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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- Karen S6 contributionsNew York Niagara Falls Welcome CenterI’ve never been disappointed with the awesomeness of Niagara Falls. The staff at Niagara Falls Welcome Center (before entering the State Park) was friendly and helpful. We drove into the State Park and since we were only going to be there less than an hour that day, we elected to drive to the Three Sisters parking lot.. which has limited free parking and restroom facilities. A shuttle bus is available at the park with hop-on, hop-off for different views in the park.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 3, 2024
- KarenwdslpSt. Pete Beach, Florida111 contributionsMust see this ..you won’t be sorryFirst time visiting the Falls. We landed in Niagra international airport and drove to Canada but on the way had to stop to see the American side. Beautiful doesn’t do it justice. Amazing seems lackluster. You can walk down the walkways for free and get a good view. We paid $1.25 per person and went out on the observation deck and got even better pictures and views. You can take the elevator down to the lower section to get closer, we did not bc we didn’t want to possibly get wet. Parking is hit and miss, I think we paid $15. There are lots of shops and restaurants but this was just a stop off. There are a lot of Native American tables selling beautiful jewelry. Restrooms are called washrooms and are all genders so don’t look for just men or women.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten June 3, 2024
- Sherri QSpringfield, Missouri66 contributionsStopped in for a quick look at the falls on our way back home.The Falls are fabulous! The property is well kept and clean. This was the first time ever we have encountered "ALL WELCOMED" bathrooms, and I have to say I was very uncomfortable when I exited my stall and 3 men were standing there. Why not keep a men's a women's and an all then nobody has to be in a position they are uncomfortable with just to do a basic human function.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 5, 2024
- Maria A MMadrid, Spain284 contributionsYou have to see it, yes or yes.It is a spectacle of nature that you never tire of looking at. It's overcrowded, true, but how can it not be, if it's beautiful. Time of year: spring/autumn and during the week, on weekends it gets impossible. The ideal is to have one day, two nights. The night you arrive you see the fireworks and the colored water, you dedicate the entire next day to the falls, entering Canada, and the next morning you leave.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 8, 2024
- greglinmonLas Cruces, New Mexico1,052 contributionsJust a stunning siteI have been here a couple of times. Just a beautiful site. Great to walk and watch. Went on a Saturday in June. Lots of tourists and crowds but to be expected. But having to stand three deep to get a view diminished the experience.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten June 8, 2024
- kay-cee-1138Houston, Texas558 contributionsBiggest (largest volume) waterfall in North AmericaVisiting Niagra Falls is worth the effort, even if only an hour or two can be spared. The sheer mass of water going over the American Falls and larger Canadian Falls is a sight to see. Sure, the area is very touristy (especially on the Canadian side), and can get very crowded with visitors, but that need not interfere with one's enjoyment of the sheer spectacle of the waterfalls. We were short on time, so we stayed on the American side and arrived at the Goat Island parking lot as soon as it opened, and we were able to see both of the Canadian and the American Falls very well from, respectively, the west end and the north end of the island. There's a footbridge from Goat Island to Luna Island for a very up-close look at the American Falls. Also fun to watch the Canadian Geese who hang out on Goat Island and the mass of seagulls that wheel about above the river just before it pours over the top of the American Falls. There's lots of other activities in the vicintity too, of course, but we were content to just let nature put on the show.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 9, 2024
- Marilena T6 contributionsEsperienza assolutamente consigliata!!!Unforgettable experience. A force of nature indescribable in words. The Canadian side is superior to the New York side...but both deserve attention. The only drawback: parking on the NY side at 25 US dollars.... crazy! Ride on the bridge: 25 dollari statunitensi...anche questo una follia! Icing on the cake: a spectacular rainbow on the falls!Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten July 11, 2024
- Donald L1 contributionFrog Pondjust a recent addition amazed me. This well kept, active frog pond. Clean in its own way. Life cycle frog pond. With tadpoles and mature frogs making that deep throaty call.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten July 20, 2024
- CleanhotelsColumbus, Ohio502 contributionsPark is Pretty, Town is a PitWhile the U.S. side of the Niagara falls and parking area themselves felt safe and is beautiful, getting there is another story. The U.S. town of Niagara Falls is a dirty, rundown pit. I would never want to drive thru the area at night. Graffiti and boarded up buildings with over grown grass abound. If you want to see Niagara Falls and are simply going for the Falls and nothing else, go on the U.S. side. If you want the entire shopping and dining experience along with the beauty of the falls, unfortunately I recommend the Canada side. It's beautiful, clean and appealing.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten July 23, 2024
- Angela R1 contributionWonderful place!Beautiful weather! Beautiful Falls! Love the squirrels, chipmunk, geese and sea gulls. Beautiful trees, flowers, etc. Great time to come. Everything is still open and it’s not over-crowded.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten September 19, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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L C
3 contributions
Sept 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.
Chris F
Cary, NC257 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.
Jerri L
Johnston, IA4,795 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
My husband and I were on a road trip which took us nearby Niagara Falls and we had never visited so decided to stop by and spend some time. It was around 3:15 on a Tuesday afternoon in July. Parking lots were full but we found street parking very near the visitor center (this area is also under construction and a bit of a mess). We paid $5/hour and decided to go with 2 hours. We started with the observation deck ($1.25/person) near the visitor center. The views were very good and it was not crowded at all when we visited. From there we walked across the bridge to Goat Island and the observation areas for Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, Horseshoe Falls. This area was a bit more crowded but still not that bad and you could get to the rail to have unobstructed views. Views from all areas were amazing and we got plenty of great photos. We spent exactly 2 hours and got a good overview from the US side without rushing ourselves so it can be done. And we stopped for Perry’s hard ice cream before leaving Goat Island. :)
Written July 19, 2022
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.
stephens473
Nottingham, UK526 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
What an amazing experience ! The car park is $10.00 for all day.
You need to wear something waterproof even on a dry day as the spray from the Falls follows you around !
We spent quite a few hours walking around the various viewing platforms - amazing how close yo can get to the water ! Awe inspiring with the rumble from the water and the sheer size of the Falls.
The gift shop is quite expensive but has a huge range of souvenirs , there are plenty of modern toilets and cafe.
Definitely worth the effort and what memories.
You need to wear something waterproof even on a dry day as the spray from the Falls follows you around !
We spent quite a few hours walking around the various viewing platforms - amazing how close yo can get to the water ! Awe inspiring with the rumble from the water and the sheer size of the Falls.
The gift shop is quite expensive but has a huge range of souvenirs , there are plenty of modern toilets and cafe.
Definitely worth the effort and what memories.
Written October 29, 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.
rlahuddin
Jakarta, Indonesia375 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
my wife dreamed of visiting niagara since childhood. now he is taking his master degree in america and of course this opportunity is not to be missed to visit niagara.
from new york city there is a flixbus to niagara at a fairly affordable price. the journey using flixbus from the flixbus terminal in times square takes 8 hours because it transits at several places, one of which is in buffalo.
Niagara Falls is indeed extraordinary. very worth to visit. if there is one word that can describe it is majestic. extraordinary. there are two waterfalls and both can be visited on foot. There's no place like this on the planet, so if you're in New York State, make sure to visit Niagara Falls.
from new york city there is a flixbus to niagara at a fairly affordable price. the journey using flixbus from the flixbus terminal in times square takes 8 hours because it transits at several places, one of which is in buffalo.
Niagara Falls is indeed extraordinary. very worth to visit. if there is one word that can describe it is majestic. extraordinary. there are two waterfalls and both can be visited on foot. There's no place like this on the planet, so if you're in New York State, make sure to visit Niagara Falls.
Written November 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.
alek f
2 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Probably most expensive place in Canada and likely in North America.
City fathers are only concerned how to extract most money in shortest possible time . Falls are spectacular but i dont think i will come back anytime soon
City fathers are only concerned how to extract most money in shortest possible time . Falls are spectacular but i dont think i will come back anytime soon
Written June 3, 2024
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.
JammaGammer
Cedar Rapids, IA251 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.
Charles_and_Susan
Nottingham, UK7,617 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
It's such an amazing place. You can reach several of the named falls from the paths in the park. Seek out all the different ways to reach the edge. It's surprising how close you can get to the speeding and falling water. From several places the water and spray create rainbows.
Written October 11, 2024
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.
HeardItBothWays
Easton, PA2,359 contributions
Aug 2022
My husband and I recently visited Niagara Falls when we found ourselves with a few extra days off in the summer. The falls themselves are absolutely breathtaking; both the US and Canadian Falls are so immense and wondrous to see.
There are a lot of options to see and appreciate them as well. We visited the Maid of the Mist, which offers boat views of the falls, and the Cave of the Winds, where you can see the American Falls from underneath and the Canadian Falls in the distance. You can explore the top of the American Falls from Niagara State Park and see them from hotels and the walkways in Fallsview, Canada. There are fireworks nightly at 9pm as well with the lit falls behind them, which is another cool way to see the falls.
If you're planning to visit, I would decide what kind of experience you want. The hotels in Fallsview have beautiful views of the falls but it's very touristy there. The New York side is far less touristy but doesn't have a straight-on view, though it is a lot more convenient if you want to visit the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds. There are some trails to explore in that park as well, which is really peaceful.
Overall, I'm really glad we got to see the Falls but I likely wouldn't return because it was just too crowded and touristy for me. They are definitely breathtaking, though, and I'd probably consider them a must-see, even if only once.
There are a lot of options to see and appreciate them as well. We visited the Maid of the Mist, which offers boat views of the falls, and the Cave of the Winds, where you can see the American Falls from underneath and the Canadian Falls in the distance. You can explore the top of the American Falls from Niagara State Park and see them from hotels and the walkways in Fallsview, Canada. There are fireworks nightly at 9pm as well with the lit falls behind them, which is another cool way to see the falls.
If you're planning to visit, I would decide what kind of experience you want. The hotels in Fallsview have beautiful views of the falls but it's very touristy there. The New York side is far less touristy but doesn't have a straight-on view, though it is a lot more convenient if you want to visit the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds. There are some trails to explore in that park as well, which is really peaceful.
Overall, I'm really glad we got to see the Falls but I likely wouldn't return because it was just too crowded and touristy for me. They are definitely breathtaking, though, and I'd probably consider them a must-see, even if only once.
Written September 5, 2022
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.
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.
Written January 16, 2023
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!
Written January 18, 2023
What’s the procedure going to Canada? Has anyone stayed at over the hotel there?
Written August 11, 2022
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.
Written August 13, 2022
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
Written March 5, 2022
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.
Written April 18, 2023
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!
Written November 15, 2021
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.
Written January 17, 2022
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 ?
Written August 19, 2020
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).
Written August 20, 2020
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.
Written August 13, 2020
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.
Written August 13, 2020
Is everything mostly open again in the areas parks. Tours. Places to eat etc? Thinking about going up at the end of,June. Thanks
Written June 6, 2020
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!
Written June 6, 2020
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?
Written February 26, 2020
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.
Written February 26, 2020
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