Niagara Falls - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
4.5
About
Niagara Falls consists of three magnificent waterfalls spanning the border of Ontario and New York—the 164-foot tall Horseshoe Falls is on the Canadian side while Bridal Veil And American Falls are on the New York side. These picturesque falls combined have the highest flow rate in North America. There are many ways to enjoy the falls, including going on hiking trails and boardwalks at the base, or visiting viewpoints at the top of the falls. The popular way to get up close to the falls is to hop on the Maid of the Mist boat tour from the bottom of Niagara Gorge. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • MidwestKathM
    Detroit, Michigan934 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don't ever miss an opportunity to experience Niagara Falls!
    We stop at Niagara Falls almost every time we are in the area, whether visiting the area or passing through to parts beyond. The Falls are truly a sight to behold for an hour or even just a few minutes. On the American side, in the state park, there are a couple of free parking lots from which it is maybe 10-15 minutes walk to the Falls; there are paid parking lots as well. Restrooms and benches are available. If you have time, walk over to Goat Island for more views of the Falls. There are several ticketed attractions--Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, Observation Deck, all of which are worth experiencing at least once.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 29, 2023
  • TravelingBum10
    United States5,889 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see
    We went on a Wednesday. It was easy to find parking. We were able to park for free due to staying at another state park. We walked all around. There are to bridges to connect the island to the main park area. There’s parking on both sides. You can choose to just walk around. All of the other activities are an extra cost. Gets expensive. Walk over to the outside of the park. There’s tons of food trucks.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 15, 2023
  • Shane W
    Brooklyn, Iowa76 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved it!
    Such a fun and memorable trip! We stayed within walking distance and could walk everywhere! The pedestrian bridge was a nice surprise to walk to Goat Island to get a different perspective of the Falls. Was debating on spending the money to go on Maid of the Mist and SO GLAD we did this- it truly is a fun and memorable experience with an opportunity to get great photos! Loved Niagara Falls!
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 25, 2023
  • Family Fun
    27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Niagara Falls, NY
    I paid $15 for the day to park by the Maid of the Mist. This price was worth it to me. On the Canadian side, you could pay $22/hour in some spots. Beyond the Niagara Parks Power Station on the Canadian side, I paid $35/day, but this was a far walk to the Welcome Centre. This is where I parked to experience Walking Behind the Falls.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 28, 2023
  • mrscla75
    Cortland, Ohio18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mesmerizing!
    I hadn’t visited the Falls since I was a child, and I had forgotten just how beautiful and mesmerizing they were. We spent time at the Whirlpool State Park - I highly recommend it. The water is a stunning blue, reminiscent of the Caribbean. Free parking and awesome hiking trails. I also recommend doing at least one of the typical tourist activities, such as Maid of the Mist or Cave of the Wind. We chose Maid of the Mist. With either one you will get wet, but to my surprise the souvenir rain poncho kept my clothes dry. After the boat ride we climbed the steps to the Crow’s Nest for a beautiful view of the American Falls and great photo ops. We stayed at the Double Tree on the Canadian side. We paid more for a room with a view, but it was worth it to see the Falls illuminated at night, and it was perfect for watching the nightly fireworks display. The room was clean, the restaurant was good with excellent service, and the Starbucks in the hotel lobby was an plus. The hotel was within walking distance of the Horseshoe Falls visitor center and lookout point. We thoroughly enjoyed just watching the amazing falls and enjoying the beautiful morning. I recommend visiting on a week day if you can. Hotel rooms are less expensive and lines are significantly shorter. As it is only a 3 1/2 hour drive, we will definitely be returning and hope to try some different activities.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 3, 2023
  • Donald K
    Edmonton, Canada1,142 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I liked it better than the horseshoe side
    First time visiting the American side of the falls. Despite being a Canadian, I thought this side was a better experience. Better views, fewer people and the parking was half the price. $1.25 to go on the lookout and take the elevator to the gorge.
    Visited July 2023
    Written July 25, 2023
  • minimize940314
    Los Angeles, California3,523 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Go in the winter
    Probably the best waterfalls that I have seen so far. I went in the winter and it made the entire experience more pleasant. No crowd and no wait, so I was able to enjoy the view and took enough time to take pictures. I am looking forward to visiting this place again in the summer, as some attractions are closed in the winter for safety reasons.
    Visited December 2022
    Written August 7, 2023
  • RKordziel
    Rotterdam, New York101 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The best New York has to offer!
    I had so much more fun than I expected here! I knew about the boat tours, but I wasn’t sure what else to expect. I spent several hours here and didn’t want to leave when it came time to pack back up and head on the road again! If you get the chance to visit-arguably the best New York has to offer!
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written August 13, 2023
  • vrgerber
    Craigville, Indiana14 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth seeing once in a lifetime
    It's worth seeing once in a lifetime. Doubt I would need to return. Amazing views on the Canada side. Arriving in afternoon, parking away from the falls and taking the shuttle is probably the best - remember to pay for parking at the green pay booths in the parking lots. Canada side Niagara City Cruise was worth it, and we got in the very front of the boat. With the ponchos, didn't get soaked - just a little wet.
    Visited August 2023
    Written August 17, 2023
  • Becky J
    20 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the Trip
    Worth the trip to see / experience the falls, for sure. However, outside the official Niagara Falls State Park - which is very nice - a tourist trap ensues. So, get in and get out. Stay in a B&B about a mile away. 2 days in Niagara is enough time to see / experience the beauty of the falls.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 19, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles8,224 reviews
Excellent
6,621
Very good
1,160
Average
274
Poor
100
Terrible
69

rlahuddin
Jakarta, Indonesia340 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Couples
my wife dreamed of visiting niagara since childhood. now he is taking his master degree in america and of course this opportunity is not to be missed to visit niagara.

from new york city there is a flixbus to niagara at a fairly affordable price. the journey using flixbus from the flixbus terminal in times square takes 8 hours because it transits at several places, one of which is in buffalo.

Niagara Falls is indeed extraordinary. very worth to visit. if there is one word that can describe it is majestic. extraordinary. there are two waterfalls and both can be visited on foot. There's no place like this on the planet, so if you're in New York State, make sure to visit Niagara Falls.
Written November 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ewoodfield
Canberra, Australia44 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Tours4Fun did a great job with this day tour from New Your City to Niagara Falls. It's an early 3:30 am hotel pickup and then to the JFK airport to Buffalo. Flight delayed but that's out of control of the operator. On arrival at Buffalo, local operaror Bedore Tours takes us to Niagara Falls, our driver/guide Eduardo was friendly and professional. Different lookouts on the USA and Canadian sides, each seemingly with a better view. Was nice in winter but suspect better in warmer months. Buffet lunch at the Hilton was great. Back to Buffalo, return flight (delayed again) to New York, met by driver and returned to hotel.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jerri L
Johnston, IA3,050 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Couples
My husband and I were on a road trip which took us nearby Niagara Falls and we had never visited so decided to stop by and spend some time. It was around 3:15 on a Tuesday afternoon in July. Parking lots were full but we found street parking very near the visitor center (this area is also under construction and a bit of a mess). We paid $5/hour and decided to go with 2 hours. We started with the observation deck ($1.25/person) near the visitor center. The views were very good and it was not crowded at all when we visited. From there we walked across the bridge to Goat Island and the observation areas for Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, Horseshoe Falls. This area was a bit more crowded but still not that bad and you could get to the rail to have unobstructed views. Views from all areas were amazing and we got plenty of great photos. We spent exactly 2 hours and got a good overview from the US side without rushing ourselves so it can be done. And we stopped for Perry’s hard ice cream before leaving Goat Island. :)
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JammaGammer
Cedar Rapids, IA228 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
I don't recommend the US side of Niagara Falls for two reasons: the falls view is not as good and the city is is a sad, sorry place to be with too many abandoned manufacturing buildings left to rot, homes that need windows not boards, and tourist places that provide fun that are not a casino! We were there when COVID measures meant no one was working but a lot of people were visiting. Restaurants were closed. the few that were open would only serve 8 families at a time. It is just so sad. You can tell the government has tried to reinvest in the area around the river with falls viewing and boat rides. That was fun. And then we left.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Watt2
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • Couples
Niagara Falls, N.Y. was a dumpster fire. Avoid at all costs. While the falls are an attraction there is nothing else there and hardly worth the money you pay to park in the state lots. The small tourist trap area in the city could be compared to food row at a state fair with roach coaches lining the streets. The looks of disappointment on tourists faces doesn't help brighten the stay. Old, run down, many empty storefronts. Laughable tourist destination.
Written May 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Creeping_Death_LA
Los Angeles, CA4,401 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
The C19 pandemic isn't stopping the people to hop on board and have a good time. At first I thought this quick boat ride was a bit on the pricey side but it's worth every penny. The five in our group were showered by what felt like a rain storm fell upon us - too much fun.
Written October 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jennifer S
Minneapolis, MN180 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021
The Niagara Falls park is beautiful! Lots of areas to walk along the river and over to Goat Island is SOOOO worth the walk. It will take about 10-15 mins to walk casually over to Goat Island from the main tourist area. We went in March and some of the overlook areas were closed still due to ice and snow on the trails.
Going up on the Tower/ Walkway is very cool! Wish they had it open at sunset! It is so pretty up there looking both at the Falls and down river.
Make sure to visit at night too. The Falls is lite up with different colors and with the Canadian skyline in the background, it is breathtaking!
Written April 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

travelmom621
Boiling Springs, PA116 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Couples
For our 35 anniversary we returned to Niagara Falls. We chose to visit at night to see the lights and the colors projected on the falls. It was quite crowded but everyone took turns stopping g along the rails for photo opps. A few even volunteered to take our
I turn and vise verse!
We didn’t go or see anything else, the signage at night was not full of information and getting there in the dark was easy, and the park was nice, but without the visitors center help b you see the options I am sure we missed other views of it.we followed signs for the falls and that was it.
On the way back was a skunk walking right by us, and my husband was trying to get a picture when we saw the tail go up and I told him if he got spayed he wasn’t getting in the car. He didn’t and was lucky.
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

L C
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Family
The New York Side of Niagara Falls is beautiful, and the park is very pretty. There are walkways that lead you down to observation areas that get very close to the water. The park is well kept and clean, and the views are pretty amazing. If you want to see the falls up close and personal, you have to do a tour that includes the Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds. Prepare to get very wet, but you won't be sorry that you got to experience the falls this way. Both are truly amazing to see!!!

We actually visited the Canadian side of the falls on our first day in town. Do Not Miss seeing the Canadian side - remember your passports!!! The Canadian side of the falls was absolutely beautiful!!! Their park and visitor center is right on the Horseshoe Falls. It's mesmerizing to see this up close. There were rainbows over the falls when we visited because it was a sunny day. The park is so beautiful and the landscaping and plantings are lovely. We visited after Labor Day, so I'm sure it was a little less crowded than full blown tourist season. We ate lunch at Table Rock in the visitor center. The food is a little expensive, which is to be expected, but the food was also well worth it - it was delicious. The restaurant overlooks the Horseshoe Falls, so you have a spectacular view while you're dining.
Written September 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mrscla75
Cortland, OH18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
I hadn’t visited the Falls since I was a child, and I had forgotten just how beautiful and mesmerizing they were. We spent time at the Whirlpool State Park - I highly recommend it. The water is a stunning blue, reminiscent of the Caribbean. Free parking and awesome hiking trails. I also recommend doing at least one of the typical tourist activities, such as Maid of the Mist or Cave of the Wind. We chose Maid of the Mist. With either one you will get wet, but to my surprise the souvenir rain poncho kept my clothes dry. After the boat ride we climbed the steps to the Crow’s Nest for a beautiful view of the American Falls and great photo ops.

We stayed at the Double Tree on the Canadian side. We paid more for a room with a view, but it was worth it to see the Falls illuminated at night, and it was perfect for watching the nightly fireworks display. The room was clean, the restaurant was good with excellent service, and the Starbucks in the hotel lobby was an plus. The hotel was within walking distance of the Horseshoe Falls visitor center and lookout point. We thoroughly enjoyed just watching the amazing falls and enjoying the beautiful morning.

I recommend visiting on a week day if you can. Hotel rooms are less expensive and lines are significantly shorter. As it is only a 3 1/2 hour drive, we will definitely be returning and hope to try some different activities.
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Niagara Falls - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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