PEAK SEASONS
Summer (June to August) is the peak season. Niagara Falls is built around tourism, so I strongly recommend visiting during the other seasons to minimize costs and crowds.
Niagara Falls is a group of 3 magnificent waterfalls and the namesake for the neighboring city, Niagara Falls. The waterfalls—consisting of the Horseshoe (Canadian) Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls—are world-renowned for their beauty and splendor.
Not only is Niagara Falls a powerful force of nature, but it also straddles the perfect balance between recreational and industrial use.
I love Niagara Falls because there are so many ways to entertain yourself. You can look over them, walk behind them, and even boat right into the middle of them. You can even visit the touristy town built entirely around them. The fun also begins well before you even reach the falls.
Overall, Niagara Falls is so much fun and easily one of the best attractions on the entire continent. I wholeheartedly recommend that you visit. And, when you do visit, follow this Niagara Falls Adventure Guide to maximize your time here.
Recommended Duration of Visit
2 days (ideal), 1 day (doable)
Important: There are TWO Niagara Falls cities. One is Niagara Falls, New York. The other is Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. This guide focuses primarily on Niagara Falls on the Canadian side because that’s where most of the attractions are. You also have the best view of the falls there.
Recommendations: Before Arriving
- Decide on the duration of the stay and the method of transportation, because Niagara Falls is several hours from the major cities of Toronto and Buffalo (although there are numerous other small towns nearby).
- Check the weather, because rainy or cloudy days will obviously ruin your experience.
Recommendations: Adventure Gear
- Sun protection, sunglasses, hats, and preferably waterproof shoes (especially if you plan to walk behind the falls or boat into them), among others.
Click for some interesting facts about Niagara Falls
- The combined falls have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America, making Niagara Falls the most powerful waterfall in North America. About 6,000,000 cubic feet (170,000 m3) flows every minute.
- The falls have a vertical drop of 160 feet (49 m) on average.
- While the Great Lakes (Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, and Lake Eerie) all contribute to the torrential waters of Niagara, Lake Ontario (right next to Niagara Falls) is the main supplier.
- The Niagara Falls region makes the most ice wine in the world.
- The color comes from the dissolved salts and rock flour (very finely ground rock) picked up primarily from the limestone bed but probably also from the shales and sandstones.
NIAGARA FALL’S STORY
Formed over 12,000 years ago, harnessed for energy during the 18th century, and became a popular tourist destination in the 19th century.
ATTRACTIONS
Niagara Falls, Skylon Tower, and Nikola Tesla statue, among others.
LANDSCAPE
Three massive waterfalls and a lively city along the Niagara River.
SPECIAL EVENTS
At night, hundreds of LED lights create a breathtaking and beautiful display of Niagara Falls. Refer to the Niagara Falls Lightshow Schedule for more details.
PLANNING
Tours are excellent if you want to see as much as possible and not worry about transportation or planning. I tried one and it covered the best attractions. If you are planning to stay in the area, there are plenty of nearby hotels. Niagara Falls also looks better on the Canadian side as well.
NIAGARA FALL’S STORY
Formed over 12,000 years ago, harnessed for energy during the 18th century, and became a popular tourist destination in the 19th century.
PEAK SEASONS
Summer (June to August) is the peak season. Niagara Falls is built around tourism, so I strongly recommend visiting during the other seasons to minimize costs and crowds.
LANDSCAPE
Three massive waterfalls and a lively city along the Niagara River.
ATTRACTIONS
Niagara Falls, Skylon Tower, and Nikola Tesla statue, among others.
PLANNING
Tours are excellent if you want to see as much as possible and not worry about transportation or planning. I tried one and it covered the best attractions. If you are planning to stay in the area, there are plenty of nearby hotels. Niagara Falls also looks better on the Canadian side as well.
SPECIAL EVENTS
At night, hundreds of LED lights create a breathtaking and beautiful display of Niagara Falls. Refer to the Niagara Falls Lightshow Schedule for more details.
Ideal Method of Transportation
Driving a personal vehicle is the best way to reach Niagara Falls while also seeing numerous attractions along the way. There is plenty of parking near the Skylon Tower and the hotels, and you can simply walk or take public transportation once you are near the falls. Joining a tour is excellent as well.
Attractions Overview
- Photography: Niagara Falls is often accompanied by a mist and a rainbow, so those things are unavoidable most of the time. Water protection equipment for your camera is a must if you are planning to take a boat ride into the falls. Finally, a tripod is extremely helpful for night photography, especially if you want to decrease the shutter speed for a more dramatic and smooth flowing water effect.
- Tourism Town: Do not forget that there is much more to see and do around Niagara Falls. Therefore, if you are trying to explore the town, then a one day visit is quite difficult.
- Canada vs. United States: As previously mentioned, visiting Niagara Falls on the Canadian side is highly recommended because it has far more attractions.
Attractions Overview
- Photography: Niagara Falls is often accompanied by a mist and a rainbow, so those things are unavoidable most of the time. Water protection equipment for your camera is a must if you are planning to take a boat ride into the falls. Finally, a tripod is extremely helpful for night photography, especially if you want to decrease the shutter speed for a more dramatic and smooth flowing water effect.
- Tourism Town: Do not forget that there is much more to see and do around Niagara Falls. Therefore, if you are trying to explore the town, then a one day visit is quite difficult.
- Canada vs. United States: As previously mentioned, visiting Niagara Falls on the Canadian side is highly recommended because it has far more attractions.
Living Water Wayside Chapel: As one of the smallest churches in the world, this one sits about six people. Aside from being one of the first attractions on the way to Niagara Falls, there’s not much to it besides that. It’s just a small ass church. Don’t get too excited.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 10 – 15 minutes.
Reif Winery: Known as one of the key pioneers of the Ontario wine industry, Reif Winery features the uniquely delicious ice wine—a sweet wine reserved for appetizers and desserts. The winery itself is also very beautiful and festive.
Cost: Free to visit. You can purchase 375 ml for around $50 CAD. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| There is a nice market (Walker’s Country Market) nearby worth a visit if you want some food (baked goods, sandwiches, fresh produce, jams, maple syrup, etc.) and drinks for your journey. |
| Most Niagara Falls tours should take you to at least one of the wineries in the region. For my Niagara Falls tour, I was able to participate in a wine tasting at this place. |
Roy Terrace Garden: The Roy Terrace Garden is a historical landmark on the way to Niagara Falls. It features beautiful floral displays, a towering statue, and a very important distinction: Niagara Falls was born near this area 12,000 years ago when the Wisconsin glacier receded.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes.
Floral Clock: This time-tested attraction along the route to Niagara Falls features a clock face decorated with thousands of flowers. It is also the largest of its kind in the world. You can visit the Niagara Parks website for more information on the floral clock.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 10 – 15 minutes.
| As of 2020, the garden appears to be “permanently closed.” However, there are still many lovely things to see within the area. |
| Since the flowers are real, the summer and winter months feature different varieties. |
Niagara Falls Power Generating Plants Lookout: The torrential waters of Niagara Falls are used for a variety of purposes (i.e. drinking water, ice wine, etc.). The most important purpose is hydropower generation. Therefore, the power plants are worth a brief visit along the way to the falls themselves. As an added bonus, the scenery is gorgeous.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 10 – 15 minutes.
Whirlpool Aero Car: During the journey to Niagara Falls, there are multiple viewing points of the incredible Niagara River. The best viewpoint is near the Whirlpool Aero Car—a cable car crossing over the Niagara Whirlpool. Simply enjoy the view from this vantage point or sit tight for an exciting ride across. The vertical distance is 250 feet (76 meters) and the horizontal distance is 1770 feet (540 meters). The vehicle travels at 4.3 mph (6.9 km/h). You can find more information here.
Cost: About $16.50 CAD. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes.
| You can actually search the Niagara Falls Power Generating Plants Lookout up on Google. Most importantly, the area is quite photogenic and provides a great view of the Niagara River. |
| Although the cable car does cross the United States border, immigration clearance is obviously not required. Do note that all passengers (about 35 max) must stand for the duration of the trip. |
Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls, from smallest to largest, is comprised of Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, and Horseshoe (Canadian) Falls. Its torrential waters are the main attraction of the Niagara region, and it is one of the the most stunning displays of nature’s might and majesty.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
Nikola Tesla Statue: Nikola Tesla—most notable for his contributions to the alternating current electricity supply system—is arguably one of the greatest minds of all time, and his contributions are still undoubtedly integral to society today. And one of his longest-lasting contributions was the creation of the hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls. As such, he is fondly remembered, and there is a statue dedicated to the great inventor.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 10 – 15 minutes.
| There are many activities centered around Niagara Falls. You can participate in the Journey Behind the Falls, join the Maid of the Mist (one of the various methods to boat to the center of Niagara Falls), view Niagara Falls from Skylon Tower, or you can simply observe it at ground level. |
| The statue is located north of Niagara Falls. You can actually search it on Google Maps. Regretably (but fortunately for you), the statue is does not attract many visitors. The statue is also located in a great area—right next to Queen Victoria Park and within short walking distance of Skylon Tower. |
Skylon Tower: At 520 feet (158 meters), Skylon Tower offers a stellar panoramic view of Niagara Falls. Additionally, the tower also offers two levels of dining—the Revolving Dining Room and the Summit Suite Buffet. And while the observation deck is at the tower’s summit, there are also arcades, gift shops, and fast food restaurants at its base.
Cost: Variable. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
Queen Victoria Park: As the main parkland in Niagara Falls, Queen Victoria Park is one of the centerpieces of the Niagara Falls region, and phenomenal floral displays can be found here. This park is also the focal point for the Festival of Lights (from mid-November to the end of January).
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
| There is a sizable parking lot near Skylon Tower. Admission to the observation deck is free when dining. The Revolving Dining Room seats a little over 250 people and revolves once in an hour. |
| The park is near Skylon Tower, and it’s a great and safe (it’s right next to the police station) place to simply relax for a bit—away from the crowds. King George VI’s statue is toward park's center. |
Living Water Wayside Chapel: As one of the smallest churches in the world, this one sits about six people. Aside from being one of the first attractions on the way to Niagara Falls, there’s not much to it besides that. It’s just a small ass church. Don’t get too excited.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 10 – 15 minutes.
| There is a nice market (Walker’s Country Market) nearby worth a visit if you want some food (baked goods, sandwiches, fresh produce, jams, maple syrup, etc.) and drinks for your journey. |
Reif Winery: Known as one of the key pioneers of the Ontario wine industry, Reif Winery features the uniquely delicious ice wine—a sweet wine reserved for appetizers and desserts. The winery itself is also very beautiful and festive.
Cost: Free to visit. You can purchase 375 ml for around $50 CAD. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| Most Niagara Falls tours should take you to at least one of the wineries in the region. For my Niagara Falls tour, I was able to participate in a wine tasting at this place. |
Roy Terrace Garden: The Roy Terrace Garden is a historical landmark on the way to Niagara Falls. It features beautiful floral displays, a towering statue, and a very important distinction: Niagara Falls was born near this area 12,000 years ago when the Wisconsin glacier receded.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes.
| As of 2020, the garden appears to be “permanently closed.” However, there are still many lovely things to see within the area. |
Floral Clock: This time-tested attraction along the route to Niagara Falls features a clock face decorated with thousands of flowers. It is also the largest of its kind in the world. You can visit the Niagara Parks website for more information on the floral clock.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 10 – 15 minutes.
| Since the flowers are real, the summer and winter months feature different varieties. |
Niagara Falls Power Generating Plants Lookout: The torrential waters of Niagara Falls are used for a variety of purposes (i.e. drinking water, ice wine, etc.). The most important purpose is hydropower generation. Therefore, the power plants are worth a brief visit along the way to the falls themselves. As an added bonus, the scenery is gorgeous.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 10 – 15 minutes.
| You can actually search the Niagara Falls Power Generating Plants Lookout up on Google. Most importantly, the area is quite photogenic and provides a great view of the Niagara River. |
Whirlpool Aero Car: During the journey to Niagara Falls, there are multiple viewing points of the incredible Niagara River. The best viewpoint is near the Whirlpool Aero Car—a cable car crossing over the Niagara Whirlpool. Simply enjoy the view from this vantage point or sit tight for an exciting ride across. The vertical distance is 250 feet (76 meters) and the horizontal distance is 1770 feet (540 meters). The vehicle travels at 4.3 mph (6.9 km/h). You can find more information here.
Cost: About $16.50 CAD. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes.
| Although the cable car does cross the United States border, immigration clearance is obviously not required. Do note that all passengers (about 35 max) must stand for the duration of the trip. |
Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls, from smallest to largest, is comprised of Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, and Horseshoe (Canadian) Falls. Its torrential waters are the main attraction of the Niagara region, and it is one of the the most stunning displays of nature’s might and majesty.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| There are many activities centered around Niagara Falls. You can participate in the Journey Behind the Falls, join the Maid of the Mist (one of the various methods to boat to the center of Niagara Falls), view Niagara Falls from Skylon Tower, or you can simply observe it at ground level. |
Nikola Tesla Statue: Nikola Tesla—most notable for his contributions to the alternating current electricity supply system—is arguably one of the greatest minds of all time, and his contributions are still undoubtedly integral to society today. And one of his longest-lasting contributions was the creation of the hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls. As such, he is fondly remembered, and there is a statue dedicated to the great inventor.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 10 – 15 minutes.
| The statue is located north of Niagara Falls. You can actually search it on Google Maps. Regretably (but fortunately for you), the statue is does not attract many visitors. The statue is also located in a great area—right next to Queen Victoria Park and within short walking distance of Skylon Tower. |
Skylon Tower: At 520 feet (158 meters), Skylon Tower offers a stellar panoramic view of Niagara Falls. Additionally, the tower also offers two levels of dining—the Revolving Dining Room and the Summit Suite Buffet. And while the observation deck is at the tower’s summit, there are also arcades, gift shops, and fast food restaurants at its base.
Cost: Variable. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| There is a sizable parking lot near Skylon Tower. Admission to the observation deck is free when dining. The Revolving Dining Room seats a little over 250 people and revolves once in an hour. |
Queen Victoria Park: As the main parkland in Niagara Falls, Queen Victoria Park is one of the centerpieces of the Niagara Falls region, and phenomenal floral displays can be found here. This park is also the focal point for the Festival of Lights (from mid-November to the end of January).
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
| The park is near Skylon Tower, and it’s a great and safe (it’s right next to the police station) place to simply relax for a bit—away from the crowds. King George VI’s statue is toward park's center. |
Frankenstein
Burger King
Niagara SkyWheel
Ferris Wheel
Laser Maze
Assortment of Mazes
The photos above present merely a glimpse into the entire city as a whole. There is so much more to see and do. Best of all, you can simply have fun wandering around sightseeing.
Journey Into the Falls
Boat into Niagara Falls
JOURNEY INTO THE FALLS: Join a boat and ride alongside American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
| PRO TIP: The Maid of the Mist tour is one of the most popular ways to journey into the falls. Most of the time, you can simply walk up and purchase a ticket as well. Naturally, it would be wise to have equipment that shields your cameras and/or phones from the water. Disposable ponchos will be provided, but they will not sufficiently protect your camera and/or phone. | COST: About $22 CAD per adult. | |
While American and Bridal Veils Falls are relatively mild, Horseshoe Falls can dampen your clothing and equipment (if you’re not careful).
Itinerary
Below are a map and schedule—the same one I followed during my time at Niagara Falls. All activities are in order (from top to bottom).
GENERAL
More information on Sweet Jesus
- This unique dessert shop is hilariously named and surprisingly delicious.
- You will be able to select from their awesome selection of “pimped out soft serve.”
- There is also a disk attached to the cone—an ingenious way to prevent the ice cream from dripping all over your hands.
What to order: I recommend the Strawberry Shortcake.
There’s much more to Niagara Falls than the waterfalls. For a complete experience, I highly recommend that you visit the numerous wonderful attractions along the way. Once you finally reach the falls, go behind them, boat into them, view them from the Skylon Tower, and definitely see them light up at night. I had a wonderful time here, and the city surprised me immensely. Enjoy your visit to Niagara Falls.
On a final note, make sure to share this page so others will know more about Niagara Falls!
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