Practical Tips for Visiting Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a popular vacation destination for honeymooners, adventure-seekers, and even families.  Some people may think of it as a tourist trap, but to me it’s one of those places that everyone should see.  I had a fabulous time during my visit to Niagara Falls and would go again in a heartbeat. I wanted to share a few tips for visiting Niagara Falls to help you plan your trip.

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There are three main waterfalls that makeup Niagara Falls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls.  Both the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls are in the US, while the Horseshoe Falls is across the border in Canada. Not only are the Falls breathtakingly beautiful, they are a valuable source of hydroelectric power.

The largest falls are the Horseshoe Falls which are about 2,600 feet wide.  The American Falls are less than half that width (1,060 feet). The Bridal Veil Falls are relatively tiny at only 56 feet wide!  The Horseshoe Falls drop about 188 feet compared to between 70 and 100 feet for the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls which have giant boulders at the base.   The average annual flow rate over the Horseshoe Falls is 85,000 cubic feet per second!

Why You Should Visit Niagara Falls

I am sure you have seen pictures of Niagara Falls and it looks impressive.  Having been to Niagara Falls, I can tell you pictures don’t do it justice. It is something that you must see and experience for yourself.  You will be amazed at the power of the Falls and being close enough to feel the power is an unforgettable experience. You have to see the height of the spray and hear the roar of the Falls.  My Niagara Falls travel tips will help make sure you have the best experience.

Tips for Visiting Niagara Falls

Once you arrive the fun starts! My Niagara Falls travel advice will help you make the most of your time and money during your visit.

See the Falls from Both Sides

Everyone says that the view of Niagara Falls is better from the Canadian side.  While I think that may be true, the view from the American side is impressive as well.  Plus, you need to go to the American side of the Falls to do the Cave of the Winds, also a must.

Don’t Just Plan A Day Trip to Niagara Falls

While some might say you can see Niagara Falls in one day, I think you need to stay longer to get the full experience.  If you do a one day trip to Niagara Falls, you will not have time to see all the attractions.  Additionally, you need time to the Falls from different viewpoints, and you will also want to stay for the fireworks which don’t finish until late.  (Keep reading for more details on all the Niagara Falls attractions and the fireworks).

Some people want to do a day trip to Niagara Falls from New York City, and I am guessing these people don’t realize how far it is between NYC and Niagara Falls (over 400 miles!).  It’s too far to drive for a day trip, so you would have to fly.  Unless you can get a flight into the Niagara Falls Airport, traveling back and forth will take up most of your day.

You could do a day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto or Buffalo if you rent a car, but you would need to prioritize which attractions you will visit.

Stay in a Hotel with a View of Niagara Falls

When choosing a Niagara Falls hotel, location is key!  It is amazing to be able to sit in your hotel room and look at Niagara Falls.  I loved watching the Falls change colors when they were illuminated at night. There was something almost mesmerizing about it and worth splurging a bit.

On the Canadian side, there are several different hotels that have rooms with nice views of the Falls.  We stayed in a Falls View room at the Marriott. The Sheraton also has Falls View rooms.

Click here to check current prices and availability for the Marriott Niagara Falls.  Read Tripadvisor reviews for the Marriott Fallsview hotel here.

Click here to check current prices and availability for the Sheraton Niagara Falls. Read Tripadvisor reviews for the Sheraton on the Falls here.

Do a Boat Ride

The Maid of the Mist is iconic, but you could also do the Hornblower Niagara Cruise.  It doesn’t matter which, but you need to go on a Niagara Falls boat tour. We had quite the experience on the Hornblower – you can see what it was like in our video.  Check out my post to help you decide between the Hornblower and the Maid of the Mist and get more tips for your Niagara boat tour.

Choose Cave of the Winds over Journey Behind the Falls

Both the Cave of the Winds and Journey Behind the Falls are exciting ways to get up close and personal with Niagara Falls.  We went to both attractions and while I enjoyed both, I preferred the Cave of the Winds. The Journey Behind the Falls allows you to get close to the Horseshoe Falls, which are the largest.  The Cave of the Winds allows you to touch the Bridal Veil Falls on the Hurricane Deck. On the Hurricane Deck, you experience tropical storm force conditions. It is intense! I felt like the Cave of the Winds was a more exhilarating experience.  You can see why in my video.

See the Falls from Above

From the air you get a different perspective of Niagara Falls.  We did the Classic Tour with Niagara Helicopters and it was an experience we will never forget.  We flew over the Whirlpool Rapids, the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls.  Our pilot circled over the Horseshoe Falls to make sure everyone got an amazing view. It is a splurge but you aren’t going to do it everyday.  Check out our video to see some of our Niagara Falls helicopter ride.

Bring the Kids

Niagara Falls for kids? It used to be the honeymoon capital of the world, but now it has turned into a popular family-friendly destination.  Many of the attractions like a boat tour, Cave of the Winds, and the Niagara Skywheel are enjoyable for all ages. Plus, the Great Canadian Midway, Dinosaur Adventure Golf, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, and Niagara Butterfly Conservatory are other Niagara Falls attractions for kids

Do an Excursion to Niagara on the Lake

Although Niagara on the Lake is known for its wineries, there is more to see in the area.  Other Niagara on the Lake attractions include:

• Fort George, which served as the headquarters for the British Army during the War of 1812.
• The Outlet Collection at Niagara, perfect for those looking for some retail therapy.
• Niagara Apothecary Museum – Learn about old medicine and how it has influenced modern practices.

You may even want to consider staying a night.  Most of the Niagara on the Lake hotels are located in the Old Town Historic District.  (Click here to check out the options on Hotels.com)

Prepare to Get Wet

You are given a poncho free with your admission to most of the major attractions. Don’t let that fool you! You’re going to get wet. That’s part of the fun though.  The water is cold, but on a warm day, it feels pretty refreshing. I would recommend that you plan on getting wet and bring a change of clothes and allow time to dry off.  After our Hornblower Cruise, I was glad we had time to go back to our hotel and freshen up before dinner.

Visit During the Summer

Summer is the peak travel season, but it’s still the best time to visit Niagara Falls.  Many of the attractions revolve around the water and as I mentioned you will get wet. It’s not fun to be wet when it is cold.  

Some of my favorite attractions, like Cave of the Winds, are not even open during the off-season.  Visiting Niagara Falls in winter won’t give you the full experience.  I would love to see the Falls frozen, but I wouldn’t want to be out in that cold.

Pay in Canadian Dollars in Canada

While most businesses on the Canadian side will accept American dollars, you will not get the best exchange rate.  Either get Canadian Dollars from an ATM or use a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees.

You also might want to check out this guide to tipping in Canada.

Ask to Have the Niagara Tourism Tax/Fee Removed

On the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, restaurants and hotels will add an extra fee of up to 10% to your bill.  Look for either DMDF (destination marketing and development fee) or TIFF (tourism infrastructure funding fee) on your bill.  You may even want to ask your hotel about it in advance.  It is debatable whether these fees are mandatory or optional.

I have read stories of travelers who have asked to have the Niagara Tourism tax removed and have been successful, while others have been told it is mandatory.  Unfortunately, I didn’t realize you could ask to have the tourism fee removed until I read about it after I had returned, so I am not sure how well this tip will work. Regardless, it doesn’t hurt to ask (nicely), the worse that can happen is that the business says no.

If You are Feeling Brave, try the Zip Line or Whirlpool Jet Boat

Niagara Falls is an ideal destination for adventure seekers.  You can go on the zip line from the Grand View Marketplace into the gorge. You’ll travel down 2,200 feet, before landing at the observation deck at the base of the Horseshoe Falls.  Click here to read the reviews of the Zipline to the Falls on Tripadvisor.

Another attraction for adventure seekers is the Whirlpool Jet Boat Ride. It’s a 45-minute ride through the class 5 whitewater rapids of the Niagara River.  Click here to read the review of the Whirlpool Jet Boat on Tripadvisor.

Note: These attractions are not including in any attraction pass and must be purchased separately.

Take Advantage of the Free Things to Do in Niagara Falls

There are many free viewpoints where you can see the Falls and other free Niagara Falls attractions as well!  These ideas are great if you are visiting Niagara Falls on a budget:

• Fireworks over the Falls – Catch fireworks shows over the Horseshoe Falls on select nights only. (Click here to check the schedule)
• Botanical Gardens – 99 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds including a world-famous rose garden
• Dufferin Islands – Park located half a mile south of the Falls with a number of islands connected by footbridges
• Niagara Glen Nature Reserve – Great spots for hiking with views of the Whirlpool Rapids.
• Floral Clock – One of the largest floral clocks in the world, it has a diameter of 40 feet and uses 16,000 plants.
• Queen Victoria Park – A lovely park on its own, but a must-visit for its view of the Falls.

Consider buying a Niagara Falls Attraction Pass

There are plenty of things to do in Niagara Falls and the admission prices will add up fast.  Purchasing a Niagara Falls tourist pass can save you money. These passes are valid for an entire season.  I wish they had one pass that covers everything but the USA and Canadian attractions are on separate passes.  The table below summarizes the options for Niagara Falls passes for attractions.

Note 1: WEGO is the bus system on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.  For the Niagara Falls Adventure Plus pass, the access extends to Niagara on the Lake

Note 2: The Floral Showhouse is different from the Botanical Garden.  Admission to the Botanical Garden is free.

My trip to Niagara Falls is something I will always remember.  I encourage you to experience it for yourself. It’s an iconic destination with stunning natural beauty and plenty of attractions to keep you entertained.

Have you been to Niagara Falls? Do you have any tips on visiting Niagara Falls to share?

–Anisa

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