Niagara Falls is formed by three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls (the falls on the Canadian side), American Falls (the falls on the American side), and Bridal Veil Falls (the smaller falls). Horseshoe Falls are considered the most beautiful and impressive. Niagara Falls can be visited for free. Discover the best things to do there and the best time to visit Niagara Falls from New York, Toronto, or Montreal.
- Things to do in Niagara Falls ?
- Best time to visit ?
- How to visit from New York ?
- From Toronto or Montreal ✨
- How long do you need to visit Niagara Falls ?
- Where to stay near Niagara Falls ?
1. Best things to do for visiting Niagara Falls
Here are the TOP 6 things to do to visit Niagara Falls.
- Admire Niagara Falls from Canada
- Discover Niagara Falls from the United States
- Taking a boat
- Zipline
- Visiting the city of Niagara Falls
- Fly over Niagara Falls in a helicopter
- Illuminations and fireworks
Good to know. The Niagara Falls on the Canadian side (Horseshoe Falls) are more popular and considered more impressive. Therefore, there are more activities and excursions to do on the Canadian side. Before going to Canada or the United States, check if you have all the documents. For example, a visa.
1.1 Admire Niagara Falls from Canada
Table Rock. This observation platform is located in Canada, facing Goat Island (see location on Google Maps). It is a great place to view Niagara Falls from the Canadian side! Table Rock is closest to the falls. Access to the platform is free.
Journey Behind The Falls. Thanks to this observation deck, you will descend 38 meters to admire the Horseshoe Falls (Canadian side) more closely. Discover more information here: read more about “Journey Behind The Falls”. It is one of the best ways to experience the falls if you don’t want to take the boat or climb the Skylon Town tower.
One of the best views! You can discover the south of Niagara Falls from up high by climbing the Skylon Town Tower. You will love these magnificent views! The visit to Skylon Tower is worth a visit. Here are photos, reviews, and prices for climbing Skylon Tower. Compared to the observation platform, the view from Skylon Town is unobstructed and much more impressive.
1.2 Observing Niagara Falls from the United States
Cave of the Winds. A place not to be missed if you visit Niagara Falls from the United States! The Cave of the Winds is a great place to see. Thanks to the wooden walkways, you can approach the falls and see them more closely. Click to see where the Cave of the Winds is.
Niagara Falls Observation Tower. It is one of the best vantage points to experience Niagara Falls from the United States. This viewing platform offers an unobstructed view of the falls: see on Google Maps.
1.3 Taking a boat
Among the best things to do when visiting Niagara Falls is taking a boat ride as close as possible to the falls. It is undoubtedly the most touristic activity to do here. You can book a tour including the boat ride and other must-dos with pick up from your accommodation: here is an example.
Fun fact! Visitors with blue ponchos come from the Canadian side, and red ones from the American side.
Sensations guaranteed! If you want to visit Niagara Falls and make a strong impression on this visit, then a hydro-jet boat tour is for you. It’s an experience in its own right! The 45 minutes will remain engraved in your memories. It is a fun activity to do in Niagara Falls with the family. See this unusual activity’s photos, reviews, and prices to learn more.
1.4 Ziplining
Great! Another activity not to be missed if you visit Niagara Falls! It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do if you come here as a family with teenagers, couples, or friends. At 67 meters from the water, you will admire this magical place’s beauty with an incredible feeling of freedom. To find out more, click here: zip line while admiring Niagara Falls.
1.5 Visit the city of Niagara Falls
If you visit Niagara Falls from Canada, you can take the opportunity to take a tour of the city of Niagara Falls.
Magical! The Wild Magic show is one of the must-dos in Niagara Falls. Directed by international magic champion Greg Frewin, this show is all about fantastic illusion tricks. If you are going to visit Niagara Falls, this is an activity to do in the evening: book tickets for the Wild Magic show.
Butterflies! If you’re looking for an activity near Niagara Falls with the kids, the Butterfly Conservatory might be an exciting place to visit: book tickets here. A tropical atmosphere and nearly 2000 butterflies await you on site! Butterflies will fly around you! The Butterfly Conservatory is less than 2 km from downtown Niagara Falls.
Things to do with children. Find many fun attractions close to Niagara Falls: find out more.
1.6 Fly over Niagara Falls in a helicopter
Impressive! You can take a helicopter ride to see Niagara Falls in all its glory. It is an exciting activity to do as a couple or with teenagers. The helicopter tour is often bundled with other tours (boat or tower tour): see an example that includes several activities, including the helicopter tour.
1.7 Illuminations and fireworks
As night falls, Niagara Falls turns into a natural spectacle. Don’t miss this moment! Illumination times vary from month to month. Check the timetables before the visit.
To do for a romantic trip. If you visit Niagara Falls as a couple, you can book a night tour with dinner and even check the lights illuminating the falls! A romantic and exceptional evening awaits you. Find out more about this tour here: Night Tour + Dinner (Canadian side).
2. The best time to visit Niagara Falls?
May to September is considered the best time to visit Niagara Falls, but it’s also the most touristy (which could reduce the visit’s satisfaction). Book the activities in advance if you visit the falls between May and September.
Nevertheless, Niagara Falls can be visited all year round. Each season has its charm. For example, April or October can be good alternatives to the summer months.
Visiting Niagara Falls in winter? It’s entirely possible. The landscapes change completely. It looks like a fairy tale! However, taking a boat trip is impossible because the water is frozen. Other activities are also on pause. It is the less touristy time of the year. Winter is neither the best nor the worst time to visit Niagara Falls. You should need to know what to expect.
3. Visit Niagara Falls from the United States (New York, Buffalo)
Niagara Falls is in New York State. New York is 400 miles from Niagara Falls. It takes between 6 and 7 hours by car (one way).
By plane. Buffalo is one of the largest American cities near Niagara Falls (about 20 miles, 25 minutes by car). You can fly into Buffalo: Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), then rent a car to drive to the falls.
2 days in Niagara Falls. If you are in New York, you can book an organized trip to Niagara Falls. Here is an example including transport, visits, and accommodation: see prices.
4. Visit Niagara Falls from Canada (Montreal or Toronto)
By car. Niagara Falls is 130 km from Toronto (1h40), and 670 km from Montreal (7 hours).
By plane. Niagara Falls International Airport is 6 km from downtown Niagara Falls. Otherwise, you can also arrive at Rochester airport.
5. How long do you need to visit Niagara Falls
Plan at least a full day to visit Niagara Falls, but the best is to spend 2 days here. The 2 days will allow you to visit the falls at your own pace and make the most of this magnificent place.
Add to the time spent on-site the necessary travel time, depending on where you are coming from.
6. Best places to stay near Niagara Falls
You can find more information about the best place to stay in our post: best hotels in Niagara Falls.
Here are the best places to stay while visiting Niagara Falls in Canada.
Sterling Inn & Spa: great value for money! This hotel is one of the highest-rated hotels in Niagara Falls. You will find double rooms here: a perfect place to visit Niagara Falls for a couple. And if you prefer a homestay, here is an excellent B&B: A Moment in Time Bed and Breakfast.
Vittoria Hotel & Suites: a superb hotel for visiting Niagara Falls with the family! This hotel is within walking distance of the famous Horseshoe Falls and offers spacious family rooms.
Kings Inn Near the Falls: an excellent place to sleep near Niagara Falls on a budget.
Here are the best places to stay while visiting Niagara Falls in the United States.
Fairfield by Marriott Niagara Falls is a hotel with a heated indoor pool and decent rates.
Red Coach Inn: wow, if you like a little kitsch British style, you’ll love it!
Wanderfalls Guesthouse & Hostel: an excellent (and cheap) hostel to visit Niagara Falls alone or with friends.
Niagara Falls is one of the TOP places to visit in the United States and Canada. You will be impressed by the power of nature and by its beauty. Visiting Niagara Falls is terrific for family, couples, or friends. If you want to avoid queuing and crowds, choose the less touristy times of the year (October to May).
