Niagara Falls Frequently Asked Questions

The stunningly beautiful Niagara Falls has been enchanting visitors from all over the world for centuries. It is one of the most recognized waterfalls and over 14 million visitors come to see it each year.

Located on the Niagara River at the US-Canadian border, it can be viewed from both the countries. Visitors can cross over the border to see the view from the other side and then return back.

There are many tour operators offering tours of Niagara Falls, Ontario, from New York, Buffalo, Greater Toronto Area and Niagara Falls USA. There are bus tours, private tours and small group tours offered by these tour companies.

Niagara Falls is an affordable destination for a family vacation, honeymoon, weekend getaway, or college and business excursions. It offers entertainment for kids and adults. From waterparks to casinos and fine dining, Niagara Falls has plenty of attractions to keep you busy.

If you have time, stay for more than a day to explore Niagara Falls and the surrounding areas like St. Catharines and Fort Erie.

Niagara Falls has accommodations for every type of budget, so do not worry that your Niagara Falls vacation will burn a hole in your pocket. In fact, many people in North America holiday in Niagara Falls every year.

To help you plan your Niagara Falls trip, given below are answers to some of the frequently asked questions by people planning a trip to Niagara Falls.

Can you take the Maid of the Mist from the US side?

The Maid of the Mist boat ride can only be taken from the US side. Until 2013, the boat ride to the Falls was operated by the same company in Canada and USA, and the ride was called Maid of the Mist. In 2013, Niagara Parks Commission, Canada, awarded the contract for the boat ride to the Falls to Hornblower Cruises, a California-based company. From 2014, the boat ride on the Canadian side started being operated by Hornblower Niagara Cruises. The boat rides on the Canadian side are called Hornblower Niagara Cruises.

How much does it cost to go to Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls Canada or Niagara Falls USA can be quite expensive as they are tourist destinations. Niagara Falls has accommodations for every budget. The cost of travelling to Niagara Falls would depend on where you stay relative to Niagara Falls. Air travel is expensive. You can find accommodations from $45 upwards in Niagara Falls, Ontario. With vacation rentals, you can save on restaurant meals, parking, WiFi, and other expenses. Bear in mind that taxes in the range of 18% will be added to your hotel bill. For budget travelers, $100 to $250 per day would be sufficient, while high-end visitors should plan on spending a minimum of $300 per day.

Can you walk behind Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls is made up of 3 waterfalls – American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. Visitors can walk behind Horseshoe Falls by going on Journey behind the Falls, an attraction in Niagara Falls, Canada. Visitors descend 125 feet in an elevator into the bedrock, then walk through 130-year-old tunnels behind Horseshoe Falls. There are 2 portals cut into the bedrock from where visitors can view the Falls from behind. There is an observation deck at the end of the tunnel (close to the foot of the Falls) from where visitors can view Horseshoe Falls.

Where is Niagara Falls in relation to Toronto?

Niagara Falls is located south of Toronto across Lake Ontario. It is approximately 130 km (90-minute drive) by road from Toronto. Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) is the major highway connecting Toronto to Niagara Falls, Ontario.

What is the crime rate of Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a very safe city and people are very friendly and helpful. It is safe to walk alone during daylight hours in the city. Petty crime like pickpocketing or mugging is an issue, but it is low compared to other big cities in the US or Canada. It is best to avoid certain areas at nighttime.

How many tourists visit Niagara Falls each day?

Approximately 12 million visitors visit the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, each year. Though Niagara Falls welcomes visitors year round, May to September is peak season. The weather is pleasant during this time and all the attractions are open. The number of visitors is highest during summer and holiday weekends. At the busiest time, there could be around 50,000 visitors to Niagara Falls on a single day.

Do Niagara Falls freeze?

Parts of Niagara Falls freeze in extreme winters, but there is always some water flowing. Formation of ice on the river and giant icicles over the Falls gives the impression that the Falls has frozen, but it does not. In 1848, the Falls stopped flowing for a few hours not due to freezing, but because an ice jam in the Upper Niagara River stopped the flow of water. As recently as January 2018, Niagara Falls was frozen almost entirely.

How long is the Hornblower Niagara cruise?

The Hornblower Niagara Cruise operates two types of boat rides – Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour and Falls Fireworks Cruise. Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) is 20 minutes in duration and gives you the full mist experience. The Falls Fireworks Cruise (9:30-10:10 p.m.) is a 40-minute light mist experience.

How deep is the water at Niagara Falls?

The water at Niagara Falls is approximately 52 metres (170 ft) deep. It is also the deepest section of the Niagara River. So, the depth of the water at the Falls is almost the same as the height of the Falls.

How much does it cost to ride the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls?

The Maid of the Mist is a boat ride on the US side of Niagara Falls. It is accessible from Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls, USA. Pricing for 2019 is $19.25 for adults and $11.20 for children (6-12 years). Please click here for more information.

Can you visit Niagara Falls on the US side?

Yes, you can visit Niagara Falls on the US side. Rainbow Bridge is the shortest route to Niagara Falls USA from Niagara Falls, Canada. Niagara Falls is located on the US-Canadian border; hence it is visible both from USA and Canada. On the US side, you would have to visit Niagara Falls State Park to see the Falls as the Falls is in the park. Entry to the park is free.

How much does it cost to go on the Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls?

The Maid of the Mist is a boat ride to view Niagara Falls from the US side of the border. It is accessible from Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls, USA. Pricing for 2019 is $19.25 for adults and $11.20 for children (6-12 years). Please click here for more information.

Do you need a passport to visit Niagara Falls?

Overseas travelers will require a passport, visa or other valid travel documents to visit Niagara Falls. US citizens visiting Niagara Falls, Canada, are required to provide a passport or an enhanced driver’s license at the border checkpoint. Children under 16 years who are US citizens can provide an original or certified copy of their birth certificate instead of a passport. If the children are not yours, you will need a signed handwritten consent from the parents. The same applies for Canadian citizens visiting Niagara Falls, NY, by land.

What is the best time of year to visit Niagara Falls?

May to September is the best time to visit Niagara Falls. The weather is mild during this time of the year and all the attractions remain open. To appreciate the scenic beauty, lovely gardens and parks, summer is perfect for a Niagara Falls trip. Autumn is also a great time to visit as it is cooler than summer.

Is it free to see Niagara Falls?

One of the best things about Niagara Falls is that it is absolutely free to see Niagara Falls. You can take a stroll on the tourist promenade of Niagara Parkway to view Niagara Falls from the Canadian side. On the US side, entry to Niagara Falls State Park from where Niagara Falls can be viewed is also free.

Which side is better for Niagara Falls?

Most people will agree that the view of Niagara Falls is better on the Canadian side. When you are on the US side, you are viewing the Falls from above or sideways. On the Canadian side, Niagara Falls is across the Niagara River, giving you great panoramic views. Niagara Falls, Canada, also has more tourist attractions than its US counterpart.

Can you walk to Canada from Niagara Falls?

You can walk into Canada from Niagara Falls, New York State, USA, via Rainbow Bridge. Rainbow Bridge, which connects Niagara Falls USA to Niagara Falls Canada, has a pedestrian walkway. Visitors to Niagara Falls USA can walk over to Canada to view Niagara Falls from the Canadian side and walk back to USA (you will need valid travel documents).

How long are the Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls is made up of 3 waterfalls – American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. The American Falls measures about 323 m (850 ft), Bridal Veil Falls measures around 15 m (50 ft) and the rim of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls measures about 792 m (2200 ft).

Can Niagara Falls be shut off?

Water flowing over the Falls is greatly reduced at night as it is diverted to the power plants. It is possible to shut off the Falls by diverting all the water, but it has never been done. Niagara Falls or at least a part of it was shut off once in the past in 1969. That year, the American Falls was shut off to clear debris and carry out repairs.

Why was Niagara Falls without water in 1969?

A part of Niagara Falls was without water when the water flowing over American Falls was diverted to the Horseshoe Falls in 1969. This was done by creating a temporary rock dam in the Upper Niagara River. The plan was to study how erosion might be affecting flow, clear some of the rocks and debris at the foot of the Falls, and stabilize the cliff face. For 6 months, American Falls was dry while the Army Corps of Engineers conducted a geological survey. They mechanically bolted and strengthened any faults in the rock.

Is Niagara Falls a wonder of the world?

Niagara Falls is considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world. Formed over 12,000 years ago, Niagara Falls is visited by millions every year. Unfortunately, it is not included in the list of Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Can you go to Canada side of Niagara Falls without a passport?

International visitors cannot go to the Canada side of Niagara Falls without a passport and visa or other relevant travel documents. US citizens visiting Niagara Falls Canada are required to show a passport, passport card or enhanced driver’s license at the immigration checkpoint. However, for a minor accompanied by the parent or guardian, a birth certificate is sufficient.

Can you walk into Canada without a passport?

US citizens can walk into Canada without a passport by taking the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls, USA. Instead of a passport, they can show a passport card, enhanced driver’s license or a NEXUS pass at border checkpoints. Children under the age of 16 years (US citizens) can show an original or certified copy of a birth certificate to walk into Canada at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing.

How much does it cost to go over the Rainbow Bridge?

Rainbow Bridge over the Niagara River connects the cities of Niagara Falls, Canada and Niagara Falls, USA. The toll for crossing Rainbow Bridge is different for different types of vehicles. Pedestrian toll is $1.00 and is collected by an automatic turnstile when leaving Canada. For cars, the toll is $3.75 USD or $4.75 CAD and is collected when leaving the United States. For more details, click here .

Can you see Niagara Falls from Rainbow Bridge?

Yes, Niagara Falls is visible from Rainbow Bridge. You can either drive across the bridge or walk to view the Falls. There is a pedestrian walkway on the bridge. Visitors on either side of the US-Canadian border can use the pedestrian walkway on the bridge to view Niagara Falls. You can walk to the middle of the bridge for a view of the Falls and return back.

How much does it cost to cross the bridge to Canada?

Pedestrians are required to pay $1.00 CAD or USD when crossing Rainbow Bridge. Autos (cars, RVs) are required to pay $3.75 USD or $4.75 CAD (round trip) when leaving the United States.

Can you walk from Canada to USA?

Yes, you can walk from Canada to USA by taking the Rainbow Bridge which connects the cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and Niagara Falls, New York, USA. You will need valid border crossing documents and also pay a toll of $1.00 CAD or USD.