all of the best things to do and see in Niagara Falls. Additionally, you will find a sample itinerary to help plan your adventure.
When to Go
Summer is the most popular time to visit Niagara Falls due to the warm weather and summer break from school. However, a high number of crowds means expensive accommodations and longer lines at popular attractions. If you can, visit from mid-April through early June or from early September through early November. It is during these times that the Maid of the Mist is open, the crowds are tolerable, and accommodations are less expensive. The latter dates are especially a beautiful time to visit due to the changing colors of the foliage. If you enjoy a winter wonderland and even fewer crowds, visiting Niagara Falls in the winter can be magical. The falls can partially freeze, creating stunning ice formations. However, the weather is extremely cold and attractions are either closed or have limited hours.
What to See and Do
Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls that straddle the international border between the province of Ontario in Canada and the state of New York in the United States. It consists of three falls. Horseshoe Falls (also known as Canadian Falls) is the largest and most iconic of the three falls. It is named for its horseshoe-shaped crest and is situated mostly on the Canadian side of the border. American Falls is located entirely on the American side of the border, separated from Horseshoe Falls by Luna Island and Bridal Veil Falls by Goat Island. Lastly, Bridal Veil Falls is also located on the American Side and is the smallest of the three. There are several ways to experience Niagara Falls from scenic viewpoints to up-close tours. Here are some of the best things to do in Niagara Falls.
Scenic Viewpoints
The primary attraction is, of course, the falls themselves. There are several excellent vantage points from which to view them, including the American side at Niagara Falls State Park and the Canadian side at Queen Victoria Park. Prospect Point is the best place to view the falls on the New York side. Additionally, Terrapin Point provides visitors with a partial view of Horseshoe Falls. On the Canadian side, the viewing platform at Table Rock Welcome Centre is the best place to view Horseshoe Falls.
Maid of the Mist
This iconic boat tour takes visitors right up to the base of the falls, providing a thrilling and wet experience. The Maid of the Mist has a long history, dating back to 1846 when the first boat of this name began offering tours of Niagara Falls. The boat tour takes passengers into the heart of Horseshoe Falls (on the Canadian side) and also approaches American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Passengers are provided with ponchos to protect against the mist and are free to move around the deck to get different views of the falls. It’s an exhilarating experience as you get extremely close to the thundering water and feel the spray and mist from the falls. Tours typically run from mid-April through early November. It is a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Cave of the Winds
The Cave of the Winds is another popular and thrilling attraction located at Niagara Falls. It provides visitors with a unique opportunity to get incredibly close to Bridal Veil Falls. After descending by elevator, visitors take a series of wooden walkways and platforms to get a close view of Bridal Veil Falls. From here, you can feel the mist, hear the roar of the water, and experience the force of nature up close. The Cave of the Winds is open year-round. However, the tour does not go as close to the falls during the winter months. Tickets can be purchased at the Cave of the Winds Plaza on Goat Island. As it is a timed ticketed attraction, plan to make it the first stop of your day to make your reservation. You can find more information here.
Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley
The Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the attractions at Niagara Falls State Park. It is a narrated, open-air trolley service that takes visitors on a guided tour of the park. The trolley follows a loop route, making stops at key points of interest within the park including Goat Island, Prospect Point, Three Sisters Islands, and Luna Island. Tickets for the trolley can be purchased at the visitor center or the Cave of the Winds Plaza. The trolley operates seasonally, generally from May through October.
Niagara Falls Observation Tower
The Niagara Falls Observation Tower offers unobstructed, close-up views of American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. You can also see Horseshoe Falls in the distance. The tower provides the only panoramic view of all three falls. Elevators at the Observation Tower provide access to the base of the gorge and the boarding site for the Maid of the Mist boat tour. From the base of the gorge, visitors can climb a series of stairs to the Crow’s Nest. This viewing area is so close to American Falls, that you can feel the mist. To experience the Niagara Falls Observation Tower, visitors can purchase a relatively inexpensive ticket at the visitor center. The observation tower is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the time of year. You can find more information, including the hours of operation here.
Niagara Falls Illumination
The Niagara Falls night illumination is a stunning and iconic display of colorful lights that illuminate the falls. The illumination is a year-round attraction, so visitors can enjoy the nighttime beauty of Niagara Falls regardless of the season. The lighting schedule typically begins at dusk. The colors and patterns may vary depending on the occasion or time of year. It’s a memorable part of the Niagara Falls experience and adds to the magical ambiance of this natural wonder, making it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area.
Journey Behind the Falls
This attraction allows guests to experience the power of Horseshoe Falls from a perspective that is both thrilling and educational. Visitors on the Journey Behind the Falls tour can explore a series of tunnels and observation decks that have been excavated through the rock behind the falls. There are two main observation decks on the journey. The upper deck provides a panoramic view of the falls from behind, whereas the lower deck takes you even closer to the bottom of the falls. The lower deck offers a unique perspective of the roaring water crashing down in front of you. The attraction is typically open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. There is an admission fee to access Journey Behind the Falls, and tickets can be purchased in advance here.
Niagara SkyWheel
The Niagara SkyWheel is a popular Ferris wheel located in Clifton Hill, the entertainment and tourist hub of Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. The main draw of the Niagara SkyWheel is the spectacular view it provides. Passengers can capture breathtaking vistas of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area. The views are particularly impressive at night when the falls are illuminated. It features fully enclosed gondolas with large, floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing passengers to enjoy unobstructed views. The Niagara SkyWheel operates year-round, and the hours of operation vary by season. You can find more information and purchase tickets here.
Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
The Butterfly Conservatory houses over 2,000 colorful butterflies from around the world, representing more than 45 different species. The conservatory is designed to recreate a tropical rainforest environment, complete with lush vegetation, water features, and a warm and humid atmosphere. This setting provides an ideal habitat for the butterflies to thrive and reproduce. Additionally, there is an area called the Butterfly Emergence Window, where visitors can observe newly emerged butterflies as they prepare for their first flight. The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is located in Canada, just a short drive from Niagara Falls. You can find more information about the conservatory here.
Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
The Niagara Glen Nature Reserve is known for its rugged terrain, unique geological features, and diverse plant and animal life. The area is characterized by its deep, rocky gorge and steep cliffs, which were carved out by the erosive forces of the Niagara River over thousands of years. This geological history has played a significant role in shaping the region, including the formation of Niagara Falls itself. The nature reserve features a network of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. These trails wind through lush forests and along the riverbank, providing opportunities to enjoy the scenic landscapes. The park is also known for its challenging rock faces and boulders, making it a popular destination for rock climbers of all skill levels. You can find more information about the park here.
Whirlpool State Park
Whirlpool State Park is known for its view of the Whirlpool Rapids, a tumultuous and turbulent section of the Niagara River where the water rushes through a narrow gorge with tremendous force. The powerful currents create whirlpools and rapids, making this area a natural spectacle. Visitors can observe the rapids from designated viewpoints within the park. Many visitors hike the Gorge Trail since it offers views of the Niagara Gorge, the rapids, and the Whirlpool. Across the border in Ontario, visitors can take a cable car ride over the Niagara Whirlpool for a unique and thrilling experience. The Whirlpool Aero Car is open seasonally from April through November. Whirlpool State Park is open year-round.
Bird Kingdom
Located on the Canadian side, Bird Kingdom is the world’s largest indoor free-flying aviary and a popular destination for tourists and bird enthusiasts. The aviary is home to a wide variety of bird species from around the world, including toucans, parrots, owls, flamingos, and many other exotic and colorful birds. Visitors have the opportunity to observe these birds up close as they move about in their natural habitat within the aviary. In addition to the numerous bird species, Bird Kingdom also features reptile and small mammal exhibits. Specifically, you can encounter reptiles like turtles, tortoises, and iguanas, as well as various small mammals, such as lemurs and marmosets. You can find more information about Bird Kingdom here.
White Water Walk
The White Water Walk is situated in the Niagara Gorge on the Canadian side, a short distance downstream from the more famous Niagara Falls. The attraction features a series of wooden boardwalks and viewing platforms that stretch along the edge of the Niagara Gorge, allowing visitors to observe the churning white-water rapids from a safe and elevated vantage point. It’s a serene yet awe-inspiring experience, distinct from the more well-known attractions around Niagara Falls. The White Water Walk is open seasonally from April through November. You can find more information here.
Where to Stay
There are numerous accommodation options available near Niagara Falls, catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences. The Canadian side is the more touristy part of Niagara Falls whereas the American side is more calm and quiet. On the Canadian side, both the Fallsview Casino Resort and Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview offer rooms that provide views of Niagara Falls. On the American side, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls provides comfortable rooms with some providing views of the Niagara River. There is also the Red Coach Inn, a historic bed and breakfast overlooking Niagara’s Upper Raids.
Niagara Falls Travel Itinerary
Are you ready to start planning your Niagara Falls adventure? Start by downloading our easy-to-customize sample itinerary. This is just an example of what your trip could look like. Easily make changes to the document to make it fit your schedule and interests.