Niagara Falls impresses anyone who sees it. The water flow over the Falls (combined) is nearly 740,000 US gallons (2,800,000 litres) per second. This massive volume of water is what makes Niagara Falls a spectacular sight.

The famed Niagara Falls is located along the US-Canadian border and the Niagara River separates the two countries. Niagara Falls can be viewed from either side of the border. Niagara Falls is also the name of two cities in USA and Canada, from where you can view the famed cataracts.

Niagara Falls is the collective name of three waterfalls – American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. Viewing the beautiful Niagara Falls is absolutely free on both sides of the border. On the US side, it can be viewed from Niagara Falls State Park, which is open 24 hours a day. 365 days a year; entry to the park is free. On the Canadian side, it can be viewed from the scenic Niagara Parkway and other places such as Queen Victoria Park.

There are tours available both from Canada and USA to view Niagara Falls from the US side. Tour operators offer private tours, public bus tours, group tours, customized tours, half-day tours and full-day tours.

Most tours will offer pickups from Niagara Falls, Ontario and New York hotels. Pickups from Buffalo are usually available on request at added cost.

For pickups from Canada, visitors must have valid travel documents for entry into USA.

The first stop of the tour will be at Niagara Falls State Park, the only place on the US side from where Niagara Falls can be viewed.

The Niagara River flows through the park and there are many islands in the river that are accessible by bridges. The park has spectacular views of the Niagara River and Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls can be viewed from Goat Island, Prospect Point and Luna Island in the park.

Sights/attractions you will see or experience in the park are:

• Niagara Falls – American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls
• View of Horseshoe Falls from Terrapin Point on Goat Island
• Luna Island
• Three Sisters Islands
• Cave of the Winds
• Maid of the Mist
• Prospect Point Observation Tower
• Crow’s Nest

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Upper Niagara River and rapids from the Three Sisters Islands and Goat Island.

Goat Island is also the entry point for Cave of the Winds. An elevator takes you into the Niagara Gorge. You then emerge on the cliff surface where wooden walkways lead to the Bridal Veil Falls. The “Hurricane Deck” brings you really close to the Bridal Veil Falls and it drenches you completely.

Maid of the Mist (seasonal) boat ride takes visitors close to all the 3 waterfalls that form Niagara Falls. During off-season, most tours take visitors to see “Niagara Legends of Adventure” movie at the Niagara Adventure Theater in the park.

Prospect Point is the perfect place to view the American and Bridal Veil Falls. The Prospect Point Observation Tower/Niagara Falls Observation Tower built in the Niagara Gorge is 86 meters (282 feet) tall and is the only place on the US side providing unobstructed views of all the three Falls.

The views and scenery in the park is breathtaking, so do not forget to bring your camera to capture them.

The park has souvenir shops and many food service outlets. You will be given some time for grabbing a snack or burying souvenirs.

Apart from all the sights in Niagara Falls State Park, you will also be viewing Niagara Whirlpool, which is further downstream.

Next stop will be at the Robert Moses Power Plant in Lewiston, NY. You can view the control dams. At the Niagara Power Vista, you can learn about the history of hydroelectric power. The power plant offers amazing views of the Niagara River. You can also view Devil’s Hole Rapids.

ToNiagara offers a tour of the USA side of Niagara Falls, which is available during the months of  May to October. If you are visiting Niagara Falls between May and October, you should take this tour! The tour offers pickup from Niagara Falls, Ontario and New York, and Buffalo, NY.