Niagara Falls is one of North America’s most breathtaking natural wonders and is visited by millions of people every year. The three collective falls straddle the border between the United States and Canada. The largest of the three – Horseshoe Falls – is located in Canada. American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are situated in the United States. Some believe that a small portion of American Falls are in Canada.

Planning Your Niagara Falls Escape

Before diving into the adventure, the first decision to make when traveling to Niagara Falls is if you will visit both sides of the falls or just one. This could require different travel document and visas. Each offers unique experiences:

• American Side: Home to the iconic Maid of the Mist boat ride and stunning observation decks, it’s perfect for classic falls encounters.
• Canadian Side: Boasting panoramic views from the towering Skylon Tower and thrilling helicopter tours, it caters to a broader adventure spectrum.

Tours you may be interested in:

Niagara Falls Best Attractions

Niagara Falls is one of the most famous natural wonders in the world. There are so many attractions and activities to enjoy near the Falls, both on the Canadian and the American side. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Niagara Falls State Park

This is the oldest state park in the USA, and it offers spectacular views of the Falls, as well as access to the Maid of the Mist boat ride, the Cave of the Winds, the Observation Tower, and the Aquarium of Niagara.

• Whirlpool Rapids

This is a section of the Niagara River where the water flows at a very high speed, creating huge waves and whirlpools. You can admire the rapids from the Whirlpool Aero Car, a cable car that crosses the river, or from the Whirlpool State Park, which has hiking trails and picnic areas.

• Niagara-on-the-Lake

This is a charming town on the Canadian side, known for its historic architecture, wineries, breweries, and festivals. You can also visit the Fort George National Historic Site, which played a key role in the War of 1812.

• Clifton Hill

This is a tourist district on the Canadian side, where you can find a variety of entertainment options, such as arcades, museums, wax figures, mini-golf, haunted houses, and the Niagara SkyWheel.

• Niagara Falls Illumination and Fireworks

Every night, the Falls are lit up with colorful lights, creating a stunning spectacle. On select nights, you can also watch fireworks over the Falls, adding to the magic. You can see the illumination and fireworks schedule on the official website.

Top 10 Things to Do in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has countless activities for visitors to do. Here’s the Top 10 recommended activities.

1. See Niagara Falls by boat.

Take an adventurous boat ride to get up close to the magnificent falls as you feel the mist on your face and hear the roar of the falls next to you. The legendary Maid of the Mist boat ride is always in demand, which runs from April or May to October. There are several other boat tours offered on the Niagara River including the Wet Jet Tour and Jet Dome Tour. Be prepared to get wet.

2. Explore Niagara Falls parks.

Niagara Falls State Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, is on the U.S. side and is the oldest state park in the country. It has 15-plus miles of hiking trails, a Visitor’s Center, Niagara Gorge Discovery Center and the Aquarium of Niagara.

Whirlpool State Park in Niagara Falls, New York and the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve in Ontario, Canada showcase the great 125-foot whirlpool moving counterclockwise 30-35 miles per hour caused from a change in the Niagara River’s flow. They also contain hiking and biking trails and picnic areas as well as fishing and hiking opportunities.

Queen Victoria Park in Niagara Falls, Ontario offers excellent viewpoints of Niagara Falls in addition to vast gardens, a welcome center, restaurant, cafeteria and gift shop. It is surrounded by the Niagara Escarpment, Niagara River and Niagara Gorge.

Niagara Botanical Gardens have nearly 100 acres of beautifully maintained grounds including its famous rose garden with more than 2,400 roses. Horse and carriage rides are available during the summer.

3. See the Niagara Falls and Whirlpool by air.

The thrilling Whirlpool Aero Car takes riders high above the Niagara Whirlpool in an antique cable car that can carry up to 35 passengers. You may also opt to take a private or public helicopter tour over the grand Niagara Falls. You’ll definitely get a bird’s eye view!

4. Walk next to the falls for vantage points.

Walk along the many platforms and boardwalks around the falls to see the spectacular phenomenon from many different angles. Several attractions including Cave of the Winds and Journey Behind the Falls allow visitors to walk near the Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil Falls. Whitewater Walk offers two observation decks to view the racing Whirlpool Rapids.

5. Go sightseeing by horseback.

Go horseback riding around the Niagara Falls area such as the beaches along Lake Erie, Wainfleet Wetlands Conservation Area and the Trans-Canada Trail. The tours are great for groups and couples as well as experienced and first-time riders. It will be an unforgettable experience!

6. Sample some of the Niagara wines.

The Niagara Wine Region has more than 80 wineries and vineyards in the U.S. and Canada along the Niagara Escarpment located a short drive from Niagara Falls. The United States has a Niagara Wine Trail with many award-winning wineries along it. Approximately half of Canada’s vineyards are located in the picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake. It also has the Wine Route of Ontario.

7. Explore how the Niagara Falls provide power.

Niagara Falls are not only beautiful, they are beneficial for generating hydroelectricity. Learn about its benefits by visiting Niagara Power Vista in Lewiston, New York or Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Power Stations in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

8. Uncover History at Old Fort Niagara.

Old Fort Niagara is a French fort built in 1726 along the Niagara River at Lake Ontario near Youngstown, New York. It has the title of being the oldest constantly operating military site in North America. The fort is now a museum with historical re-enactments, musket firing demonstrations, artisans, exhibits and much more!

9. Soak in scenic beauty from observation towers.

Niagara Falls, New York features the Prospect Point Park Observation Tower while Niagara Falls, Canada has Skylon Tower and Konica Minolta Tower Centre. All three contain gift shops as well as various other attractions.

10. Catch an IMAX Adventure.

See the great Niagara Falls on a six-story IMAX movie screen with the amazing surround sound echoing the roar of the falls. IMAX films are available at the Niagara IMAX Theatre and Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls Adventure Theater in Niagara Falls State Park.

These are just some of the attractions and things to do in Niagara Falls. You can also explore the surrounding nature, culture, and history of the region, or try some of the local cuisine and shopping. If you want to further enrich your experience, you can also join a multi-day vacation package that includes more classics, such as a 4-Day Niagara Falls, Philadelphia, Washington DC and Boston tour from New York.