Visiting Niagara Falls | What to See, Where to Go & Tips for Both the U.S. and Canada
I’ve been to Niagara Falls during every single season, winter, spring, summer and fall and I have to say, each one offers stunning and incredibly different views of this unofficial 8th Wonder of The World. Here’s how to see it all, every view, every vantage point, and how to never miss a thing.
The Geography
Niagara Falls lies at exactly the boarder of The United States and Canada and if you have a passport, I’d suggest seeing the falls from both sides if you have the time. It’s totally possible to do them both in one day and it gives you every possible vantage point (and good photo) of Niagara Falls.
The Three Waterfalls
The larges of the waterfalls, the Horseshoe Falls, lives on the Canadian side. The American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls both reside on the U.S. side. There are vantage points to see all three falls from both countries, each give you just a slightly different perspective.
The Niagara River & Gorge
The Niagara River flows north carrying water from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. Yes, you read that right, north. It sounds odd, but its more common than you think.
The Niagara Gorge is absolutely stunning and a feature of the falls that cannot go overlooked. The gorge was created as Niagara Falls eroded backwards starting around 12,500 years ago. The gorge is used for hydropower for both New York and Canada. For the purpose of this guide, it's also beautiful and worth seeing.
Niagara Falls from The American Side
If you’re wanting to see the falls from the US side, you’re going to want to visit Niagara Falls State Park. It’s open 365 days a year and always free to enter.
Parking
There is ample parking on the U.S. side of The Falls and there are several areas to park depending on what you want to do. Parking costs vary from free to $15 depending on the day of the week and which lot you choose.
If you’re wanting to hit up the Maid of the Mist, Observation Tower, Education Center and Welcome Center you’re going to want to park in Parking Lot 1. This is our favorite place to park.
Free Exploring in Niagara Falls
There is A LOT to explore, so if you want to see it all, make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes.
From Parking Lot 1 it’s a short walk to the Welcome Center. Here you’ll find ticketing, info desk, souvenirs, restrooms, concessions and info about the Falls. In winter, they loan snowshoes. My recommendation is to save the souvenirs for the end so you’re not carrying them all around with you.
Take a trip up the Observation Tower which will give you an awe-inspiring view of all three falls.
The next stop would be Prospect Point, this gets you up close and personal to the edge of the American Falls. When I say up close and personal I MEAN it. See the pictures below.
From there walk east to the Pedestrian Bridge over to Goat Island. I recommend from there going west on the trail over to Stedman’s Bluff and Luna Island, also great lookout points to see the Bridal Veil Falls.
My absolute favorite vantage point is a little further walk on Goat Island over to the Horseshoe Falls to Terrapin Point. This is the only view of the Horseshoe Falls from the US side and it’s stunning. I will say, I’ve found it often closed in the winter due to ice and snow buildup so make sure you’re paying attention to closure notifications.
There are quite a few trails on Goat Island, and even once to Three Sisters Island which is a nice little hike. It’s worth noting that you can park on Goat Island if you want to avoid the walk over the Pedestrian Bridge. There are bathroom facilities and food vendors on Goat Island, so if you want to skip the Welcome Center, this is the way to go.
Paid Exploring in Niagara Falls, American Side
There are a few paid explorations on the American side of the falls worth adding to your travel agenda.
Maid of the Mist
The Maid of the Mist is a double decker boat that takes you up close and personal the the edge of the falls where they come barreling down, crashing into the rocks and water below. You may remember it from the wedding episode of The Office. It’s a park attraction that’s run for over 150 years and I’ve been on it more times than I can remember.
If this will be your only trip to Niagara Falls, make the time to do the Maid of the Mist. It is closed starting in November through basically whenever it’s safe to start doing the boat tours again after snow and ice has melted.
The cost to ride the Maid of the Mist is around $30 for adults and $20 for kids 6-12, 5 and under are free. The tour starts from the observation tower and they will provide a poncho. YOU WILL GET WET. So consider wearing appropriate shoes and clothing.
Cave of the Winds
Cave of the Winds takes you on a wet walk at the base of the falls. It’s open year round and rates are around $14 for adults and $10 for kids.
This is an adventure that will be wet and possibly cold (depending on the season). It is a very cool experience but if you have to chose between Cave of the Winds or Maid of the Mist, go with the Maid of the Mist.
Niagara Gorge State Parks
Whirlpool State Park and Devils Hole State Park are just a hop, skip and a jump away from the falls. They’re the less visited areas but my gosh are they incredible. At the bottom of the falls is Niagara Gorge where waters can reach speeds as high as 30 feet per second. They’re class 6 rapids and some of the wildest in the United States.
Our favorite is Whirlpool State Park. It has two levels, a street level with incredible views and scenic overlooks. The river level is at the base of the gorge, down a long staircase and through a couple miles of trail.
I won’t lie, the stairs are challenging, especially on the way back up, but the views at the bottom of the Niagara Gorge are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. This is easily one of my top three hikes I’ve ever done.
Niagara Falls from The Canadian Side
Once in Canada you’ll notice a much different vibe. The American side is part of a state park and much is preserved into natural area. While there are often a lot of people, it’s still very peaceful and you can find quiet bits of trail and image what it must of been like in pioneer days, coming across the falls. In Canada it’s a tourist destination and feels reminiscent of Orlando, lots of billboards and hustle and Riley’s Believe it or Not.
So why go to Canada at all? Well, for the view.
Getting To Canada
The Rainbow Bridge is right by the falls and the quickest way to Canada from the American side. Lines to get over the bridge can be long, so make sure you check the boarder wait times to see the best time to go. If you’re starting your adventure from farther south, you may want to consider crossing at the Peace Bridge.
Our Two Favorite Spots to View The Falls in Canada
As a family, we tend to stay clear of the tourist traps, so I want to share our two favorite spots to view the Falls from the Canadian side worth the trip (and the cost).
Skylon Tower
Skylon Tower offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Falls I’ve ever seen. Parking is easy (though you will have to pay). You can purchase tickets at the base of the tower for the Observation Deck or you can dine in the revolving dining room, in which case they will validate your trip to the observation deck. We’ve done both.
The revolving dining room is a fun experience, our daughter loved it. It’s not the cheapest dining experience but you can share a couple appetizers and experience a 360 degree view of the falls and Canada.
The Skylon Tower is nonnegotiable. Go. Do it. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids. Tip, it’s cheaper if you buy tickets online vs. waiting in line at the base of the tower. There are some shops and a Starbucks at the base of the tower so if a few people in your party want to stay behind, there’s a place to hang out.
Once you ride the glass elevator up to the top there are incredible views all the way around. You get to spend as much time as you like at the top so take your time to enjoy ever view.
Table Rock Welcome Center
Navigating here can be a bit of a headache with the tourist traffic, however just in front of the Table Rock Welcome Center is a lookout right next to the edge of the Horseshoe Falls that is a must if you want to FEEL the power of the falls.
There’s a long parking area that runs north and south along Niagara River Parkway. You will have to pay for parking and I want to say it was more than I expected, around $25. From here cross the street and head over to the Trans Canada Trail which runs along side Niagara river and the Falls. The views here are incredible and its an excellent way to view the American Falls and Bridal Falls front the other side of the river.
Other Experiences Near Niagara Falls That Are Worth the Money
Like I said, Canada has done a bang up job of commercializing this world wonder. There’s an incline railway, cable cars across the falls, a jungle gym along the base of the gorge, skywheel, zipline and their own version of the Maid of the Mist.
My recommendation, skip them all.
Our other two favorite things to do in Niagara Falls are back on the American Side.
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
This is one of the coolest tours I’ve ever done, anywhere. Remember that hike to the Niagara Gorge, well, these whirlpool boat tours take you INTO the gorge. You experience the class 5 whitewater rapids and they get you close enough to see the Whirlpool. The Niagara Whirlpool is a huge, estimated 4,200 year old natural vortex. The maximum depth measures 125 feel and has been spinning for as long as we know.
You will get REALLY wet on this tour, bring a towel and change of clothes for sure.
Aquarium of Niagara
While it’s not directly related to the falls, the Aquarium of Niagara is not far away and is one of our favorite small aquariums we’ve been to. It’s truly a science and education aquarium and you can feel the love and care they have for all their animals. They are home to more than 120 species of animals. This is a great stop off to experience while visiting Niagara Falls.
What to Bring on Your Day Trip To Niagara Falls
- Comfortable Walking/Hiking Shoes
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Camera
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Appropriate Clothing — expect it to feel colder near the falls, no matter the season
- Water
- Small Backpack or Daypack (this is our favorite Daypack for travel)
- Snacks
- Passport — if you plan to travel to Canada
- Change of Clothes— if you plan to do Jet Boat Tours, Cave of the Winds or Maid of the Mist
- Towel, We Like This Small Travel Towel
- Shoes You Can Get Wet— if you plan to do Jet Boat Tours, Cave of the Winds or Maid of the Mist