The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Niagara Falls – What to Do + MAP (2024)

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Visiting Niagara Fallsis something you must do at least once in your life. Since Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother celebrated his honeymoon here more than 200 years ago, the place has been crowded with tourists. Even after all these years, this is one of the most impressive places on earth and something you must see with your own eyes.

If it’s your first timegoing to Niagara Falls, be aware that the falls are on the Niagara River between Ontario, Canada, and New York state. The American side consists of the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, while the Canadian side boasts the 164-foot Horseshoe Falls.

Besides being beautiful, Niagara Falls also has an interesting history, as it was the first state park in the United States. In 1895, the world’s first large hydroelectric power station opened here, and just a year later the famous engineer Nikola Tesla unveiled his direct current (DC) system, changing the way Buffalo, NY lit up at night.

If you are thinking of traveling here, this article will include information aboutwhat to do in Niagara Fallsso you can make the most of your visit.

How to visit Niagara Falls – Plan your Niagara Falls vacation

First, you should know that you canvisit Niagara Fallsfrom the United States or Canada. We visited them from both sides, and if you have time, I highly recommend doing it this way.

On the American side of Niagara Falls, you can enjoy beautiful natural areas, while the Canadian side of Niagara Falls has the best views of the most famous waterfall in North America.

If you don’t have time, don’t worry, because there are awesome attractions on each side that you can add to yourNiagara Falls itinerary.

In this Niagara Falls guide you’ll find:

• Where is Niagara Falls?
• Which side of Niagara Falls is better?
• Niagara Falls map
• Things to do in Niagara Falls
• Tours to Niagara Falls
• Best Niagara Falls hotels

Moreover, at the end of the article, you will find the most frequently asked questions related to a Niagara Falls vacation.

Where is Niagara Falls?

If you’re not surewhere Niagara Falls is located, it’s within the course of the Niagara River, specifically between the province of Ontario, Canada, and New York State. From the United States, the closest city to Niagara Falls is Buffalo, NY, about 20 miles away. To go to Niagara Falls from New York City, you will have to travel about 400 miles, which is about a 7-hour drive. But it’s completely worth it since it’s one of the best things to do in New York State.

Most people who take atrip to Niagara Falls, Canadado so from Toronto, which is a little over 90 miles away. That said, the cities of Hamilton and Mississauga are a bit closer, so they’re two other options.

Which side of Niagara Falls is better? – American side vs. Canadian side

If you’re short on time and can only visit one side of the falls, don’t worry. There are plenty ofthings to do in Niagara Fallson both the American and Canadian sides.

There is a huge push fortourism in Niagara Falls, so below I’m including the highlights for each side. If you can, I recommend bookingthis full-day tour, which goes to the most popular attractions in Niagara Falls, New York, and Ontario. Just remember to bring your passport and/or visa to cross the border.

Niagara Falls Canadian side

If you’re interested in sightseeing, aNiagara Falls tour of the Canadian sideis your best choice. Not only are most of the tourist attractions there, but the views of the falls are better.

There are manyunique things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada, which is why many tourists say it resembles an amusem*nt park. The mix of entertainment venues and leisurely outdoor spaces is a hit with visitors.

In Ontario, you can stand directly in front of the falls, and there are several hotels and casinos nearby. While these large accommodations are a bit imposing on the natural environment, the waterfalls provide a great backdrop while you’re staying overnight.

Niagara Falls U.S. side

For those who want more outdoor recreation and nature activities, a trip toNiagara Falls, USAwon’t disappoint.

While the views of the falls aren’t as spectacular on the American side, there are still plenty of things to do around this beautiful natural environment.

For example, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the country, so it’s worth visiting. I’ll share moreNiagara Falls tipslater, but keep in mind that the New York side offers more opportunities to connect with nature and get some fresh air away from the crowds.

Niagara Falls map – your best guide for visiting Niagara Falls

To help youplan your trip to Niagara Falls, you’ll want a map of the attractions on each side. Thismap of Niagara Falls will help you quickly locate the most popular activities and landmarks in Ontario and New York.

As you can see on the map, if you’revisiting Niagara Fallsfor entertainment and tourist attractions, the Canadian side is best, while the U.S. side is much more natural.

Things to do and places to visit in Niagara Falls

If you’re still not sure where togo in Niagara Falls, check out these main attractions in Canada and the United States.

Things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada

We also have moreNiagara Falls tipsin our guide tovisiting Niagara Falls, Canada. To make the most of our trip, we bookedthis tour, which includes a heli-tour, Voyage to the Falls boat ride, a meal at Skylon Tower, and a few other activities. It was the best way to see the falls as a first-time visitor, so I highly recommend it.

Voyage to the Falls, the official Niagara Falls boat tour on the Canadian side

ANiagara Falls boat touris one of the best ways to see the majesty of the falls. If you’re on the Canadian side, Voyage to the Falls is the best attraction, and you can get your tickethere.

This tour gets you as close to the Horseshoe Falls as possible, giving you a one-of-a-kind view of the rushing waters. The boat goes through the Niagara Gorge and passes the American and Bridal Veil Falls before inching closer to the Horseshoe Falls.

The ride will leave you speechless, and you can either stay inside the cabin or put on a poncho and go out to the deck. If you’re interested in Voyage to the Falls and other attractions on the Canadian side, I recommend booking thefull-day tourI mentioned earlier.

Journey Behind the Falls, the best way to get close to Niagara Falls

Journey Behind the Fallsis one of the top Niagara Falls tourist attractions. As the name suggests, it takes you just behind the Horseshoe Falls, offering one of thebest ways to see Niagara Falls up close.

You’ll enter at the Table Rock Center next to the falls, then take an elevator 130 feet down to the underground tunnels. This is one of the most striking experiences that you can’t replicate anywhere else, so be sure tobook your ticketin advance.

Have dinner at the Skylon Tower, the best thing to do at Niagara Falls

While you’re on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, be sure to visit Skylon Tower.

ThisNiagara Falls observation toweris nearly 520 feet tall, so it offers the best panoramic perspective of the waterfalls. Even the elevators, locally known as “Yellow bugs,” are fully paned in glass so you get stellar views.

If you are going to visit the Skylon tower you have two options:reserve your ticketto the 360° viewpoint, or dine at the Tower’s Revolving Dining Room or Summit Suite Buffet. Both restaurants have a great menu; we ate at the buffet and would go again, for sure.

We had dinner as part of thiscombo tour, which also included the Hornblower cruise, Journey Behind the Falls, and a helicopter ride.

Zipline to the Falls, a fun thing to do at Niagara Falls

Soaring over the water on a zipline is one of thetop things to do at Niagara Falls, and an experience you won’t ever forget.

The Niagara Falls zipline travels almost 2,200 feet across the Niagara Gorge to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. While it can seem terrifying and not the best for people who suffer from vertigo, it’s completely safe and even has an automatic braking system.

You can take photos from the observation platform and even fly down the zipline at the same time as your friends. Just be sure tobook in advanceso you’re sure you can experience this activity when you visit!

Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour, the best way to visit Niagara Falls

For another aerial perspective, consider aNiagara Falls helicopter tour.This 12-minute flightsoars over the Niagara Whirlpool and the Rainbow Bridge, which connects the Canadian and American sides. You’ll also be able to see Queen Victoria Park, Skylon Tower, and all of Toronto from a birds-eye view.

A helicopter ride is one of the top activities that I recommend, and you can also embark on this adventurefrom the American side. Personally, we went with thecombo tourthat also included a boat ride and dinner at Skylon Tower.

Enjoy the views from the Niagara SkyWheel

A trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario is not complete without a ride on theSkyWheel. At nearly 165 feet tall, it’s the largest observation wheel in Canada. It’s in the nearby entertainment district of Clifton Hill and boasts amazing views of the falls and beyond.

A ride on the Skywheel lasts about 10 minutes, and the cabins are fully enclosed and climate-controlled, so you can ride comfortably all year round. If you’re wonderingwhere to view Niagara Falls at night, the Skywheel is the top choice.

It’s also a popular place to see the famous Niagara Falls fireworks, so I recommendbooking a ticketin advance, especially if you want to ride at a specific date or time.

Things to do in Niagara Falls, NY

If you want tovisit Niagara Falls, NY, there are a few points of interest you shouldn’t miss. During our trip, we opted forthis tourbecause it included all the iconic spots in just a few hours. We also have a guide tovisiting Niagara Falls, USAthat you can check out.

Terrapin Point at Goat Island, the best place to see the Horseshoe Falls

One of my top Niagara Falls tipsis to get off the beaten path and check outTerrapin Point Lookout on Goat Island. Since the lookout is on the western end of the island, you’ll get awesome views of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and Niagara Gorge.

Goat Island is on the Niagara River, so you have to cross a bridge to get there. While you’re there, spend some time on the walking trails or check out the Cave of the Winds, another popular place fortourism in Niagara Falls, which I’ll mention later.

Maid of the Mist, the official Niagara Falls boat tour on the American side

One of the best ways to experienceNiagara Falls, USAis by taking a boat tour. The American tour is called theMaid of the Mistboat ride and is one of the most popular attractions on this side of the falls.

You’ll travel along the Niagara Gorge and make your way out into the Canadian waters briefly to get a spectacular view of the waterfalls before returning to theNiagara Falls U.S. side.

The boats depart every 15 minutes, and the trip takes about 20 minutes. I suggest reserving a spot in advance or bookingthis tour, which also includes access to the Cave of the Winds.

Cave of the Winds, the best thing to do on Niagara Falls’ U.S. side

TheCave of the Windsis another popularNiagara Falls U.S. attraction. It’s a series of platforms that lead to the base of the Bridal Veil Falls, behind which you can see a natural cave that was discovered in the 1830s.

As you traverse the wooden bridges and stairs, you’ll make your way across the Niagara Gorge. Wear shoes with good traction and keep your poncho handy because you will get wet. The conditions as you approach the falls are similar to those of a hurricane, and the observation platform is aptly named Hurricane Deck.

Before descending 165 feet to the wet and windy platforms, you can explore The World Changed Here Pavilion, a multimedia exhibition that explains the history of Niagara Falls. We enjoyed this attraction and did it as part of thishalf-day tour.

American Falls, one of the best places to visit in Niagara Falls

While the Horseshoe Falls in Canada are the most famous, the Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls are also very beautiful.

TheAmerican Fallsare nearly 100 feet tall and are quite an impressive sight from theU.S. side of Niagara Falls. The best place to see them is from the Prospect Point viewing area. You should also check out the view from Luna Island since it’s between the American and Bridal Veil Falls. The island isn’t that big or crowded, so it’s a unique place to see the U.S. waterfalls.

Old Fort Niagara, a must-see on Niagara Falls’ U.S. side

Old Fort Niagarais another interesting place to visit on the U.S. side. It’s located in Youngstown, where the Niagara River flows into Lake Ontario. It’s about a 20-minute drive to get there, or you could bookthis tour, which includes an optional Maid of the Mist ride.

The fort is a colonial fortification built by the French Empire in 1726. Along with the historic building, there is also a visitor center that functions as a museum. Everything is contained within Fort Niagara State Park, which supportstourism in Niagara Falls. If you’re looking for some more natural sightseeing, this area is great, as there are several nearby hiking trails.

The best time to visit Niagara Falls

You might be wonderingwhen the best time is to go to Niagara Falls, but the truth is that this place is beautiful any time of the year. Depending on what you want to do and which attractions you want to see, one season may be better than another.

For example, all the tourist attractions are open in the summer, but it’s also the most crowded time to visit and it can get pretty hot. You’ll have to book your accommodation and tour tickets months in advance, and even then, it’ll be quite expensive.

If you decide to visit in the spring, you’ll be able to see some of the tourist attractions as well as get a cheaper price for a hotel. While it’s less crowded this time of year, the weather is unpredictable. We visited in May and were lucky, but you never know.

Fall is thebest time to go to Niagara Fallsif you’re more interested in the natural surroundings. The autumn colors and foliage are gorgeous, the weather is nice, and there aren’t many tourists.

Finally, you might not think that a winter trip to Niagara Falls is a good idea since most of the attractions are closed. However, when it’s cold and the falls freeze over, it makes for one of the most extraordinary sights, and it’s something we hope to see for ourselves soon!

How to get to Niagara Falls – parking at Niagara Falls

If you’re not surehow to visit Niagara Falls, the easiest way is by car. Most people whotravel to Niagara Fallsin Canada arrive from Toronto, which is about 90 miles away. That said, the cities of Hamilton and Mississauga are closer, so those are two other options.

If you’re wonderinghow far Niagara Falls is from New York City, it’s about a 7-hour drive. Those who visit the American side usually come from Buffalo, which is just 20 miles away from the falls. That isn’t to say that you can’t take advantage of a trip to NYC by also visiting Niagara Falls. Just be aware that it’s a very long drive and it may be better to book a tour. We’ll list some options below.

You can get a rental car for your trip or go in your own vehicle, but you’ll run into the problem that parking isn’t free at Niagara Falls. On both the American and Canadian sides, you must pay for parking, unless your accommodation has a free parking lot. Considering this, it might be easier to book a tour that includes transportation or hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Tours to Niagara Falls

If you don’t have your own car or don’t feel like driving, you can get to Niagara Falls from Toronto, New York, and Buffalo by booking a tour that includes transportation. Here are the best options:

Best Niagara Falls hotels

I suggest spending at least one night in Niagara Falls so you can enjoy the beautiful lighting and fireworks. Seeing the falls in the evening is a totally different experience that you shouldn’t miss. If you’re looking forhotels in Niagara Falls, here are the top recommendations.

Hotels in Canada at Niagara Falls

We stayed overnightat a Niagara Falls hotel in Canada, theSheraton on the Falls, and the views from our hotel room were incredible. As this is one of the top accommodations in Niagara Falls, I suggest booking your room in advance.

Here’s more information on the Sheraton and other tophotels on Niagara Falls’ Canadian side:

Hotels in Niagara Falls, NY

We also stayed at aNiagara Falls hotelin New York. which was nice because we arrived at night. We spent a restful night in our hotel room and got up early in the morning so we could go straight to the attractions.

Our room was at theSeneca Niagara Resort & Casino, and although the views weren’t as impressive as the Canadian hotel, if you ask for a room on a high floor, you’ll get beautiful views of the falls. You can even see the Niagara Falls fireworks without leaving your room.

Here’s more information about the Seneca resort and other tophotels on Niagara Falls’ American side:

8 Tips to visit Niagara Falls

If you’ve read this far, you should have all the information you need for atrip to Niagara Falls. Still, I’m including some final tips here so you can make the most of your visit.

1. Plan to visit both sides of Niagara Falls

Instead of wonderingwhich side of Niagara Falls is better, plan to visit both the American and Canadian falls.

The easiest way to see both sides is by crossing the Rainbow Bridge. That said, you’re still crossing an international border, so you need the proper documentation, such as a passport, visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorization. You can check below what type of documentation you need.

If you’re renting a car, check first to see if they allow you to enter another country with the rental vehicle.

2. Book at least two days to visit Niagara Falls

Both sides of the falls are interesting and worth visiting, so make sure you book plenty of time. At least, I recommend spending two days visiting Niagara Falls, and that should give you time to check the most important attractions.

3. Stay in a hotel with a view of Niagara Falls

While there are differentNiagara Falls hotelson the Canadian and American sides, I highly recommend booking a room with a view of the falls. Fortunately, several hotels offer waterfall views, so try to reserve one on a higher floor.

On the Canadian side, the hotels with the best views are theSheraton on the Falls,Embassy Suites,The Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls,Tower Hotel at Fallsview, andHilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and Suites.

If yourNiagara Falls itineraryincludes an overnight stay on the American side, I recommend theSeneca Niagara Resort & Casino. Just be sure to reserve a room on a higher floor so you can fully see the falls.

4. Leave everything that can’t get wet in the car/hotel

There are some areas where it’s impossible not to get wet by theNiagara waterfalls, even if you wear a poncho. That said, don’t let a bit of splash and spray deter you from getting an impressive view of the falls.

One of the besttravel tips for Niagara Fallsis to leave behind anything that could be damaged by water. Either keep it in the car or your hotel room or seal it in a waterproof bag if you’re keeping it on you.

5. Take the helicopter tour of Niagara Falls

Ahelicopter tour of Niagara Falls, NYis an unforgettable experience and the best way to get a good look at the falls. I recommendthis tourfrom the American side. While it’s only a 10-minute flight, every second is mesmerizing and you can get a sense of the falls’ magnitude.

If you’re on theCanadian side of Niagara Falls, I suggest bookingthis tour. The 12-minute flight soars over the Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls, and the helicopter is one of the quietest of its kind.

6. Arrive early to find a good spot to watch the Fireworks

The Niagara Falls fireworks are one of the most popular things to see on summer evenings. The show starts every night at 10 pm, although you’ll want to find a spot 30-40 minutes beforehand. If you’re not sure where to view Niagara Falls at night, I suggest the Skywheel (at the Canada side) or Prospect Point (at the American side).

7. Treat yourself to a Niagara Falls buffet dinner

Most CanadaNiagara Falls itinerariesinclude a visit to Skylon Tower. Besides being a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the falls, the Tower has two excellent restaurants: the Revolving Dining Room and the Summit Suite Buffet.

We ate dinner at the buffet, and we would definitely eat there again. It’s one of thetop things to do at Niagara Falls, so be sure tobook a ticketto the Tower in advance. Or do what we did and takethis lunch tourwith a helicopter flight and boat cruise.

The Top of the Falls Restaurant is another place where you can eat while enjoying incredible views of the falls. This one is on Goat Island, on the American side.

8. Come back to Niagara Falls in winter

As I mentioned, thebest time to go to Niagara Fallsdepends on what you want to do and see here. While the summertime is popular with most tourists, there is something special about visiting in the winter.

There are way fewer tourists, the prices are lower, and the atmosphere is calmer and more peaceful. That said, I don’t recommend a winter trip for your first time in Niagara Falls since most of the attractions are closed.

Is Niagara Falls worth visiting?

If you’re still wondering if avisit to Niagara Fallsis worth it, I would say, without hesitation, yes!

While thebest time to visit Niagara Falls, NYis in the summer, this is also when it’s the most crowded. If you’replanning a trip to Niagara Falls, Canada, budget enough money and days so you can get to everything.

Despite all the planning and calculating involved, this is a place that you must see at least once in your life.

FAQs about visiting Niagara Falls

While our guide to Niagara Falls includes everything you need to know, check these frequently asked questions if you have any other concerns.

Now you have all the information you need to start planning your trip to Niagara Falls. If you have any questions, you can leave a comment below, and I will try to help you as quickly as possible. Remember that we also have a specific guide to Niagara Falls in Canada and another about Niagara Falls, New York.

I know that you’ll enjoy your visit to Niagara Falls; just don’t forget your raincoat! Safe travels!