Niagara Falls & Around Travelers Recommend

Niagara Falls are a popular destination, and the towns in Ontario and New York or the same name are great jumping-off points exploring the falls’ many facets. In three days, you can see the thundering water, explore the area’s parks, jump into outdoor adventures, and learn about local history. Here’s how to spend 72 hours at Niagara Falls.

Day 1: See the Falls

The term Niagara Falls actually refers to three separate falls that gush into the Niagara Gorge: the Bridal Veil Falls, the American Falls, and the enormous Horseshoe Falls. The Canada-US border cuts right through the middle of the river, and to truly experience Niagara Falls, you need to see it from both sides, ideally on foot. Start at the Horseshoe Falls in Canada, walk along the promenade, and then head over the Rainbow Bridge, which connects the two countries (be sure to have your passport in hand). Continue your walk through Niagara Falls State Park and over to Goat Island, where you can admire views towards Canada. If you want to get wet, take a ride on the Hornblower or the Maid of the Mist boats, which take you right up to the falls.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

Niagara Falls offers a variety of outdoor sports and adventures with something to suit every interest and fitness level. To see the famous falls from yet another vantage, take a scenic helicopter ride or a jet boat tour of the region. If heights don’t bother you, you can even zipline across part of the falls. For a less adrenaline-pumping adventure, rent a bike or join a cycling tour that takes you through the trails and paths along the Niagara Gorge, or ride on the 175-foot (53-meter) tall Niagara Skywheel, an ideal attraction for families with small children.

Day 3: Niagara-on-the-Lake

Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada, is a charming little town about a half-hour drive from Niagara Falls. For a dose of history, watch a reenactment at Fort George, a military fortification built in 1812, when the US and Canada were at war, then browse the town’s boutiques and faux-English fudge shops, and admire the many historic buildings. Wine lovers can also take a tour of the wineries around the town and learn about the region’s famous ice wines. 

Summer is peak season at Niagara Falls, and visitors can expect to find more activities and events on offer than at any other time of the year, not just during the day but at night too. See below for some ideas for how to best enjoy Niagara Falls in summer.

• Marvel at the mighty falls during a daytime cruise that carries passengers out to within spraying distance of Horseshoe Falls. Two companies offer Niagara Falls cruises from mid-May through October: Hornblower Cruises depart from the Canadian side, while Maid of the Mist cruises depart from United States side.

• Wait until nightfall to witness the Falls Illumination, which sees the natural wonder lit up with colorful LED lights.

• See the sky explode with light during the Niagara Falls Fireworks spectacle. The fireworks take place nightly during July and August.

• Celebrate holidays such as Victoria Day (the Monday before May 25), Canada Day (July 1), and the Fourth of July—all of which are marked by fireworks, music, and other special events.

• Make the most of the warm weather with outdoor activities. Set off from the New York side of the Niagara River on a kayaking tour, go horseback riding around the shoreline of Lake Erie, or bike around Ontario wine country in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

• Visit the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory. During summer, many of the flowers here are in full bloom.

Niagara Falls is a spectacular natural wonder, and can be enjoyed from both the Canadan and US sides of the border. One advantage of visiting the Ontario side, however, is that you can also explore nearby towns, such as Niagara-on-the-Lake. Here are some ideas for what to do with two days on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

Day 1: Explore the town of Niagara Falls, ON

**Morning:**Start your trip by seeing the falls themselves. You can opt for a ride on the Hornblower Boat, descend 130 feet (40 meters) through stairs and tunnels to an observation platform on a Journey Behind the Falls tour, or take a scenic helicopter ride over the surrounding countryside.

**Afternoon:**Have a few laughs on the Street of Fun, otherwise known as Clifton Hill. This strip leading uphill from the falls features attractions like rides, wax museums, and houses of horror. It’s an especially appealing area for families with kids.

**Night:**On your first night in Niagara Falls, head out for dinner with a view. The 775-foot (236-meter) tall Skylon Tower boasts two revolving restaurants, and both offer spectacular views. Travelers with kids who need to eat on the early side will particularly appreciate their early-bird specials.

Day 2: Visit Niagara-on-the-Lake

**Morning:**The lovely town of Niagara-on-the-Lake sits on the shores of Lake Ontario, about a half-hour drive from Niagara Falls. Head to the area to take a tour—by car or bike—of local wineries, or to simply browse in the town’s shops and admire its historic buildings.

**Afternoon:**On the edge of Niagara-on-the-Lake, you’ll find Fort George, a military post built in the early 19th century, when the US and Canada were at war. See what life was like 200 years ago, watch staff in period costume do reenactments, and enjoy beautiful views of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River.

**Night:**On your last night in the area, take a sunset cruise along the Niagara River. The steep-sided Niagara Gorge is lush with forest and is a peaceful setting in which to relax, enjoy a drink, and toast your trip.

Niagara Falls is an impressive force of nature and one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. Many visitors to Toronto make the easy day trip. Beyond the natural attraction itself, there are a variety of parks, museums, and other attractions in the town named after the falls. Here are suggestions for a one-day itinerary. 

Morning: Get a Little Bit Wet

While the falls are impressive from any angle, there’s nothing like looking up at them from the deck of the Hornblower, the boat that departs from the Canadian side. You will get wet from the spray, but that’s all part of the fun, and ponchos are provided. Lines for the boat ride can be long in peak season, so book ahead if possible. If you visit in winter, or anytime the boats aren’t running, check out the Journey Behind the Falls where you descend to an observation deck at the foot of the falls, 130 feet (40 meters) below.

Afternoon: Fairground Fun

The Clifton Hill area of Niagara Falls Ontario, known as the Street of Fun by the Falls, is a strip of amusement arcades, wax museums, haunted houses, fairground rides, and even a Ferris wheel. If you travel with kids—or feel like a kid at heart—you won't want to miss it. Or, spend the afternoon strolling through the well-tended parks along the edge of the Niagara River. There are plenty of photo opportunities and spots to stop for a coffee or ice cream depending on the weather.

Night: Dinner with a View

The Skylon Tower offers one of the best views from Niagara Falls Ontario to the US side of the falls and beyond. There are two revolving restaurants on two levels: the Revolving Dining Room Restaurant and Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room. They complete a full revolution in an hour. Diners can go up the tower and onto the indoor and outdoor observation decks for free when eating at one of the restaurants.

Though you can see Niagara Falls from dry land, nothing quite compares with experiencing the falls from the water. Niagara City Cruises (formerly Hornblower Niagara Cruises) boat tours—departing from the Canadian side—offer front-row views of the mighty falls, putting passengers well within the splash zone. Here’s what you can expect from a Niagara City cruise.

Highlights

• Enjoy front-and-center views of American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

• Feel the spray and listen to the roar of this epic spectacle.

• Opt for an nighttime Niagara Falls boat tour to see the Falls Illumination, during which the natural wonder is lit with multicolored LED lights.

• Sip a craft beer or local Niagara wine on the deck while watching the summertime Falls Fireworks show.

• Combine a cruise with a helicopter trip over the falls, visits to other Niagara Parks attractions such as the Journey Behind the Falls tunnels, or even a tasting session at a Niagara winery. 

Thing to Know

• Boarding takes place at the Lower Landing, accessible via Niagara Parkway.

• Cruises take place aboard modern 700-capacity catamarans.

• Day tours incorporating Niagara City Cruises depart from Toronto, Ontario; Niagara Falls, Ontario; Niagara Falls, New York; and Buffalo, New York.

• If you are coming from the US, bring your passport and ensure you have the required documents and visas needed to enter Canada and re-enter the US.

• Niagara City Cruises boat tours operate from April through October (weather dependent). 

• Ponchos are provided. Wear closed-toe waterproof shoes, and bring a waterproof cover for your phone if you plan on taking photos with it. 

While Niagara Falls are a worthwhile sight any time of year, they really shine after dark when colorful lights illuminate the roaring waters. And in summer, fireworks add to the magic. Here's everything you need to know about these special events.

When to Go

The Niagara Falls illuminations takes place nightly at dusk, and timing your visit accordingly will allow you to look out over the multi-colored falls for a unique view. The summer fireworks shows run from May to September. In May, you can view the displays on Friday and Saturday nights at 10pm, but beginning in June, the fireworks take place every weeknight at 10pm for six minutes (with especially brilliant shows on Canadian national holidays).

How to Go

For an illuminated view, visit the falls after dark and watch the special waterfall night show either from a cruise on the water or from a restaurant with a full view of Niagara Falls. Some tours also offer access to the Illumination Tower, where you can choose (and change!) the color of the bulbs that light up the cascading water. And in summer, you can see the fireworks and make the most of your time in the area by choosing a guided tour that gives you access to the tunnels behind the falls, allows you to see the waterfall both during the day and after dark, or gets you up close by boat.

Things to Know

• Boat tours get you as close to the falls as possible.

• The Niagara Falls fireworks show makes for a unique event that can only be experienced during summertime.

• A combo cruise and dinner tour is an excellent way to get the full Niagara Falls experience from both land and water.

• Some tours offer round-trip hotel transport from the Canadian or American side of the falls.