Niagara Falls Mini-Guide🌊
About Niagara Falls
Located in both the United States and Canada, Niagara Falls marks the border between the two countries. It's actually comprised of three different waterfalls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe "Canadian" Falls.
Niagara Falls is free to view from Niagara Falls State Park on the New York side or the Fallsview Trail and Niagara River Parkway on the Canada side. It's worth noting that the New York side is less developed, while the Canada side is more touristy.
Which side is better? The New York side allows you to stand right up next to the falls in the natural setting of the Niagara Falls State Park. The Canadian side offers better and spectacular views of all the falls.
For general information, you can check out the NiagaraParks.com website (Tip: I found more detailed information and in some cases, cheaper rates by going directly to the websites for specific attractions rather than using the links provided on the website.):Â
Where to Stay
The Canadian side is the better place to stay! This seems to be the general consensus due to the incredible view of the falls and large number of available hotels. Here are my top 3 recommendations:
Top Attractions
There are two options for a sightseeing boat tour of Niagara Falls: Maid of the Mist (US) or Hornblower Niagara City Cruises (Canada). I've been on both, and the Maid of the Mist might be a bit nicer (newer), and bigger as well. Both are about $30 USD and reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months.Â
The entire trip takes about 20 minutes (ponchos provided), which is plenty of time for this once-in-a-lifetime experience to see and feel the power of Niagara Falls!
Take a trip across the Rainbow Bridge between countries! You can drive or walk across - just be sure to allow time to go through Border Control and bring your passport!Â
A visit to Niagara Falls State Park on the US side offers wonderful views and a respite from the vibrant energy of the more touristy Canada side. Highlights in the park include Terrapin Point on Goat Island for incredible views of Horseshoe Falls as well as Luna Island to stand right next to Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls. Also, don't miss the Observation Tower next to Maid of the Mist. If you aren't doing the boat tour, you can still walk out onto the Observation Tower for only $1.25 USD!
For an especially up-close view of the falls, take advantage of special tours, such as the Cave of the Winds on the US side at Goat Island, or either Journey Behind the Falls or the Tunnels at Niagara Falls Power Station on the Canada side.Â
WildPlay at Niagara Falls offers several different adventures, such as Zipline to the Falls and the Whirlpool Adventure Course.Â
Everyone can enjoy the nighttime illumination and fireworks at Niagara Falls! Every evening, Niagara Falls is transformed into an incredible, multi-coloured water and light masterpiece, with hundreds of LED lights housed in three locations across the Niagara Gorge in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The illumination takes place every night of the year beginning at dusk.
For those looking for activities beyond the falls, there's plenty to do! Go to one or more of the many wineries located nearby, visit the charming and picturesque town of Niagara-by-the-Lake, or check out the Niagara Falls Casino in Canada or the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in New York!Â
Getting Around
While you can drive your car around, parking can be expensive and hard to find. Instead, why not use the WEGO shuttle bus, which takes you to popular attractions in Niagara Parks and throughout the tourist area.
There are 3 different routes (Red, Green, and Blue); cost is about $12 CAD for a 24-hour pass or $16 CAD for a 48-hour pass. (Tip: Our hotel Destination Fee included a coupon to redeem for two WEGO passes, so check the front desk!)
We enjoyed walking the area, but if you find hills to be challenging, have mobility concerns, or simply want to enjoy a cool view, the Falls Incline Railway is a great option to take you between the Fallsview tourist area down to the Table Rock Centre at the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls!
Cost is about $3 CAD one-way, $6 CAD round-trip, or $7 CAD for an all-day pass. Hours are 9am - 11pm.
Heading to Niagara Falls State Park on the US side? You can walk around to different vantage points in the park for wonderful views, or ride the Niagara Scenic Trolley - cost is $3 USD for adults and $2 USD for children.
When to Visit
The summer months of June - August are an ideal time to visit due to warmer temperatures in the 80s. Enjoying the boat tour and other attractions will offer opportunities to get wet, so being able to dry off while enjoying the scenery is ideal.Â
That said, it's also very crowded in the summer and prices will reflect that as well. We visited in early September and enjoyed pleasant weather with cooler temperatures in the morning and late evenings.Â
Interesting Facts & Tips
đź“Ť It's worth doing some research and learning about the history of Niagara, to include efforts to harness the power of Niagara Falls for generating power. Check out the informative website below:Â
đź“Ť If you're visiting the Niagara Falls area for several days, you might consider getting a Niagara Falls Adventure Pass for deals & discounts:Â
đź“Ť Parking is expensive! Valet parking rates at hotels range from $40 - $100 per night. Instead, you might consider parking in one of the public lots (like the one at the Niagara Falls Casino) for cheaper rates. For more info about parking options, visit the website below:Â
đź“Ť Walking is a great way to take in the area! You can stroll along the Fallsview Trail on the Canada side - highly recommend for viewing the illumination and fireworks at night.
You can also walk (or take the trolley) through Niagara Falls State Park on the U.S. side. In fact, you could walk across the Rainbow Bridge connecting the two sides in about 30-45 minutes!
Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you found this mini guide and suggestions to be helpful! 🎉
The home for unique & authentic travel
