Waterfalls are geological formations that have fascinated and posed a challenge to humans for centuries. We have always been in awe of these beautiful natural wonders.
Niagara Falls in North America is one such natural wonder. Formed over 12,000 years ago by receding glaciers, it is visited each year by millions from all over the globe.
The first Europeans to see or discover Niagara Falls were captivated by its power and size. Their accounts led to many wealthy Europeans making a trip across the Atlantic to see this magical wonder.
Located on the border between Canada and USA, it can be seen from both countries.
A tour to Niagara Falls can be either to the American side or the Canadian side or to both.
Your tour to Niagara Falls can be for just a day, a weekend, or more! Sure you can see Niagara Falls in one day if you are just interested in seeing the waterfall, but if you want to see other attractions, you will need more than a day.
The best part about a tour to Niagara Falls is that most of the attractions are located in one area. In Niagara Falls, Canada, the most popular attractions are located along Niagara Parkway. In Niagara Falls USA, Niagara Falls State Park has all the main attractions including the iconic Maid of the Mist boat ride.
Best Time for a Tour to Niagara Falls
If you are planning a trip to Niagara Falls, you will have read that summer is the best time for a tour to Niagara Falls.
The downside of visiting in summer is there are crowds everywhere. Being peak season, you will also find that everything is costlier.
A better time for a tour to Niagara Falls is late spring or autumn.
By October, hotel & other accommodation prices begin to drop. Autumn is a good time to visit as the weather is cool. Red, yellow and bronze autumn foliage, grape harvesting at wineries, and fewer tourists are what is best about Niagara Falls in autumn.
Summer, autumn, winter or spring – it is never a bad time to visit Niagara Falls as the area has so much to offer. From a frozen Falls to nature walks to its amazing gardens, Niagara Falls has something to offer each season.
Best Attractions in Niagara Falls
How much you can see and do in Niagara Falls depends on how much time you spend there.
Queen Victoria Park is the main viewing area in Niagara Falls Canada. The park extends from the brink of the Horseshoe Falls to the Rainbow Bridge. Within this stretch, there are many attractions like Journey behind the Falls.
If you will be there for just a day, visitors to the Canadian side can see some of the places below:
Attractions along Niagara Parkway
- Journey behind the Falls
- Queen Victoria Park
- Hornblower Niagara Cruise
- Floral Showhouse
- Dufferin Islands
- Bird Kingdom
- Niagara Whirlpool
- Whirlpool Aero Car
- Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory
- Floral Clock
- Queenston Heights Park
Clifton Hill Attractions
- Niagara SkyWheel
- Movieland Wax Museum
- Dinosaur Adventure Golf
- Zombie Attack
- ……and many more!
Other Attractions
- Skylon Towera
- Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Niagara wineries
- Niagara Glen Reserve
- Casinos
- Greg Frewin Theatre Magic Show
A tour to Niagara Falls is incomplete without visiting one of Niagara’s wineries. Head out a few kilometres to Niagara-on-the-Lake and you will see many vineyards and wineries.
On the US side, Niagara Falls State Park has the best attractions.
Attractions in Niagara Falls USA
- Niagara Falls State Park
- Niagara Whirlpool
- Robert Moses Power Plant
- Helicopter Tour
- Niagara Wine Trail
- Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
- Niagara Jet Adventures
- Aquarium of Niagara
- Whirlpool State Park
- Devil’s Hole State Park
- Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University
- Old Fort Niagara
If you are a nature person, Niagara Falls USA and Niagara Falls Canada have many parks and nature trails.
Niagara Falls Illumination and Fireworks
The nightly illumination of Niagara Falls by lights located on the Canadian shoreline is a major attraction.
Visitors can also enjoy daily fireworks over the Falls in summer at 10:00 p.m. and on weekends between May and October. Fireworks are also scheduled during the Winter Festival of Lights and on New Year’s Eve.
A Tour to Niagara Falls – Transportation
On the Canadian side, tourists can use the WEGO bus lines which ply between tourist attractions and the areas where most of the hotels are located.
WEGO passes can be bought from many hotels or in advance from Niagara Parks. They operate year-round, providing convenient service to tourists. 24-hour and 48-hour passes are available. Children under 5 can travel for free.
There are many bus tours to Niagara Falls from many cities in USA and Canada. Bus tours from Toronto are popular as tourists/visitors to Toronto can tour Niagara Falls in a day. They give you the most comprehensive tour including Maid of the Mist/Hornblower boat ride (Skylon Tower in winter), a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake and a winery tour.
There are bike rentals also available in both Niagara Falls cities.
You can rent a vehicle or book a private tour to see Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls – A Year-Round Destination
For most people, a visit to Niagara Falls is a trip of a lifetime. Make it enjoyable and memorable by exploring as much of the Niagara region as possible.
Niagara Falls has many attractions for every age group and people with different interests.
Apart from the many activities, Niagara Falls is also becoming famous for its cuisine. One will find restaurants serving food sourced from local farmers and cuisines from all over the world.
Each season has its own charm and visitors can experience that in Niagara Falls.
May-September is the best time to visit Niagara Falls if you do not want to miss attractions like Hornblower Niagara Cruises and Whitewater Walk.
Spring and summer is the best to visit the city’s parks, botanical gardens (Canada side), and nature reserves.
Autumn is also a good time for a tour to Niagara Falls as the temperature is cooler and most attractions are still open.
Winter in Niagara Falls is famous for the Winter Festival of Lights and a partially frozen Niagara Falls.