One of the most famous attractions in Niagara Falls is its waterfalls, known globally as one of the world’s foremost natural wonders and North America’s largest falls. Straddling the Canadian province of Ontario and American state of New York, Niagara Falls draws tourists from across the globe to see the gigantic natural wonder and experience its beauty up-close with a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist. Alternatively, helicopter and zipline rides are available for daredevils looking to appreciate the magnitude of the site from a new perspective, while calmer routes around the city can be utilised by renting a bike and cycling to nearby wineries and restaurants that overlook the cascading falls.
The first European sighting of Niagara Falls was said to be by French explorer, Samuel de Champlain in 1604 while it was the ecologists of the 19th century who strived to utilise the falls’ hydroelectric power, with over 168,000 cubic metres passing over Niagara across any one minute – the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America. The introduction of the railroads and automotive technology saw an increase in tourists to the area, while the area also became a favoured spot for Victorian adrenaline junkies looking to test their mettle by tightrope-walking across the canyon or even going over the edge in specially-made barrels – an activity now prohibited by law across both sides of the US/Canadian border.
Tonight
From £68 per night
Next weekend
From £280 per night
Most popular time to visit | October–December |
Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
Local currency | US$10 = £8.02 |
Language | |
Average weekend price | £84 per night |
Average weekday price | £81 per night |
Typical stay | 1 night |
Maid of the Mist
0.3 miles from city centre
American Falls
0.5 miles from city centre
Rainbow Bridge
0.2 miles from city centre
The highlight of my day was our ride on the Maid of the Mist!
19 April 2024
The highlight of my day was our ride on the Maid of the Mist! It was exhilarating and exciting as we went through the falls. Everyone began shouting and jumping up and down as the crew announced Welcome to Niagara Falls! Our hotel was in the downtown area but as we drove around the were some desolate areas with boarded abandoned homes. However, Niagara Falls State park made amends.
We live close, never stayed on the US side.
1 April 2024
We live close, never stayed on the US side. It was an enjoyable experience and we will come back when the weather is nicer and more is open. We did not expect much but went specifically for a restful night and day together. Mission accomplished!
Honestly we aren't sure why everybody thinks you have to...
8 January 2024
Honestly we aren't sure why everybody thinks you have to go to the Canadian side to enjoy niagara falls. The American side has FAR more distance of accesible coastline, and just as many tours and attractions. Being so close to the falls and hearing and feeling the power of the water is truly an awe inspiring experience. You can actually feel the ground vibrate with the sheer force of water flow. It's completely unique. Both sides are amazing, but don't shy away if you don't have a passport to get to Canada!!! We went at the beginning of the year, and it was very quiet and uncrowded. It felt so intimate to not have hundreds of people around you as you try to enjoy such an amazing piece of nature.
Niagara Falls itself is awesomely impressive, and could...
31 December 2023
Niagara Falls itself is awesomely impressive, and could easily consume an entire day to see the park itself, and the "optional at additional cost" extras, such as the boat ride, descent of the cliffs to river level, and observation tower. But there didn't seem to be a lot of "other things" to do there, in what seems to be a relatively unreconstructed midwest-ish declining-fortunes mid-20th century town. We were unable to enter Canada for passport reasons, but perhaps there is some interesting things to do there.... it is much more built up and upscale/modern looking, at least as seen from the American side. Looking into Canada from Niagara Falls, NY reminded me of nothing so much as looking at West Berlin from East Berlin in 1985.
I never get tired of visiting Niagara Falls USA/Canada.
10 December 2023
I never get tired of visiting Niagara Falls USA/Canada. I've been there at least 25 times over the years, and experienced every season of the year. You can always find something different to do. The Falls alone are magnificent and amazing to see. You will never be disappointed taking a trip to the Falls.
We spent two nights in a hotel on the American side and one...
7 December 2023
We spent two nights in a hotel on the American side and one afternoon walking the park and looking at the US side of the falls. The second day we walked to the Canadian side which we enjoyed more, the views are much better with more to do. Niagara as a town from what we saw close by the falls is a dump and we were glad to get away from it.
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