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25 Awesome Things to Do in Niagara Falls, Canada

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Looking For Things To Do In Niagara Falls, Canada? Let’s Go!

It’s no secret that Niagara Falls is one of the top attractions in all of Canada (and the world). So if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re thinking about visiting and you’re looking for things to do when you visit!

And whether you’re travelling as a couple on a weekend trip , as a family with kids, or as a solo adventurer, there is no shortage of both touristy and non-touristy things to do and see!

We had the best time exploring Niagara Falls (the Canadian side). It was Lisa’s first time and she loved spending time by the falls themselves.

That said, Niagara Falls (the Canadian city) can be overwhelming at times – and finding unique things to do seems difficult with all the top attractions right in your face.

So, we’ve pulled together this very detailed guide on basically everything there is to do – even if you’re exploring Niagara Falls at night or in the winter! Let’s explore the Canadian side of Niagara Falls!

Niagara Falls Quick Guide

Best Time to Visit:  Very busy in the summer season but best chance for nice weather. Autumn for colours – and Niagara Falls is also worth a visit in winter!

Getting Around:  Downtown Niagara Falls is very walkable, but you can also make use of the WEGO Bus .

Top Things to Do : Half-Day Niagara Falls Tour (w/ Boat Cruise), Journey Behind The Falls , Scenic Helicopter Tour , MistRider Zipline .

Where to Stay:  We stayed at A Moment in Time B&B . Good Hotels for Falls Views are Marriott Fallsview or Embassy Suites by Hilton .

Table of Contents

Top Things To Do In Niagara Falls, Canada

Let’s dive into this list of things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada. Of course, this isn’t everything there is to do and see and we only briefly cover the American Side of the Falls.

However, we think it’s a well-rounded list of the top attractions people come for as well as things to do that are connected to exploring the natural beauty of the Niagara Region!

There are lots of great tour, attractions, and activities in Niagara Falls including boat cruises, museum tickets, nature attractions, and more. You can explore top activities in Niagara Falls on both  Viator  and  GetYourGuide .

Keep in mind that some places or activities are only open/available during the warmer months. For example, the Voyage to the Falls boat cruise do not run in the winter. Don’t worry – there are plenty of great indoor alternatives to choose from!

Admire Niagara Falls

You don’t need to justify coming to Niagara Falls. There’s a good chance people already know what you want to see when you get there – the waterfalls!

The famous falls are a very popular Ontario attraction for a reason. Luckily for you, there are three waterfalls to keep and your adventurous soul busy.

As we mentioned above, Niagara Falls is a term used to describe the set of three waterfalls at the one site where the Niagara River cuts away at the Niagara Gorge. The waterfalls are as follows:

• Horseshoe Falls  or  Canadian Falls  (shown above) is the one you are probably thinking of when you think of “Niagara Falls”. This is the waterfall that is attributed to the Canadian side. It’s the one with the distinct “U” shape!

• The American  Falls  (shown above and below) is the waterfall that is totally on the US side of the river. It’s very flat in profile with many rocks at the base.  
• Finally, there is the Bridal Veil Falls (shown above and below) which is the very small waterfall to the right of the larger American Falls.

Now, if you are on the Canadian side, you can see all three waterfalls perfectly – which is why some claim the Canadian side of the river is the best to visit.

However, the US side has many green parks and similar boat ride attractions so it’s definitely also worth checking out for a different perspective.

The thing about the Canadian side is that there is a massive walkway that follows the river – giving you great vantage points for all the Falls. Close to Horseshoe Falls, you’ll find the Table Rock Welcome Centre.

We’ll cover it in more detail but there are restaurants and many attractions actually start here. You can go behind Horseshoe Falls with the attraction “ Journey Behind the Falls ” and walk on those lower paths to get really close while you wear the rain ponchos!

Now, if you are exploring the US side of the river, you can see the Falls from Niagara Falls State Park. Like the Canadian side, there are upper walkways that allow you up-close views of the Falls.

There are also lower walkways to get  really close  to the American Falls. These wooden walkways are called the Cave of the Winds. 

This post is about attractions on the Canadian side only. If you are interested in Falls attractions on the US side, then check out this ultimate USA Half Day Falls Tour .

This will allow you to see all the Falls from various angles and attractions (like Cave of the Winds and the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour). 

In any case, there are so many unique ways to experience the actual waterfalls at Niagara Falls. We list many of them below – but you can even combine many of the top ways to see the Falls into one awesome ticket or tour.

If you want to experience the Falls lit up at night, then check out this Niagara Falls Night Cruise with Dinner .

If you are short on time and want to experience everything – and on both sides of the river – then that is also possible.

Check out this Ultimate Tour with the Maid of the Mist US Cruise and then Skylon Tower on the Canadian side ! This tour starts in the US but you can be picked up on either side. Don’t forget your passport!

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Niagara Hornblower Cruise

Address: 5920 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8, Canada

One of the most popular attractions (if not the most popular) on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is the Hornblower Cruise  – also known as “Voyage to the Falls”! 

To clarify: you might be familiar with the “Maid of the Mist” boat tour that takes you to the Falls, too. This is the boat tour from  the American side of the River.  It does the exact same thing as the Hornblower – but you can check out the Maid of the Mist boat tour here .

If you know you want to hop on the Hornblower Cruise on the Canadian side, you can buy your skip-the-line Hornblower tickets in advance here . 

You can buy tickets onsite through the self-serve kiosks but given the visitor numbers in the summer season, we’d suggest buying in advance to ensure your date and time.

Plus, this skip-the-line Hornblower ticket means you can head right down to the funicular to get on your cruise!

To get down to the boats, you can actually take a funicular ride. The Niagara Hornblower Funicular ride is an attraction in itself which we cover right below this one!

Once you are down there, you dawn a red poncho (to distinguish yourself from the blue ponchos from the American Maid of the Mist tour) and off you go towards Horseshoe Falls!

These boats have an upper deck where you get exposed to all the elements but they also have lower-level viewing with seats. 

So, to summarize – you can check out tickets to take the Hornblower Cruise from the Canadian Side here . If you wanted to do the Maid of the Mist on the American side (and visit the Cave of the Winds), you can find those cruise tickets here.

Niagara Hornblower Funicular + Riverside Patio 

If getting a different perspective of the Falls is what you’re after but you want to keep things on the budget side, you might want to just ride the Hornblower Funicular.

While the Funicular is meant to take people down for a boat cruise (and is included in the cruise ticket price), you can take it for the cheap ride and the unique views as you glide down unto the Gorge.

The Funicular was originally built back in 1894 and was rebuilt carefully to preserve the delicate walls and plants of the Niagara Gorge. The cable cars offer amazing views as you descent – and they even have audio commentary!

Once at the bottom, there’s a large Riverside Patio where you can enjoy a bite to eat, a drink, or just a snack as you enjoy the views of the Falls and watch the cruisers head off on their adventure! 

Journey Behind the Falls

Address: 6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8, Canada

If heading  behind Horseshoe Falls is something you’re looking to do, then you should definitely do the Journey Behind the Falls !

Once you head down 125 feet, you can walk through tunnels that snake behind the thundering waterfalls. From there, you can emerge onto the lower platforms at Horseshoe Falls (with rain poncho on, of course) to get up close to the action.

The start of this adventure is located within the Table Rock Welcome Centre – which is right beside the brink of Horseshoe Falls (shown in the photo above). This is a top experience at Niagara Falls and it’s usually packed together with the Hornblower Cruise for an ultimate day !

WildPlay MistRider Ziplining

Address for Zip-lining: 5920 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8, Canada

Ever wanted to go zip-lining? Have you been before? In any case, why not go zip-lining as you head straight towards Horseshoe Falls!?

WildPlay (the outdoor adventure company) brings you this 670-metre-long zip line starting from an elevated platform above where you get Hornblower tickets! You can check out MistRider zip-line tickets here .

If you want to monkey around some more, you can also check out their Adventure Course near the Niagara Whirlpool.

Clifton Hill Attractions

Address: Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

No stop to Niagara Falls Canada is complete without a stop at Clifton Hill – known as “The Street of Fun at the Falls!”

Even if you aren’t travelling with kids, you need to walk up and down Clifton just once. This very touristy area is absolutely packed with attractions, museums, shops, eateries, sweet treats, and more! You have to see it with your own eyes.

There are some attractions that are more well-known than others – like Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium , Dinosaur Adventure Golf, The House of Frankenstein, the Great Canadian Midway, Guinness World of Records, Louis Tussauds Wax Museum, Escape Rooms, bowling, and more.

‘We had one pass through and stopped into a few sweet shops to check out the chocolate, fudge, and candy options. 

You can even do more like go Go Karting at the Niagara Speedway – which is located at the top of the hill.

The hill itself overlooks the American Falls with the Sheraton Hotel standing at the base of all the attractions.

There are plenty of places to eat on the Hill but do check the reviews and the menus because some places have horrible service and have really high prices for the tourists.

Overall, Clifton Hill (and the surrounding downtown area along Victoria Avenue) are kind of like sensory overload – great for kids, though and something you definitely have to experience once.

If you plan on visiting a few attractions, you might consider a Clifton Hill Fun Pass which essentially gets you admission into 6 top attractions like the Niagara Skywheel, Dino Adventure Golf, and more!

Niagara SkyWheel

Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4, Canada

Speaking of the Niagara SkyWheel – while you’re exploring the Clifton Hill area, it’s hard to miss the Niagara SkyWheel.

Opened in 2006 and standing at 53 metres tall, this ferris wheel is another great way to see the Falls from a unique perspective.

It’s also located right above the Dinosaur Adventure Golf so there’s no shortage of fun when you get off! If you want to go for a loop, you can buy your SkyWheel tickets in advance here .

Skylon Tower

Address: 5200 Robinson St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 2A3, Canada

If heights are for you, then a trip up the Skylon Tower is for you! Opened back in 1965, the tower is located right downtown – you cannot miss it wherever you are. You get to take the “Yellow Bug Elevators” to the top where you get 360-degree views of the Falls and the surrounding area!

You can get your Skylon tickets here for the observation deck – but you can even head up there for a meal if you are hungry at their famous Revolving Dining Room Restaurant and or their Summit Suite Buffet.

Either way, you get to eat about 236 metres above the Falls!

Niagara Helicopter Tour

Address: 3731 Victoria Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6V5, Canada

If you want a bird’s eye view of the waterfalls and the surrounding area, a helicopter tour might be for you. A ride with Niagara Helicopter Tours is a memorable experience that’ll stick with you for a long time! 

Departing from the heliport north of downtown, you’ll head over the Niagara Gorge/River back towards to main Falls area. You can even see as far as the Toronto skyline on clear days on this 12-minute flight!

Eric did a helicopter tour with his dad in the Canadian Rocky Mountains so a trip over Niagara Falls is definitely next on the list!

If you’re interested in memorable Niagara experiences, you might want to check out the ultimate Niagara Falls day tour where you can combine a helicopter tour with a boat ride, a trek behind the Falls, and a meal in the Skylon Tower to see ALL angles of Niagara Falls!

Queen Victoria Park

Address: 6345 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8, Canada

Situated along the upper walkway along the Niagara Parkway (the road that drives along the Gorge beside the river), you’ll find a lovely green space called Queen Victoria Park.

This large park kind of separates the whole downtown areas near the American Falls and the Canadian Falls. We had a wander through and it was a lovely space away from all the noise and people!

There’s actually this old-looking house – it’s currently the headquarters of the Niagara Parks Police. There are many statues and historical sites scattered throughout the park area.

The flowers were also beautiful when we visited – and Niagara Parks makes a big deal about their well-maintained flowers!

Niagara Falls Nightly Fireworks + Illumination of the Falls

If you’re into fireworks, then you should really head to Niagara Falls in the summertime. Each summer – from June to September with additional weekends after – there is a fireworks display at 10:00 pm over Niagara Falls!

The fireworks can be seen from many vantage points – so you don’t have to be right at the river’s edge to see them. Many people can see them from their hotel windows, balconies, and some other places around downtown!

As for the Falls themselves, they light up, too! Each evening – whatever the season – special lights create the effect of illuminating Horseshoe Falls.

These lights follow calendar dates and are a sight to see for sure! If you want the ultimate experience, you should hop on a Firework Night Cruise to the Falls to see the fireworks and Illumination up close.

Fallsview Casino Resort

Address: 6380 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7X5, Canada

One of the largest attractions at Niagara Falls is the casinos – and Fallsview Casino Resort is the main one.

Located right downtown on Fallsview Boulevard, this massive complex is a hotel and casino and includes restaurants and a live entertainment venue for shows, musical performances, and more.

Rainbow Bridge

Address: 5702 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3K7, Canada

For some of the best views of the Falls, a nice walk, a cool breeze, and the chance to “stand in two countries at once”, check out Rainbow Bridge!

Originally built in back in the 1940s, this arch bridge is also a main international border between the US and Canada. There are customs checkpoints at each end because the line and the flags in the middle mark where the border is! 

If you want to explore the US side of the Falls, this is the way to go. Just be sure to have your passports/appropriate visas with you! The bridge is good for car traffic as well as having a safe pedestrian-only walkway.

There’s also a toll to cross which is more for cars than just people walking. If you want to walk from Canada to go and take photos on the bridge but NOT enter the US, this is also possible.

Either way, you have to pay four quarters (US quarters OR Canadian quarters) as foot traffic leaving Canada. Be sure to have change before you go because there IS a change machine on site but it can break and the lines can be long!

After you snap a few photos with your feet on each side of the border line, you’ll have to re-enter Canada through customs – but this shouldn’t be a problem since you just came from there!

IMAX Niagara Falls

Address: 6170 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7T8, Canada

If you’ve had enough of the outdoors for one day and want to be entertained but also comfortable, why not check out the Niagara IMAX theatre?

Located right downtown – close to the hotels like the Hilton – you cannot miss the massive pyramid building. Inside, the IMAX experience is like none other. 

The show all about the Falls – Miracles, Myths, an Magic – teaches you about the history of the Falls and the people who have challenged the Falls and lived to tell the tales!

There are also audio guides available for the movie to be experienced in multiple languages. You can check here for your IMAX ticket .

Niagara Falls History Museum

Address: 5810 Ferry St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1S9, Canada

If you’re interested in Niagara Falls – the region – and not just the waterfalls, then check out the Niagara Falls History Museum . Opened in its current version in 2010, this museum is dedicated to telling the rich history of the region.

From what the river/nature looked like back in the day to the wars fought between the British and the Americans in the bloody battles of 1812, this museum is packed with things to check out and even  try on!

The museum is located close to downtown but you can take the WEGO as it heads down Lundy’s Lane.

This area is also packed with military history – like the Drummond Hill Cemetery and the Battle of Lundy’s Lane – so it’s a great place to dive into history if that’s your interest!

Bird Kingdom

Address: 5651 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7M7, Canada

It’s easy to get close to wildlife if you’re in Niagara Falls – just head to Bird Kingdom !

Located just a minute walk from the American Falls (and under the Rainbow Bridge), this massive glass building is actually the largest free-flying aviary in the world!

This means that the birds get to fly about in their natural habitat – which is maintained indoors all year round.

Bird Kingdom specializes in tropical bird species (the ones that are pretty colours). It’s great because there are also many different areas to explore.

In some of them, you can hold some of the birds and learn about them from the staff and guides.

The Botanical Gardens + Butterfly Conservatory

Address: 2565 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 2S7, Canada

The farther you move from downtown Niagara Falls, the quieter and more natural the scenery gets. If this is calling to you, then head for the Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory.

Located about a 10-minute drive north on Niagara Parkway from downtown, this 99-acre complex founded in 1936 is maintained by Niagara Parks.

These days, visitors can wander the grounds, check out the beautiful displays and gardens – and the world-famous rose gardens known for having over 2,400 roses!

Onsite with the Botanical Gardens is another unique Niagara attraction – the Butterfly Conservatory!

You get to walk through a lush tropical climate with waterfalls and plants to check out over 2,000 butterflies! The giant glass greenhouse full of plants and animals is a highlight of the experience – and you even get a short informational video to start off.

Get your Entrance Ticket for the Butterfly Conservatory here .

If you want them to land on you, move slowly and wear light, bright colours. Your visit is a self-guided tour so you can walk through it at your own pace.

The White Water Walk

Address: 4330 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 6T2, Canada

If you want to get up close to the rushing river – but not in the actual river like on a boat cruise – then the White Water Walk might be for you.

After you head down into the Niagara Gorge about 70 metres by elevator, you get about 400 metres of boardwalk to do a self-guided tour. There are tons to learn about – like the 410 million-year-old rock layers and the plant and animal life. 

The boardwalk even features viewing platforms at the edge of the river so that you can get closer to the famous Whirlpool Rapids.

This is something we didn’t do but drove by and DEFINITELY want to check out next time we visit.

Niagara Glen + Nature Centre

Address: 3050 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

Sticking to the theme of natural attraction north of downtown, check out the Nature Glen .

You get to head down stairways that take you along 4 kilometres of pathways deep within the Niagara Gorge. The area is known for its unique Carolinian Forest, many fossils, rock formations, and more.

The Glen area looks out over the Niagara River Whirlpool which is always fascinating to see from different vantage points! There are guided hiking tours and you can even go bouldering at the Niagara Glen!

Once you are done hiking – or before you begin – you can also check out the Niagara Glen Nature Centre .

This Centre that overlooks the river offers you beverages and souvenirs. They also sell bouldering permits if you want to climb around on the rocks in the Glen.

Whirlpool Aero Car

Address: 3850 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8, Canada

One of the most extreme ways to discover the Niagara Whirlpool (besides a jet boat, see below) is to soar over the top of it! To do this, you can take the Whirlpool Aero Car.

Built back in 1916 by Spanish engineers, a one-way 10-minute ride takes passengers over 500 metres between two points on Canadian soil passing over the churning waters of the whirlpool almost 80 metres below. 

You actually cross into the US while in the air but you don’t need any ID or clearance for this since you go from Canada to Canada! We stopped while driving along the Parkway but ran out of time to do the Aero Car.

It’s definitely something that we want to do in the future! If this interests you, check out this combo ticket for the  Whirlpool Aero Car AND the Journey Behind the Falls adventure !

Niagara Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

Address of Floral Clock Pick-up: 14004 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6K2, Canada

It’s one thing to look at the Niagara River from above – it’s another thing to ride  on it.  With the Niagara Whirlpool Jet Boat tour , that’s exactly what you can expect!

Choosing either a wet tour (and you WILL get wet) or a dry dome boat, these hour-long guided tours of the Niagara River are definitely something to be experienced. Oh, and you reach speeds of almost 100 km/hr!

The jet boat actually leaves from three locations, with the main dock in the small town of Queenston (north of downtown Niagara Falls) being the most central.

If you are going on the jet boat, you can make your way using the WEGO shuttle to the Floral Clock and then get a  free shuttle  to the boat from there (shown above). Of course, you can also just go right to the dock but it’s not as straightforward if you don’t have a rental car .

The jet boats then take you up the river, passing through the Niagara Gorge and many historical points along the way. You pass through the Whirlpool and other sets of white water rapids, too!

Of course, the staff walk you through all the safety procedures beforehand. Oh, and if you ride on an open-top boat, be sure to bring a full change of clothes! If you’re keen for some adventure, you can book your spot on the whirlpool jet boat tour here .

Whirlpool Golf Course

Address: 3351 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L0S 1J0 (close to the Nature Glen Centre)

If golfing is your thing, then you don’t have to stop your game when you’re in Niagara Falls. North of downtown Niagara – located right beside the famous Niagara River Whirlpool – is the  Whirlpool Golf Course .

This top-rated public course is on a piece of pristine Ontario land just off of the Niagara Parkway. This means that players have easy parking and easy access to playing a round.

The course also has a beautiful clubhouse for having a bite to eat at the restaurant or a drink afterward.

Floral Clock

Address: 14004 Niagara Pkwy, Queenston, ON L0S 1L0, Canada

The Floral Clock is one of those things that you don’t really think of as significant until you realize the size of it and the effort that goes into creating it!

Located north of the Botanical Gardens (close to Queenston Heights Park below), the Floral Clock is a monument that actually functions as a working clock. 

The clock’s face is covered in around 16,000 small flowers (known as carpet bedding plants) and creates a colourful design.

The clock mechanisms are run by Ontario Hydro – who also runs the massive hydro dam nearby. The clock chimes every 15 minutes and the back door to the clock might be open for you to see the clock mechanisms and old photos from previous clocks!

This location (as we mentioned above) is also the meeting point for the Whirlpool Jet Boat shuttle. There’s loads of parking and we even saw people having picnics since there’s a green space and tables here, too.

If nothing else, it’s a nice stop for some quiet time away from downtown Niagara Falls – or check it out on the way up to Niagara on the Lake!

Queenston Heights Park

Address: 144 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada

Another great place to check out is Queenston Heights Park .

Located just a minute or two north of the Floral Clock (and thus far from downtown Niagara Falls), this massive green space is loaded with things to check out. The entrance is around a roundabout – something you don’t see too often in Ontario!

We had a stop-in and had a walkabout. Notably, the park is the home of two monuments: the Brock Monument and Laura Secord Monument.

We actually walk to the base of Brock Monument and had a look out over the Niagara on the Lake region and the river. The park’s location high on the Niagara Escarpment means that you get really, really great views.

There’s also loads of space for a nice picnic in the park as well as a beautiful old-looking dining experience at Queenston Heights Restaurant.

We found lots of space for parking and there are even washrooms on site should you be wondering.

Take a Niagara on the Lake Wine Tour

If you want to get away from downtown Niagara Falls for a half-day, consider a trip up to Niagara on the Lake (the town) and do a wine tour around the region. We actually did a half-day winery tour experience  and had a blast trying wine while being driven around.

Exploring wineries like Ravine, Inniskillin, and Reif Estates and more was well worth it! The best part is that this premier wine region is only 20 minutes north of Niagara Falls! We also wrote a whole post on our Niagara on the Lake winery experience here !

Things to Consider When Visiting Niagara Falls

If you’re planning a visit to Niagara Falls, there are a few things you should know about the layout of the area, the waterfalls, and the borders.

From getting around to determining when you should visit and where to stay, here’s some information to help you plan the perfect trip!

General Information About Niagara Falls

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the area, Niagara Falls is a city in Ontario, Canada. Across the border/river, there is also a Niagara Falls, New York in the US – just to make things confusing.

The grouping of waterfalls at that point is ALSO called Niagara Falls – and there are  three waterfalls  (Canadian Falls “Horseshoe Falls”, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls).

Niagara Falls, Ontario is part of the greater Niagara Region which also includes an area to the south of Lake Ontario called Niagara on the Lake.

This region is special due to its climate and geography – thus making it a top wine-growing region in Canada – and known globally, as well. If you’re into wine, check out some of our favourite Niagara on the Lake wineries .

Back to Niagara Falls, you can cross the border into the US (on Rainbow Bridge) to see their side of the river but you will need a passport or form of formal ID. Also, while you are in Niagara Falls, Canada, you should expect to use Canadian money.

Cards are also widely accepted. However, given the proximity to the US border, many retail places in Niagara Falls, Canada will accept US Dollars – but don’t bank on that as a hard rule (pun intended).

Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls

As for the best time to visit Niagara Falls – it really depends on what you expect to do and see. The summer months in Ontario are hot and humid making them prime tourist season.

Niagara Falls is VERY BUSY from Mid-June to the end of August. Depending on how hot September is, it might still be busy then, too. 

If you want the warmer weather, we’d suggest going in May/June or September/October. These are known as the shoulder seasons that avoid the middle of summer and dead of winter.

That said, we have never been but have heard (and seen photos) that Niagara Falls is beautiful in the wintertime . The ice forms from the mist of the Falls and it makes for great photos. 

Niagara Falls also does a big New Years Bash with fireworks which is pretty popular. The point is: Niagara Falls doesn’t shut down in the wintertime since there are many indoor activities and most of the outdoor ones don’t even close down!

Getting Around Niagara Falls

If you’re staying in downtown Niagara Falls, you will be able to walk basically everywhere. This is where many of the top attractions are located – and we focus on these in this post.

That said, there are some attractions that require renting a car or taking a bus to get to (we cover these attractions further down in the post).

If you do have a car and are driving in for the day or want to park near the Falls, there are lots of parking lots very close to Horseshoe Falls. It won’t be cheap – but it’ll be convenient!

If you are without a car, Niagara Falls has a bus transit system that you can certainly use – but they also have an amazing tourist-specific bus system called the WEGO . 

WEGO runs three coloured lines with routes that cover: all over downtown to top attractions, along the river north to more attractions (the Floral Clock), along Lundy’s Lane (a historic and popular district to visit), and even an extension shuttle service from April to October into Niagara on the Lake (where the wine country is).

The three lines meet around the Table Rock Visitor Centre at Horseshoe Falls. You can learn more about the routes and prices here . Don’t forget about Niagara Falls taxis if you want a quick way to get across town to an attraction but don’t have a car on hand.

Just so you know, there’s also an Incline Railway that goes from the Fallsview downtown area to close to Horseshoe Falls behind the Table Rock Welcome Centre.

The walk from downtown to the walkway beside the Falls is actually quite hilly so this is useful for those with mobility impairments, lots of kids, elderly guests, or just tired legs from all the exploring! You can learn more about the Incline Railway here .

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls

We’ve actually written a whole guide on great hotels and accommodations in Niagara Falls . That said, we’ll cover the basics here in case you are looking for a place to stay in Niagara Falls.

Basically, there are a TON of hotels, a handful of motels, and quite a few bed and breakfasts. Many people stay in or near downtown so that they are close to top attractions – and many choose to stay in a hotel where they can see the waterfalls. 

If you know you want a hotel in Niagara Falls, you can  check here for hotels in Niagara Falls . If you want to stay in an accommodation where you are very close to Clifton Hill attractions and see the  American Falls from your hotel , these are amazing hotel options on the Canadian side:

• Sheraton on the Falls  – shown in the above photos. Doesn’t get more central than this!
• Quality Hotel Fallsview Cascade  – a budget hotel located downtown where you can see the Falls from some rooms!

If you are looking for a hotel that overlooks the Canadian Falls (also known as Horseshoe Falls) , then check out the following “Fallsview” hotels:

• Embassy Suites by Hilton  – (shown in the photo above) – all suite-style rooms
• Tower Hotel at Fallsview  – (shown in the photo above) – the round tower-looking hotel!
• Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa  – (shown in the photo above) – has spa facilities
• Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview  – (not shown above) but had some great “Fallsview” rooms
• Marriott on the Falls  – (shown in the photo above) –  a simple hotel with amazing views

If you want a more cozy stay, there are plenty of great bread and breakfasts scattered around the quieter neighbourhoods and along the Niagara River/Gorge.

These are generally more historic houses that have a lot of character and friendly hosts who whip together a mean breakfast! You can  check here for bed and breakfasts in Niagara Falls . 

We stayed in  A Moment in Time B&B  when we visited Niagara Falls.

We loved our stay: the hosts were friendly, the large bed was comfortable, the breakfast was filling and fresh, and the property was only 15 minutes to downtown walking (which we enjoyed). We’d recommend staying here for sure!

*Friendly Disclaimer: We paid for this stay with our own money. This is not a sponsored promotion in any way.

Related Articles

If you are exploring the Niagara Region and/or are travelling to Niagara Falls from Toronto , here are a few more helpful posts to check out:

• Where to Stay in Niagara Falls (+ Best Falls View Hotels)
• Niagara on the Lake Wineries + A Top Winery Day Tour Guide
• Things to Do in Niagara on the Lake
• Niagara on the Lake Accommodations

And there you have it – some of the greatest things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada! There is just so much to see besides the waterfalls themselves and we feel like sometimes people forget that!

Be sure to explore the whole area as much as you can to really get the most out of your Niagara Falls experience!

As always, Keep Exploring, eh? -L&E

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Eric Wychopen

Hi, we're Eric and Lisa - an Ontario-born Canadian and a German! After settling in Ontario together, we realized that there is lots more to explore in this beautiful Canadian province! On Ontario Away, we as well as local contributors cover everything from cities and hikes to wineries, attractions, accommodations, and more.

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If you'd like to join the conversation and get more tips, you can find us on social media as well!

The Ultimate Niagara Falls Trip Planning Guide

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Niagara Falls can be described as many things. It is a legendary tourist attraction, an awe-inspiring natural wonder, and most notably, a must-see for any bucket list. The falls tend to become any visitor’s favorite destination instantly, and after your trip, we have no doubt it will be one of yours. Here is the ultimate Niagara Falls trip planning guide to help you out!

The majestic (and massive) falls have captured the imagination and attention of thousands, so it’s a no-brainer for any cross-country trip in North America and Canada .

The falls themselves and the surrounding areas genuinely feel like a different world. Epic views, breathtaking sights, and unforgettable attractions make Niagara Falls unique.

Whether you’re looking for a more outdoor and rustic naturist escape on the US side of the falls or an amusement park-style vacation on the Canadian side , Niagara Falls won’t disappoint.

So, shall we plan your ultimate Niagara Falls trip?

Niagara Falls Trip Planning | The Ultimate Guide

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

A Brief History of Niagara Falls

Before planning any adventure, it’s always important to know as much as possible about your destination. And with history and origin like Niagara Falls, there is a lot to know. 

Here’s a quick crash course on the interesting history of your next dream vacation – Niagara Falls, Canada & US.

It is estimated that roughly 12,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, during a massive melt-off and the extreme flow of water caused by this, the falls we know today came into existence. 

And since then, the interest and fascination with the falls have only grown. Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother celebrated his honeymoon at the falls about 200 years ago, and Charles Dickens wrote in 1842 how the falls stunned him into silence.

Essential Niagara Falls Trip Info

Planning your trip to Niagara Falls will take some careful consideration. Factors such as the time of year, the forecasted weather patterns, and travel requirements are just some things you need to know. 

Here’s our breakdown of the whens, wheres, and how-tos make visiting Niagara Falls convenient, enjoyable, and most importantly unforgettable.

The Border Crossing at Niagara Falls

Composed of several large waterfalls on the Niagara River, the Niagara Falls span across the eastern coast of the United States and Canada. What makes the falls unique is that they sit right on the border of these two countries.

If you choose to visit both sides, you will be crossing international borders so remember to check your visa requirements as border control is strict.

Now separated by the border between the USA and Canada, the largest of the three, the Horseshoe Falls, is situated on Canadian soil. The other two, the Bridal Veil and American Falls, are on American soil.

With the distinct geographical history and elements of the falls, you can choose to visit them from either country or, even better yet, plan a trip to include both. Visiting the American side of the falls and crossing into Canada if you’re a US national will require no visa. 

If you are a non-US citizen you will need the appropriate Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization Visa). For all your visa questions, iVisa offers the perfect tool.

When to Visit Niagara Falls

Deciding on the best time to visit the falls and their surrounding areas can make or break your trip. And, as with any other natural attraction, tourist influx during certain months also affects your experience.

A quick online search will tell you that the summer months in the region are ideal for any planned trip. For Niagara Falls, this means June, July, and August. The reasoning behind this is the result of higher day-to-day temperatures.

Although higher temperatures sound great, we are on the fence about this as the mists and breeze from the falls will make you doubt the actual temperatures most of the time.

What the summer months do, however, is cause a massive wave of tourists flogging the falls and the surrounding attractions, towns, and accommodation.

The falls are immensely popular, that’s for sure, but overcrowding everywhere you go can ruin a good vacation.

Winter is from November through to the end of February. Heavy snowfall occurs during December and can continue into January. The falls, in a sense, ‘slow’ down and might even freeze over in the extreme cold. Although this is also a beautiful sight to behold, many attractions at the falls shut down.

We recommend you plan your trip for the shoulder few months. These fall in Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September and October). Temperatures are excellent, usually mid-to-high during the days and comfortable at night.

Prices are reasonable for accommodation, restaurants, entertainment venues, and attractions due to fewer tourists. 

How to Get to Niagara Falls

Traveling to Niagara Falls can be done in a variety of ways. Most visitors opt to fly to one of the airports near the falls. On the Canadian side, this is Toronto Pearson International Airport, which is about an hour’s drive from the falls. 

If you choose to fly on the American side, you’ll head for Buffalo Niagara International Airport, which is in Buffalo and about a 30-to-40-minute drive from the falls.

Niagara Falls also has its own train station with commuter and travel lines coming in from Toronto, New York, and several other cities. To make your trip more exciting we recommend spending at least one day in Toronto .

Once at the falls, it’s worth renting a car from the many car rental agencies around to make getting around as easy as possible and for added freedom.

But, with cab services in the area and short walking distances between most things (on either side of the falls), renting a car isn’t a necessity.

Read: Road trips from Toronto Ontario

Exploring Niagara Falls

Any trip to Niagara Falls will be unforgettable, and that’s a fact. Regardless of which side of the falls you visit, you’re in for a good time and a great adventure. Both the Canadian and American sides have their own unique charm and highlights.

The main focal point of your trip is the falls themselves, and while both sides more than meet any expectation you could have, each is distinct and worth a visit. 

Explore from Canada: Niagara Falls Activities

On the Canadian side sits the largest of the falls – the Horseshoe Falls. Being the largest of the three falls, it’s a breathtaking scene, and seeing the falls for the first time will remain in your memory forever. 

Experience Niagara Falls, Canada

The Canadian Niagara Falls experience is quite different than on the US side for several reasons. On this side of the falls, you can expect a more urbanized approach to the adventure, with a number of amusement park-style attractions close to the falls. 

The falls remain the highlight, but what sets the Canadian side apart is its focus on tourism and tourist attractions. This translates into various sightseeing options, different accommodation types, classic streetside cafes, high-end restaurants, and more.

Top Attractions

Treating yourself to some entertaining attractions on the Canadian side of the falls is a must. From Toronto, you can choose from a number of sightseeing tours, unique attractions aimed at family fun, or adventures specifically for you and your significant other.

There are some exceptional options when it comes to attractions. 

Niagara Falls Private Sightseeing Tour

If you’re looking for a scenic and private tour of the area and Niagara Falls, this private sightseeing tour comes top-rated. It boasts the best coverage of the area meaning you’ll get the most out of your trip.

Falls by Day and Night

For a full-day tour of Niagara Falls, Falls by Day and Night stands out amongst others as it is aimed at giving you a proper experience of everything the falls have to offer. It also includes dinner served after the tour ends.

Skylon Lunch Tour

Another great option that pays homage to the setup of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is the Canada helicopter, boat ride, and Skylon lunch tour. It’s an excellent choice to get in as much of the falls and the city as you can.

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

The top pick for seeing the falls in all their beauty would have to be the royal Canadian tour and Maid of the Mist boat ride. This is a five-hour day trip that takes you up close to the falls for an exceptional view and feel of the falls.

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls Trip Planning Guide

As far as accommodation choices go, the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is a treasure trove of amazing places. The towering heights of the Hilton Niagara Falls or the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa in Fallsview offer stunning views of the falls in a deluxe hotel setting.

Or, choose a more boutique accommodation option, the Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel , which is only a few minutes from the falls. The Redwood Bed and Breakfast is also an excellent option for a more intimate experience.  

And if you’re bringing the whole family, we recommend the Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark Resort . It has several family suites and an indoor and outdoor waterpark – perfect for some excitement away from the falls.

Explore from the United States: Niagara Falls State Park

The remaining two falls that makeup Niagara Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the American Falls, sit on the border between New York State and Canada. Although not as large as the Horseshoe falls, these two are both equally as beautiful.

Experience Niagara Falls, USA

Where the Canadian side of Niagara Falls fulfills the need for urban tourism, the side of the falls in the US showcases a totally different perspective.

Visiting Niagara Falls on the US side means you’ll get in touch with nature a bit more than you would on the Canadian side. 

Both falls on the US side sit within Niagara Falls New York State Park, making for a more rustic and outdoorsy experience. It’s perfect for nature lovers and those wanting a scenic escape from city life.

The best part is you will get amazing views of the falls and some peace and serenity at the same time.

Just as impressive as the Canadian side of the falls, on the US side, you’ll find some super attractions as well. 

Boat Cruise and Cave of the Winds Tour

To get you close to the falls and for a mesmerizing tour, we recommend the USA boat and cave tour . A trip to the Cave of the Winds, which is a series of platforms that lead right to the base of Bridal Veil Falls, is a must.

Guided Falls Walking Tour

With its layout and terrain, the US side of the falls has the advantage of once-in-a-lifetime walking tours as well, our top pick being the guided walking tour of the falls. 

Maid of the Mist Tour

Another excellent choice is the Maid of the Mist and Adventure Walking Tour , which combines both a memorable boat trip and an exciting walk around the falls.

Wine Tasting & Vineyard Tour

And if you’re looking for a little bit of relaxation and fun, try the half-day winery tour that features wine tastings at the State Parks vineyards and an optional lunch. Including this in your Niagara Falls trip offers the perfect blend of countryside and waterfront fun.

Where to Stay

Now we must admit, although the US side of the falls focuses more on nature, the accommodation on offer covers every potential type you might want. First, for a luxurious and entertaining hotel choice, we recommend the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.

Other luxurious hotel options include The Hampton Inn Niagara Falls , which offers a variety of room types including suites. Or The Giacomo in downtown Niagara Falls is the perfect blend of luxury and urban accommodation.

Travel Guide Tips for Your Niagara Falls Vacation

Here’s our insider’s list of top Niagara Falls vacation travel tips.

• To get the most out of Niagara Falls, we definitely recommend planning your trip for a couple of days. By doing so, you can visit both sides of the falls, and the convenience of the Rainbow Bridge helps with that. 
• When heading out on any of the tours of the falls, remember one thing, you will get wet. The best tip for this is to instead leave everything that can get damaged by water at your hotel or have a waterproof bag for your items.
• There are many world-class restaurants at the falls featuring cuisine from all around the world. Plan your trip to include some of these.

Final Thoughts – Is Niagara Falls Worth a Visit?

In short, yes, Niagara Falls is without a doubt worth any traveler’s visit. Not only are the falls majestic and out of this world to see in person, but the entire region (on both sides of the border) also stuns and excites.

So if you haven’t already planned your trip to Niagara Falls, best get to it, and with this guide by your side, it will be a trip you’ll never forget.

Pin: Niagara Falls Canada & USA trip planning guide

Mayuri Kashyap is an Indian Canadian traveler, writer and photographer based in Alberta. She moved to Toronto as a student in 2009, and has been calling Canada home ever since. She started the blog - Canada Crossroads - to share her travel and living experiences in the Great White North!

A History graduate and an MBA, Mayuri is a destinations marketing expert. She loves traveling with her husband, Salil and soaking in experiences across Canada, India and Europe.

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There's More to the Niagara Falls Region Than the Iconic Waterfall — Here's How to Plan the Perfect Trip

Most travelers venture to Niagara Falls for the picture-perfect view, but a host of new visitor experiences can help you see this world wonder in a whole other light.

As we drove past North America's largest waterfall, Lezlie Harper, the founder of Niagara Bound Tours told the story of a sign that once hung in downtown Niagara Falls, Ontario.

"It read 'Don't forget to see the falls,' " she said with a laugh, before gesturing to the majestic cascade in front of us. "As if you could miss it!" I laughed, too, but the truth is that, for many years, I had blithely driven past this wonder of the world with barely a glance.

When I was a kid growing up in a Toronto suburb, Niagara Falls was the place I begrudgingly visited when relatives flew in from out of town. I didn't know then that it is actually a trio—Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls sit side-by-side along the Canada-U.S. border—or that the charms of the region extend far beyond its main attraction.

But last autumn, I took a four-day trip with a girlfriend, Viji, and was reintroduced to the landmark and the city—along with its quaint little sister about 25 minutes north, Niagara-on-the-Lake. And on this visit, I found a new appreciation for the place I thought I knew.

Viji and I started at—where else?—the falls. Over lunch at Table Rock House Restaurant (entrées $24–$38), which is perched at the edge of Horseshoe Falls, we oohed and aahed at the crashing curtain of water right in front of us. Next, we took a short stroll to the Niagara Parks Power Station , which used the falls to provide electricity to much of the region for a century, beginning in 1905. It reopened in 2021 as an interactive museum that highlights the lives of the people who worked at the plant.

As we stood in the shadows of the turbines we'd learned about earlier, projections brought the workers and machinery to life.

We also took a hard-hat sneak peek at an upcoming attraction, which has since then opened. As of July 2021, a glass elevator takes people 180 feet underground into the old Tailrace Tunnel. The descent mimics the route the water once took through the power plant. After disembarking at the bottom, guests are able to stand on an outdoor platform for an entirely new vantage point of the falls.

That evening, we had dinner at AG Inspired Cuisine (prix fixe $89), a restaurant set in a former creamery in downtown Niagara Falls. The menu—which included a winter-squash bisque, juniper-roasted deer loin with a vegetable cassoulet, and a cranberry poached pear—celebrates Niagara terroir, and much of the produce comes from the restaurant's own farm 10 minutes away.

Later in the night we returned to the power station to experience Currents: Niagara's Power Transformed, an immersive indoor light and sound show. As we stood in the shadows of the turbines we'd learned about earlier, projections brought the workers and machinery to life and helped convey the importance of the plant to the region and the province. Afterward, we retired to the historic Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel (doubles from $159), located steps from the water.

On our second morning we met Harper, our guide for a tour that followed the journey of the enslaved Africans (including Harper's own ancestors) who made their way to Canada. Most history books stop with their arrival via the Underground Railroad , but Harper shared what happened in the decades that followed. She told us about Josiah Henson—a once-enslaved man who found his way to freedom along with his wife and four children, inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, and became a founder of one of the most successful Black communities in southern Ontario. Harper also talked about the predecessor of the NAACP, a civil rights organization called the Niagara Movement, which had its initial meeting in 1905 in Fort Erie, a town on the Niagara River. As I looked out at the powerful waters, I found it hard not to become emotional at the thought of the men, women, and children who risked their lives to cross over to freedom.

More Trip Ideas : The 12 Best Small Towns in Canada

Viji and I continued our drive along the river to meet Tim Johnson at the Landscape of Nations . He is the director of the Landscape of Nations 360° Indigenous Education Initiative, a nonprofit that aims to educate Canadians about the contributions of Indigenous peoples. Johnson walked us across the site of the War of 1812's pivotal Battle of Queenston Heights. We paused just outside a collection of rails meant to symbolize a longhouse, an Indigenous style of dwelling, before following a stone trail through a memorial built to acknowledge the Six Nations' aid in the war.

Visitors can enter without a guide, but being with Johnson allowed Viji and me to ask questions and reframe the history we'd been taught as kids. I made a mental note to book a full Indigenous Niagara Living Museum tour in the future.

Afterward, we wound north to Niagara-on-the-Lake and checked in to 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa (doubles from $209) . Our apartment-like two-bedroom suite sat above a row of shops, offering views of the old-fashioned main street below. Recent renovations added a lounge for both guests and locals, plus a hydrotherapy-focused spa.

As I looked out at the powerful waters, I found it hard not to become emotional at the thought of the men, women, and children who risked their lives to cross over to freedom.

After a long day, we were thankful to be just steps from Treadwell Cuisine (prix fixe $95), an upscale restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake's Old Town. I ordered steak frites with a Cabernet Franc from the local Stratus Vineyards, while Viji went for a Sauvignon Blanc from nearby Five Rows Craft Wine to pair with her pan-seared scallops. From our window booth, we watched a parade of shoppers wander the street outside and remarked on how rarely we take the opportunity to sit and absorb the scenes around us. It was a simple pleasure to do just that.

This is wine country—there are more than 50 vineyards in the Niagara region along Lake Ontario—and Niagara-on-the-Lake is particularly renowned for its ice wines. We began our tasting tour just outside of town with lunch at the intimate Two Sisters Vineyards (entrées $17–$40) . As it turns out, sipping Cabernet Francs and Rieslings while nibbling a delicate beef carpaccio and crisp pizza is a good way to spend an afternoon.

What seemed like just a couple of hours later, we were back at the table, this time indulging in a dinner of roasted Ontario duck breast at Trius Winery & Restaurant (prix fixe from $66) . Winemaker Craig McDonald paired his award-winning vintages with chef Frank Dodd's creations, which included butternut-squash soup and a spiced-pumpkin blondie dessert.

After dinner, we experienced one of Niagara-on-the-Lake's most beloved attractions: the Shaw Festival , which began in the early 1960s as an annual event that celebrated the works of George Bernard Shaw, but now includes a variety of productions in three theaters. We saw Desire Under the Elms, Eugene O'Neill's complicated, tragic love story, and made plans to return to see Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest in the spring.

On our final day, Harper's words not to forget the falls were on my mind, so we headed back to where our journey began. We were ready for some downtime, so we booked sessions in the Hydrotherapy Infinity tub at Christienne Fallsview Spa .

As I sank into the steaming waters and stared at the falls and the gardens that surround them, I thought of the little girl who'd once underappreciated this gem. No longer. This, I thought as the bubbles worked their magic, was the postcard memory I came for.

A version of this story first appeared in the February 2022 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline Surprise and Delight.

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Plan Your Adventure

Plan your trip to Niagara Falls

Planning a Niagara Falls vacation? Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, we have some suggestions on how you make the most of your visit. Find out everything you need to know here like directions, passport requirements, customs and more.

Plan your vacation

Getting Around

Find everything you need to know about transportation within Niagara Parks and in other areas of Niagara Falls.

The memories you take home are made by you, and for you, but our specially curated selection of products are made by some of Canada’s finest brands, including Roots Canada and the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Accommodations

Whether you're looking to spend your nights in the great outdoors or lounge in luxury at a five-star resort, your ideal accommodations are waiting at Niagara Falls.

From luxury hotels overlooking the majestic falls to affordable camping adventures a short drive away, there’s something for everyone in Niagara Falls. Explore these featured accommodations and plan your next Niagara Parks adventure.

About Niagara Parks

Water filling stations can be found at the following locations around Niagara Parks: Niagara Glen Nature Centre, Botanical Gardens, Garden Café, Queenston Heights, McFarland House, Niagara Parks Marina.

Niagara Parks offers a wide range of parking locations. Please visit our 'Getting Around' section for more details.

Yes, there is no fee to enter Niagara Parks. Most lots are paid parking lots.

Niagara Parks is an agency of the Government of Ontario whose role is to protect and preserve the lands along the Niagara River Corridor, including the Niagara Falls.

Adventure Pass

When you arrive at Niagara Parks, you can visit any one of our Niagara Parks attractions or an available Welcome Centre to pick up/redeem your Pass. While getting your Pass ready, one of our attraction/Welcome Centre attendants will work with you to plan an itinerary for your visit by setting up timed tickets for the attractions included in your Pass. Timed ticketing lets you know when you’re able to join the queue for a particular attraction.

To purchase tickets for the Voyage to the Falls boat tour, please visit Niagara City Cruises.

You don't have to! When buying online, passes are valid for redemption any time until the end of the validity period. When you arrive at Niagara Parks, one of our attraction staff would be happy to assist with redeeming your Pass. Not sure how long your Pass is valid? Validity dates vary by Pass, to check the validity dates of your order please refer to the Instructions section of your e-ticket. Validity dates for attraction tickets and Passes are also noted for each attraction/Pass in our Online Store.

WEGO is the hop-on, hop-off visitor transportation system that connects all Niagara Parks locations to many hotels in Niagara as well as other Niagara Falls tourism areas. Three WEGO lines all connect at the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls at Table Rock Welcome Centre.

When you buy online, Passes can be picked up/redeemed by presenting your order confirmation on your phone/mobile device at any available Niagara Parks attraction. You can also present a printed copy of your order confirmation if preferred. You’ll receive a Niagara Parks map and scan card loaded with your attraction admissions and coupons upon redeeming your purchase.

Travelling from the United States

Yes, Niagara Parks accepts US currency and provides change in US currency at all locations.

The closest border crossing to the core area of Niagara Parks is the Rainbow Bridge.

Hours of Operation

View hours of operation at attractions across the park

Gonder's Flats Wetland Restoration Project Update

Multi-year environmental project enters its construction phase, supported by local funding partners: Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Ducks Unlimited Canada and...

August 25, 2022

January 01, 1970

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The Ultimate Guide to Niagara Falls: An honest guide to Niagara Falls by a resident

June 10, 2018 by Karen Turner 32 Comments

As a former Buffalo resident who has been to Niagara Falls more times than I can count, it was time to write a complete guide to Niagara Falls with tips for travelers visiting these epic waterfalls.

Visiting Niagara Falls is a magical experience, especially for families, and it ranks high on many people’s bucket lists. Here you’ll find tips to help you decide which side of Niagara Falls to visit, where to eat in Niagara Falls, when is the best time to visit Niagara Falls, and logistics on how to get to Niagara Falls.

This guide includes a FREE Niagara Falls map that you can download offline with Google Maps at the end!  

• 1 What is covered in this ultimate Niagara Falls guide:
• 2 Where is Niagara Falls located?
• 3 Why visit Niagara Falls?
• 4 What to do in Niagara Falls and day trips from Niagara Falls
• 5 Best viewpoints of Niagara Falls
• 6 Where to stay in Niagara Falls? Hotels in Niagara Falls
• 7 How long to spend at Niagara Falls? 
• 8 Which side of Niagara Falls is best: American side or Canadian side?
• 9 Is Niagara Falls a tourist trip? Should you go to Niagara Falls?
• 10 One day itinerary for Niagara Falls
• 11.1 Food on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls
• 11.2 Food on the American side
• 12 When is the best time to visit Niagara Falls? ​
• 13 How to get to Niagara Falls; Do you need a car to visit Niagara Falls?
• 14 What do you need to pack for Niagara Falls?
• 15 Safety tips for Niagara Falls
• 16 Do you need a tour to visit Niagara Falls?
• 17 Have you visited Niagara Falls?  Anything I missed? ​

What is covered in this ultimate Niagara Falls guide:

Where is niagara falls located, why visit niagara falls.

• What to do in Niagara Falls? What are the Niagara Falls attractions?

Best viewpoints of Niagara Falls

• Where to stay in Niagara Falls: Hotels in Niagara Falls
• How long to spend in Niagara Falls?

Which side of Niagara Falls is best: American side or Canadian side?

• Is Niagara Falls a tourist trap?  ​/  Should you go to Niagara Falls?
• 1 day itinerary for Niagara Falls

Where to eat in at Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York

• When is the best time to visit Niagara Falls?

How to get to Niagara Falls; Do you need a car to visit Niagara Falls?

What do you need to pack for niagara falls, safety tips for niagara falls, do you need a tour to visit niagara falls .

It’s on the New York and Canadian border along the Niagara river, which flows between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie (two of the Great Lakes). It’s in the westernmost part of New York State, which is part of the East Coast.

Niagara Falls to New York is about about 8 hours each way by car (without stopping) or about 10-12 hours with Megabus/public transit, so this is not a day trip from New York City.  It is a nice stopover if you’re traveling from New York to Toronto.  (Scroll to the bottom for a free map of Niagara Falls!)

Niagara Falls is actually composed of three waterfalls although the most famous waterfall is Horseshoe Falls. The combination of flow rate and height make the falls epic to see in person. This does not include the loud roar of the waterfall.

Niagara Falls is the perfect family getaway as there are lots of kid-friendly activities nearby and it will impress your kids (I promise!).  It’s a perfect day trip if you’re traveling in between the United States and Canada.

What to do in Niagara Falls and day trips from Niagara Falls

You will see many things to do in Niagara Falls while reading online… and while in Niagara Falls, you’ll find that Niagara Falls tourism is mostly unrelated to the falls. Just be aware of the tourist traps.

See Niagara Falls from both sides: American and Canadian!

Take the Maid of the Mist / Hornblower [Canadian side] or Cave of the Winds for a unique view of Niagara Falls.

Hornblower v. Maid of the Mist. Which one to choose?  If you’re trying to decide whether to take the  Hornblower  or Maid of the Mist, note that the Hornblower boat goes from the Canadian side while Maid of the Mist departs from the New York side.

Both boats follow the same route although the  Hornblower boats carry more passengers .  (You can purchase both tickets in advance.)

Take a day trip from Niagara Falls to  visit the adorable town of Niagara-on-the-Lake  for the summer Shakespeare festival and its famous ice wine. You can taste ice wine ( bring a designated driver! ) in Canada’s wine capital.  Ice wine is made by allowing the grapes to freeze on the vines, which makes the wine extra sweet–and very alcoholic.  ( You can take a day tour with ice wine tastings from the Canadian side, including a designated driver !)

See the Niagara Falls light show (at night). The schedule for the Falls Illuminationvaries throughout the year with the sunset, but if you’re taking a day trip, see if you can stick around for the magic of the lights!

For those with kids, add some of the many kid-friendly attractions in the area to your list.  One of the main attractions is the Fallsview water park.

Niagara Falls has a lot to offer for adults as well. You’ll find plenty of clubs/bars (admittedly with lots of 19 – year old Americans) and gambling.  There are two casinos in Niagara falls: Fallsview on the Canadian side and Seneca Niagara Casino on the New York Side.  Have a cocktail at the Sheraton bar overlooking the falls.

• Goat Island on the New York side for the crazy over the edge view.
• Sheraton hotel if you’re into a cocktail with a view (Canadian side)
• Maid of the Mist boat /  Hornblower [Canadian side]  (requires fee)
• Cave of the Winds (requires fee)
• The Rainbow Bridge
• Journey Behind the Falls if you want the epic tunnel shot (requires fee)
• Footpath leaving up to Journey behind the walls (for the wider angle shot!)

Where to stay in Niagara Falls? Hotels in Niagara Falls

You’ll find a large assortment of hotels for every budget in Niagara Falls, but hotels in Niagara Falls are most expensive in peak season (summer).  Prior to the advent of popularity of airplane travel among Americans, Niagara Falls was a major honeymoon destination, so you’ll still find some  cute and kitschy ‘50s motels  in Niagara Falls, Ontario for those looking for cheap hotels in Niagara Falls.

You’ll also find standard American hotels on both sides of the falls.  The Marriott  on the Canadian side is the well known hotel for its view of the falls.  For a 5* experience, consider staying at the  Sterling Inn & Spa .

If you’re interested in saving money, you can  stay in nearby Buffalo  (on the American side) after seeing the falls.

You’ll find many reasonable hotels (some in  historic buildings in Downtown Buffalo ), funky neighborhoods ( Elmwood Village and Allentown ) , and many reasonable food options. This includes Duff’s if you want to try the  best Buffalo wings in Buffalo! 

How long to spend at Niagara Falls? 

One day is all you need to visit Niagara Falls. (It is the perfect day trip from Toronto.) If you want to visit the ice wineries, you’ll need an extra day.  It’s possible to visit Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake in one day if you take a tour from Toronto!

Canadian side hands-down. The falls are magnificent, but you can only see the height/views of the falling water with a partial view…but the Canadian side of Niagara Falls gives you the epic view/feeling that made you want to visit.

If you don’t mind getting drenched in the midst (which gets  more intense as you get closer to Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side), you’ll feel like you’re in a superhero movie.

Is Niagara Falls a tourist trip? Should you go to Niagara Falls?

YES , but it depends how much you love waterfalls.  I’ve been to both sides many times, but honestly, I really do not like the American side and this is a sentiment I’ve heard from quite a few people.

One day itinerary for Niagara Falls

If you’re day-tripping from within the US with a car, park your car (bring cash to pay for parking!) on the American side and walk across the Rainbow Bridge (the Canadian/American pedestrian border crossing) to the Canadian side, which has an epic view of the falls.

Driving across can be time-consuming depending on the line at the Peace Bridge (especially around rush hour), so check the wait ahead although I’ve always found the pedestrian bridge much faster.

Buy tickets for Maid of the Mist /  Hornblower  as buy a cheap poncho if you don’t have one. (You can take the boat from either side.)

Walk around Clifton Hill (15 minutes) past all the tourist traps to enjoy the view of Horseshoe Falls.

Enjoy the view and catch the illumination show if you’re there around sunset.

Head back to the American side to enjoy the overlook over the American falls from Goat Island (New York side), which allows you to look STRAIGHT down the falls.

Food on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls

Do you love TGIF’s? Y ou’re in luck. If you can think of every single chain restaurant, …it’s in Clifton Hill (the touristic part of Niagara Falls).  I have heard that the new IHOP on the Canadian side has a nice view, but besides  Antica Pizzeria ,

I’d recommend  eating before  as you’ll pay tourist prices for food that you could get almost anywhere. There are more options as you get further from the touristy areas, but if you’re on foot, you will be limited by your choices.

You can check off your Canadian bucket list by trying poutine, which is french fries made with cheese curds and gravy, at  Smoke’s Poutinerie . (I know it sounds horrifying, but it is so delicious!) If you need a snack, visit the Canadian chain Tim Horton’s for some donuts and hot chocolate.

Food on the American side

Consider stopping by the Third Street Retreat for a cozy meal. Alternatively, you can picnic on Goat Island as well as eat at one of the cafes within Niagara Fall State Park.

If you have a car, stop off at  Wegmans supermarket  to stock up on picnic supplies or order a delicious handmade sub with special oil dressing. You can also get food to go from the buffet section OR the salad bar. It is truly the best supermarket in the area and it’s 24 hours with a fantastic selection of beer. (I love Wegmans!)

My local friend recommends visiting  The Como Restaurant  it is a classic Niagara Falls institution famous for Italian food.  Be sure to try the garlic bread.

Otherwise, stop off at  Dicamillo Bread  in Niagara Falls for their bread and their cannolis, as recommended by my friend who spent a lot of her childhood in Niagara Falls.

When is the best time to visit Niagara Falls?  ​

Summer without question. Although you’ll have the crowds, it is very windy at Niagara Falls and the extra spray can feel really good on a hot day.

In winter, you’ll just be ready to curl up with a hot chocolate away from the falls after snapping a photo, however if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the falls frozen over (which is a very rare occurrence).

Niagara Falls’ average temperature in December is 21 degrees F / -6 C in December…so imagine getting sprayed with freezing cold water in addition to being blown around by heavy winds while standing in a blizzard. (That sums up my feelings about visiting in winter.)

If you’re staying in Niagara Falls for 1-2 days, you don’t need a car.

The best airport for the United States to get to Niagara Falls is from  Niagara Falls International Airport  OR  Buffalo Niagara International Airport . Fares are usually cheaper from the Buffalo AIrport. From the Canadian side, you’ll want to fly into  Toronto International Airport.

If you fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport, I strongly recommend renting a car. This area has public transit, but it is much easier to drive.

If you use public transit to get to Niagara Falls from Buffalo Airport, you will spend a lot of money on a taxi OR spend two hours on a bus (take the 24 towards Downtown Buffalo then transfer by the Greyhound Station [Washington St & South Division St] to the 40 bus to Niagara Falls. (It’s $2 that you can pay on the bus although be sure to ask for a transfer!) Note that the bus only runs 5am to midnight, so if you come in late, you cannot take the bus.

From Niagara Falls International AIrport to Niagara Falls, it will take one hour ($2) on the 55 bus to reach the American side of the falls.

You can also take the train or Megabus to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls, which will take about two hours. It’s much easier with a car.

If you’re going from New York to Niagara Falls without a car, you have four options.

• Take a Greyhound from New York City to Niagara Falls (with a transfer in Buffalo). (10 hours)
• Ride a Megabus towards Buffalo (with taking a Greyhound/public bus to Niagara Falls (12 hours)
• Take an Amtrak train from Penn Station (New York City) to Niagara Falls direct. (10 hours)
• Fly from New York (LGA) to Buffalo (BUF).  (5 hours)
• Your passport card (for Americans) OR passport to visit the Canadian side (and vice versa)
• A fully charged  camera  and  portable power bank  for your phone
• A  poncho  and/or waterproof bag if you’re planning on going Maid of the Mist / Hornblower
• Your hotel reservations if you’re crossing the border as immigration officials often ask you how long you’ll be visiting and a hotel reservation can speed things up considerably
• Warm clothes in winter, especially a  good winter jacket !
• Sneakers as the footpath can very slippery year-round, but especially so in winter.
• Picnic supplies if you’re on a budget

Do not dangle your camera or phone over the edge. I promise this will not end well. Hold your phone tight, especially in winter.

Be careful in Niagara Falls, especially the American side. I wish I was kidding, but it has one of the highest violent crime rates in the United States.

High crime is an issue primarily for residents, but still, be careful on the New York side of Niagara Falls. This includes not leaving your valuables visible in the car, which is a bad idea  anywhere .

Don’t come hungry and/or broke. You’ll pay tourist prices and …well, it’s just best to eat before.

Wear sneakers as the footpaths near the falls can be very icy in winter or just slippery in summer.

No, you do not need a tour for your trip to Niagara Falls, however it is not a “convenient” place to visit if you’re doing a larger US trip.  Unless you’re passing through this area OR have it very high on your bucket list, it is a bit expensive to visit for one day. If you have limited time and this is high on your bucket list, it might be worth it to take a tour package to Niagara Falls.

Have you visited Niagara Falls?  Anything I missed?  ​

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

June 11, 2017 at 3:43 am

I agree with you. I have been and it wasn’t really my thing. I mean it was pretty but the American side has strip malls right near the falls. Kind of detracts from the beauty. But this guide is great and I will tell anyone going to check it out. So helpful!

June 11, 2017 at 4:11 am

This is the best guide to the falls I’ve seen in a long time! Love the info and photos.

June 11, 2017 at 4:44 am

This is an AWESOME guide! I like how you show both the American and Canadian side of Niagara Falls, giving suggestions for food and view points.

June 11, 2017 at 4:52 am

This is a great comprehensive guide and super helpful! I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, I always love your guides!! 🙂

June 11, 2017 at 4:55 am

The pictures are STUNNING! I have never been to Niagara Falls, but I hope to go one day. I knew that the falls crossed the borders, but I didn’t realize that there was a difference in the views/experience! Truly informative guide that I plan to save for when I am able to go on the trip. The ice wine sounds like something I would definitely enjoy doing 🙂

June 11, 2017 at 6:38 am

Your photos are amazing! I haven’t been to Niagara Falls yet but would love to go. The photo of the falls frozen over is so cool! Although I would definitely prefer to visit in summer 🙂

June 11, 2017 at 7:59 am

Ahhh back at it with the badass guides! I love this! I went to Niagara Falls once when I was young, but barely remember a thing. I’ve been teetering back and forth on whether or not to go again this summer since I’ll be on the East Coast, but I think this post sealed the deal… and it’ll most definitely come in handy. Thank you thank you thank you.

June 11, 2017 at 12:51 pm

This is a really useful post! I’ve visited Niagara Falls but from the Canadian side only – it was a day trip from Toronto which included Niagara-on-the-Lake and a wine tasting, as well as plenty of time at the falls. Interesting to hear more about the American side which I only saw from the boat!

Yes, it’s a tourist trap, but you can tune that out (mostly) and the falls really are spectacular. Definitely worth the trip.

June 11, 2017 at 1:29 pm

I have never been to The Niagara Falls but this seems a pretty informative guide for those who want to go. I would love to experience it at least once for myself.Thank you for sharing it!

June 11, 2017 at 2:28 pm

Oh man, Nigara Falls has been on my bucket list for such a long time. I’m definitely thinking that the Canadian side is a lot more impressive than the US side. I’ve also wanted to visit Canada for equal amount of time, so this definitely needs to happen soon! Beautiful photos, and awesome in-depth useful post! Thank you 😀

June 11, 2017 at 3:15 pm

Your photos of the falls are awesome! I’ve never been but would love to go see the falls and try to experience some of the mid-century kitsch that is still there. Buffalo NY is still on my list to visit as well. Great guide!

June 11, 2017 at 4:01 pm

This guide is awesome! I think Niagara Falls is a fun place to visit every once in a while if you’re not too far away. I spent a couple of weeks in Buffalo a while ago, so my boyfriend met me there for the weekend since he’d never been before. We had a pretty good time even though a lot of the touristy stuff was closed for the winter. I would second the Smoke’s Poutinerie recommendation, as I’ve been obsessed with it since trying some of their offerings in Ottawa last year. There’s talk of them opening a location in Detroit soon, and I’m praying that the food gods make it happen so I can eat it all the time.

June 11, 2017 at 9:32 pm

I wish I had read this guide before our first visit!! Niagara Falls was the first place my partner and I went to on our first ever travels together and is actually where we said we loved each other for the first time! As cheesy and busy as the Canadian side was in the height of summer, I actually loved spending the day doing the various activities around the falls and then the evenings sipping weird and wonderful cocktails and visiting the silly wax museums and mini golf course! 🙂

June 12, 2017 at 4:24 am

I find it so cool that two countries share the same landmark. I haven’t been to the Niagara falls but my grandmother has talked a lot about it. She visited it so many years ago. Your pictures bring life to her words.

June 12, 2017 at 3:44 pm

This article is so fitting for me as I don’t live too far from the Canadian side and want to go this summer! So helpful 🙂 especially love the map. Nice touch!!

June 13, 2017 at 2:13 am

This is a great guide! I was so bummed when the Maid of the Mist left the Canadian side and they replaced it with the “hornblower” boat! I loved dawning the blue poncho and getting wet like Bruce Almighty! You need to try the Windows restaurant at the Sheraton! BEST beetroot soup in the world.

June 14, 2017 at 8:23 pm

I found this post to be SO helpful as I will be at the falls in only a couple of days. I loved the tip about parking on the American side and walking over to the Canadian side. Eeeek – I’m so excited now! Thanks for sharing!

June 15, 2017 at 4:55 pm

This is so timely and so useful! I’m planning a trip to Canada and I’ll be stopping in Toronto for a few days, and of course I will be visiting the falls. Bookmarking it! Thanks for sharing 🙂

July 27, 2017 at 6:43 pm

Niagara Falls is amazing! I saw it 6 years ago from the Canadian side with my family in the peak summer holiday season. Though touristy, the falls and The Maid of the Mist boat tour really gets up close to the falls and really beautiful. This is one of those places that you have to see in person.

December 31, 2017 at 10:13 pm

Well done! This post carries its title like a charm! This is more than a mouth full and all that one truly need to know in just one post! Thanks a lot!

March 3, 2018 at 4:50 pm

Some of the hotels have shuttles from the buffalo airport to the Canadian side. We waited to rent a car when we got to the hotel.

March 3, 2018 at 4:51 pm

That’s a helpful note to have Alexia! Great money saving tip 🙂

May 9, 2019 at 11:45 pm

We recently went to the American side (April 25-28, 2019). I was shocked to see how dirty the city was. Trash just blew across the streets and no one seemed to care. I thought at least the hotel staff would clean up in front of their building but there was bags, napkins, and even a diaper rolling down the street. We stayed at the Sheraton and the Wyndam while in town. No wonder everyone says Canada is better, the American side is run down and looks like none of the tourist money is going back into it. Empty buildings, empty lots and a huge eye sore that use to be a large slide. Someone should take pride and put it back into making the American side a nice tourist attraction again. Next time my money will go to the Canadians.

July 8, 2019 at 2:01 am

Having gone to college in niagara falls over 40 years ago, i was shocked at the downtown niagara falls ny. took our 5 year old grandkids to NF last year. The state park on the American side is beautiful. Much nicer than when i was in college. Picnic on three sisters island. But we stayed in Canada. Red coach inn on the NY side is probably the only place i would stay. In canada you can pick from a travelodge right on Clifton hill or a high class hotel. I would suggest if you are spending a full day in canada, purchase an all day bus pass. Lots of walking back and forth. And yes walk over the rainbow bridge. But also on the american side is the cave of the winds tour and an overview to see the falls. It is beautiful in summer and a crystal wonderland in the winter. Kids will want to do everything on clifton hill so be prepared.

May 25, 2019 at 1:37 pm

Thank you for the write up. To the point and one of the most helpful write ups I’ve found on the Falls. We’re stopping at the Falls as part of a Canadian road trip and was wondering how much days we’ll need. I know there are a lot of other attractions other than the Falls and I found articles advocating for 2-3 days but based on your article it does seem like a full day is enough. We’ll spend the extra day or two at Thousand Islands or Mont Tremblant instead!

June 19, 2019 at 12:48 am

I have a group of about 30 Sr. adults visiting the falls in Oct. We will be staying in NYC a few days and taking the Amtrak to Niagara, NY. The train gets in about 4:30 p.m. We are staying at the Sheraton on the Falls, Canadian side. Will we have time to see and do anything on the American side before crossing into Canada? From reading, there’s not much to see, but what is not to be missed on the American side? We will have the entire next day and night to explore the Canadian side, and our flight doesn’t leave from Buffalo until 5:30 on the following (3rd) day. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, or if you could recommend a guide.

June 19, 2019 at 3:00 am

Hi Becky, The Amtrak station is a bit of a walk from Goat Island and Cave of the Winds, but in theory, if you wanted to go, you could. I just think that it would be quite annoying to carry your luggage with you. The Lightshow can be seen from both sides and it’s nice at night.

I think that a day exploring Niagara Falls is more than enough and I’d recommend seeing if you can do a half day on Niagara-on-the-Lake with a private tour on the second (full) day after seeing the falls in the morning. Could be a fun excursion. Of the choices near Niagara Falls, that is usually what I recommend the most as it’s not as kitschy. Then, you have the rest of the last day for doing other activities around the falls and maybe visiting Buffalo.

Hope you all have a good time! I don’t have a specific guide in mind as I always went independently.

June 28, 2019 at 2:40 am

Karen, Thanks for the great guide! We’ll be visiting the Canada side in about a month so I’m obsessing over the itinerary. You mentioned an ice wine tour with designated driver for just $60. I know it’s been a few years since you wrote this, but what tour is that? The only ones I’m finding are pretty pricey. Thank you for the great tip of bringing our lodging reservation with us to the border. We never would have thought of that.

July 2, 2019 at 11:10 am

Hi Dena, prices change, so apologies if they’re higher now! I still hope that you have a great time!

November 3, 2019 at 9:44 pm

Hi! I will be in Buffalo this week. My husband and I are staying in downtown Buffalo, and want to spend a half day at Niagara Falls. From reading this guide, I am planning In is taking an Uber to Goat Island, then the Rainbow Bridge across to the Canadian side and catching that view. Is Uber pretty popular in the Buffalo/Niagara area? And when ordering the Uber, what should we choose as our NF “destination”? Any tips are much appreciated! This guide seem so helpful!

November 3, 2019 at 10:10 pm

Yes, Uber is very popular. You can walk from Goat Island to the Rainbow Bridge pretty easily before walking across. I’d ask for Goat Island as your destination. The Uber might need to drop you off by the parking lot (not sure how close you can get to “Niagara Falls Parking Lot 2” with the uber, but worth a try), but that should get you close enough. Enjoy. 🙂

February 7, 2020 at 3:55 pm

Thank-you for your thorough itinerary of Niagara Falls. I live an hour away from there. You’re right about Niagara On The Lake. It’s beautiful. I took a tour with Ghost Walks. The tour would take you around there and learned the history of the place. The tour was informative and entertaining. H

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The Best Ways to See Niagara Falls

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When traveling to Niagara Falls it's all about the views, but what are the best spots? Here are a handful of places on both the American and Canadian side that offer spectacularly breathtaking views that will make your trip one to remember.

Maid of the Mist

The Maid of the Mist is the most iconic of activities to give tourists unforgettable views of Niagara Falls as its history dates back over 170 years to when the first ferry took passengers to the brink of the Falls in 1846. From then on people were hooked. Now, you can take a boat ride from mid-May to early November roughly every fifteen minutes. The tour lasts twenty minutes and takes visitors through the Niagara Gorge, past the American and Bridal Veil Falls, and into the mist coming off of the Horseshoe Falls. It's the only opportunity to get this kind of perspective for each of the three waterfalls that make up the natural landmark and it won't cost you a ton. Admission for adults runs $18.25, for kids six to 12-years old it's $10.25, and children under five are free.

Cave of the Winds

If you want to get up close and personal but don't mind getting soaking wet then the Cave of the Winds tour is perfect for you. An elevator takes guests down to the base of the Niagara Gorge where a wooden walkway guides tourists to the base of the Bridal Veil Falls. The proximity makes for a spectacular perspective, looking straight up from the base. Due to weather conditions that can make for a dangerous trek, the tour is only open from May to November. Admission for adults runs $17, $14 for kids six to 12, and children five and under are free.

Niagara Falls State Park

If you're operating on a budget then a stop at Niagara Falls State Park shouldn't be missed. It's totally free and open to the public and offers unobstructed views of the American Falls. While the views aren't as expansive as they are from the Canadian side, the American side allows you to get much closer. For even more unobstructed views there's the Niagara Falls Observation Tower that stretches over the Niagara River from the park that makes you feel as though you're flying.

Skylon Tower

For a luxury dining experience that you won't forget, the rotating dining room on the Skylon Tower is your must-stop spot in Niagara Falls. As the name suggests it doesn't matter where you're seated as the entire restaurant makes a 360-degree rotation each hour, offering constantly changing views of the Falls and Gorge. Luckily, the dining room is open for all meals and is a great option for children as they have an extensive menu that appeals to everyone. It is a little on the expensive side with lunches around $29 per person and dinner entrees starting at $41, but you're also paying for the unforgettable views.

Queen Victoria Park

Queen Victoria Park isn't only notorious for their spectacular Falls' views, but also for the impeccably manicured gardens. Through the landscaped trees, bushes and overflowing flower beds, you'll see an unforgettable backdrop of Niagara Falls. Take a scenic horse and carriage tour in the Spring, or stroll from Clifton Hill to take in the nighttime views on a Summer night. Queen Victoria Park is considered the "heart" of the Niagara Park system, according to the Niagara Parks website. From the long expanse running nearly a mile along the Niagara River, the park offers direct views of all three Falls and is arguably the best place to see everything at once (especially if you're in a pinch for time.)

Helicopter Tour

Since 1961, Niagara Helicopter has been giving tourists the ride of their lives, up and over Niagara Falls for some of the most spectacular views of their lives.  The 12-minute tour takes you up and along the Niagara River, over Queen Victoria Park, over the American Falls, and finally around the curve of the Horseshoe Falls. Adult rides cost $140 each or $272 for a couple, and for children the tour is $87.

The Rainbow Room

The Skylon Tower isn't the only restaurant with breathtaking views of the Gorge as The Rainbow Room pairs their contemporary menu with mouth-watering Falls' views. From every seat in the house, you'll be treated to nearly unobstructed views of the entirety of the river, gorge and all three falls through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Again, a restaurant with views like this doesn't come cheap as entrees run around $30 each but it's not every day that you get to dine in a place like this.

Niagara Falls Air Tours

If you're looking to stretch your dollar a little farther but still want to see all the sights then an airplane tour with Niagara Falls Air Tours is a perfect option. Their 30-minute flight costs $199 but takes you on a tour of the entire Niagara region. Not only will you see the Falls, you'll also see Niagara-on-the-Lake, Lake Ontario, Fort Niagara and the city of Niagara Falls. It also gets cheaper the more people you bring with you. For two the 30-minute ride costs $259, and for three people it's $389. It's a great option if you're pressed for time and want to see it all, and if you're not afraid of heights.

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The waterfalls are the main attraction here, and there's a range of ways to see them: from observation decks at the brink on both sides; from their foot on the legendary Maid of the Mist boat tours; from behind in caves accessible by elevator; or

• All Things To Do

Maid of the Mist Maid of the Mist

The main reason to visit Niagara Falls is to see the falls, and one of the most memorable ways to do just that is to sport a poncho and hop on a Maid of the Mist boat. These boats have been shuttling visitors to and from the base of the falls since the 1840s, but today’s fleet is sustainably all-electric. Be prepared to get wet: The Maid of the Mist practically dunks you under the falls, but rain gear is provided, and many say that this is one of the best ways to experience the splendor of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. In fact, it's one of the region's best guided tours .

Recent visitors said you can't leave Niagara Falls without taking a ride on the Maid of the Mist.  Though you are provided with a plastic poncho, you should plan to wear waterproof shoes and gear, according to travelers.

Niagara Falls State Park Niagara Falls State Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Just steps from the park is Old Falls Street, a pedestrian-only cobblestone avenue that comes alive in summertime with food trucks, vendors, street performers and events. Take a stroll to discover backyard board games, public art and prime people-watching. – Devon Dams-O'Connor

New York’s oldest state park is the American side’s front row seat to the falls.

White Water Walk White Water Walk

If you're looking to view the falls from a more natural setting than the Maid of the Mist or the Journey Behind the Falls , spend an hour or two stretching your legs on the White Water Walk. After taking an elevator 230 feet to the base of the gorge, you'll be able to walk along a quarter-mile boardwalk that overlooks the Great Gorge Rapids from the Canadian side of the Niagara River. Along the walk are several observation areas where you can get a great view of the rapids. According to the park, these viewing platforms are where you can capture the best photos within the park.

Some recent visitors were disappointed with the short boardwalk, but others loved being able to see the force of the rapids up close and praised the incredible views. Several reviewers also suggested stopping to read the informational plaques that are placed along the boardwalk, as they provide interesting information about the daredevils who have attempted to cross the river.

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Journey Behind the Falls Journey Behind the Falls

On the Journey Behind the Falls, you'll be able to stand directly behind the roaring sheet of water and get a literal behind-the-scenes peek at this magnificent natural attraction. The tour begins with an elevator ride to an observation deck where you can take in the view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and the Niagara River. From there, follow the 130-year-old caverns and enjoy the roaring curtain of the falls from a different perspective. However, be prepared for crowds – Journey Behind the Falls is one of the most popular ways to see the falls, so you may find that the tunnels are rather cramped.

Recent visitors highly recommended the Journey Behind the Falls, even if you've already gone on a Maid of the Mist tour, as this attraction offers yet another interesting perspective of the falls. To avoid crowds and enjoy the view in peace, reviewers suggest getting to the attraction when it opens at 8 or 9 a.m., depending on the month. Ponchos are provided, but travelers report leaving a little damp anyway.

Cave of the Winds Cave of the Winds

Many recent visitors called the Cave of the Winds a "must-do" when in Niagara Falls.

After taking an elevator 175 feet down into the Niagara Gorge, you'll be able to roam a series of wooden walkways that put you within feet of the Bridal Veil Falls. It's called the "Hurricane Deck," thanks to the tropical storm-like conditions. Even with the souvenir poncho, you'll likely get wet. You'll also have access to The World Changed Here Pavilion, an indoor multimedia exhibit area that educates visitors on how Nikola Tesla used the power of the falls for electric currents and what the falls looked like before they became the tourist attraction they are today.

Queen Victoria Park Queen Victoria Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: One of the best times to visit the park is in the springtime when temperatures warm, crowds are minimal, and the park is exploding with color thanks to several species of flowering trees and more than 500,000 blooming daffodils. – Devon Dams-O'Connor

Laced with lush gardens and winding paths, Queen Victoria Park is the front-row seat to the falls. It’s situated directly across the gorge from the cascades and offers some of the best vantage points to see the American and Canadian Horseshoe falls, and the more than 100 fireworks displays that illuminate the skies above the brink each year.

Old Fort Niagara Old Fort Niagara

If you enjoy history, make sure to save time for a visit to Old Fort Niagara. Located on the U.S. side of the falls, this 17th-century fort has changed hands between French, British and American troops. This site has seen action during numerous wars, including the American Revolution and the French and Indian War, making it the longest operational fort in North America. Today, the fort occupies one of the most scenic areas in western New York, overlooking both Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. Inside, you can explore underground gunpowder rooms, old army barracks and ancient cannons. If you're looking for a more in-depth history, make sure to stop by the visitor center, which features a short introductory film, a War of 1812 flag and original artifacts.

Recent visitors raved about the well-preserved buildings and clean grounds, and were especially impressed with the re-enactors, who perform musket and artillery firing demonstrations during the summer months. Many also said they initially only planned to spend an hour exploring the grounds, but ended up staying half the day thanks to all the interesting demonstrations and exhibits.

Niagara Glen Nature Centre Niagara Glen Nature Centre free

If you need a break from the crowds near the falls, visitors recommend you enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Niagara Glen Nature Centre. Situated off the Niagara Parkway on the Canadian side of the falls, this nature preserve overlooks the Niagara River and its natural whirlpool, offering more than 2 miles of trails through preserved Carolinian Forest.

Recent visitors enjoyed hiking through the preserve, especially in the fall, when the trees begin changing color. Some suggest hiking boots rather than sneakers for sections of rougher trail. Reviewers were also impressed with the on-site nature center and its knowledgeable staff. From the center, visitors can also join daily guided hikes, which are available from May through August.

Niagara Falls American Side Highlights Tour of USA

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Niagara Falls Canadian Side Tour and Maid of the Mist Boat Ride Option

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Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens & Butterfly Conservatory Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens & Butterfly Conservatory

To escape the thunderous falls and tourist crowds, take an afternoon and lose yourself in the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. If you like nature, the gardens are a must-see. This 99-acre space is home to dozens of meticulously maintained gardens – cared for by students, staff, alumni and groundskeepers at the on-site horticulture school – featuring thousands of species of plants. During the summer, guided horse-and-carriage tours allow you to explore the gardens in style. The gardens are also home to the Butterfly Conservatory, where several thousand butterflies flit and flutter among brightly colored flowers.

Recent visitors said a visit to the gardens and the butterfly conservatory provided a nice respite from the kitschy atmosphere around the falls. Reviewers cautioned that the butterfly conservatory can get crowded later in the day, but noted that the gardens were quiet. A few reviewers felt the ticket price for the butterfly conservatory was too expensive. 

Clifton Hill Clifton Hill

U.S. News Insider Tip: At night, the top of the SkyWheel on Clifton Hill is one of the best spots to catch a glimpse of Niagara Falls illuminated by multicolored lights and fireworks displays over the falls nightly from May through October. – Devon Dams-O'Connor

Clifton Hill is a tourist district on the Canadian side of the falls filled with family-friendly attractions and nightlife.

Niagara Gorge Trails Niagara Gorge Trails free

Hike down into the gorge below the falls to experience miles of boulder-strewn trails and quiet picnic spots along the churning Niagara River. Several trailheads along the rim of the gorge descend via wooden or stone stairs into the base of the ravine, where explorers can choose from a variety of trail lengths and difficulties.

The Devil’s Hole trail starts at a staircase in Devil’s Hole State Park and offers a moderate, 3-mile out-and-back hike past the rapids and the spooky Cave of the Evil Spirit. Or, hikers can connect to the Whirlpool Rapids trail, a 3.4-mile round-trip trek from the stairs at Whirlpool State Park that rewards more experienced hikers with challenging terrain near the famed Niagara Whirlpool. The Niagara Gorge Trailhead Center offers access points to even more trails of varying difficulties.

Whirlpool Aero Car Whirlpool Aero Car

Since 1916, the Whirlpool Aero Car has sent passengers 3,500 feet across the Niagara Gorge to marvel at the river below. Along the way, riders are treated to bird’s-eye views of the turquoise waters swirling into the Niagara Whirlpool, whitecapped Class VI rapids and jetboats ripping down the river. Although the car crosses the international border four times because of the way the gorge meanders, the ride starts and ends on the Canadian side, and thus, no passport is required to ride. It's one of the best tours in Niagara Falls .

The historic cable car – which is suspended from six sturdy cables – has undergone several upgrades since its 1916 debut, including most recently in 2023, when it was removed from its tracks and sent to Quebec for refurbishment. Today, it's equipped with brand-new mechanical parts, non-slip floor, roof and fresh paint.

Bird Kingdom Bird Kingdom

Inside the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary, pathways wind through a multilevel rainforest teeming with tropical birds in every color of the rainbow.

Interact directly with feathered residents at the attraction's Base Camp, where you'll meet exotic animals and friendly parrots (entry is included in admission; holding a parrot costs CA$10 or about $7). There's also Lorikeet Landing, where colorful little lorikeets may land on visitors’ arms when offered a sip of nectar (entry included in admission; nectar costs CA$5 or about $4). Meanwhile, the Night Jungle, set to resemble ancient ruins, is the place to catch a glimpse of nocturnal animals like bats, owls and amphibians. The exhibit ecosystem is also home to lush plants, flowers and trees from around the world, which offer nesting spots for the birds and beautiful surroundings to wander.

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Skylon Tower Skylon Tower

Once you've seen the falls from below and behind, consider seeing them from above at the Skylon Tower. Dominating the Ontario skyline, this 775-foot high tower offers particularly breathtaking views of the Horseshoe Falls. You can enjoy the view from either the indoor or the outdoor observation deck and – if you don't mind shelling out a small fortune – you can also revel in the landscape from the tower's revolving restaurant. To reach the top of the tower, you'll board a glass-enclosed elevator that takes just 52 seconds to ascend.

Many recent visitors recommend timing your stop at the tower at night to catch a bird's-eye glimpse when the falls are illuminated. A few also said it was worth it to buy the ticket package that allows for both a day entry and a night entry to the tower. If you're hoping to eat at the tower, either at the buffet or in the formal dining room, consider going early (between 4:30 and 5 p.m.) to take advantage of "early bird" pricing.

Inniskillin Wines Inniskillin Wines free

Aside from the falls themselves, the Niagara Falls region is known for one other thing: wine. If you have the time, take a drive north along Ontario's scenic Niagara Parkway to Inniskillin Wines and vineyards throughout in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This winery is Canada’s first estate winery and known for its ice wine, which is made from grapes that are left to freeze on the vine over the winter. Once temperatures drop to minus 8 degrees Celsius (about 18 degrees Fahrenheit), the grapes are then collected and allowed to thaw, a process that helps intensify their flavor.

Recent visitors recommended making a stop here, even if you're not interested in tasting the region's famous ice wine. Many noted welcoming and knowledgeable tour and tasting guides, along with tasty food options.

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Thoroughly Travel

Niagara Falls from the Canadian Side: The 9 Best Things to Do

The 9 best things to do in niagara falls on the canadian side, how to get there from toronto, what to eat, where to stay, interactive map and more.

(Updated 2024)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission on anything purchased through these links at no extra cost to you. Learn more on our Disclaimer page .

Time needed: 1-2 days.

When to go: Spring (May-June) and Fall (September-October) are quieter than peak season in July and August and should offer pleasant weather.

Weather: Temperatures of -5-18°C (23-64°F) in winter and 0-17°C (32-62°F) in summer, with between 7-12 days of rain a month.

Language: English and French.

Currency: Canadian dollar.

Is Niagara Falls in Canada or America?

Niagara Falls actually lies on the border between the province of Ontario in Canada and the state of New York in the United States. While not record breaking, Niagara Falls is famous for the sheer amount of water that thunders down the Niagara River and over its edge. Standing beside this powerhouse of a cascade is awe-inspiring and should be on your travel bucket list.

Is it better to visit Niagara Falls from the Canadian side or the American side?

Many people (including us) believe that Niagara Falls is best experienced from the Canadian side . While both sides offer different angles and viewpoints of the falls, the Canadian side gives you better panoramic views of the cascades. If you have the time, it is possible to visit both sides of the falls in one day. But if you’re wondering how to choose which side of Niagara Falls to see, we’ve listed the pros and cons of each side of Niagara Falls below.

The main Niagara Falls attractions on the Canadian side include:

• The floral clock
• A hydroelectric power plant
• Panoramic views of Bridal Veils Falls, American Falls and Horseshoe Falls
• City of Niagara Cruises boat trip to Horseshoe Falls
• Journey Behind the Falls , where you can explore the tunnels behind the Falls and stand at the foot of the Falls
• Skylon Tower , which you can ascend for a bird’s eye view

While the main attractions on the American side of Niagara Falls are:

• Terrapin Point viewpoint, which is close to Horseshoe Falls
• Close up views of Bridal Veils Falls and American Falls
• Cave of the Winds wooden walkway below the falls
• Maid of the Mist boat trip to Horseshoe Falls
• Hiking and biking paths on Goat Island
• Niagara Falls Observation Tower

Niagara Falls State Park (the American side) allows you to get closer to Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls, but your view is obscured as you either look down at the falls, or from the side. The islands are unique to the American side and there are several hikes that allow you to explore Niagara Gorge further up-river. Both sides offer boat trips, observation towers and adventure activities. The Canadian side is more commercial with restaurants, shops, casinos, games centres and other attractions in the area too. It has more activities on offer and better panoramic views than the American side, making it most tourists’ preferred side.

What is Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls is actually a group of three waterfalls at the southern end of Niagara Gorge:

Horseshoe Falls is the famous waterfall that you see in pictures of Niagara Falls. Horseshoe Falls lies on the border between Canada and USA and channels approximately 90% of the Niagara River. It is sometimes called Canadian Falls and sits at 51 metres (167 ft) tall and an impressive 820 metres (2,700 ft) wide.

American Falls is the second-largest of the three waterfalls. It lies on the American side of Niagara Falls and spans 290 metres wide (950 ft) and 34 metres (110 ft) tall.

Bridal Veil Falls also lies on the American side of Niagara Falls. Luna Island separates it from the American Falls while Goat Island separates it from Horseshoe Falls.

Where is Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls is just over an hour’s drive from Toronto and sits in the Niagara Gorge . The gorge is a 6.8 mile (11km) canyon, through which the Niagara River flows. Niagara Falls marks the international border between Canada and USA and begins at the base of Horseshoe Falls, ending downriver at the edge of the geological formation known as the Niagara Escarpment. The falls actually originated here about 12,500 years ago but have receded upstream toward Lake Erie due to erosion of the riverbed which has created Niagara Gorge.

Niagara Falls Attractions Map

How to get to niagara falls from toronto.

Niagara Falls is most commonly accessed from Toronto or New York. If you’re visiting the Canadian side, there are 4 main options to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto:

1. While public transport is the cheapest of these options, it’s also the least convenient. Getting the train (which runs on a seasonal schedule) is slower than driving and the bus stops are located outside the main Niagara Falls area, so you’ll have to do a lot of walking. To get the train you’ll need to take the GO Train or the ViaRail Train from the upper-level tracks of Union Station. From the Niagara Falls station it’s over 2 miles (3.5km) to the falls – a 45 minute walk. The easiest way to get to Niagara Falls by bus is to take the Megabus . This is a fast and cheap option, however the bus stop is outside the train station, so you’ll have the same long walk to do.

2. Hiring a car is more expensive, but relatively easy and can be done from Toronto Airport or Downtown. This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, and can allow you to spend longer at Niagara. You could even stay overnight or cross the Rainbow Bridge and explore Niagara Falls from the American side too.

3. If you don’t hire a car we’d recommend booking onto a tour . There are plenty of tour companies offering day trips to Niagara Falls from Toronto with a range of tours so you can choose the one that best fits your interests and budget. Tours can also include other stops in the surrounding area, like Niagara-on-the-Lake and local wineries, and provide really informative commentary too.

What is there to do on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls?

There is so much to do on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls it can be tricky to squeeze everything into one day. We’ve listed all the main attractions on Niagara Fall’s Canadian side, from North to South, as you enter the park from Toronto, to the showstopping Horseshoe Falls.

1) The Floral Clock

Niagara Falls lies across Lake Ontario from Toronto, but the drive requires circumnavigating the shoreline past Hamilton. On the lake’s shore you’ll find the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake , which is worth a visit itself. From here, you can follow the Niagara River south towards the gorge. The first attraction as you enter the Niagara Parks is a 12 metre (40 ft) wide clock. Featuring a face of colourful flowers , this floral clock marks the entrance to Niagara Falls. The design changes annually but the letters often spell out NIAGARA PARKS as the twelve points on the clock face. Thousands of carpet bedding plants and are changed twice each year to maintain the intricate design and the mechanism is powered by Ontario Power Generation.

2) Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant

The Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Station sits on the banks of Niagara River. It works by diverting the water from the Niagara River, which spins turbines that power generators in the power plant, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. It is the largest power generator in New York State , with a capacity of 2.4 million kilowatts.

3) Niagara Whirlpools

As you follow the Niagara Parkway up the river the falls eventually come into view. There are a lot of attractions on this stretch, including a Butterfly Conservatory and Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens . The WildPlay Niagara Falls Whirlpool Adventure Course can also be found here, which features an exciting high ropes course over the world-famous and violently turbulent Niagara whirlpools.

Around the next riverbend, you’ll find Niagara Helicopter Tours . Offering panoramic bird’s-eye views of Niagara Falls and Gorge, flying aboard one of the world’s quietest helicopters is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You have the flexibility to fly when the weather is best, giving you great photo opportunities and you’ll receive informative audio commentary from your pilot too.

The train station is situated along this stretch of the river and will be your arrival spot if you choose to brave the public transport route from Toronto. We’d recommend stopping off at a few activities as you navigate along Niagara Parkway to really make the most of your visit.

4) Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge is an official international border crossing between Canada and USA . You can cross by car or foot for tourism purposes, allowing you to explore the American side of Niagara too. If you only have a day to explore we wouldn’t recommend you cross the bridge as, although the crossing only takes 5 minutes, getting through customs can take much longer.

By Rainbow Bridge you’ll find the Niagara SkyWheel . As Canada’s largest observation wheel, the SkyWheel stands 23 metres (175 ft) tall and gives riders spectacular aerial views from enclosed gondolas with audio commentary.

Nearby you’ll find the Zipline to The Falls , a thrilling zipline experience which allows you to soar 67 metres (220 ft) high above the Niagara River Gorge. Adrenaline junkies can glide 670 metres (2200 ft) past the American Falls to the base of the thundering Horseshoe Falls, enjoying unique birds-eye views of Niagara Falls.

5) Niagara City Cruises Boat Tour

Previously known as the Maid of the Mist tour, Niagara City Cruises boats take you up close with the power of the falls. You’ll cruise past American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls before being enveloped by a plume of mist at the foot of Horseshoe Falls . Waterproof plastic ponchos are provided as you’ll get so close you’ll definitely get wet, although there is an indoor section for anyone adverse to water.

6) Horseshoe Falls

Approximately 3,160 tons of water flows over Niagara Falls every second – 75,750 gallons over the American and Bridal Veil Falls and 681,750 gallons over Horseshoe Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the pièce de résistance of Niagara Falls. You can feel the power of the waterfall at the brink of the cascade by the Table Rock Welcome Centre .

7) Journey Behind the Falls

The Table Rock Welcome Centre houses the entrance to Journey Behind the Falls . In this experience you descend 38 metres (125 ft) in a lift to the 130 year old tunnels below, which extend 46 metres (151 ft) behind the waterfall. You can walk through the bedrock and read the history of the tunnels on informative boards along the walls. Look out for the viewing portals, which are cut straight through the rock and offer a once-in-a-lifetime view of the back of Horseshoe Falls.

Descend further to the stand on the Lower Observation Deck and look up at the falls from below – an impressive vantage point and great photo opportunity! You’ll be able to feel the vibrations of the water thundering down a 13 storey drop and may get a little wet, but fetching yellow ponchos are provided on entry.

8) Skylon Tower

From the bottom to the top, it’s worth marching up to the Skylon Tower , which offers sweeping 360° views of Niagara Falls city. On a clear day, visibility is up to 80 miles so you can see Toronto, as well as across to the USA. The tower also features an arcade and a revolving restaurant with 2 levels of fine dining, both 236 metres (775 ft) above the falls.

9) Niagara Falls Night-time Light Show

Perhaps the most impressive way to experience the falls, the night-time light show gives you the opportunity to experience Niagara falls in a way few other tourists do. At night the falls are lit up in a dazzling illumination display , with frequent firework displays . On a Niagara Falls Night Tour , you get the opportunity to cruise the river, dine in the iconic Table Rock Restaurant and visit the Illumination Tower, where you can even control the lights that appear on the falls!

There’s a lot to explore in the surrounding area of Niagara, which you can discover in our article: There’s more to Niagara than the Falls . And if you need transport back to Toronto Airport, you can book a Toronto Airport Private Transfer from Niagara Falls .

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Ultimate guide to visiting Niagara Falls

• Post last modified: February 20, 2024

A world wonder, the Niagara Falls roars majestically on the border between the USA and Canada. To take full advantage of this powerful New England waterfall, marvel at it from different perspectives (as many as the season allows). The best things to do when visiting Niagara Falls include admiring the falls from the overlooks, taking an iconic boat tour and, if you’re not afraid to get wet, feeling the waterfall pound against your skin.

Disclosure: All listings are independently selected. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more ›

Guide to visiting Niagara Falls

• What to expect
• Best things to do
• How to get around
• Best time to visit
• Where to stay
• Fallsview hotels
• More things to see

What to expect when visiting Niagara Falls

At the southern end of Niagara Gorge, the three falls that Niagara Falls consists of are the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. In summer, as much as six million cubic feet (168,000 m 3 ) of water passes through the falls every minute — wow!

Having the highest flow rate of all North American waterfalls, the enormous Horseshoe Falls straddles the border of the US and Canada. In contrast, the smaller siblings American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are entirely located on the US side of the border.

There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this gift from Mother Earth. Observe Niagara Falls from the overlooks, take a boat ride up close, feel the extreme power at its base — only feet from the overwhelming masses — or admire it all from the air.

The waterfall is pretty during daytime but also special after dusk, especially in combination with the colorful lightshows and beautiful fireworks that are proud Niagara traditions.

Want to take your stay to the next level? Some Niagara Falls hotels offer fallsview enabling you to even admire the cascading water from the comfort of your own hotel room.

In the picture below, the three falls appear.

From left, you first have the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, separated only by the tiny Luna Island (can you spot it?). Across Goat Island and crossing the international border, Horseshoe Falls is the waterfall furthest to the right.

Best things to do to at Niagara Falls

There are several memorable ways to experience the Niagara Falls. Sure, just viewing the falls from the overlooks is spectacular, but there’s much more you can do to take it all in. Here are the best things to do when visiting Niagara Falls.

Admire the falls from the overlooks

Gazing at the Niagara Falls is an experience you never forget. You get the best view from Table Rock Welcome Centre on the Canadian side of the border, brilliantly located within steps of the thundering water that rushes over the Horseshoe Fall’s brink.

There’s no entrance fee to the breathtaking overlooks — this is a totally free thing to do!

Take a Niagara Gorge boat tour

The cliffside vantage points are one thing, while the duck perspective, from the water surface, is something completely different. Taking a boat tour through Niagara Gorge, you look up on masses of water tumbling over the brinks and down into Niagara Gorge. So close to the action — the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls — you even sense the mist created by these huge water quantities.

You can take a boat ride from either the US side or the Canadian side of the border. In the US, the boat ride is called Maid of the Mist; in Canada, it’s Hornblower Niagara Cruises. They offer very similar experiences, with the main difference that they depart from different sides of the gorge.

Seasonal closure: The Niagara boat rides don’t run during the colder months of the year. Typically the tours operate from April to October; check with Maid of the Mist or Hornblower Niagara Cruises for exact dates.

Feel the Cave of the Winds

Cave of the Winds, on the US side of Niagara Falls, lets you walk closer to the falls than you ever could imagine. Put your poncho on and take the elevator down to Niagara George, where wooden walkways lead to the aptly named Hurricane Deck. Here, you find yourself only feet away from the Bridal Veil Falls. This may be the very edge of the mighty Niagara Falls, but its power is still unmistakable — prepare to get wet.

Seasonal closure: The full attraction, just like the boat tours, is only open during the warmer months of the year. During the winter season, the wooden walkways and the Hurricane Deck are closed. See the Cave of the Winds opening dates and hours before visiting Niagara Falls.

Embark on the Journey Behind The Falls

Want to discover Niagara Falls hidden side? Descend 125 feet (38 m) and, to the powerful sound of the unthinkable amounts of crashing water, explore the tunnels behind the Horseshoe Falls. Stop for the Cataract Portal and Great Falls Portal, loudly and clearly proving that you really are right behind the world-famous Niagara Falls. Then continue to the jaw-dropping observation decks nestled at the Horseshoe Falls’ very foot — say cheese!

Gawk at Niagara Gorge from the air

From the side, below and behind are all superb perspectives, but you can also soar high above the Niagara Falls. Take a helicopter ride or plane tour to experience the Niagara Falls like a bird. This way you stay dry while getting an amazing view of not only the falls but also the surrounding Niagara River area.

Marvel at colorful illuminations

Dusk doesn’t mean that you can no longer appreciate Niagara Falls. Each evening of the year, Niagara Falls transforms into an illuminated masterpiece; think hundreds of decorative LED lights making Niagara Gorge dance in vivid colors.

Celebrate Niagara with fireworks

Niagara Falls boasts Canada’s longest running fireworks series. Fireworks are set off from within the Niagara Gorge — between American Falls and Horseshoe Falls — throughout the year (but with fewer displays in the off season).

From where to watch the fireworks? Any spot facing Niagara Gorge, such as Queen Victoria Park on the Canadian side and Prospect Point on the US side, is an excellent pick.

Getting around Niagara Falls

Queen Victoria Park is the area tying the town and falls together. This is from where you can board a Canadian boat tour and, at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls, access Table Rock Visitor Centre.

Walking is the primary method of transport at the falls. From the Horseshoe Falls hotels, it takes roughly 20 minutes to walk down via Queen Victoria Park to Table Rock Visitor Centre.

Using the Niagara Parks Incline Railway , available for a fee, is another way of getting around Niagara Falls. It takes you from the Horseshoe Falls hotel area to the brink of the falls, giving you easier access to what you came for.

What about shuttles?

On the Canadian side, the year-round WEGO shuttle operates three lines taking you between hotels and attractions. To get north to Niagara-on-the-Lake, there’s also a seasonal line departing from the Floral Clock station.

On the US side, the seasonal (and free) Discover Niagara shuttle runs the “Falls to the Fort Route” along Niagara River, connecting Niagara Falls with Old Fort Niagara on Lake Ontario.

Best time to visit Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a nice place to visit any month of the year. However, each season has its own advantages and the best time to visit Niagara Falls depends on what you’re after.

June to August means peak season at Niagara Falls, with more visitors and higher hotel rates. But if you want that ideal weather, summer is the best time to visit. Now, temperatures tend to be in the comfy high 70s (27 °C). Also, all Niagara Falls attractions, including boat tours and Cave of the Wind, are open during this period.

With the crowds gone and temperatures ranging in the lower 70s (21 °C), September offers superb conditions for enjoying each perspective of Niagara Falls. Then, suddenly, temperatures abruptly plummet and some of Niagara Falls’ attractions shutter up — October is when boat tours and Cave of the Winds close for the season. On the upside, the trees framing Niagara Gorge show their brilliant fall colors now.

December to February is low season, meaning this is the time to score a sweet deal on accommodations. But make sure to bring your favorite coat; weather is freezing and blizzards are not uncommon at Niagara Falls. Expect a beautiful visit although not as much time in the outdoors as a visit in summer would bring.

Niagara Falls goes from frosty to outright pleasant in spring. March is too cold for boat tours and Cave of the Winds, which begin to operate for the season in April. Hitting a sweet spot with nice weather and manageable crowds, May sees daily temperatures hover around the high 60°F (21 °C).

Where to stay at Niagara Falls

You have two main options for where to stay at Niagara Falls: the US or Canadian side. While there are convenient hotels on both sides, the perspectives on offer are significantly different.

The Canadian side provides those iconic panoramic views capturing the entire trio of Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. On the Canadian side, any spot along Niagara River is breathtaking.

For a close up, the Horseshoe Falls’ signature bend means that you can view its cascading water more directly in front of you from Canada than the US.

On the other hand, you get the most intimate views of the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the US side. But keep in mind that the overlooks here are side based, in contrast to the Canadian head-on perspective.

Hotels offering Niagara Falls fallsview

There are several Niagara Falls fallsview hotels on the Canadian side of the falls. When you visit Niagara Falls, enjoying the power of the falls from the comfort of your hotel room is the icing on the cake.

Here, from north to south, are the hotels offering the closest Niagara Falls fallsview.

• The Oakes Hotel  
• Embassy Suites
• Tower Hotel
• Marriott Hotel Fallsview & Spa

More places to visit near Niagara Falls

Niagara-on-the-Lake is often mentioned as one of the prettiest small towns in North America. Embrace well-preserved 19th century Victorian-style buildings with impeccable gardens and pretty tree-lined streets.

Here, where Niagara River flows into Lake Ontario, the pace is slow and the scale small, making for a lovely complement to a trip to Niagara Falls.

But this small town has so much more to offer than just good looks and a pleasant vibe. Niagara-on-the-Lake origins back to 1781 and was once the first capital city of the region Upper Canada.

During the War of 1812, important events took place here. Visit Niagara River-facing Fort George for a good dose of history.

And if you like wine, you really hit jackpot. The climate here is ideal for grape growing, and Niagara-on-the-Lake is literally surrounded by inviting vineyards and wineries.

Visiting Niagara Falls FAQ

Hypothetically, you can tick off Niagara Falls in 15 minutes. That’s how long it takes to park your car at Table Rock Welcome Center, walk to the edge of Niagara Gorge, take that mandatory picture and then get back to the vehicle again. But that’s far from the most rewarding approach. Niagara Falls is a world wonder, which deserves and can entertain you for at least a full day. Allow time for the awe-inspiring overlooks on both the US and Canada sides, a memorable boat tour and, for other perspectives, Cave of the Winds and Journey Behind the Falls. Add to that the after-dark fireworks and illuminations.

Niagara Falls is open for visitors 24 hours a day every day of the year. However, some attractions, such as boat tours and Cave of the Winds, are closed during the colder months of the year, typically from October to April.

Gawking at the majestic Niagara Falls is completely free. This includes taking in the falls from the overlooks as well as enjoying the popular light shows and fireworks. Other experiences, including boat tours, Cave of the Winds and the Journey Behind The Falls, require fees.

Niagara Falls is a year-round attraction, and each season is beautiful at the breathtaking falls. Some experiences, such as boat tours and Cave of the Winds, are closed during the off season. On the other hand, these colder months mean more manageable crowds and lower hotel rates than during Niagara’s fully operational summer.

Both Lake Ontario and Lake Erie offer several stunning lake beaches. From Niagara Falls, it’s 24 km to Lakeside Park Beach in St. Catharines, on Lake Ontario, and 31 km to Crystal Beach in Fort Erie, on Lake Erie.

More New England guides

• Best Niagara Falls fallsview
• Cape Cod vacation guide
• Where to stay in NYC
• Top New Hampshire hotels
• New England bucket list

Related: Also check our comprehensive list of the best things to do in the USA . Do you think Niagara Falls is there?

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20 Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls in Canada + Hotels + MAP

Home | Travel | North America | Canada | Niagara Falls (CA) | 20 Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls in Canada + Hotels + MAP

The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is the one you should visit if you’re looking for the best views of the most famous fall in North America. Besides, there is a wide range of  attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada,  so you can never get bored.

Keep in mind that U.S. citizens will need a valid passport if they want to see the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. However, it’s 100% worth it, and you will be just 80 miles away from Toronto.

We visited from Philadelphia, where we live, and the drive was absolutely worth it. We also stopped by the New York side of Niagara Falls,  so I recommend checking out our guide if you’re going to visit that side, too. Or you can also check out our ultimate guide to visiting Niagara Falls to plan your trip to both sides.

Before the fireworks, we drove to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls and stayed there. The next day, we took this  all-inclusive tour , which includes the Voyage to the Falls cruise, the Journey Behind the Falls, Lunch at Skylon Tower, and a helicopter ride. Basically, it includes all the best  things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada , as you will see below.

1. Voyage to the Falls by Hornblower, the best Niagara Falls boat tour from Canada

Without a doubt, a  Hornblower cruise  is one of the top  attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada . The Voyage to the Falls boat tour brings you as close to the falls as possible for the most memorable experience in Niagara Falls.

The double-decker Hornblower cruise boats embark every day, rain or shine. Each ship can hold about 700 passengers, and tours depart every 15-30 minutes. It’s only a 20-minute tour, but once you do it, you’ll understand why it’s the official cruise for  sightseeing in Niagara Falls, Canada .

The general admission also includes a ride on the  Hornblower Niagara Funicular , the newest addition to Niagara Falls, Ontario. This cable car will transport you to the cruise boarding area, traveling 185 feet along the cliff face of the Niagara Gorge.

From there, grab your complimentary poncho, climb aboard, and get ready to get wet! Simultaneously awe-inspiring and overwhelming, this cruise is the most  fun thing to do at Niagara Falls, Canada .

We took this cruise using this  combo ticket that also includes lunch at the Skylon Tower, the Journey Behind the Falls, and a helicopter tour of the falls.

2. Journey Behind the Falls, the best thing to do in Niagara Falls in Canada

This is the attraction to book for a one-of-a-kind perspective of the  Canadian side of Niagara Falls . The  Journey Behind the Falls  was formerly called the  Scenic Tunnels  because that’s what they are! It’s a wonderful opportunity to walk as close to the falls as possible, all while traversing 130-year-old underground tunnels.

The entrance to this famous Canadian Niagara Falls attraction is at the  Table Rock Centre , which you’ll find at the edge of the Horseshoe Falls. From there, you’ll take the elevator down 125 feet to the underground tunnels, where you will find several portals that were cut out of the rock, granting you views of the falls from different elevations.

As you journey closer and get to the bottom deck, you’ll hear the thunderous force of 740,000 gallons of water cascading down at 40 miles per hour. Get ready to get wet because this is one of the most  fun things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario and it’s also open during winter!

This tour is quite affordable, so everyone visiting Niagara Falls, Ontario should take it. It’s also included in the  combo tour  we took.

3. Have lunch at Skylon Tower, one of the most fun things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada

I mentioned the  Skylon Tower  a bit, and it’s one of the top  places of interest in Niagara Falls, Canada  you should check out. This 520-foot structure provides sweeping views of the Horseshoe Falls in Ontario and the American Falls in New York. On a clear day, you can even see about 80 miles into the distance towards the skylines of Buffalo, NY and Toronto, Canada.

3. Have lunch at Skylon Tower, fun things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada

To get  the best view of Niagara Falls, Canada , take the famous “yellow bug”, a glass-paned elevator that ascends to the top in less than a minute. There, you can find two restaurants: The  Revolving Dining Room  and the  Summit Suite Buffet, where we had lunch during our combo tour  that also included a Hornblower cruise, the Journey Behind the Falls attraction, and a heli-tour.

If you just want to enjoy the 360° views, you can get your ticket here. But whatever you decide to do, the tower is a must-see if you want to experience  Niagara Falls from the Canadian side .

4. Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour from the Canadian side

It can be hard to choose  what to do on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls  first, so let me help. Start your trip with the most memorable journey of a lifetime and take a  helicopter ride over the falls .

That is what we did during the full-day tour we took, and I can’t recommend it enough. The ride lasts about 12 minutes, during which you’ll get a birds-eye view of the Niagara Gorge and all the  must-see Niagara Falls, Canada  attractions. The tour includes audio commentary from a guide, who will point out spots like Queen Victoria Park, the Rainbow Bridge, and the Whirlpool aero car.

As you begin the flight back to the heliport, savor the panoramic views of the Horseshoe and American Falls with the Toronto skyline and Lake Erie in the distance. This unforgettable experience is the most thrilling  thing to do in Niagara, Canada,  and will be the highlight of your trip.

If you’re not interested in all the things that the combo ticket includes, you can also book your standalone helicopter ride here .

5. Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens & Butterfly Conservatory

I highly recommend visiting the  Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory . This beautiful attraction is just a 10-minute drive from the falls, along the Niagara Parkway and Great Gorge.

The Botanical Gardens feature nearly 100 acres of landscaped lawns and flower beds. Some of the highlights include azaleas, rhododendrons, perennials, and wildflowers. Also, check out the veggie and herb garden and the symmetrical parterre gardens. The crown jewel of the park is the famous rose garden, which has over 2,400 rosebuds.

Admission is free, although the Butterfly Conservatory next door requires an entrance ticket, which you can  purchase in advance . A visit to this conservatory is a great  thing to do in Niagara Falls, Canada with kids , although adults will love it, too. Here, you’ll find 45 different species of butterflies as well as a rainforest environment with a pond and mini waterfall.

Enjoy a self-guided walk among 2,000 free-flying butterflies in spectacular colors. They create quite a sight against the tropical blossoms and lush greenery. Don’t forget to stop by the  Emergence Window,  where you might see a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis!

The garden and the conservatory are the best  places to visit around Niagara Falls, Canada , so be sure to save time for them! Besides, both are open year-round from dawn to dusk.

6. Zipline to the Falls, the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario

For an exciting adventure, you must try the  Zipline to the Falls , one of the  top 10 things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada . This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for young and old alike. Even if you’re nervous, just do it because you won’t regret it!

Imagine gliding hands-free 220 feet high through the air as the falls roar all around you. It’s the best way to see  Niagara Falls from Canada’s side  of the Gorge!

Once you get all your safety gear, you can snap some great photos from the observation deck before strapping in for the ride of your life.

Then, soar across the Gorge, past the American Falls to the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The 2,200-foot zipline has an automatic braking system, so your descent slows to a smooth stop. If you want, a ‘Zipline Express’ vehicle can take you back to the launch deck for round two.

I fondly remember this as one of the most exhilarating activities at  Niagara Falls, Ontario , and it comes at a  good price . I bet you’ll be coming back for another ride!

7. White Water Walk, one of the unique things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada

If heights are out of the question for you, don’t worry, because there are more tranquil  attractions at Niagara Falls, Canada . You can’t go wrong with a visit to the  White Water Walk  along the Niagara Rapids.

About a 10-minute drive from the Horseshoe Falls and within walking distance of public transportation, this riverside boardwalk is a great way to get an up-close view of the rapids after descending 230 feet to the base of the Niagara Gorge.

You’ll immediately hear the thunderous roar of the rapids as you walk through the exit tunnel and onto the boardwalk. From there, go at your own pace along the quarter-mile path, stopping at the viewing platforms along the way. These decks jut out to the very edge of the class 6 whitewater rapids, which can reach speeds up to 30 mph.

There are lots of photo opportunities along the way, and most people spend about an hour here. Boasting beautiful views and trillions of gallons of water, this is one of the best  places to visit around Niagara Falls, Ontario .

The White Water Walk is open from April to November, weather permitting. It’s close to other  attractions near Niagara Falls, Canada , like the  Whirlpool Rapids Bridge , another cool viewpoint over the Gorge.

8. Whirlpool aero car, the best thing to do in Niagara Falls, Canada with kids

One of the  best views of   Niagara Falls, Canada  is from the  Whirlpool Aero Car , which travels across the Niagara Gorge. Gliding above the rapids in an antique cable car is a bit frightening, but it’s also an exhilarating experience that you’ll remember.

The aero car has been operating for over 100 years and was designed by a Spanish engineer, so many know it as the Spanish aero car. Of course, there have been several construction updates over the years, but traveling in that 35-passenger red cable car above the white-water rapids is still one of the most  unique things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada .

8. Whirlpool Aero Car, the best thing to do in Niagara Falls, Canada with kids

It takes about 10 minutes to complete a round-trip along the 1,700-foot cables, and while there aren’t any anchor points in the United States, the car crosses the Canada-U.S. border several times.

At its lowest point, the cable car is 200 feet above the river, granting you magnificent views of the rushing class 6 rapids and swirling whirlpool. The waters of the Niagara River flow at about 30 mph, but the river quickly changes directions, causing the famous whirlpool. Being able to view this natural phenomenon from above is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!

9. Whirlpool Jet Boat tour, one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada

One of the top  tourist attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada  that you’re sure to hear about is the  Whirlpool Jet Boat tour . This ride is a completely immersive experience in more ways than one!

There’s no doubt that this is one of the most exciting  activities at Niagara Falls, Canada , and it’s so good that most visitors repeat it.

When you book your spot, you can choose the stay-dry option or the wet jet ride. Both tours last 45 minutes and follow the same route along the Niagara River. If you do the Wet Jet ride, you’ll get soaked from head to toe, so come prepared with a towel and a change of clothes.

The Jet Dome ride is a drier experience, but not necessarily a tamer one. Sure, the domed boat will keep the waves and spray out of your eyes, but you’ll still get an exciting ride along the rapids.

Best of all, the tour guides are friendly, energetic, and informative, so you’ll learn about the geological history of the area while having a blast. The boat captains will skillfully maneuver around the rapids while keeping you entertained.

This isn’t the cheapest thing to do at the falls, but it’s by far the most impressive experience. If you’re going to see  Niagara Falls in Canada , you have to do this jet boat tour!

10. Queen Victoria Park, the most popular park in Niagara Falls, Canada

Queen Victoria Park  is the best place to take a break while you’re  visiting Niagara Falls, Canada . Considered the heart of Niagara Parks, this area is a beautiful refuge of greenery and seasonal flowers. While you’re relaxing at the park, you’ll have views of the Niagara Gorge and the American Falls directly in front and Horseshoe Falls in the distance.

The park’s proximity to the falls makes it a hotspot for visitors who want to rest their legs. No matter the time of year, there is always a seasonal display to marvel at. If you visit during the winter, be sure to check out the  Festival of Lights , a pretty nighttime holiday display. Or hang out at the park during the evening to get a unique view of the colorful illumination over the falls.

While  sightseeing in Niagara Falls, Ontario , Queen Victoria Park is a must-see. In addition to the sprawling perennials and wildflowers, there is the King George VI statue, a rock garden, and the hybrid tea rose garden.

The great thing about Queen Victoria Park is that it’s open daily, so you can always come here to get some quiet time amidst the busier activities. Plus, the juxtaposition of delicate tulips, chrysanthemums, and fuchsias against the backdrop of the falls makes this a lovely  attraction in Niagara Falls, Canada .

11. Niagara Falls Fireworks, one of the best free things to do in Niagara Falls in Canada

The  Niagara Falls Fireworks  show is a summertime tradition and a top  Niagara Falls attraction in Canada . This spectacular light display over the falls is a sight you won’t want to miss. Every summer evening, the sun sets, and a crowd gathers in Queen Victoria Park for the show.

You can also see the fireworks from the viewing area by the Fallsview Moraine, or other Niagara attractions like the Skylon Tower or Skywheel. Queen Victoria Park is a popular spot because it has benches and grassy areas where you can sit comfortably.

While the fireworks are a daily event in the summer, the display also takes place during Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights and some national holidays. The wintertime light display extends to Queen Victoria Park and is the best  activity to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario  in the off-season.

If, for some reason, you can’t visit during the summer, you can still see the beautiful Lights on Niagara display, which occurs every night and bathes the falls in multi-colored lights.

This  nighttime cruise with dinner  makes it extra special, and is a fun  thing to do in Niagara Falls Canada with kids . Enjoy a Hornblower Voyage to the Falls cruise, dinner at Table Rock Restaurant overlooking the Horseshoe Falls, and a visit to the Illumination Tower, where you can take over the control panel for the light show.

12. Take a Niagara on the Lake Wine Tour, the best thing to do near Niagara Falls, Canada

The crown jewel of  Ontario is Niagara Falls , but other nearby attractions are well worth visiting. If you’ve got the time, take a Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tour.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is just a short drive from the falls, located right where the Niagara River and Lake Ontario meet. The town has historical significance, as it’s home to several battle sites from the War of 1812, most notably,  Fort George . It also has beautiful colonial-style homes, an outlet mall, and one of the oldest golf courses in the country.

Yet, what Niagara-on-the-Lake is most known for is its famous wine region. This  half-day tour  of the area’s wineries is one of the best  activities near Niagara Falls, Canada,  for couples or friends. There are different wineries you can visit depending on your taste.

Chateau des Charmes  is run by a fifth-generation French winegrower, while  Inniskillin Winery  serves award-winning table wines.  Pillitteri Estates  is another winery that does daily tours. In addition to lovely red and white wines, they also offer sweet ice wines.  Ravine Vineyards  features a scenic farmhouse atmosphere and wine made from organic grapes.

Other popular wineries along the trail include  Creekside Estates, Cave Spring Winery,  and  Kacaba Vineyards .

13. Niagara Skywheel, the best place to see the Niagara Falls from Canada

For some family-friendly  sightseeing in Niagara Falls, Canada , take a ride on the  Niagara Skywheel . This mighty Ferris wheel is at the center of  Clifton Hill , which I’ll talk about in the next section. It’s a must-do if you’re looking for some entertainment and excitement away from the falls.

A visit to Niagara Falls isn’t complete without a ride on the 175-foot Skywheel, the largest observation wheel in Canada. The attraction grants you awesome photo opportunities, as you’ll get a unique aerial perspective of the Horseshoe and American Falls in the distance. You’ll also get sweeping views of Clifton Hill, the Niagara River, and New York.

The ride lasts 10-12 minutes, and each cabin is climate-controlled, so you’ll stay warm and toasty in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. and is  one of the top things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada at night .

There’s never a bad time to go for a spin on the Skywheel, as you’ll get stunning views of the icy falls in the winter, and it’s a more private observation area during peak season. It’s also a prime viewing spot for the Niagara Falls Fireworks. For sure, taking in the panoramic views with your sweetie is a  romantic thing to do in Niagara Falls, Canada , so don’t miss out! You can book your ticket here.

14. Clifton Hill Attractions, the most popular place to go in Niagara Falls, Canada with kids

The Skywheel is just one of the  attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada  that you’ll find in  Clifton Hill . This tourist district is just minutes from the falls and offers lots of light-hearted fun for the young and the young-at-heart.

There is a wide range of activities at Clifton Hill, including mini-golf courses, haunted houses, and arcades.  Niagara Speedway  is one of the most popular activities and a fun thing to do as a family. The roller coaster-inspired track spans 2,000 feet and is a blast to drive around in a go-kart. Other family-centric attractions include a variety of funhouses and a bowling alley.

14. Clifton Hill Attractions, place to go in Niagara Falls, Canada with kids

Another interesting  thing to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario with kids  is to visit the  Movieland Wax Museum  and  Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum . You’ll have fun posing with wax replicas of your favorite celebrities, and Ripley’s is filled with over 500 odd specimens and artifacts that’ll leave you bewildered.

When you get hungry, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Clifton Hill has dozens of big chain restaurants and casual eateries, so you’ll find something to suit every taste.

Clifton Hill is a high-energy place and a fun  thing to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario  after visiting the falls. If you plan on spending a few hours here, get the  combo ticket  and save money on multiple attractions.

15. Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, the quietest place in the Canadian side of Niagara Falls

While there are lots of touristy  things to do on Niagara Falls’ Canadian side , you might also want a break from the crowds and noise. To get some peace, I recommend a visit to  Niagara Glen Nature Reserve , one of the quietest nearby places.

This serene area is about 3.5 miles from the falls. Its convenient location is nestled between the Whirlpool River Park and the Niagara Botanical Gardens, which I mentioned earlier.

If you want, stop by the  Niagara Glen Nature Center  for hiking information, maps, and refreshments. The staff there can help you find nearby attractions or plan an itinerary if you’re not sure  what to do in Niagara Falls, Canada . Guided tours leave the center daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., but registration is required.

You can also hike on your own. The most popular trails are the  Whirlpool Trail ,   which is just over a mile, but also the most difficult, the  Trillium Trail , and the  River Trail .

No matter the path you take, you’ll find lots of interesting geology and rock formations like Devil’s Arch and Balancing Rock. The Niagara Glen is one of the last remaining pockets of old-growth Carolinian forest in Canada and is home to several at-risk species and native wildflowers.

16. Dufferin Islands, one of the lesser-known jewels of Niagara Falls in Ontario

While  visiting Niagara Falls, Canada,  be sure to stop by the  Dufferin Islands . A quiet refuge of nature trails and solitude, the man-made islands are the perfect place to have some quiet time alone or with your loved one.

The Dufferin Islands are just a half-mile south of the Horseshoe Falls so, they won’t interfere with your travel plans. Here, you can explore 10 acres of secluded isles, which are connected by wooden footbridges. Many people refer to the islands as Niagara’s “hidden secret”, and I agree!

The  Dufferin Islands Nature Area  is open year-round, so visiting is a wonderful  thing to do at the Canadian Niagara Falls  at any time of the year. The fall foliage is stunning, and if you visit in the winter, check out the  Festival of Lights  display around the islands’ perimeter. In the spring and summer, wildflowers, lush trees, and vibrant greenery blossom next to the Niagara River.

For the past few years, the city has been reintroducing fish, native plants, and bird boxes to help revitalize the area. As a result, this tranquil oasis is a good place for picnicking, birdwatching, and nature walks.

The Dufferin Islands are a  free place to visit near Niagara Falls, Canada , but you can save money with this  90-minute guided walk  and optional Hornblower cruise. Since the islands are within walking distance of the falls, you can enjoy a half-day tour of the exciting Niagara Gorge and the calm Dufferin nature area.

17. Niagara Falls History Museum, an interesting place to visit in Niagara Falls, Canada

It’s a good idea to plan some  stuff to do in Niagara Falls, Canada  in case the weather is bad, so consider the  Niagara Falls History Museum .

The Museum is just 15 minutes from the falls, in the former Stamford Township Hall. This building dates to 1874, making it the perfect structure to hold remnants of Niagara Falls’ history.

The exhibits are less about the waterfalls and more about the history of Ontario and Niagara Falls’ role in important events.

The  Community Gallery  features interactive displays showcasing costumes, artifacts, documents, and other significant pieces. One of the Museum’s primary spaces is the  Gale Family War of 1812 Gallery . Here, you’ll find audio-visual exhibits as well as soldier uniforms, weaponry, photographs, and other relics. There is a research room and a theater, too.

The galleries focus on the Niagara Falls area’s development in terms of geography, industry, and particularly, the War of 1812.  Lundy’s Lane Battlefield  at Drummond Hill Cemetery is another historical  place near Niagara Falls, Canada,  and about a block from the Museum. It was the site of a prominent battle during the war, and battlefield tours are available.

If you’re passionate about history or genuinely curious about the town’s past, the Museum is a fun  thing to do at Niagara Falls, Canada . Plus, admission is very affordable and costs just a few dollars.

18. Queenston Heights Park, another must-see in Niagara Falls, Canada

Queenston Heights Park  is a lovely place for  sightseeing in Niagara Falls, Ontario  if you want to get off the beaten path. The park is only a 20-minute drive from the Horseshoe Falls and is open year-round.

It offers lots of recreational spaces as well as a playground, tennis court, picnic pavilions and a restaurant overlooking the river. One of the first things you’ll see here is  Brock’s Monument,  which towers over 180 feet tall. The columnal structure is dedicated to Sir Isaac Brock, a Major General for the British Army known for his valor during the War of 1812. You can climb the 235 steps of the monument, which is also his gravesite, for views of the Ontario landscape.

The park is historically significant, as it’s the site of the Battle of Queenston Heights in 1812. As such, you’ll find several important structures here, including the  Laura Secord Memorial,  who is lauded as a heroine in Canada for warning troops of the American invasion in 1813; and the  Landscape of Nations, a Six Nations and Native Allies Commemorative Memorial sanctifying First Nation contributions during the War of 1812. Other landmarks include the  Redan Battery  and  Fort Drummond  artillery battery.

You can also hike the  Queenston Heights Walking Trail . It’s less than a mile long, making it a good family activity  to do near Niagara Falls, Canada . For something more challenging, check out the Southern Terminus Cairn of the  Bruce Trail . The trail is over 550 miles, although only about 5 of those are in Queenston Heights.

19. Floral Clock, a popular place to visit in Niagara Falls, Ontario

The  Floral Clock  is one of the  top 10 things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada . As you would expect, the main feature is the 40-foot clock made of flowers.

The clock was built in 1950 and is one of the largest clocks of its kind in the world. It has displayed a variety of floral patterns over the years, although it’s most vibrant from May to October. The designs require 16,000-19,000 bedding plants, which get switched out twice a year. Horticulturists plant vivid violas in the springtime, and alternanthera and Santolina sage in autumn. California golden privet and blue Festuca grass help the colors and patterns pop.

The Floral Clock’s hour, minute, and second hands are made of stainless steel and accurately keep time. Surrounding the clock is a 10-foot-wide pond that looks like a wishing well. It adds to the allure of this famous place, and you might even see tourists tossing coins into the water.

Although it’s one of the  best attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada , it seems that lots of people aren’t aware of the  Westminster Chimes  behind the clock. The chimes sound every quarter-hour, and sometimes the Westminster tower is open to visitors, so you can peek inside and see the inner gear mechanisms as well as historical photos.

Not only is the clock one of the top  activities to do on Canada’s Niagara Falls  Parkway, but it’s also steps away from the  Centennial Lilac Garden . The garden features 1,200 plants and is particularly fragrant and lush during the last two weeks of May.

20. Niagara Fallsview Casino, the best thing to do in Niagara Falls, Canada at night

The  Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort  offers entertainment, nightlife, and dining, so visiting it is a great  thing to do in Niagara Falls, Canada, for couples . The towering complex is one of the most prominent structures on the Niagara skyline, and you can get scenic views of the Horseshoe Falls from inside.

When you walk through the resort’s main entrance, you’ll see ‘The Teslatron’ fountain, a nod to Nikola Tesla’s accomplishments at Niagara Falls. The 45-foot water feature mimics a hydroelectric plant and has a complete light display.

The Fallsview resort is like an adult playground and is one of the many exciting  places to go in Niagara Falls, Ontario . The entire complex is 2,500,000 ft² and includes a nightclub, over 350 hotel rooms, and the  Galleria Shopping Center  with over 30 retailers. There are also 18 restaurants ranging from bars and lounges to buffets, fine dining, and casual fare, spanning a variety of cuisines.

The casino covers over 2,000,000 ft² and has hundreds of table games and slot machines, as well as weekly tournaments. There is also a 1,500-seat showroom at the resort for concerts and performances. The newest addition to Fallsview is an  Entertainment Center  and theater with a 5,000-person capacity.

With all that Fallsview has to offer, it’s a cool  thing to do in Niagara Falls, Canada at night . Take in a show, have a fancy meal, or try your luck at the casino.

Hotels in Niagara Falls, Canada – Best hotels with a waterfall view

There is so much to see and  do in Niagara Falls, Ontario . It’s a different experience than in the U.S., so I recommend spending at least one night on the Canadian side of the falls.

We arrived in Niagara Falls, Canada just in time to see the fabulous fireworks show, and we spent the following day exploring the area. We spent the night at the Sheraton on the Falls , and we were amazed by the views from our room.

This is one of the best hotels in Niagara Falls, Canada, so if you want to stay here, book well in advance. That said, there are several great alternatives that I’ll share below.

Sheraton on the Falls

I have to start with the  Sheraton on the Falls  because it really blew us away. The rooms are great and some of them offer spectacular views of the waterfalls. While these particular rooms are a bit more expensive, it was worth it to us to get stunning views from the comfort of our bed.

Sheraton on the Falls, one of the best hotels in Niagara Falls, Canada

Also, the hotel is home to the  Fallsview Restaurant , which serves buffet and a la carte meals. The accommodation’s facilities also include shops, a spa, and a Starbucks. Plus, the hotel connects to the  Niagara Casino and Fallsview Indoor Water Park , so on top of a great location, you’ll have all the amenities you want.

We loved staying here and think it’s one of the most beautiful hotels on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview

If you’re looking for luxury, the  Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview  is a perfect choice. The accommodation is just 300 feet from the falls, so it offers a convenient location and unbeatable views.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview, another hotel in Niagara Falls, Canada

The hotel also boasts awesome amenities like a breakfast buffet and complimentary drinks and snacks. Besides the hotel rooms, the facilities include a couple of restaurants (TGI Fridays and Keg Steakhouse), a Starbucks, an indoor pool, and a gym.

From the hotel, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the Skylon Observation Tower, so this is one of the best places to stay if you want to be close to the action.

The Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls

The  Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls  is aptly named, as it provides wonderful views of the Canadian falls. The hotel has an observation room where you can enjoy incredible views without the crowds.

The Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls, a hotel overlooking Niagara Falls, Canada

It’s next to the  Falls Incline Railway , which connects to  Table Rock  and  Journey Behind the Falls . Along with its nice location, this accommodation has rooms with waterfall views, although they cost a bit more.

That said, if you stay here, you can take advantage of some great amenities, such as a living room with a fireplace, an indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and a fitness center. There is also an Applebee’s on the premises.

Tower Hotel at Fallsview

The  Tower Hotel at Fallsview  is another beautiful accommodation in Niagara Falls, Canada. Along with comfortable rooms, the hotel also has a decent restaurant, so it’s quite a bargain for the price.

Tower Hotel at Fallsview, fine lodging in Niagara Falls, Ontario

If you’re not sure  where to go in Niagara Falls, Ontario  for more quiet lodging, this hotel is the best choice. You’ll get the rest you want, and you won’t have to pay too much.

Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and Suites

The  Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and Suites  is another top hotel in Niagara Falls, Canada, that I recommend. It’s centrally located so you’ll have easy access to the area’s attractions and restaurants. Some of the rooms have views of the falls, too.

Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and Suites, another good hotel in Niagara Falls, Canada

This hotel also connects to the Fallsview Casino, so it’s a great place to stay if you plan on visiting the casino in the evening.

How to get to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls

If you’re not sure how to get to Niagara Falls, Canada, this section will tell you all you need to know. Don’t worry because you can get there with or without a vehicle.

When  visiting Niagara Falls, Canada , most travelers arrive from Toronto. The simplest option is driving from Toronto to Niagara Falls since it only takes an hour and a half. If you want to rent a car, check out our guide to  finding cheap rental cars .

We took our own car, although we arrived from the United States. Below, I’ll share tips on how to visit Niagara Falls, Canada, from the American side.

For those who are in Toronto but don’t want to drive, there is  this day tour , which includes transportation, a guide, and discounts to several popular attractions.

However, if you prefer, you can travel to the falls by bus. The  Megabus  company offers several daily trips to Niagara Falls from Toronto, so it’s a good option if you prefer to travel without a tour.

How to get around Niagara Falls, Canada

Public transportation in  Niagara Falls, Ontario  is quite good, so you should be fine even if you don’t have a vehicle.

The main Niagara Falls attractions are accessible by foot. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can take advantage of the bus system.

The WeGo bus company is ideal for tourists since it sells transportation passes ranging from 24 to 48 hours. You can take these buses to any attraction in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

You may notice that most of the area’s hotels are on  Fallsview Boulevard , which overlooks the Niagara Falls viewpoint and Table Rock area. The quickest way to get from the Boulevard to the main attractions is by taking the  Falls Incline Railway .

Between the Railway and the WeGo buses, you shouldn’t have any problems reaching the points of interest on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. However, if you are short on time, the hop on-hop off  Double Decker bus  is the most time-efficient option.

The Double Decker bus does a loop around the area, stopping at all the main attractions. The entire circuit takes an hour and a half, but you can get off and on whenever you want. A tour guide will be on the bus to give you information about each attraction, too. This is a great option if you want to explore Niagara Falls, Canada, on your own without worrying about driving and parking.

Parking at Niagara Falls, Canada

If you’re  visiting Niagara Falls  in your own vehicle or a rental car, you’ll have to deal with parking. Ideally, your hotel will offer free parking, but this isn’t always the case, and parking isn’t free elsewhere.

That said, there are several parking lots in the central area of Niagara Falls, Canada. The parking rates aren’t outrageous considering how popular this place is, so you might want to consider parking there. The average daily rate is about USD 12 (about CAD 16). I suggest figuring out  what to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario , ahead of time so you can choose a parking lot close to those attractions.

Niagara Falls, Canada map

To help you organize your trip, here is a map of  Niagara Falls, Ontario . This map includes tourist attractions, hotels, and parking lots to make it easier to plan your itinerary.

I suggest keeping this map handy while you’re on  Canada’s side of Niagara Falls . You can print it or download it to your smartphone for easy access.

Niagara Falls Border Crossings – How to get from Niagara Falls’ Canadian side to the U.S. side

Seeing  Niagara Falls from Canada’s side  is quite special, especially since many people say the views are better in Ontario. Of course, you can get the full experience by also visiting the American side of the falls . This  full-day tour  includes activities on both sides of Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls Border Crossings

If you’re not sure how to get to the American side of Niagara Falls from Canada, don’t worry because it’s pretty straightforward.

The fastest way is to cross the Rainbow Bridge on foot, in a car, or by bus. Whichever mode of transport you use, you’ll be crossing the United States-Canada border, so you’ll have to present proper documentation to the immigration officers there.

If you’re a Canadian citizen, you’ll need to show a valid passport, but you won’t need a visa. However, if you’re a citizen of another country, you can check  this website to see what documentation you need besides a passport, if any. Here, I have an article on how to apply for an ESTA to the USA.

With that, you now know everything you need to know about  places to visit in Niagara Falls, Canada , as well as where to stay and park. If you have any questions about  things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario , or how to get around, leave me a comment, and I’ll help as much as I can.

Finally, be sure to check out our guide to visiting both sides of Niagara Falls here. Safe travels and I hope you enjoy the beauty of the falls!

Ascen Aynat

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Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

The Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls

January 11, 2022 By Matthew G. Bailey 3 Comments

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If you’re looking for things to do in Niagara Falls, you’re in the right spot!

Home to one of the world’s most famous natural attractions, Niagara Falls has been attracting tourists for more than a century. Located next to the US border, the waterfalls are somewhat shared between Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York. However, the most scenic waterfall is Horseshoe Falls, which is on the Canadian side.

Whether you’re with family, travelling solo, travelling with friends, or wandering around with your partner, there’s no shortage of touristic attractions and natural beauty to behold. In this “things to do in Niagara Falls” travel guide, we’ll fill you in on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and how to get the best views of one of the most spectacular waterfalls on Earth.

Table of Contents

Must-Do Niagara Falls Quick Guide

If you’re really short on time, here are some very quick recommendations.

Top Experiences: Hornblower Cruise, Helicopter Tour, and the Journey-Behind-the-Falls tour.

Getting around: Walking to most areas is a great way to explore but there’s also the WEGO bus.

Best time to visit: The falls are beautiful year-round but the warmer months are the most popular. July and August are the busiest times to visit. June and September are also great.

Accommodation: There are so many hotels but if you want views of the falls from your bedroom, some of the best options are the Marriott Fallsview and The Oakes Hotel Fallsview. We stayed at the Best Western Cairns, which is a bit further out.

Quick Facts about Niagara Falls

• The three waterfalls (Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil) are collectivly known as Niagara Falls and combine to produce the highest flow rate of any waterfall on earth.
• Niagara Falls occurs as water drains from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario.
• Roughly 30 Million people visit Niagara Falls each year. Yes, it’s very popular.
• The largest vertical drop is over 50 metres (165 feet). Can you believe that some people have gone over and lived?
• The rapids above the Falls reach a maximum speed of 40 km/hr or 25 mph. The fastest speeds occur at the Falls with a record of 68 mph.
• The water through the Whirlpool Rapids below the falls reaches 48 km/hr or 30 mph, and the Niagara River is a connecting channel between two Great Lakes, Erie and Ontario.
• The brown foam below Niagara Falls is a natural result of tons of water plummeting into the depths below. It is not dangerous. The brown colour is clay, which contains suspended particles of decayed vegetative matter. It is mostly from the shallow eastern basin of Lake Erie.
• The startling green colour of the Niagara River is a visible tribute to the erosive power of water. An estimated 60 tons of dissolved minerals are swept over Niagara Falls every minute. The colour comes from the dissolved salts and “rock flour”, which is very finely ground rock, picked up primarily from the limestone bed but probably also from the shales and sandstones under the limestone cap at the Falls.

For more fun facts, check out our article about Ontario Facts !

Things to Do in Niagara Falls

Okay, now for the fun part. Niagara Falls is an extremely touristy city and therefore, there are loads of attractions. Think of it as a mini Las Vegas but with a waterfall instead of a desert. In addition, if you’re looking to book your Niagara Falls tours and attractions now, please use our links and help us support this site. There’s no additional charge for you but we receive a very small percentage as affiliates.

Admire the Falls from the Boardwalk

To kick things off, one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls is actually free. Simply walk along the boardwalk near the falls and admire them for as long as you want. If you walk towards the Table Rock Welcome Centre, you’ll be able to stand right next to the crest, imagining what it would be like to fall off. I mean, people have gone off in barrels before. Although we’re focused on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, that’s actually where most of the beauty lies.

Before we continue, it’s good to know that Niagara Falls is the name given to the entire area as well as the city. There are actually three waterfalls, with just one being responsible as the star attraction.

The waterfalls are as follows:

Horseshoe Falls (aka Canadian Falls) is the one you are probably thinking of when you think of “Niagara Falls”. This is the waterfall that clings to the Canadian side, has a distinct “U” shape, and delivers most of the water flow of Niagara Falls over a 50-metre drop.

The American Falls is the waterfall that falls on the US side of the river. It’s very flat in profile with many rocks at the base. It’s quite small in comparison to Horseshoe Falls.

Lastly, there is the Bridal Veil Falls , which is the smallest waterfall to the right of the larger American Falls. All three can be captured in one photo from the Canadian side.

Niagara Hornblower Cruise

The Hornblower Cruise is easily the most popular attraction in the area. The ships run like clockwork, leaving every 20 minutes or so, each packed with people. The tour only takes 15-20 minutes and costs approximately $22. This is such a great way to get up close and personal with Horseshoe Falls and truly feel the power of all that water, which includes getting wet with all the mist. In fact, everyone gets a plastic poncho to wear before you board the boat. Keep this in mind if you’re bringing your camera.

If you’re interested in experiencing the Hornblower Cruise, you can buy your skip-the-line Hornblower tickets in advance here. You can also buy tickets onsite through the self-serve kiosks but if you’re visiting during the busy summer months, this is something you might want to avoid.

Another fun feature about the Niagara Hornblower Cruise is that you get to take a funicular ride to the bottom. Once you arrive, you’ll grab your red poncho and line up for the cruise. The boats have two decks. We prefer the upper deck, which is more exposed to the elements, but they also have lower-level viewing with seats.

Niagara Hornblower Funicular + Riverside Patio

Although we highly recommend a cruise, if it’s simply not your thing, you could just take the funicular (for a small fee) down to the Hornblower cafe and enjoy a meal and/or drink. The funicular is really made for cruise passengers but you can pay a small fee just to ride it.

This funicular dates all the way back to 1894 and was modernized over the years. There are pretty good views as you make the descent and there’s audio commentary as well. Once at the bottom, you’ll find the Riverside Patio where you can enjoy a bite while admiring views of the falls.

Niagara Falls Night Cruise with Dinner

Looking for a romantic evening? We can’t imagine something more romantic than the Niagara Falls Night Cruise with dinner . When the sun goes down, Niagara Falls is transformed into an illuminated wonderland, and this 4-hour experience will give you a unique look at this world wonder. First, you’ll dine at Table Rock Restaurant with amazing views of Horseshoe Falls. Then, you’ll get to visit the Illumination Tower, where you control the lights that appear on the falls. And then, you’ll jump on the boat for an evening cruise to falls.

Journey Behind the Falls

Another popular attraction is taking the Journey Behind the Falls tour, which as you may have guessed, literally takes you behind the falls through a series of tunnels. Visitors take an elevator down 125 feet where you’ll find tunnels that lead to some lookout points behind Horseshoe Falls. However, as cool as it is to peer out from behind the falls, the best part of the tour in our opinion is standing next to the falls outdoors on their viewing platform. This way you get to take your time and get a unique look at the falls from the side. This is also where many of the famous pictures are taken.

Many people do a package tour, which includes Journey Behind the Falls, the Niagara Falls Fury experience, and the Butterfly Conservatory for just $25. There are other packages as well.

Niagara Helicopter Tour

One of our favourite activities during our visit to Niagara Falls was taking a helicopter flight . If you have the budget, it’s truly incredible to see the falls from up in the sky. It just adds an entirely different dimension as you see the mist rise high into the sky.

Flights depart from the heliport north of downtown and take you on a short 12-minute flight over Niagara Gorge/River and the mighty falls.

If you’re interested in an action-packed Niagara experience, you might want to check out the ultimate Niagara Falls day tour where you can get a helicopter tour, a boat ride, a trek behind the Falls, and a meal in the Skylon Tower to see ALL angles of Niagara Falls! When else will you be back?

The White Water Walk

If you enjoy a scenic walk, another popular thing to do is the White Water Walk, which is a walking trail that takes you along the Niagara River, offering you the chance to see the rapids and the power of the river that’s created by the falls themselves.

It starts by taking an elevator 70 metres down to the Niagara Gorge where you’ll be able to do a self-guided tour along a 400-metre boardwalk. Almost anyone can do this and it’s also a great way to learn about the 410-million-year-old rock layers that make up the geology of the area. It’s also just a beautiful walk.

The boardwalk also included a variety of viewing platforms that allow you to safely get as close as you can to the famous Whirlpool rapids.

WildPlay MistRider Ziplining

If zip-lining is your thing, you may want to consider doing it with views of Niagara Falls. WildPlay offers a 670-metre long zip-line starting from an elevated platform and heading towards Horseshoe Falls.

In addition to the zip-line, they also offer an adventure course over by the Niagara Whirlpool. For more info, visit their website.

Clifton Hill Attractions

Clifton Hill is a popular tourist street known as “The Street of Fun at the Falls!” When asked to compare it to something, the only thing I can think of is Las Vegas, but with fewer fancy hotels and casinos, and more for families. This area is packed with attractions, museums, eateries, shops, and more!

Some of the popular attractions here include Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium, the Great Canadian Midway, Dinosaur Adventure Golf, Guinness World of Records, The House of Frankenstein, Louis Tussauds Wax Museum, Escape Rooms, and more. You’ll even find Go-Karts and a pretty good view of the American Falls.

As you’ve probably guessed right now, this area has a lot of restaurants but not always the best service or the best price. Just check some reviews before going. There are lots of restaurants all over the city and certainly not just in the Clifton Hill area.

If this type of area is your thing, you may want to look into the Clifton Hill Fun Pass, which includes admission to a variety of attractions at a discounted rate.

Niagara SkyWheel

Yet another fun attraction that offers beautiful views is the Niagara SkyWheel . Opening in 2006, this is one of the newer attractions and it stands 53 metres tall. If mini-golf is your thing, you can also enjoy Dinosaur Adventure Golf as it’s in the same area.

Skylon Tower

No major tourist destination would be complete without a view tower that offers dinner. If you’re into heights and grand views, you might want to head up to the Skylon Tower . Dating back to 1965, you can take the iconic yellow elevators up to the viewing platform for 360-degree views!

The tower offers views from approximately 236-metres above the falls and as previously mentioned, also offers the chance for some fine dining.

Queen Victoria Park

Located along the upper walkway of the Niagara Parkway is the beautiful and popular Queen Victoria Park. The park is quite big and can be a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of one of Canada’s most iconic destinations. For those of you into flowers, this is one park you should not miss. Niagara Parks takes incredible care of the place and it really is a beautiful place to stroll around. You’ll also find a variety of statues and historical sites scattered throughout the park.

Niagara Falls Nightly Fireworks + Illumination of the Falls

Those of you into fireworks (who isn’t?) will really enjoy Niagara Falls because, during the busy summer months, fireworks are held daily at 10 PM and are displayed above the magnificent falls.

That’s right. Each summer from June to September (as well as some weekends after), there are fireworks every night. The fireworks can be seen from many locations, so you don’t really have to be concerned with finding a good spot. During our visit, we went right down to the main boardwalk and enjoyed them right in front of the falls, but any of the viewpoints mentioned in this article would be great. Plus, if your location isn’t ideal, there’s always the next day!

Even the falls themselves are lit up each evening, year-round, illuminating Horseshoe Falls for a really beautiful scene at night. For those who really want to indulge in the experience, you may even want to opt for a Firework Night Cruise to the Falls to see the fireworks and Illumination up close.

Fallsview Casino Resort

Niagara Falls is sort of like a mini Las Vegas. It has lots of hyper-touristic attractions and it also has casinos! The Fallsview Casino isn’t just a casino though. It’s also a resort and entertainment complex.

Located downtown on Fallsview Boulevard, this large complex is a hotel and casino with restaurants and a live entertainment venue for shows, musical performances, and more.

IMAX Niagara Falls

If you’re interested in seeing Niagara Falls on the big screen with dramatic images and loads of history, including those who have challenged the Falls and lived to tell the tales.

Located within a massive pyramid-style building, you’ll find the show “ Miracles, Myths, an Magic” offered in many languages (with audio guides). Book your tickets here.

Niagara Falls History Museum

If you’re into history, Niagara Falls has a lot to offer. It might be known for the mighty falls that have made the area world-famous, but it’s also home to some pretty big wards, including the war of 1812 between Britain and the USA. If the falls is all you came for, this museum might inspire you to head towards Niagara-on-the-Lake as well, which is also home to some of Canada’s top wineries.

Dedicated to telling the rich history of the region, the museum is close to downtown and accessible via the WEGO bus. The area itself is also home to loads of military history, including the Drummond Hill Cemetery and the Battle of Lundy’s Lane.

Rainbow Bridge

Where else can you stand on a bridge that separates two of the world’s top countries? Separating Niagara Falls, New York from Niagara Falls, Ontario is the Rainbow Bridge , which also offers impressive views of the falls.

Dating back to the 1940s, this famous arch bridge has custom checkpoints at each end because the “border” is literally in the middle! If you’re wanting to explore the American side of Niagara Falls, this is the bridge you want to cross. The bridge is for cars but also has a pedestrian-friendly walkway.

If you’re coming from Canada, you can walk on the bridge to take photos without going through US customs but you will need to return through Canadian customs. However, there is a small fee of four Canadian or American quarters to do the crossing. It seems odd, but yes, you do need QUARTERS. You can get them there but be prepared for a line. It’s much better to have them ready.

Bird Kingdom

Like birds? Then go to the Bird Kingdom!

Located just minutes from American Falls, Bird Kingdom is home to the largest free-flying aviary in the world. Just look for the massive glass building under the Rainbow Bridge.

Rather than being caged up, the birds get to fly around in their “natural habitat”, albeit indoors and maintained year-round. Inside, you’ll find a variety of tropical birds to admire as well as some that you can hold and learn more about.

The Botanical Gardens + Butterfly Conservatory

If you’re really looking for a beautiful place to get away from the hustle and bustle, you may want to consider the Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory, which can be found on a 99-acre complex just a 10-minutes drive from downtown.

Founded in 1936, this is a great place to admire a variety of flowers, including their famous 2,400-rose garden. In addition, you’ll also find the Butterfly Conservatory, which is home to more than 2,000 butterflies, fluttering around in their humid climate with waterfalls and plants to enjoy.

Niagara Glen + Nature Centre

Want even more nature? I mean, it is Canada after all.

For more nature north of downtown, take a trip to Niagara Glen and Nature Centre. It all starts at a stairway that takes you along 4 kilometres of pathways leading into and within the Niagara Gorge. It’s known for its unique Carolinian Forest, rock formations, fossils, and more.

This area also offers views of the Niagara River Whirlpool, which is pretty cool to see as well. There are even guided hikes you can do as well as the nature centre itself, which also offers views, snacks, and beverages.

Whirlpool Aero Car

Another one of the unique things to do in Niagara Falls is the Whirlpool Aero Car, which soars over the famous Niagara River Whirlpools in a 1916 Spanish cable car.

This one-way 10-minute ride takes you on a 500-metre journey 80 metres above the whirlpools. Another fun fact is that you do actually cross the American border within the “air” but you don’t need any ID or clearance to enjoy the activity.

If this sounds interesting, you should check out this combo ticket for the Whirlpool Aero Car and the Journey Behind the Falls adventure!

By the way, you might be wondering how the Niagara Whirlpool was created.

Well, the huge volume of water rushing from the Falls is slammed into the narrow Great Gorge, which then creates the Whirlpool Rapids that stretches for a whopping 1.6 kilometres (1 mile). The water surface at the whirlpools drops 15 metres and the fast-moving waters can reach speeds as high as 9 mps. One of the cool features is that you can see the “reversal phenomenon”, which occurs when the Niagara River is at full flow and the waters travel over the rapids and enter the pool, then travel counterclockwise around the pool past the natural outlet. Pressure builds up when the water tries to cut across itself to reach the outlet and this pressure forces the water under the incoming stream.

Niagara Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

If you want to see the whirlpools while enjoying some exhilarating entertainment, you might want to check out the Niagara Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours.

As cool as it is to see the whirlpools from above, it certainly doesn’t compare to soaring through them in a high-power jet boat!

Options include the Wet Tour (yes, you will get wet) and the dry dome boat tour, and both of them last roughly one-hour long. You’ll reach speeds of 100km/h so it’s not really for the faint of heart.

The jet boat leaves from three locations, with the main dock situated in the small town of Queenston, which is accessible via a free shuttle from Floral Clock, which is accessible via the WEGO shuttle if you’re using it as transportation.

During the boat trip, you’ll pass through the stunning Niagara Gorge, as well as a variety of historical points until you reach the whirlpool and other rapids.

If this sounds exciting, you can book your spot on the whirlpool jet boat tour here .

Whirlpool Golf Course

For those into golf, you’ll want to check out the top-rated public Whirlpool Golf Course, which as you may have guessed, is located right next to the famous Niagara River Whirlpool.

In addition to the beautiful course, you’ll also find a popular clubhouse where you can enjoy a nice meal or a drink.

Floral Clock

Where else can you find a colourful clock made with flowers?

At first, it might not seem like a worthy attraction, but once you see it, you’ll realize how big it really is and the amount of work it takes to create and maintain.

Located north of the Botanical Gardens, this clock made of flowers actually works! The clock’s face is made up of roughly 16,000 small flowers and is very colourful and beautiful. It chimes every 15 minutes and the back door to the clock might be open for you to see the clock mechanisms and old photos from previous clocks (if you’re lucky!).

There’s lots of parking at the site and it can be a good spot to enjoy a picnic as well.

Queenston Heights Park

If you’re already visiting the Floral Clock, you may as well pay a visit to Queenston Heights Park, which is home to a beautiful green space, monuments, and more. Two of the popular monuments are the Brock monument and the Laura Secord monument.

This place offers very nice views, picnic areas, and a lovely dining experience at Queenston Heights Restaurant.

Take a Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine and/or Food Tour

If you have the time, we highly recommend driving out to Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is famous for its wineries and also for its history. Since this region is one of the top regions in Canada for wine, it makes sense to do a wine tour. There are organized tours that take you around or you can simply drive to the wineries you wish to visit.

The region itself makes for a beautiful road trip but the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is also beautiful and is home to a great food tour as well, which we took back in 2017.

Some of the popular wineries include Inniskillin, Reif Estates, Ravine, and Chateau des Charmes, just to name a few. The drive is only 20-minutes or so from Niagara Falls, so it really does make sense to go if you have an extra day or two.

Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls

Like most of Canada, the best time to visit Niagara Falls is during the warmer summer months . However, spring and fall can be great times as well, and usually a little less busy. The winter is also beautiful but there are fewer attractions to enjoy and the weather can be quite cold. In addition, there is a lot more daylight in the summer months, so you can really milk a day for all its worth.

The summer months in Ontario are hot and humid, which is why this is the prime time to visit Niagara Falls. The sun is out, the sky is blue, and the weather is nice and hot. However, it’s also incredibly busy from mid-June until September, so if you’re visiting this time, you should book well in advance and expect higher fees for hotels.

As we mentioned, spring and fall are great times as well. May and June, September and October, offer nice weather that is still warm but not hot, and also fewer crowds.

Winter in Canada is a beautiful time for snow-covered scenery, but as mentioned, outdoor attractions are limited (or just different) and you will need warm clothes to really enjoy it. However, Niagara Falls is one of the top destinations for New Years Eve parties, typically with big outdoor concerts, fireworks, and more. So, it all depends on what you’re looking for!

Getting Around Niagara Fall

Niagara Falls is relatively small and easy to get around. The main area, including the falls themselves, many of the attractions, Clifton Hill area, and downtown are basically within walking distance. For many of the other attractions slightly further away, such as the Whirlpool Aero Car, there are WEGO buses everywhere, which are buses created to help tourists get around.

Most people visiting Niagara Falls stay downtown or next to the falls, so walking to most attractions is totally feasible.

WEGO runs three coloured lines with routes that cover downtown Niagara Falls, the attractions that run along the river north towards the Floral Clock, Lundy’s Lane, and an extension shuttle service from April to October that takes you to Niagara on the Lake.

The three lines conveniently meet around the Table Rock Visitor Centre at Horseshoe Falls. You can learn more about the routes and prices here. In addition, you can always snag a taxi or an Uber as well.

If you want maximum convenience or plan to travel further, we can certainly recommend a rental car as well. We’re almost always on some sort of Canada road trip, so we love to travel with our own vehicle.

TIP: For those travelling between downtown and the falls, it can be quite hilly. Those looking for a workout will be pleased but if you have mobility issues or just don’t feel up to it, there’s an Incline Railway that goes from the Fallsview downtown area to the Table Rock Welcome Centre (more or less).

Where to Eat in Niagara Falls

There are hundreds of restaurants in Niagara Falls to choose from. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or casual food, there’s something for everyone. We’ll simply list a few options below to give you some ideas.

Prime Steakhouse : I’m not sure if we’ve ever seen such a perfect rating for a restaurant. According to TripAdvisor, this restaurant has more than 1,600 reviews, with an average of 5-stars! We love a good steak, so if that’s what you’re after, and you don’t mind paying for it, this is the place to go. There are also fantastic views of the falls.

Queen Charlotte Tea Room : For lunch, another 5-star heavily-reviewed restaurant in Niagara Falls is the Queen Charlotte Tea Room. They’re popular for their High Tea but they also serve classic meals such as Fish N Chips and Roast Beef Dinner.

Doc Magilligan’s Restaurant & Irish Pub : Located within the lovely Best Western Plus Cairn Croft Hotel, this is one of the best Irish Pubs we’ve had dinner at. Whether you opt for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they have something great on the menu. For us personally, we loved the Bangers & Mash, the Taste of Ireland sampler, and the Shepherd’s Pie.

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls

As one of Canada’s prime tourist destinations, there’s no shortage of hotels and accommodation options.

If budget is no issue and you’re looking for beautiful views of the falls right from your bedroom, there are a few options such as:

– Embassy Suites by Hilton – Tower Hotel at Fallsview – Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa – Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview – Marriott on the Falls

If you don’t care about the view, don’t like the prices, or there’s simply no availability, the next best option is to stay somewhere downtown. As mentioned earlier in this travel guide, most hotels, motels, and BnBs are within walking distance of most of the attractions.

Some cool options that also have views of the American Falls include the Sheraton on the Falls and Quality Hotel Fallsview Cascade , which is actually more towards the budget side of Niagara Falls hotels.

During our stay, we stayed at the Best Western Plus Cairn Croft Hotel , which is a little further out of the way but has all the comforts and amenities that Best Western is known for, as well as a popular Irish Pub, which is great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

In addition, there are quite a few Bed and Breakfast Guesthouses in quieter parts of the city where you can feel more like a local and stay in a charming cosy place rather than a big hotel.

For more things to do in Ontario, check out our other travel guides below:

• Things to Do in Ontario
• Things to Do in Toronto
• Things to Do in Ottawa
• Ontario Road Trips

About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

May 4, 2022 at 9:58 pm

I love Niagara <3 I've never been to the Bird Kingdom, but it sounds like it's a lot of fun!

May 28, 2022 at 8:45 am

We have been so many times and there is always something new to do or try! My kids love going and I love seeing their faces light up! We are already discussing our next visit!

September 7, 2022 at 4:54 am

This is a great comprehensive Guid to Niagara

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Niagara Falls: 4 Mistakes to Avoid & What to do Instead

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When we took our first trip to Niagara Falls more than a decade ago, I was convinced it would be our last. It wasn’t that impressive, the area seemed kind of tacky and in three hours we felt like we’d seen more than we really needed to.

It turns out we were doing it wrong. We made plenty of Niagara Falls “rookie mistakes”, but fortunately I learned from them and our visit at the end of our epic New York/Canada road trip . Our second trip to Niagara Falls was far more successful, so I’m here to share what I’ve learned along the way: the best things to do in Niagara Falls and what not to do in Niagara Falls. You’ll also find out where to stay in Niagara Falls, how to get around Niagara Falls Canada and more in this Niagara Falls trip planning guide.

Where to stay in Niagara Falls (Canadian side)

I’ll discuss the reasons why more below, but I strongly recommend that you get a hotel on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. There are a few features I’d look out for that are specific to staying overnight in Niagara Falls, and in my opinion a clear winner .

• Falls view: The point of staying overnight in Niagara Falls is to have an amazing view at all hours, so don’t skimp on this! If you’re using a hotel comparison engine to narrow things down by price, they generally show you the cheapest available room rather than the room with the view you want – prepare to do some digging.
• Accessibility to Niagara Falls viewing area: The vast majority of Niagara Falls hotels with a view are located along Fallsview Blvd. However , that’s up a fairly steep hill from the platforms along Niagara Parkway and there’s basically just one pedestrian route connecting them – Murray Street.
• Breakfast: In 2022 none of the hotels were offering free breakfast, and it showed. I kid you not that the line at the closest Tim Horton’s was out the door and all the way along the outside wall of the shop at 9am! For 2023, it looks like complimentary breakfast is back on at many hotels. If you’re planning ahead for a visit during the busy summer season, try to book a hotel that will serve a quick breakfast and get you out the door and on your way to the top Niagara Falls attractions.

Speaking of planning ahead, the good rooms at best hotels in Niagara Falls do book up early! Don’t miss out on a room with a view of Niagara Falls, especially if you’re visiting in the summer.

So which hotel do I think you should stay at in Niagara Falls? To me the winner is Embassy Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview – which is not where we stayed . The Embassy Suites has a front-and-center view of both the American and Canadian sides for the nighttime light show, and it’s one of the best hotels where you can see the Niagara Falls fireworks! It’s one of the tallest hotels in Niagara Falls, so there are lots of opportunities for an excellent view. The hotel includes free breakfast and an evening manager’s reception, plus there’s a Starbucks in the lobby.

The other piece that makes the Embassy Suites a stand-out is the Niagara Falls Incline Railway in its backyard. Instead of hoofing it all the way to the Casino and traversing the steep hill of Murray Street, you can pay a few dollars to be deposited right where you want to go: the main viewing platform for Niagara Falls and the Niagara Falls Welcome Center. The Incline Railway is a miniature funicular and you can buy unlimited rides for just over $6 CAD per day. While the Niagara Falls Incline Railway is available to anyone willing to pay, the convenience for Embassy Suites guests is just unparalleled.

Check prices on these sites to make sure you get the best deal on the Embassy Suites in Niagara Falls:

If the Embassy Suites is so great, why didn’t we stay there? First, because I didn’t fully realize how isolated most of Fallsview Blvd is from Niagara Parkway (and when we arrived late at night the hotel clerk didn’t mention that we could shorten our walk by catching the Incline Railway). But second, I booked relatively last-minute for a holiday weekend and the cost would have been much more than I was willing to swallow.

As a compromise, we stayed up the street at the Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview . Check out our view above! In addition to the cheaper room, parking cost a reasonable $25 CAD compared with $70 CAD at Embassy Suites (yes, you read that right).

The Radisson isn’t nearly as tall as many of its neighbors and it’s located behind them (specifically this one ), but they do offer several rooms (including ours) with excellent views. Check out our view here! It flies a little “under the radar” compared to some of its neighbors so you may be more likely to score a deal compared with other Fallsview hotels. The staff was very helpful and the kids couldn’t get enough of the enormous polar bear in the lobby.

Check prices for the Radisson Niagara Falls here:

If neither of these strikes your fancy, this handy map should help you find a great hotel that meets your location needs and budget:

Niagara Falls Mistakes to Avoid

Want to have an amazing trip to Niagara Falls? Be sure not to make these mistakes – including a few that we’ve made in the past .

DON’T: Stay only on the American side

On our first visit to Niagara Falls, many years ago, we were driving from Buffalo and made a quick stop en route to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Stopping on the American side of Niagara Falls made sense for our plans so that’s what we did.

Unfortunately, the view from the American side of Niagara Falls is… incomplete. You can’t see all of Horseshoe Falls, and you’re standing right next to American Falls so that you can’t see all of that either when you’re in Niagara Falls State Park. When you’re debating Niagara Falls Canada vs New York, the winner is clear.

The only reason to skip the Canadian side of Niagara Falls in favor of the American side is if you don’t have a passport or you’re in a huge rush coming from the New York. If you have enough time, feel free to stop at both!

I won’t go into depth on the tourist attractions in Niagara Falls NY, but you’ll want to check out both Maid of the Mist and Niagara Falls observation tower (which extends over Niagara River Gorge) so that you can see American Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Under the encouragement of Frederick Law Olmsted, the area surrounding the falls was wisely preserved as America’s first state park so there are plenty of beautiful free viewpoints.

Book a photoshoot

We always love to book a photoshoot when we’re traveling. As a mom, it’s tough to get in the photos since I’m always behind the camera. We use Flytographer to capture our memories. You can get $25 off your shoot by booking with this link or using code FAMILYVOYAGE.

DON’T: Get sucked into a scam

Confession time: on that ill-fated first trip to Niagara Falls, we didn’t do any research. We were just taking a quick side trip from Buffalo and we assumed everything would be straightforward. Go take in a view point, take a ride on Maid of the Mist and then move on to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Everything seemed fine as we pulled into the parking lot at One Niagara Welcome Center (pictured above so that you can avoid it) – it offers some of the cheapest parking in Niagara Falls New York. But once in the lot, we were funneled into the massive, official-looking building in order to access the Falls.

Since they advertise attraction tickets we asked to buy tickets for Maid of the Mist. They were happy to sell us tickets, but told us that the only way to go on Maid of the Mist was as part of a tour to see several Niagara Falls sites. That was an out and out lie, but we only found out after we had paid and been herded onto a shuttle bus that took us miles away (with other unsuspecting tourists) to see some other part of the Niagara River. At the end of the tour, more than an hour later, we were dropped off at the actual entrance to Maid of the Mist and handed bulk-purchased tickets.

Needless to say the experience left a bad taste in our mouths, as we felt we’d been cheated of our time, our money and our preference to be independent travelers. Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York State and has the infrastructure to match – just don’t get suckered.

Read more: How to make the most of 24 hours in Toronto

DON’T: Spend all of your time mobbed by tourists

The most popular place in Niagara Falls, Canada is the walkway between the Table Rock Visitors Center and the boarding area for Niagara City Cruises, then continuing up to the Clifton Hill entertainment area. It’s packed!

Don’t be afraid to get away from the crows to have a different Niagara Falls experience. We found it much more peaceful on either end of Niagara Parkway (closer to Rainbow Bridge and near the Niagara Parks Power Station ). After being packed like sardines on a 700 person boat, finding ourselves virtually alone in Bird Kingdom was a welcome change – more on that below!

Another great way to avoid huge crowds is to visit Niagara Falls in winter !

DON’T: Leave after just a few hours

While you could get a quick taste of Niagara Falls just by looking out from the platform and taking a boat tour, you’d be missing out! Seeing Niagara Falls illuminated at night, getting below the Falls, watching fireworks over the American Falls, checking out an aerial view of Horseshoe Falls… there’s just so much to do that it’s worth spending at least 1 day in Niagara Falls.

We arrived in Niagara Falls mid-afternoon and departed just before lunch the following day. That allowed us enough time to see the Falls both day and night, and also minimized our crowded, tourist-priced meals.

Even if you’re only exploring the Niagara Falls American side, it’s still worth catching the unique side view of the illuminated American Falls before checking into your Niagara Falls New York hotel for the night.

Niagara Falls Things to Do

We’ve gone over what not to do, but what are the best things to do in Niagara Falls? Here are a few absolute “musts” along with Niagara Falls tips to ensure everything goes smoothly for you. Don’t forget to slow down and enjoy how pretty the area is!

DO: Get a room with a view

I’m not normally a hotel splurger, and I hesitate to even call our one night at the Fallsview Radisson a “splurge” at just over $300 USD. But there’s truly something special about seeing Niagara Falls from above during both the day and night. I even went to sleep with the window shade up a bit so that I could watch the light show on Horseshoe Falls from bed.

Since I went over the Fallsview hotels I recommend above I won’t rehash them now, but be sure to review those options carefully. Here are a few quick picks:

• Embassy Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview
• Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview
• Map view with more options

DO: Take a boat tour

One of the most classic things to do in Niagara Falls is a boat tour, either Maid of the Mist on the New York side or Niagara City Cruises (formerly Hornblower) on the Canadian side. The two Niagara Falls boat tours are basically the same except for the departure point and the Canadian boats are a little nicer in my opinion. They both cross in front of the American Falls and then proceed into the thundering water of Horseshoe Falls for a drenching. Thankfully both boats give visitors a poncho to stay dry – red on the Canadian side and blue on the American side.

How long is the Niagara Falls boat tour? Surprisingly, it’s only about 20 minutes. But allow plenty of time for the complete “experience” if you’re visiting Niagara Falls in the summer – from the time we got in line to board to the time we disembarked it was a solid hour, plus a few more minutes waiting for an elevator back to the top.

What should you wear for Maid of the Mist or Hornblower? On a small adult carrying a backpack, the poncho goes to about knee length. I chose to wear shorts and waterproof shoes to avoid walking around soggy for the rest of the day. The ponchos extend much further on kids obviously, so only their shoes were exposed. One kid wore Keens while the other wore these boots and both stayed dry and comfortable.

Where is the best place to stand on a Niagara City Cruise? We took our Niagara Falls cruise in the afternoon, and it worked out great to park ourselves near the front of the boat a little toward the American side. We had a fantastic view of all three waterfalls for almost the entire boat ride and didn’t have the sun in our eyes except for a brief time at the end (when we were already soaked from Horseshoe Falls and didn’t care).

Can you take a baby on Maid of the Mist or Niagara City Cruises (Hornblower)? There’s no age restriction on children riding the Hornblower/Niagara City Cruises/Maid of the Mist. However , you need to think carefully about how you’re going to bring your baby on board. The provided ponchos do a very good job of keeping your upper half dry, but wouldn’t be safe for babywearing since they’re totally unbreathable.

The family next to us actually brought their entire stroller/car seat travel system on board but quickly seemed to realize it wasn’t a great choice: absolutely everything was soaked as soon as we got near Horseshoe Falls and there’s a risk that their car seat will develop rust and/or mold if not properly drained and air dried very quickly. At some point they took their overwhelmed and unhappy baby out of her car seat to hold her and they did their best to hold the slippery poncho around her. I’m not sure there’s really a great way to take a baby on a Niagara Falls boat tour but hopefully this at least gives you some food for thought.

DO: See Niagara Falls from different perspectives

The water flow rate over Niagara Falls clocks in at a cool 750,000 gallons per second . It is truly jaw-dropping and a place you have to see.

But one of the most fascinating things about Niagara Falls is that it looks completely different depending on where you’re standing. Give yourself time to check it out from different angles! Obviously be sure to stop at the main viewing areas along Niagara Parkway – there’s a reason this area is the most popular place to view Niagara Falls.

I’d recommend heading to the far ends of town for a more unique perspective in addition. For instance, if you head over toward the Falls from the Niagara Parks Power Station (more on that later) you can actually get right near the water before it tumbles over the cliff… and then you can get down to the bottom of the Falls too.

Closer to (of even on ) Rainbow Bridge on the opposite side of town you’ll get a wider perspective on the Falls. You can also get that broader – and higher – perspective from the top of Skylon Tower standing 775 feet above the Falls. Be sure to check this Groupon for discounted tickets!

DO: Consider your transportation options

The simplest way to visit Niagara Falls is by car. That’s straight-forward if you’re on a road trip, but if you’re flying in you’ll want to arrive in Toronto (2-2.5 hours depending on traffic) or Buffalo (45 minutes plus time to cross the border).

While Buffalo Niagara International Airport is closer, flights may be more limited an expensive – for example, our home in Columbus is much closer to Buffalo and in the same country, but Buffalo flights are more expensive and inexplicably require a stop. Greater Rochester International Airport faces the same challenges and is even further from Niagara Falls, though it’s a good gateway to visiting the Finger Lakes NY .

Keep in mind travel document requirements, which vary based on exactly how you get to Niagara Falls, Ontario.

• Flying into Toronto: Everyone needs a valid passport book
• Flying into Buffalo and crossing overland: Adults need a passport book, passport card, enhanced drivers license ( not the same as Real ID ) or NEXUS card; children under 16 only need a birth certificate

Why does this difference in documentation matter? If you’re planning to visit Niagara Falls with kids and your family doesn’t travel overseas with any regularity, it may be cheaper to fly into Buffalo since only the adults need a passport and they may have access to less expensive alternatives.

Once you get to an airport in the region, you can consider either renting a car or taking one of the many shuttle options from Toronto or from Buffalo . Which option is right for you depends a bit on what you intend to do – if you just want to spend a day or two at the falls, don’t plan on driving or you’re staying at a hotel with crazy expensive parking then the shuttle option maybe be a great fit.

Within the town of Niagara Falls, you can walk to some locations, take the hop-on/hop-off WEGO tourist bus (particularly the blue line) or drive and park as need be. If you have a rental car, you may want to park it at your hotel as soon as you arrive in Niagara Falls and then walk or take WEGO everywhere. Daily parking at most lots that are anywhere near the falls is $25-30. I paid it one day because it made logistical sense for our plans, but it definitely hurt!

If you’re thinking about the bus, WEGO Niagara Falls bus fare in 2022 is $10 per 24 hours for adults and $7 per child. You can also combine it with a daily package for the Niagara Falls Incline Railway at $6 per day. These options are all reasonably priced, but if you’re traveling as a family then parking in one of the convenient lots may just be the most sensible choice. In the photo at the top of this section, you can see where the Incline Railway, WEGO and parking all meld together near the Table Rock Welcome Centre.

DO: Visit some less popular attractions

It seems like there are a thousand different Niagara Falls attractions – some good, some bad and apparently some ugly . This time around we managed to have a few fantastic experiences that most tourists overlook.

Niagara Parks Power Station

The  Niagara Park Power Station  just opened as an attraction in summer 2022, so it’s still a little bit of a hidden gem. It was the first major power station on the Canadian side of the Niagara River and (other than added explanatory posters) still looks much like it did when it was operational. I highly recommend the guided tour, which explains how the falls were used to generate electricity, the fascinating history of the power plant and how it impacted the entire Niagara region.

After the tour, you’ll take a glass elevator down 180 feet and then walk the half-mile tunnel that used to carry water back into the Niagara River at the base of the falls. The viewing platform adjacent to Horseshoe Falls provides a fantastic perspective. It’s not as immersive as Maid of the Mist and Niagara City Cruises, but without the sheer power of Niagara Falls blinding you with its spray.

We spent about 2.5 hours at the Power Station including the guided tour and tunnel. The tunnel is cooler than it is outside, so you’ll want to throw a sweatshirt in your bag to be prepared or wear a long sleeved shirt. There are ponchos available (you can see them in yellow in the photo above) in case the wind picks up and brings spray toward the platform, but it’s less common than on the boat tours.

Bird Kingdom

We often prefer to visit locally-themed attractions when we travel, but an Ontario family we met over the summer convinced me that Bird Kingdom was well worth a visit. They were absolutely right! Be sure to add this to your plans for a family vacation to Niagara Falls, Canada.

Before I tell you how great the experience is, it’s good to know that Bird Kingdom is accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums – their residents come from other zoos, from the Species Survival Program, from surrenders by private owners and other ethical means. It’s run professionally and prioritizes animal welfare.

Now that the critical stuff is covered, our experience at Bird Kingdom was just as lovely as our Canadian friends promised! Even though we visited on Sunday afternoon of a holiday weekend, we were just about the only people there. We spent tons of time privately enjoying the company of parrots, macaws and other exotic birds while peppering their human caregiver with questions about their behaviors, personalities and care. The kids and I were all enthralled!

The biggest claim to fame is that Bird Kingdom is the world’s largest indoor free-fly aviary. You can easily spend an hour watching a huge variety of birds flying around just being birds! There’s also a fun opportunity to feed the adorable lorikeets.

Thankfully Bird Kingdom has its own two-level parking garage that costs a very reasonable $3 per hour! You pay at the machine with a credit card and just pop the receipt in your windshield. Because Bird Kingdom is past the Rainbow Bridge, it’s much quieter than everything closer to the Falls. We parked our car there and made the quick walk over to Niagara City Cruises, then came back after the boat ride to spend an hour with the birds – Bird Kingdom is open until 6:30 in the summer (last admission 5:45).

We found the cheapest ticket prices through their (permanent?) Groupon using one of the frequently-available coupons to save on local activities.

DO: Drive for food if you need to

As I scoured Yelp for the best Niagara Falls restaurants, I was struck by the high prices and mediocre reviews paired with exhausting wait times reported for nearly every spot close to the Falls or the popular (and ultra-crowded) Clifton Hill entertainment area. Since I have no tolerance for that combination of traits, I asked some locals where to head for a better experience.

The universal suggestion was to head to the Lundy’s Lane district, about 3km from Clifton Hill. It’s a quick drive but offers better restaurants and little to no wait time even when we visited on a crowded holiday weekend. We had a nice, quiet Thai meal at Micah’s Bistro . Another recommended option is Italian restaurant Carpaccio just across the street.

The great news is that if you’ve chosen to rely on WEGO to get around Niagara Falls, you can take the red line to Dorchester Road to access some of these good restaurants in Niagara Falls.

For a truly special dining experience, head to nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake for dinner at HOB NOB . It’s housed in a restored 1832 Victorian manor that’s also the location of The Charles Hotel . We dined there for our anniversary what seems like a lifetime ago and it remains a memorable experience! While I know I suggested above staying in Niagara Falls and I still stand by that, I’ll forgive you for choosing the romantic charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake instead.

DO: Explore the rest of the area

The Niagara region of Ontario and western New York offer so many wonderful sites to explore! It would be a shame to overlook them. Even within just a few minutes of Niagara Falls there are a few places that should be on your radar for a Niagara Falls itinerary:

Niagara-on-the-Lake

On our first visit to the area we stayed overnight in this charming village just 15 minutes north of Niagara Falls, Ontario. It offers beautiful scenery along Lake Ontario, great dining and wonderful wineries to sample. The local specialty is ice wine, which benefits from the cold winters.

To avoid driving yourself from winery to winery, check out these two unique tour offerings:

• Small group wine tasting tour – Includes visits to three hand-selected wineries to showcase a variety of styles and sizes
• Vine and Dine winery bike tour – During our visit we saw just how bike-friendly the region is, so this will be our pick next time! You’ll visit four wineries and enjoy a picnic lunch all while getting in your exercise for the day.

Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center

While most of this article showcases things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, there’s one spot that’s on my personal “to visit” list for Niagara Falls, New York: the Underground Railroad Heritage Center . We missed it only because it wasn’t open the day we were on the New York side of Niagara Falls! This is a must-visit if you’re considering a 4 day Niagara Falls itinerary, which would give you plenty of time to explore both sides.

This region played a critical role in the search for freedom by self-emancipated Black Americans. Translation? Even as formerly enslaved people traveled up the East Coast or through Ohio away from “slave states”, the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 kept them at risk as long as they remained in the United States. Thousands of people flooded across the Niagara River Suspension Bridge to reach safety and freedom in Canada – you can read more details here .

At the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center you’ll learn the stories of individual freedom seekers and pay homage to their lives through a unique art, interactive exhibits and more. Guided tours are available morning and afternoon most days of the week.

Visiting Niagara Falls Canada FAQs

Niagara Falls is the connection point between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. It straddles the border between southern Ontario, Canada and western New York State.

The Canadian side of Niagara Falls affords a more complete view and robust tourism infrastructure for visiting Niagara Falls.

If you don’t have the time or documentation to cross the border to see Niagara Falls’ Canadian side, it’s still worth a quick visit to the American side.

You can get a great taste of Niagara Falls in 24 hours.

While Americans do not need a passport to see Niagara Falls from New York, you do need a passport, passport card, NEXUS card or enhanced drivers license to access the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

It’s possible to plan a car-free trip to Niagara Falls as long as you budget for transportation from a nearby airport.

If you’re trying to figure out how to get from NYC to Niagara Falls, you first need to recognize that they’re nowhere close to each other: the drive time is almost 7 hours if you don’t hit any traffic. The best way to get to Niagara Falls from NYC is to fly to Buffalo and hop in an Uber or grab a rental car .

Where to go next

It’s easy to extend your trip to Niagara Falls with these great options nearby!

• 9 Tips for Visiting Niagara Falls in the Winter (by a Local)
• An Incredible New York & Canada Road Trip
• How To Make The Most Of One Day In Toronto
• 10 Unmissable Things to do in Montreal
• Where to stay in Montreal with kids
• Quebec City Itinerary: 3 Days of History, Beauty and Beyond
• Whale Watching in Quebec: The Perfect Day Trip
• 8 Awesome Things to do in the Finger Lakes with Kids this Summer
• Watkins Glen State Park Hiking Tips
• How to Spend Your First Weekend In Pittsburgh and Love Every Minute of It

Still planning? Pin this for later!

What to read next

12 thoughts on “niagara falls: 4 mistakes to avoid & what to do instead”.

Can I fly into Buffalo and stay in Canada??

Hi Cynthia,

Absolutely! But you’ll need a passport to cross the border.

Safe travels, Melissa

I must say that shared information is really good. I will try to visiit this fall again!

My family and I just came back from the Falls and had a wonderful time. I wish I saw this well written blog prior to our stay, such valuable information!!! Definitely do Maid and the Mist that was extremely fun for the my family. Enjoy your trip and thanks for this insightful information, which I will definitely us upon our return.

I’m so glad you guys enjoyed all of the things to do in Niagara Falls!

Safe travels,

My daughter and I are in Toronto for just four days, and I rented a car from 6 PM Thursday to 6 PM Friday so we could drive out to London to see Western University. I thought about trying to cram in the most American thing ever… a drive-by visit to Niagara Falls!

Thanks to your article I was able to make a plan that worked fine. We left downtown Toronto at 6 AM, arrived at the Falls at 7:30 AM, turned towards the power station and parked in the tour bus only lot that is just 50 yards from the best view of all. No one is out enforcing anything at that time in the morning, so we got a few photos and a video and made it to Western with half an hour to spare. On the return trip we got the car back with another half hour to spare.

Couldn’t follow your recommendations to really take everything in, but it’s better to have seen it than not, yes? I thought it was so majestic at that hour, though very misty.

That’s a quick trip but I’m glad you made it there!

Enjoy your next adventure,

Such great information! We’re planning a trip next summer. Thanks for taking the time to write all of this out.

I’m so glad you found it helpful! Have an amazing trip to Niagara Falls.

Hi Melissa, planning our first family trip to Niagara Falls. Planning to visit both the US and the CAN side. From research, it seems choosing to stay in a hotel on the CAN side is preferred. We are flying from Louisiana. Should we fly into Toronto (YYZ)? 2 hour ride to get to Ontario. However, I don’t know if it would be feasible to fly into closer Niagara Falls Airport (IAG) then cross the Rainbow Bridge with all four of us pulling our carryon luggage to get to our CAN hotel. Thoughts?? Thank you. Really informative blog!

Hi Melanie, thanks for stopping by! The bridge is pretty long and I wouldn’t choose to cross on foot with luggage. Are you renting a car? It’s simple to cross by car.

Nice post. This wasn’t what I was searching for but I still liked reading it.

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Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse you can see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 7, 2024 / 7:29 PM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse crosses North America on April 8, 2024, with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show where and when astronomy fans can see the big event . 

The total eclipse will first appear along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then travel across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon will fully block out the sun , according to NASA. The path will range between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse will start over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT on April 8, according to NASA. From there, the path will continue into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse will exit continental North America around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality includes the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. are included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others will see a partial eclipse. Here are some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — if the weather cooperates :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse will reach totality across the path

The eclipse will begin in the U.S. on the afternoon of April 8. It will first be visible as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and progressing along its path to the northeast over the next few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. You can also  check your ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse will reach you if you're on, or near, the path of totality. 

How much of the eclipse will you see if you live outside of the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse will cover a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may spot a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer you are to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that will be hidden.

NASA allows viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun will be covered in their location.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality have a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You can check the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where will the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, will get to experience totality for the longest. Totality there will last 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes long, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. come close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, will have a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

After the April 8 eclipse, the next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse than the upcoming one on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse, but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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Niagara Falls declares state of emergency in advance of huge influx of eclipse visitors

Precautionary measure taken as more than a million people expected to visit.

Surge of eclipse chasers expected in Niagara Falls

Social sharing.

The mayor of Niagara Falls, Ont., says a state of emergency declared in the region is a precautionary measure ahead of an expected large influx of people coming to observe the total solar eclipse.

More than a million people are expected to flock to the border city, home to the iconic waterfall, on April 8 to observe the moon entirely blocking the sun's rays for a few minutes, Jim Diodati told CBC News on Friday.

He said it would be the largest single-day spike in tourists in the city's history.

The expected large crowds — which Diodati says will include scientists from the Canadian Space Agency and NASA — prompted the Niagara region to declare a state of emergency on Thursday.

The measure, it says, "strengthens the tools the region has at its disposal to safeguard the health and safety of residents and visitors and protect our critical infrastructure in any scenario that might arise."

'Come prepared' when visiting Niagara Falls for the eclipse, mayor says

Officials say they are concerned the large number of people could overwhelm traffic, emergency services and cellphone networks.

Diodati noted that by declaring a state of emergency as a precaution, it "potentially opens us up if we need any assistance with funding, provincially or federally."

• Hunting for eclipse glasses? This Quebec teen is among those trying to help

He added the declaration signals to visitors that they should be "mindful of the situation" and come prepared.

The rare eclipse is expected to be observed in Mexico first at around 11:07 a.m. PT, when the moon will move in between Earth and the sun. Its path will take it through the United States before it moves to parts of southern Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Why you’ll never see it again | About That

The eclipse is set to cast a partial shadow in several parts of southern Ontario. Observers in Niagara Falls, as well as those in the nearby communities of Hamilton and Grimsby, can expect total darkness for about three minutes sometime between 2 and 4 p.m. ET.

The total eclipse will be the first seen in Ontario since 1979. National Geographic declared Niagara Falls to be one of the best places to see it.

"It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where one of the great natural wonders is going to meet one of the great celestial events at the same time, at the same place," Diodati said.

With files from The Canadian Press

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Once-in-a-lifetime event: Total solar eclipse

From: Canadian Space Agency

Media advisory

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronauts Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques, will participate in events in Montreal and Niagara Falls to highlight a rare celestial event, the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

Longueuil , Quebec, April 5, 2024   — The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne , Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Canadian Space Agency ( CSA ) astronauts Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques , will participate in events in Montreal and Niagara Falls to highlight a rare celestial event, the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 .

Many Canadians in eastern Canada will have the opportunity to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event. The eclipse's path of totality will pass through some cities and towns in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.

People wishing to witness this rare event must take the appropriate safety measures to prevent eye damage.

Media who wish to interview a CSA expert about the solar eclipse are asked to contact the CSA 's Media Relations Office. Interview requests for Minister Champagne must be coordinated directly with his office.

CSA experts will participate in the following events:

Contact information

Canadian Space Agency Media Relations Office Telephone: 450-926-4370 Email: [email protected] Website: www.asc-csa.gc.ca Follow us on social media !

Page details

Tomorrow's the day: Here's your total solar eclipse weather forecast

Tomorrow is the day serious eclipse fans have been waiting years for.

Monday afternoon, weather permitting, a total eclipse of the sun will grace the skies above the U.S., all the way from southern Texas to northern Maine.

It will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the lower 48 states until 2044.

Tens of millions of people in the United States are expected to see the eclipse, and even those who find themselves outside its direct path are likely to witness the  stunning celestial event  in some form. 

Here's the latest weather forecast:

Where will the solar eclipse be visible? A 'nearly perfect day' for some

Federal forecasters said the best chances for clear skies within the path of totality will be in northern New England, despite some chilly temperatures: "New England will likely wake up to clearing skies with cold temperatures into the 20s Monday morning under a fresh snow cover from the recent nor'easter," National Weather Service forecaster Kwan-Yin Kong said Sunday .

The weather service forecast office in Caribou, Maine , confirmed that Sunday. "Despite being in a relatively active stormy period, somehow we scored a nearly perfect day Monday to observe the eclipse under sunny to mostly sunny skies during the mid-afternoon hours," the service said in a forecast discussion.

In Burlington, Vermont , weather service forecasters also were optimistic, despite the chance of some high clouds streaming in during the afternoon: "Cloud cover should not be thick enough to obscure the event," forecasters said.

Get ready: The total solar eclipse is Monday: Here's everything to know, including time, path, safety

Meteorologists at Weather.com were also enthused about the splendid forecast for the region: "The portion of the path of totality in northern New England could have some of the best weather in the country for viewing," meteorologist Jonathan Erdman said.

There probably will be breaks in the clouds from northern Arkansas to central Ohio behind a front. But that is the area of "greatest uncertainty due to potential high clouds," the Weather Prediction Center said.

Outside the path of totality, which stretches from Texas to Maine, AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said, "the best locations for viewing can be the Southwest deserts, much of California, New England and parts of the Southeast."

He said major cities such as Los Angeles, El Paso, New York, Boston and Raleigh, North Carolina, should all have nice views of the eclipse from start to finish.

Where will it be cloudy?

Unfortunately for folks in the path of totality, adverse viewing conditions are expected from Missouri and Kansas southward into central and east Texas, AccuWeather said , where it is likely to be cloudy with showers and perhaps some thunderstorms.

Kong said southern Texas will wake up to considerable clouds Monday morning.

The Weather Prediction Center said Sunday afternoon that clouds may also impede viewing across Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania and parts of New York. Rain showers are possible during totality in all of those areas.

For the partial eclipse,  AccuWeather  long-range expert Joe Lundberg added that "other areas with poor viewing conditions will be from Wisconsin westward through South Dakota and Nebraska to Washington and Oregon."

Severe storms, tornadoes possible in South

Severe thunderstorms were expected to rattle portions of the southern U.S. on Monday and Tuesday.

"Multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms should develop from early afternoon Monday through Tuesday morning across a large portion of Texas, into south Oklahoma, southwest Arkansas, and west Louisiana," the Storm Prediction Center said Sunday. "A few tornadoes, scattered large to very large hail, and isolated severe wind gusts will be possible."

Big Texas cities such as Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin are all at risk of severe storms Monday, the center said.

Heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding across the region, the Weather Prediction Center warned.

What time is the solar eclipse? 

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path.  You can search by ZIP code  to find the exact time for your location. 

Can you drive during a solar eclipse? 

It's  safe to drive during an eclipse  as long as you don't look up at the sky. AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road during the total solar eclipse. 

The automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the eclipse to find a safe place to park and wear your eclipse glasses. 

Authorities also are reminding people to  not drive while wearing solar eclipse glasses . Eclipse glasses are designed specifically for an eclipse, and you would not be able to see the road well enough while wearing them.

Canada will get to see the show, too

The eclipse also will grace the skies above five eastern provinces of Canada. It's the first of its kind since 1979 in Canada, and it is creating a carnival atmosphere there. Many people have been making travel plans for months.

In the Niagara Falls area, the local government has declared a state of emergency. More than 1 million people, a record, are expected to converge along the majestic falls and the popular tourist destination.

Your dogs and cats will be fine

Don't worry, your dog or cat probably will be oblivious to the eclipse, according to Pasco, a science education company.

"It is unlikely that dogs and cats will react to solar eclipses, as they typically do not have a strong biological or behavioral response to changes in light or natural phenomena like eclipses," Pasco reports.

Just in case, Pasco recommends you keep your pets inside during the eclipse and distract them with toys or treats.

How to photograph a solar eclipse with your cellphone

You'll need to have the  right solar filter in front of your cellphone camera  to protect both your device  and eyesight , according to Carly Stocks, a Utah-based astronomical photographer who talked to USA TODAY.

The filter must be  made specifically for solar viewing , Stocks said. She also emphasized the need to place a filter that is larger than the lens itself and to keep it on at all times if you're in a location where the eclipse is only partially visible. She recommends purchasing a small 4- by 4-inch sheet of the Thousand Oaks solar filter.

And if you're observing the sky in a location where the total eclipse is visible, you'll have a moment when you can take off the solar lens entirely and capture unfiltered images.

"During totality, you can remove all filters," Stocks told USA TODAY. "If you're looking with the solar glasses and you don't see anything, then it's safe to look at it during that time."

When is the next total solar eclipse visible from the U.S.?

It will be  20 years  before there's a chance to  witness a total solar eclipse  in the United States again.

According to NASA, after the total solar  eclipse  on April 8, the next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

NASA will launch 3 rockets into space during the eclipse

NASA is preparing to launch three giant rockets into our atmosphere on the day of the eclipse. The agency is hoping to gather some valuable scientific data about  how solar eclipses alter Earth’s upper atmosphere .

NASA is using spacecraft called  sounding rockets  that are equipped with scientific instruments to take measurements and perform experiments during its sub-orbital flight.

The three rockets will launch from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia and will reach an intended altitude of 260 miles,  NASA said . That's high enough to study disturbances  during a total solar eclipse  in the ionosphere, a region of Earth’s atmosphere between 55 to 310 miles above the ground.

Scientists hope to collect data on how the sun's sudden disappearance during the eclipse creates disturbances that could interfere with communications here on Earth.

“Understanding the ionosphere and developing models to help us predict disturbances is crucial to making sure our increasingly communication-dependent world operates smoothly," said mission leader  Aroh Barjatya , an engineering physicist at Florida's Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Contributing: Reuters ; Dan D’Ambrosio , the Burlington Free Press ; Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY

Niagara Falls declares state of emergency ahead of expected one million Solar Eclipse tourists

Niagara Falls has declared a state of emergency ahead of an expected one million solar eclipse tourists on Monday, April 8.

The eclipse on April 8 will be the first to touch the province since 1979, and Niagara Falls was declared by National Geographic to be one of the best places to see it. The city is in the path of totality, where the moon will entirely block the sun’s rays for a few minutes. Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati said earlier in March that he expects the most visitors his city has ever seen in a single day.

The regional municipality of Niagara is proactively invoking a state of emergency to prepare for the event. The declaration announced Thursday sets in motion some additional planning tools to prepare for the day, which could involve major traffic jams, heavier demands on emergency services and cell phone network overloads.

READ MORE: Solar eclipse 2024: How path could shift meaning some towns could miss out on rare event

The eclipse will reach Mexico's Pacific coast in the morning, cut diagonally across the United States from Texas to Maine, and exit in eastern Canada by late afternoon. Most of the rest of the continent will see a partial eclipse. However, experts have said the line of totality for Monday's solar eclipse may change, meaning scientists are now advising people to visit multiple locations to witness the celestial event.

Expert in eclipse calculations John Irwin has calculated that the line of totality, or when the Moon totally blocks out the sun, for the solar eclipse is actually 600 yards narrower than what NASA has officially predicted.

This implies that your window of opportunity to view the eclipse may be much smaller if you were hoping to watch it from a location near the edge of the path of totality. Effingham, Illinois, Crawfordsville, Frankfort, Kokomo, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, as well as Canton, Columbus, and Cincinnati, Ohio, were all expected to lose a little bit of visibility as the totality zone stretched northeast.

Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.

'By accounting for the topography of both the moon and the Earth, precise eclipse prediction has brought new attention to a tiny but real uncertainty about the size of the sun,' a NASA spokesperson said.

The forecasts indicate that the city of Rome was now nearly completely squeezed out of the zone, and that the tiny villages of Penn Yan, Dresden, and Romulus were badly affected in the Finger Lake region of New York. Parts of Drummondville, Lumsden, Toronto, Montreal, and Drummondville, Canada were also missing their share of this once-in-a-lifetime celestial extravaganza.

Luca Quaglia, one of Irwin's collaborators, told Forbes that he thinks their prediction is more accurate because they measured the sun and moon more precisely rather than relying on commonly used figures that are derived from calculations of the sun's size that have been in use since the 1800s.

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State of emergency declared as 1 million people expected to visit Niagara Falls during solar eclipse

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario -- Ontario's Niagara Region has declared a state of emergency as it prepares to welcome up to a million visitors for the solar eclipse in early April.

The total solar eclipse on April 8 will be the first to touch the province since 1979, and Niagara Falls was declared by National Geographic to be one of the best places to see it.

The city is in the path of totality, where the moon will entirely block the sun's rays for a few minutes. Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati said earlier in March that he expects the most visitors his city has ever seen in a single day.

The regional municipality of Niagara is proactively invoking a state of emergency to prepare for the event. The declaration announced Thursday sets in motion some additional planning tools to prepare for the day, which could involve major traffic jams, heavier demands on emergency services and cell phone network overloads.

The eclipse will reach Mexico's Pacific coast in the morning, cut diagonally across the United States from Texas to Maine, and exit in eastern Canada by late afternoon. Most of the rest of the continent will see a partial eclipse.

Chief Meteorologist Lee Goldberg will cover the eclipse from Syracuse, New York, while meteorologist Brittany Bell will be reporting from Niagara Falls. Plus, we invite you to watch

ABC News and National Geographic's "Eclipse Across America" live on April 8 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. EDT on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu.

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Will the weather affect the view of the eclipse? Check the forecast for Canadian cities on the path of totality

For more than a year, sky watchers have been looking forward to the total solar eclipse on April 8 . They’ve booked their travel, stocked up on eclipse glasses and staked out their viewing spots. But no matter where they go, eclipse chasers also have to reckon with the weather.

The southern end of the eclipse track in Mexico and Texas is the least likely to be cloudy at this time of year, writes Ivan Semeniuk in the Globe’s Climate newsletter.

But the current forecast for the Southern U.S. is looking less favourable, with overcast to mainly cloudy skies during eclipse day. Moving farther north, the clouds may thin out, improving the odds for viewers in the Great Lakes area.

Good prospects continue into Quebec’s Eastern Townships, despite the fact that the area is frequently cloudy in April. Moving eastward, the outlook is currently partly cloudy for Atlantic Canada.

Eclipse weather prospects

Average frequency of April cloud cover along the central line of the 2024 total eclipse

Pacific Ocean

Atlantic Ocean

Path of total

eclipse partly

Gulf of Saint

Stephenville

THE GLOBE AND MAIL, SOURCE:

NASA; JAY ANDERSON

THE GLOBE AND MAIL, SOURCE: NASA; JAY ANDERSON

This could change depending on local weather conditions in the final hours leading up to the arrival of the moon’s shadow. Check out the current weather forecasts for the Canadian cities on the eclipse’s path of totality.

Leamington, Ont., will see the eclipse at 3:12 p.m. for 2 minutes and 7 seconds. The weather forecast:

Hamilton will see the eclipse at 3:18 p.m. for 1 minute and 50 seconds. The weather forecast:

Niagara Falls will see the eclipse at 3:20 p.m. for 3 minutes and 30 seconds. The weather forecast:

Belleville, Ont., will see the eclipse at 3:21 p.m. for 2 minutes and 4 seconds. The weather forecast:

Montreal will see the eclipse at 3:26 p.m. for 1 minute and 27 seconds. The weather forecast:

Sherbrooke will see the eclipse at 3:27 p.m. for 3 minutes and 26 seconds. The weather forecast:

Miramichi, N.B., will see the eclipse at 4:34 AT for 3 minutes and 8 seconds. The weather forecast:

Alberton, PEI, will see the eclipse at 4:35 AT for 3 minutes and 3 seconds. The weather forecast:

Summerside, PEI, will see the eclipse at 4:37 AT for 1 minute and 2 seconds. The weather forecast:

Meat Cove, N.S., will see the eclipse at 4:39 AT for 1 minute and 30 seconds. The weather forecast:

Gander, N.L., will see the eclipse at 5:12 NT for 2 minutes and 13 seconds. The weather forecast:

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