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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- Chris FCary, North Carolina89 contributionsUS Side of Niagara Falls in One Day - Easily Doable as AduktsGreat one day trip doing Niagara Falls US side including Cave of the Winds Maid of the Mist Boat ride, lookouts (Prospect Point, Luna Island, Terrapin Point), and strolling through Niagara Park. Recommend say trolley pass which allows off and on at any of the stops all day for only $3 a person for the full day. Will get very wet at both the boat ride and Cave of the Winds. Initially walked from Rainbow Bridge all the way to Terrapin Point as not all that long a distance but then took trolley to ride the whole loop. Started at Cave of the Winds as couldn’t but those tickets in advance.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 27, 2023
- MidwestKathMDetroit, Michigan929 contributionsDon'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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 29, 2023
- TravelingBum10United States5,883 contributionsA must seeWe 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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 15, 2023
- Shane WBrooklyn, Iowa76 contributionsLoved 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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 25, 2023
- Family Fun27 contributionsNiagara Falls, NYI 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 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 28, 2023
- mrscla75Cortland, Ohio18 contributionsMesmerizing!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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 3, 2023
- Donald KEdmonton, Canada1,142 contributionsI liked it better than the horseshoe sideFirst 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 2023Written July 25, 2023
- minimize940314Los Angeles, California3,523 contributionsGo in the winterProbably 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 2022Written August 7, 2023
- RKordzielRotterdam, New York101 contributionsThe 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 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 13, 2023
- vrgerberCraigville, Indiana14 contributionsWorth seeing once in a lifetimeIt'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 2023Written August 17, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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JammaGammer
Cedar Rapids, IA228 contributions
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
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, CA4,402 contributions
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
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!
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Banu Niyaz
Colombo, Sri Lanka32 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
The full shape of the waterfall is more visible when viewed from the Canadian side than from the American side. But unable to cross the Rainbow Bridge as we have not yet fully vaccinated
There is an electric boat facility to go near the waterfall. But still, don’t go too close. Even if we wear poncho (a top made of polythene,) we will still get somewhat wet. The beauty of the waterfall splashing and falling on us is a personal feeling.
There is an electric boat facility to go near the waterfall. But still, don’t go too close. Even if we wear poncho (a top made of polythene,) we will still get somewhat wet. The beauty of the waterfall splashing and falling on us is a personal feeling.
Written August 16, 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.
Chris F
Cary, NC89 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Great one day trip doing Niagara Falls US side including Cave of the Winds Maid of the Mist Boat ride, lookouts (Prospect Point, Luna Island, Terrapin Point), and strolling through Niagara Park. Recommend say trolley pass which allows off and on at any of the stops all day for only $3 a person for the full day. Will get very wet at both the boat ride and Cave of the Winds. Initially walked from Rainbow Bridge all the way to Terrapin Point as not all that long a distance but then took trolley to ride the whole loop. Started at Cave of the Winds as couldn’t but those tickets in advance.
Written May 27, 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.
DenGourmand
Wallingford, CT251 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
For those who have no idea where to go this summer, might I recommend a short trip to Niagara Falls. It is not passe; it is a wonder of nature that will take your breath away. And when you come take the Over the Falls Tour. Don't let the fact that the Canadian side is "closed" deter you. You will be pleasantly surprised at how much there is to see and do, and how close you will get to the maelstrom that is the falls.
Written August 7, 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.
Benjamin C
1 contribution
We are traveling to the Canadian part of Niagara Falls this weekend for the wine festival. Has anyone used Uber or Lyft, is it readily available? Does anyone have any recommendations for shuttle services between the wineries? Thanks in advance.
1Palmtreelover
Niagara Falls, Canada1,151 contributions
Hello there and welcome! The best thing to do is google "wine tours of Niagara" and you will get your info there. Not sure how winter affects the hours and tours etc but I'm also sure if you call the wineries they can put you in the right direction. Good luck and Enjoy!
ZhuZhu L
New York City, NY618 contributions
What’s the procedure going to Canada? Has anyone stayed at over the hotel there?
Mom21042
Ellicott City, MD43 contributions
Canada has 10 days quarantine requirement if you tested positive for Covid. For that reason we canceled our hotels there and stayed in NY for our trip. Can’t afford the time stuck there in case we were unlucky.
J R
2 contributions
Hola, Viajo a Toronto y mi vuelo llega 11pm, saben si sale algun autobus hasta Niagara a esa hora, o debo espera hasta la mañana. llevo equipaje documentado
Gracias por su ayuda
Hi JR, my name is JP i hope you are well. When i went for my vacations to niagara falls, i was arrived at 11 o'clock too, and i didn't have problems with the tour. It is at one and don't forget the price is 183 dollars for the tour.
Marianne W
Valparaiso, IN14 contributions
We are traveling to New York in June and have never been (it’s a day trip from about 1-1/2 hours away). We definitely want to view the Canadian side (we know about the test requirements and have passports). Should we drive to the Canadian side or is it possible, and practical, to view the U.S. side and walk to the Canadian side? I am not at all familiar with the “lay of the land”. Thank you!
Alysa W
Blountville, TN64 contributions
It is most practical to me to park on the US side and walk across. Actually, you can see the American falls (from the Canadian side) without going through Canadian Customs if you want. The view from the bridge was amazing.
jnmtravelTexas
Montgomery, TX161 contributions
Where are the best foodie places in the Niagara Falls area?
valsinnj
Manville7 contributions
I am not a good person to answer this, most places were closed
johnc9111
Wilkinson, IN44 contributions
I heard that the American side was pretty rough as far as crime in the laughs drug use etc. Can anyone confirm or deny this ?
Trevor_from_MI
Michigan184 contributions
Away from the tourist area looks pretty rough. You have no reason to go there though, at most you drive through it on your way to the falls. The falls area itself is nice and safe. As a tourist I enjoy the US side as much as the Canadian side (I've done both).
Rohan P
4 contributions
I like to visit the falls end of August 2020. Is it okay to go to the Canada side with the Covid stuff going on right now? Last I know, the Canada border is closed to non-essential travel, but I also hea travel restrictions not as restrictive as they say they are? I know the Canada side is more beautiful.
KMF05
Boston, MA30 contributions
Canada side is closed. The US side doesn’t get enough credit. The Horseshoe Falls are amazing and go on the Maids of the Mist if you want to get up close.
Garrett
Gahanna, OH1,590 contributions
Is everything mostly open again in the areas parks. Tours. Places to eat etc? Thinking about going up at the end of,June. Thanks
Michele P
Middletown, NY452 contributions
I was there Memorial Day weekend...the parks were open-including the restrooms! But attractions like Maid of the Mist and the observation tower were not. We stayed one night in a hotel...which was super clean with an abundance of precautions in place. Unfortunately it was mainly fast food places open for drive through...this week more may be open though. It is worth it if you are just going to see the Falls and enjoy walking/hiking but there wasn’t too much else to do yet!
Jennifer B
Morgantown, WV73 contributions
Trying to plan a short visit over a summer. Coming from Ohio. Which side is better, US or Canda? Also, would you need a passport if you go to the Canda side?
Tim P
New Era, MI73 contributions
A passport would be highly recommended, not sure if it is required. As far as view both sides are unique but the colors at night are best viewed from the Canadian side in my opinion. I would do tours and huricane deck from the American side and night viewing from the Canadian side. To do the falls right you need to see them from both sides. Easy to do in a day. Also check into the fireworks schedule.
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Claim your listingNiagara Falls - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Niagara Falls
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Niagara Falls:
- Niagara Falls American-Side Tour with Maid of the Mist Boat Ride (From $139.95)
- Niagara Falls in 1 Day: Tour of American and Canadian Sides (From $189.95)
- Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour (From $114.00)
- 5-day Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal & Quebec City Tour (From $1,065.00)
- Boston, New York, Washington D.C. & Niagara Falls 4-day Tour (From $350.20)
- Hotels near Niagara Falls:
- (0.05 mi) 10 min. Walk to the Falls
- (0.12 mi) Great Gorge Guesthouse - 10 Minute Walk to Falls
- (0.12 mi) Great Gorge Guesthouse
- (0.13 mi) The Grand View
- (0.15 mi) Gorge View
- Restaurants near Niagara Falls:
- (0.22 mi) Wine on Third
- (0.25 mi) Donatello's Restaurant
- (0.18 mi) Indian Kitchen King
- (0.33 mi) Zaika Indian Cuisine Buffet & Bar
- (0.32 mi) Chill 443
- Attractions near Niagara Falls:
- (0.08 mi) Aquarium of Niagara
- (0.14 mi) Devil's Hole State Park
- (0.15 mi) Schoellkopf Power Station
- (0.28 mi) Bedore Tours
- (0.37 mi) Bird Kingdom