Visiting Niagara Falls

Updated on Mar 07, 2024 | Canada eTA

Niagara Falls is a small, pleasant city in Ontario, Canada, which lies on the bank of the Niagara Riverand is known for the famous natural spectacle created by the three waterfalls grouped as Niagara Falls. The three waterfalls are situated at the border between New York in the United States and Ontario in Canada. Out of the three, only the largest one, which is known as Horseshoe Falls, is located in Canada, and the other smaller two, known as American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, are located entirely within the USA. The largest of the three Niagara Waterfalls, Horseshoe Falls has the most powerful flow rate of any waterfall in North America.

The tourist area in the city of Niagara Falls is concentrated at the Waterfalls but the city also has many other tourist attractions, such as observation towers, hotels, souvenir shops, museums, water parks, theatres, etc. So when visiting the city there are many places for tourists to visit apart from the Falls. Here is a list of the places to see in Niagara Falls.

Horseshoe Falls

The largest and only one of the three waterfalls that make up the Niagara Falls that fall in Canada, Horseshoe Falls, also known as Canadian Falls, is the biggest attraction of the city of Niagara Falls in Canada. Almost ninety percent of the water from the Niagara River flows over the Horseshoe Falls. One of the most popular waterfalls in the entire world, it is also one of the most beautiful. Although there are taller waterfalls in the world, Horseshoe Falls and Niagara Falls as a whole siphon the most volume of water, making them the biggest waterfalls in the world. Shaped like a concave, once you see these waterfalls you would understand why all other waterfalls in the world pale in front of them. There is a walkway above the falls from where you can get a stunning view of them, even at night when the falls are lit up in different colours. Because they are so beautiful, married couples often spend their honeymoon there and the place has gained the nickname of the Honeymoon Capital of the World.

Journey Behind the Falls

Journey Behind the Falls offers one of the most unique views of the Niagara Falls from the vantage point of below and behind the Falls. It involves taking an elevator 125 feet down to a hundred years old tunnels cut through bedrock outside which are observation decks and portals that offer the view of the back of the massive sheet of water of the Niagara Falls. You will have to wear a rain poncho while observing the Falls from this direction as the water thunders so much that you will get wet from the mist of the water. Watching the water of the Niagara Falls come crashing down will be an experience that will leave you breathless. It’s one of the attractions of the Niagara Falls that is a favourite of tourists.

Hornblower Cruises

These cruises are another way tourists can view the Niagara Falls from the base of the waterfalls. The cruises take the visitors on catamaran boats that can accommodate 700 passengers at a time. Watching the falls cascade down from the middle of the Niagara River while getting sprayed by the mist of the water would be a truly memorable experience. This is the only boat tour in Niagara Falls and the fact that it is a guided tour is an added advantage. You will find interesting facts about all three Niagara Falls, the ones on the Canadian side and the ones on the American side. And of course, the pictures that you click with your waterproof cameras would be spectacular reminders of a wonderful trip. But pictures don’t do it justice and you just have to take the tour to know what the fuss is all about!

Writing on Stone, Alberta

Niagara on the Lake

If you are visiting the city of Niagara Falls to view the amazing waterfalls by the same name, you must take full advantage and drive up to the small quaint town known as Niagara on the Lake which is just 20 minutes away from the city. Situated on the bank of Lake Ontario, this is a charming little town where most of the buildings are built in the style of Victorian architecture. This is because after the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom, much of the town had to be rebuilt and since then newer buildings are also built in the same mid 19th-century style of architecture. Tourists love the old-style buildings and streets and they even have the option of being pulled in a horse-drawn carriage through the streets of this little town. It’s a must-see place if you are visiting the Niagara Falls and in fact, many guided tours to the waterfalls make a stop in this town first.

Niagara Parkway

Originally known as Niagara Boulevard, this is a picturesque drive that follows the Niagara River on the Canadian side, starting from Niagara on the Lake, going past the city of Niagara Falls, and ending at Fort Erie, another town on the Niagara River. Not just a scenic drive, with parks and greenery on the way, there are also some popular tourist destinations situated on the Parkway, such as Floral Clock, which is a famous huge working clock made out of flowers, located near the Botanical Gardens; Whirlpool Rapids; and a Butterfly Conservatory. You can also walk or bike along the Parkway.

Niagara Falls Visit Tips - What Every Visitor Should Know Before Exploring This Natural Wonder

  • Since Niagara Falls can be enjoyed from both the Canadian and American sides, visitors are advised to carry their passports to explore the beauty of the Falls from every angle.
  • To reach Niagara Falls, visitors can choose to fly to the American side through two main international airports:
    • Niagara Falls International Airport.
    • Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

    Alternatively, they can opt for the Canadian side with main airports such as:

    • Hamilton International Airport.
    • Toronto Pearson International Airport.
  • The optimal season to explore Niagara Falls is summer. The warm weather and misty breeze create a soothing and pleasant atmosphere for a delightful experience.
  • For first-time visitors, clothing choices should align with the season. Light and breezy garments are suitable for summer, while layered and warm clothes are recommended for winter visits.
  • Regarding clothing, travellers are highly encouraged to wear waterproof or water-resistant garments, especially during tours to Niagara Falls attractions like the Maid of the Mist or journeys behind the waterfalls.
  • Ideal Discoveries from the Canadian Side:
    • The Horseshoe Falls.
    • The Niagara SkyWheel.
    • The Skylon Tower.

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