Niagara Falls Complete Travel Guide: What Do You Need to Know for Your Ultimate Trip?
- Visit Mundus
- Jun 22
- 6 min read
Welcome to Niagara Falls, one of the most iconic natural wonders on the planet! If you're planning a trip and asking what you need to know for your ultimate Niagara Falls complete travel guide, you've come to the right place. Whether you're drawn by the awe-inspiring waterfalls or the thrill of the nearby attractions, Niagara Falls truly has something for everyone. We recommend you read on for everything from how to get here, where to get soaked by tons of water, and how to have the most amazing time at one of the most famous waterfalls in the world.
Is Niagara Falls in the USA or Canada?
One of the first questions many travellers have is "Is Niagara Falls in the USA or Canada?". The answer is, uniquely, both! If you look at a map, you'll quickly realise that Niagara Falls borders Canada and the United States. However, we believe the best view of the falls and most of the fun attractions around here are all located on the Canadian side. This guide will primarily focus on the Canadian side, for that reason.
What is So Special About Niagara Falls and Its Main Attractions?
So, what is so special about Niagara Falls that makes it a must-visit global destination? It's the sheer power and beauty of the waterfalls themselves, combined with a vibrant array of attractions. Let's start with the main attraction: the breathtaking Horseshoe Falls. This is the largest of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls and the one that most people envision when they think of the area. The immense power of millions of gallons of water plunging over the edge every second is truly immense. Standing on the Canadian side, you'll get the best panoramic views of the Horseshoe Falls.
Next to it are the American Falls. While significantly smaller than the Horseshoe Falls, they are equally stunning in their own right. You can cross over to the U.S. side via the Rainbow Bridge for a closer view of the American Falls, but our advice is to take it all in from the Canadian side, as it offers a much better overall vista. The mist rising from both falls creates an incredible atmosphere, sometimes even revealing a beautiful rainbow.
Now, for a moment of brutal honesty: the falls themselves are only about 60 meters in height and are shrinking every year. Photos and videos often make them seem enormous, but when you arrive, they might appear smaller than you anticipated. However, this in no way detracts from the fact that Niagara Falls is an awesome example of natural beauty.
How Can You Get Up Close and Personal with the Falls?
If you want a truly close-up experience with the roaring waters, we recommend hopping aboard a boat tour. Two main companies are offering these unforgettable rides: Statue Cruises and the world-famous Maid of the Mist. With either company, your boat will take you right into the heart of the falls, where you'll feel the thunderous roar of the water and get thoroughly soaked by the mist.
While they do provide you with a poncho, be warned: you will come out wet, even with that plastic protection. It's an unforgettable ride, one of those experiences you'll remember for years.
If staying dry is more your style, an incredibly pleasant walk along Falls Boulevard is also an option. You can easily spend an hour strolling up and down, soaking in the views. For the more adventurous, you can even zip-line down for the most extreme way of viewing the falls! Don't forget to stop off at the corner of the Horseshoe Falls to truly appreciate the sheer volume of water tumbling over every second. Along this road, you'll find plenty of places to eat and drink, making it a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
What Are the Best Attractions Around Niagara Falls (Canadian Side)?
Beyond the falls themselves, there are plenty of exciting attractions on the Canadian side. As you're walking along the boulevard, you might spot the towering Skylon Tower across the street. Standing at an impressive 775 feet, it offers the best panoramic views of Niagara Falls, the surrounding city, and even the Toronto skyline on a clear day. The ride up in the glass-enclosed elevator is an experience in itself. Once at the top, you can take in the amazing views from the observation deck or dine in the unique 360-Degree Revolving Restaurant. We've personally experienced the superb food and views here on a previous occasion.
If you find yourself "bored" of the falls (unlikely, but possible!), Clifton Hill is right next door. It's often described as a Canadian Disneyland of sorts. Here, you can battle giant dinosaurs at adventure golf, race your friends at Niagara Speedway, brave haunted houses, explore quirky museums, and enjoy Ferris wheels. It’s also a great spot to shop for souvenirs and indulge in some classic carnival junk food. It's essentially a carnival the size of a small town, and you're guaranteed to have fun here, especially if you have kids.
How Can You Experience the Thrills of the Niagara Whirlpool?
For those seeking a bit more adrenaline, check out the Niagara Whirlpool. Further downstream from Niagara Falls, these intense rapids are formed as the Niagara River twists and turns through a narrow gorge, creating a swirling whirlpool below. You can view it safely from the Whirlpool Aerocar, a cable car that takes you right over it. Or, if you're feeling extra adventurous, we recommend taking a thrilling jet boat tour directly through the rapids themselves!
How to Get to Niagara Falls and What About Costs?
Planning your trip to Niagara Falls is quite straightforward. Uniquely, it's located between two countries, and you can arrive in several ways.
From the American side: The international airport is here, and the nearest major city is Buffalo.
From the Canadian side: Most visitors arrive from Toronto.
For both countries, it's easy to drive to Niagara Falls, with plenty of car parking available on either side. If you don't have a car, numerous public transport options are available.
From Toronto: The easiest way is to take the GO train from Toronto Union Station to Niagara Falls' GO Station, which should cost around $30 for a return journey. Alternatively, the Flix bus from downtown Toronto to Niagara Falls offers single journeys starting from $10.
From Buffalo: The easiest route is to take the number 40 bus from downtown to Niagara Falls, which typically costs about $4.
Once you're in the main Niagara Falls area, you won't need public transport to explore the Falls themselves and Clifton Hill. However, if you plan to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake or the Niagara Whirlpool without your car, the Wego bus is a convenient option.
Regarding cost: the Falls themselves are completely free to view, as are Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Niagara Whirlpool. So, unless you're eating, drinking, or spending money on attractions or different ways to view the falls, it can be an incredibly cheap day out.
If you're looking for a place to stay, our recommendation is to find a hotel on the Canadian side. The Sheraton, near the Skylon Hotel, offers the best view of the falls, but please bear in mind it's also the most expensive.
Niagara Falls Complete Travel Guide: Important Tips Before Visiting.
Yes, there are a couple of important tips before visiting Niagara Falls! We probably shouldn't have to say this, but it's technically illegal to jump into the falls – so please don't do that!
Whether you're here for the natural beauty of Niagara Falls, the carnival fun of Clifton Hill, or the picturesque charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake, this region truly has it all. From epic boat rides to stunning panoramic views and everything in between, Niagara Falls is worth adding to your ultimate bucket list.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit, experience the wonder for yourself, and create memories that will last a lifetime with visitmundus.com.
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