Niagara Falls is a natural marvel: Millions of gallons of water rush into the Niagara Gorge every second, forming three distinct waterfalls. The falls sit on the border between the United States and Canada, and the town of Niagara Falls, New York, offers state parks, restaurants, museums, and other attractions to the many visitors who come to see the falls. So, whether you want to get wet on a boat ride or behind-the-scenes waterfall walk or dine with a view, there are many things to do in Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls enjoys a summertime tourist boom thanks to warm temperatures that make Maid of the Mist voyages a welcome and cooling experience. The free Discover Niagara Shuttle operates from June through October, which is when area attractions are at their busiest. For a slightly calmer (and less expensive) outing, consider visiting in September or October, when most attractions are still open, including Maid of the Mist boat rides, which close from early November through late April.
Niagara Falls is served by the The Niagara Falls International Train Station and Intermodal Transportation Center, which links to Amtrak services in the US and Maple Leaf services in Canada, as well as the Niagara Falls Transit terminal, served by bus lines like Greyhound. A number of local buses, as well as two trams, operate in the area, as does the free, seasonal Discover Niagara shuttle. Guided tour itineraries offer an even simpler way to navigate the region’s attractions.
Many visitors don’t realize that Niagara Falls is just a hop, skip, and a jump from one of Canada’s top wine regions. Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to many award-winning wineries, which cultivate grape varietals like pinot noir and cabernet franc and also produce dessert-friendly ice wines. Many half- and full-day guided tours are available, and they make it easy to sip and sample without worrying about nominating a designated driver.
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If you’ve already seen the falls, the surrounding region offers plenty of wine-tasting and sightseeing opportunities. Sample ice wine—a dessert wine produced in the Canadian Niagara Falls region. Later, visit the quaint historical town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and rent a bike to explore the area.
...MoreIn spring and summer, get up close and personal with a boat tour of Niagara Falls. The thrill-seekers can opt for a zipline ride that soars through the gorge, or descend to the viewing deck behind the falls themselves for a firsthand experience of their power.
...MoreYes, with two days you’ll be able to spend as long as you like at the falls themselves, and reserve the second day for exploring the surrounding region. The charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is 12 miles (19 kilometers) from the falls and offers multiple wineries and a historic old town.
...MoreYes, one day lets you try all the activities on offer if your focus is on the falls themselves. Relax with a cruise past Niagara Falls, zipline over them, or take a ride on the Clifton Hill SkyWheel for panoramic views of the falls and surrounds.
...MoreJune, July, and August offer the best experience as the boat cruise will be running and the spray from the falls will be a refreshing change from the summer heat. June offers a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer visitors.
...MoreYes, you can view the falls for free from the Table Rock Welcome Centre, which is on public land on the Canadian side. If you want to visit any of the surrounding attractions, make sure you check operating hours and price on the Niagara Parks website.
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