The free viewing platforms offer excellent close-up views
Observation platform, US side
Credit Shutterstock.com/Ruslan Kalnitsky
Observation platform, ‘Cave of the Winds’ experience, US side
Head to the top pf the Skylon Tower for great views
Credit Shutterstock.com/JuliaDorian
Hop into a helicopter for an incredible bird’s eye view…
Credit Shutterstock.com/LMspencer
There are some historical monuments – like the old fort- worth a stop
The world-class wines of the Niagara Peninsula are a short drive away
Stop in at vineyards for tours and tastings
Credit Shutterstock.com/JHVEPhoto
If you have time, stop by the pretty town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Credit Shutterstock.com/Kiev.Victor
Last updated: 22 September, 2024
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There’s only one reason most people come to this Ontario city straddling the border of the United States and Canada, and that’s to see the remarkable Horseshoe Falls waterfall. It’s one of the world’s greatest natural wonders – on many a bucket list – that justifies the hype, making Niagara a bucket list destination.
Beyond the waterfall, there’s the inevitable mass-market tourist fare of entertainment venues, theme parks and casinos – but there are other worthy sights & activities to be found here. There are some wonderful walks, and just outside the city is the Niagara Wine region, home to world-class vineyards.
Orientation
The Falls straddle the US and Canadian border, so you’ll hear references to the ‘Canadian side’ or the ‘US side’ depending on which country you are in.
The Canadian side of the falls – more powerful than the American – is probably the better side from which to experience them, but both offer a wide range of (fantastic) experiences.
The city built around them is also called ‘Niagara Falls’, leading to endless confusion with the waterfall itself.
One block from the Falls is Clifton Hill, a district packed with (touristy) entertainment venues, restaurants and shops. Great fun for families visiting the Falls, but there’s nothing authentic or different about it, so more cultured travellers should avoid it like the plague.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a separate town, a 30-minute drive north of Niagara Falls city. It’s the gateway to the picturesque vineyards of the world-class Niagara Wine Region.
Tours, tickets & transfers
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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers
Don't let the border stop you from experiencing all of Niagara Falls' glory! On this deluxe 6-hour tour, visit top Niagara Falls attractions on both the Ontario side and the New York side. Take a ride on the famous 'Maid of the Mist' boat, view the falls from atop Skylon Tower, feel the falls’ thunder at the Cave of the Winds and much more. All attraction fees, admission fees, hotel transfers and road tolls are included!
While you're visiting Niagara Falls, take a morning or afternoon tour of the spectacular attractions on the Canadian side of the Falls. Highlights include an exhilarating ride aboard the famous Maid of the Mist boat at the base of the majestic Horseshoe Falls, and a trip up the Skylon Tower for a bird's-eye view of the Niagara region.
Please note: The Maid of the Mist portion of this tour departs from the US side of Niagara Falls. All customers booking this tour must have appropriate documentation to enter the United States and Canada.
Enjoy a day trip from Toronto to Niagara Falls that includes stops at Niagara Falls, the Floral Clock (seasonal), the Niagara Whirlpool, and a viewpoint overlooking the Niagara River. You'll travel aboard a modern coach and have a minimum of three hours in Niagara Falls to explore independently. Tours are conducted by licensed Niagara Parks Commission Tour Guides, so you'll learn interesting information with commentary given throughout the day. On the day of the tour, you have the option to purchase a Niagara Hornblower City cruise up the Niagara River to the base of Niagara Falls. You will also have the option to go up the Skylon Tower giving amazing views overlooking Niagara Falls from above.
Your first stop is Skylon Tower, you’ll head up 520 ft. in a glass elevator to the observation deck where you will be treated to an incredible, birds-eye view of all three Niagara Falls, the Niagara River & surrounding area.
At your next stop you will descend 125 ft to explore cave-like tunnels at Journey Behind the Falls. This experience is a treat for the senses as you’ll be able to not only hear the falls, but feel them as well.
Next jump aboard the Niagara City Cruises Voyage To The Falls Boat Tour (seasonal, operating Apr-Nov. only, replaced with Niagara's Fury & Butterfly Conservatory from Dec.-Apr.). You will sail around the Niagara gorge, get as close as possible to the Falls and feel the refreshing mist.
During the final portion of your tour, your guide will take you on a narrated driving tour of the city. Your guide will take you to several points of interest including the Dufferin Islands, the International Control Dam, the Old Scow, Whirlpool Rapids and the Floral Clock
Experience the Thrill of Niagara Falls on this small group day tour from Toronto.
Skip the lines on Hornblower Niagara boat cruise and enjoy a Niagara falls guided bus tour. This tour includes hassle-free downtown Toronto pickup and drop off, Niagara cruise boat with fast track tickets, Tour with Experienced Tour Guide, lookout at Whirlpool Rapids Golf course, see the Falls from the Edge of Canadian side, Visit the Ontario's Finest Maple Syrup Factory for tasting and touring!
The Falls are most powerful after the spring thaw – May to July. Crowds are heaviest during July and August, but the site is so large, there is always plenty of space.
Viewing platforms are open daily all year round, but in winter boat tours don’t run.
Getting there and away
Niagara Falls is an hour’s drive from Toronto, with free parking at the Visitor’s Centre. Alternatively, the daily train service from Toronto’s Union Station takes 1hr 56 and deposits you just moments from the Falls.
On the US side, Buffalo Niagara International Airport in New York is the closest airport, about a 30-minute drive away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle. There are also bus tours available from various cities, and Amtrak trains stop at Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Getting around
Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the tourist district. Taxis and rideshare services are plentiful and readily available. Biking is another popular option, with bike rentals available.
The Niagara Falls Incline Railway provides a scenic ride between the Fallsview Boulevard area and the Table Rock Welcome Centre. WEGO, the local bus system, offers regular service to major attractions, hotels, and shopping areas.
The Rainbow Bridge connects the two sides of Niagara Falls. The bridge is open to people on foot, on bikes, and in cars 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Where to stay
Most visitors will stay in and around the Falls, but if you do, expect bland, touristy hotels (and food). For a more genteel, atmospheric stay, consider the charming Niagara-on-the-Lake, 30 minutes from the city. Not only is it away from the crowds, it’s also an ideal base to explore the surrounding. wine region.
