How Many Days Should I Spend at Niagara Falls?
It is recommended that you spend at least two nights at Niagara Falls so you can see most of the area, as well as explore regional attractions. If you want to visit both sides, plan to stay another night or two so you don’t feel rushed.
Is Niagara Falls Better in US or Canada?
Both sides of Niagara Falls are worth visiting and it’s easy to cross the border back and forth so you can take it all in. There are lovely parks on either side and plenty of attractions.
The basics on the American side: It is located in western New York. From here, you’ll have a top-down or profile view of the falls (unless you go on a paid excursion), including Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls.
The basics of the Canadian side: This is the more recognizable side of the falls, with more development. From here, you can get right to the brink of Horseshoe Falls and get a good view of American Falls. The city of Niagara Falls has all the trappings of a tourist destination, and the higher prices to show for it.
According to Niagara Falls tourism, here are the most popular things to see and do on each side:
Canada side of Niagara Falls:
- The Niagara Falls IMAX Movie
- Hornblower Boat Tour
- Daredevil Museum
- Horseshoe Falls
- Niagara Fury
- Table Rock & the Brink of the Falls
- Niagara SkyWheel
- Rainbow Bridge
- Botanical Gardens
- Marineland
- Butterfly Conservatory
- Helicopter Tours
United States side of Niagara Falls:
- The American Falls – Bridal Veil Falls
- Niagara Falls State Park Welcome Center
- Goat Island
- Luna Island
- Three Sisters Island
- The Observation Tower at Prospect Point
- Niagara Falls State Park
- Niagara Adventure Theater
- Great Lakes Garden
- Maid of the Mist boat tour
- Niagara Gorge Discovery Center
- Aquarium of Niagara
You’ll pass between the cities of Niagara Falls, from the US to Canada and back, across the Rainbow Bridge. You can drive, walk or bike – all the while getting a great look at the falls and the Niagara River, which connects Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The deck of the bridge stands 202 feet above the water – and the water flowing underneath is gushing at up to 30 miles per hour.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Niagara Falls?
The best time to visit Niagara Falls is between June and August. The temperatures are comfortable, in the low 80s, and the waterfall breezes are refreshing. Of course, with the summer weather comes thicker crowds and higher prices. All attractions are open at this time and the Discover Niagara Shuttle is in operation, taking visitors from one Niagara tourist attraction to another. If you can only visit in the spring or fall, don’t fret – the temperatures may be lower, but there are harvests in wine country, beautiful flowers at the botanical gardens and cheaper hotel prices. During the winter, a few attractions are not available: mist boat rides below the falls, the whirlpool jetboat ride, Cave of the Winds tour and the Niagara zipline.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Visit Niagara Falls?
The best time to visit Niagara Falls and to take a mist boat tour is in the early morning or the late afternoon.
What Should You Not Miss at Niagara Falls?
Without a doubt, the main attraction in the Niagara Falls area is the falls themselves. But it’s how you see the falls that will most define your visit. Will it be from the legendary Maid of the Mist boat? Or from the caves behind the cascading water? Will it be from a Niagara helicopter or the Niagara SkyWheel? Here are the best ways to experience the falls and what to do in the area.
- Maid of the Mist Boat
- Journey Behind the Falls
Put on a poncho and board a Maid of the Mist boat to experience the top Niagara Falls attraction. Since the 1840s, the boats have been shuttling visitors back and forth (and almost through) the falls. The tour lasts about 20 minutes and the ticket price is reasonable. To avoid the crowds, aim to take one of the early-morning boat rides (they start operating at 9 AM).
Alternatively, you can take a Hornblower Niagara cruise, another 20-minute boat tour that brings you face to face with Horseshow Falls and offers views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
Another top Niagara Falls attraction, this opportunity to stand behind the falls is simply captivating. It’s not everyday you go behind the scenes at a huge natural attraction. Ride the elevator to an observation deck and enjoy the view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and the Niagara River, then follow caves and caverns that offer glimpses into the roaring cascade of the falls. Like a ride on a Maid of the Mist boat, this experience is best done early in the day to avoid crowds.
- Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
- Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
You may be surprised to see this non-watery attraction, located on the Ontario side of the falls, on a list of top things to do at Niagara Falls. However, you won’t want to miss this gorgeous, 100-acre space with its immaculate gardens and Butterfly Conservatory. Take a guided horse and carriage tour of the grounds and pop into the quiet conservatory to see thousands of colorful butterfliers and flowers.
Another wonderfully serene spot, away from the crowds of Niagara, is this lovely reserve on the Canadian side of the falls. You’ll have views of the Niagara River and can walk trails through preserved Carolinian Forest – it’s prettiest in the fall when the leaves are changing color. Take one of the daily guided walks on the hiking trails and don’t miss the excellent on-site nature center.
- Old Fort Niagara
History buffs should make time for Old Fort Niagara on the United States side of the falls. The fort has been through the American Revolution and the French and Indian War – it’s the longest operational fort in North America, having changed hands numerous times between the French, British and Americans. It sits on a particularly scenic vantage point in western New York, overlooking Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. Explore army barracks, underground gunpowder stores, ancient cannons and more.
- Cave of the Winds Tour
- White Water Walk
Don’t miss this Niagara Falls tourist attraction on the New York side of the falls on Goat Island. You’ll get wet, yes, but that’s just par for the course here. Take an elevator 175 feet down into Niagara Gorge, then walk along wooden pathways to Bridal Veil Falls.
Get an up-close look at the rushing rapids on a White Water Walk, which will take an hour or two to complete. Ride an elevator 230 feet down to the base of the Niagara Gorge. Walk the boardwalk and get views of the Great Gorge Rapids from the Canadian side. Being this close to the whirlpool rapids is a heady experience.
- Inniskillin Wines
- Niagara SkyWheel
- Fallsview Casino
Have you tried ice wine? Any proper Niagara Falls vacation should include an ode to the area’s other famous attraction – wine country. Drive the Niagara Parkway north to Niagara-on-the-Lake and visit this famous winery. They’re famous for their ice wine, which, as you may guess, is made from grapes that have been left on the vine and freeze during the winter. Even if you’re not an oenophile, it’s worth the stop to learn about the interesting process.
The list of ways to view the falls continues with a Canada-side tourist attraction, the Niagara SkyWheel. Ride in a climate-controlled gondola up to 175 feet in the air for a fantastic view of Horseshoe Falls and American Falls. Ride it at night to enjoy the magnificence of the illuminated falls.
Combine viewing and gaming at the Niagara Fallswiew Casino on the Ontario side of the falls. Within the massive space, you’ll find 150 table games, countless slot machines and 225,000 square feet of shopping space and the Avalon Theatre. There’s a spa and golf course, here, plus numerous dining facilities.
- Skylon Tower
- Niagara Wax Museum of History
- Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour
Spice up your Niagara Falls vacation with a thrilled ride on a whirlpool jet boat. For 45 minutes, you’ll zoom along the Niagara River, through the Niagara Gorge and into Devil’s Hole class-5 whitewater. Expert tour guides will not only drive you safely but also regale you with tales of the river and its historical significance.
Ride up the 775-foot-high Skylon Tower in downtown Niagara Falls – and consider dinner at the revolving restaurant in the observation tower. The views of Horseshoe Falls are spectacular from up here.
Go back in time as you wander through scenes of historic Niagara and People of the Niagara Frontier at this interesting wax museum just two minutes from Rainbow Bridge and across the street from Niagara Falls State Park. Learn about the falls Daredevils, electricity and the events that shaped the region.
- Helicopter Tour
Life off and soon you’ll be soaring over the turbulent Niagara Falls, safely ensconced in an air-circulated, meticulously maintained helicopter. Listen through your provided headset to a taped narrative that will describe what you’re seeing. The classic Niagara helicopter tour typically follows the Niagara River from the whirlpool area, over the Whirlpool Rapids and Rainbow Bridge to Queen Victoria Park, American Falls and the Skylon Tower before tracing Canadian Horseshoe Falls. If it’s a clear day, you can see the skyline of Toronto to the north and the shores of Lake Erie to the south.
You can also take a helicopter tour of wine country, landing in Niagara-on-the-Lake in the midst of the beautiful wineries. (These tours usually include a gourmet meal and wine tasting.)
Where Should I Eat in Niagara Falls?
Go beyond the ubiquitous chain restaurants in any tourist hot spot and experience, instead, the many fine-dining and locally sourced eateries in Niagara Falls. There are farm-to-table flavors at AG, Weinkeller and Tide & Vine; fish and chips at Piccadilly Restaurant; and classic English high tea at the Queen Charlotte Tea Room. On the New York side, there’s a comfortable pub ambience at the Red Coach Inn and The Griffin Gastropub.
You’re likely to be in Canada for a good portion of your Niagara Falls vacation, so take advantage and try these local favorites:
- Poutine: fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds
- Butter tart: a pastry shell filled with rich custard and usually maple syrup, often topped with raisins or nuts
- Beavertail: dough shaped like a beavertail, then fried and topped with candy, chocolate or fruit
- Maple syrup: speaks for itself!
- Game meat: locally sourced game meat, including boar, bison, reindeer and moose
- Ketchup chips: addictive salty, oddly non-tomato-y potato chips
Best Tips for a Niagara Falls Vacation
While we still have you, here are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of the overall Niagara Falls attraction.
- See it from both sides, if you can
- Have your passport readily accessible for border crossings
- Spend more than one day here
- If you can, book a hotel room with a view of Niagara Falls
- Book a boat tour
- Bring the kids (despite being a major honeymoon destination, there’s plenty to do here for children)
- Visit Niagara-on-the-Lake and wine country
- Bring ponchos, raincoats, waterproof shoes and changes of clothing (prepare to get wet)
- Visit during the summer, if possible