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One of the natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls is the fifth most visited attraction on the planet according to the World Atlas.
In addition to the exhilaration of being in the presence of such a powerful force, the beautiful park setting, ability to get close to the rushing water, the ease of travel, and all the fun things to do in the surrounding area have made Niagara Falls a popular place to visit for more than a century.
Although most visitors won’t be aware, there are actually three waterfalls here: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Horseshoe Falls, which is in Canada, is the highest at 180 feet.
About Niagara Falls
What sets Niagara Falls apart from other higher and larger falls around the world is the amount of water it carries. When at its peak in summer and fall, upwards of 700,000 gallons of water rush over the falls every second.
The force of the water erodes the earth and actually moves the falls one foot per year. It’s estimated to have moved seven miles since forming 12,500 years ago.
The population of Niagara Falls, Canada, is 88,000. The town receives more than 12 million visitors every year; that’s in addition to the 9 million estimated annual visitors to the New York side.
Even if you’re American, book a hotel on the Canadian side of the falls. There are more choices, they have better views of the falls than on the American side, there’s more to do on the Canadian side, and everything is less expensive due to the currency exchange.
Niagara Falls is near the population centers of Buffalo, New York, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada, so there are numerous transportation options; many visitors drive.
It is easy to go across the border, but you will need to plan for at least a half hour in each direction to cross the Rainbow Bridge from one side of Niagara Falls to the other. There are definite reasons to visit both sides. Remember your passport!
Itinerary Day 1
Begin your exploration on the New York side at Niagara Falls State Park. You can spend the better part of the day in this 400-acre park taking in the amazing spectacle of the falls.
This is actually America’s first state park. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect behind other famous parks including Manhattan’s Central Park.
Walk along the path adjacent to the upper part of the falls, taking photos and marveling at the speed of the rushing water.
Follow signs to the Maid of the Mist embarkation point. You’ll receive a blue plastic poncho, and if you don’t already have one, consider buying a plastic phone case in the visitor center to protect it from getting wet. Depending on where on the boat you’re standing, the poncho will probably keep you dry. But, your feet will most likely get wet. It’s a good idea to either wear waterproof footwear today or change into it before embarkation.
Riding Maid of the Mist is an iconic Niagara Falls experience that has thrilled generations of visitors. In fact, it’s been in operation—although not with the same boats—since 1846!
You can either buy your ticket online or at the visitor center. Tickets aren’t timed, and people board in the order they join the line. It is a seasonal attraction; the boats don’t run January through March.
If you’re up for it, after the boat ride, go to the starting point of the Cave of the Winds experience. You’ll be handed a yellow poncho and will take an elevator down to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. Immediately, all your senses will be engaged. The falls roar and spray and you’ll feel their raw power. You will get wet.
For walking on wet, slippery surfaces, it’s best to wear closed-toed, waterproof shoes. If you know you want to do this tour, you should get your timed Cave of the Winds ticket before you ride Maid of the Mist.
Now it’s time to get dry and have a bite to eat. If you’re not too wet, spend the rest of the afternoon souvenir shopping and/or relaxing over food and drink. Otherwise, have a quick, light bite around the park and then go back to your hotel to get dry and eat a bigger meal later.
The falls are lit every night of the year and are the unforgettable backdrop for fireworks in warmer weather. Make a point to see the falls in the evening as well as during the day. There are many vantage points including restaurants, the Skylon Tower, cruises, and select hotels.
Itinerary Day 2
After breakfast, begin your second day with a leisurely late-morning drive up Niagara Parkway with stops at wineries like Inniskillin, known for its icewine, and Peller Estates, which has dining options and an igloo-like lounge. An alternative road to follow is the parallel Route 55, which is also lined with wineries.
Both routes, which would take about 20 minutes if you didn’t stop, take you to the pretty town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Explore the shops on Queen Street and walk around the historic Old Town, stopping for lunch or an ice cream.
Then, head back towards Niagara Falls. If it’s the right season, get ready for an afternoon Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour. If the thought of speeding in an open jet boat into Class 6 rapids and getting completely drenched sounds like fun, sign up for the Wet Jet tour.
However, if you’d rather stay dry, they also have a glass-enclosed jet boat option. You don’t see the falls on either ride, but you get a thrill and spend 45 minutes on the water.
Other options for thrill rides where you stay dry include the Whirlpool Aero Car cable car ride over the Whirlpool Rapids and the WildPlay Niagara Zip Line that transports people not afraid of heights over the water with panoramic views, quickly and on an incline.
After a day of excitement and activity, a quiet dinner at or near your hotel and an early night are probably in order. If you still have energy though, you might want to try your luck at one of the casinos.
Itinerary Day 3
Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations, and nowhere else is this more apparent than in the Clifton Hill tourism district. Along several blocks that lead to the water you’ll find every possible amusement vying for your attention.
Today, explore this area, stopping wherever catches your eye. Although many attractions will be packed with families with children, don’t be deterred if you don’t have any kids in tow. Adults also very happily ride Ferris wheels and play mini golf! In fact, Niagara Falls has a reputation as a honeymoon destination.
There are two attractions that you can’t miss visually. The Niagara Speedway takes up the better part of a block with its multilevel spiral ramps full of zooming go karts. The Niagara SkyWheel towers above the area and provides a view of the falls from its glass-enclosed gondolas.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not takes about an hour to explore its interesting and engaging exhibits. There are artifacts and memorabilia that tell unusual stories, and interactive exhibits and games amuse visitors of all ages. Across the street, Ripley’s Selfie Studios offers a range of backdrops that result in fun photos.
Next door there’s the House of Frankenstein haunted house and a Burger King with a rollercoaster on its roof. Or you could check out the arcade and laser tag at Niagara Falls Fun Zone.
If you’re a mini golf fan, you have choices: course themes include dinosaurs, pirates, and
magical décor like dragons and wizards. Other things to do in Clifton Hill include 4D movies, mirror mazes, bowling, and bumper cars.
At the end of the street, adults will be happy to find the Niagara Brewing Company and Niagara Distillery.
There is no dearth of food options here. You’ll find many major chains represented like Applebee’s, Rainforest Café, Wendy’s, Hard Rock Café, and IHOP.
When you reach the bottom of the hill, cross the street and wander through the small but lovely Oakes Garden Theatre with its pergola and terraced gardens overlooking the water. This is also a good spot to get a view of the skyline behind you.
If you’re a chocolate fan, walk along Falls Avenue to Hershey’s Chocolate World. Here you’ll find Hershey’s Kisses the size of boulders, clothing and other merchandise with Reese’s and other logos, and a refreshment area where you can indulge in sundaes and other treats.
If you still have some stamina, keep walking to Bird Kingdom. Or,, go back to your hotel and collapse and visit by car on your way out of town the next morning like I did.
Anyone who even passingly appreciates birds will be enthralled by the exotic creatures flying overhead, perched in lush foliage, and foraging in natural settings. There’s a small bird aviary alive with flitting and cheeping finches, canaries, and starlings.
An expansive area for other avian species like kookaburra, cockatoos, turacos, ibis, toucans, and a variety of parrots includes a three-story vertical garden, a fish pond, and a Javanese teak house from the 1800s. Other animals like frogs, tortoises, bats, and sugar gliders make appearances, and there’s an opportunity to feed lorikeets. Leave time to peruse the well-curated gift shop.
If You Have More Time
There are endless things to do in and around Niagara Falls with options that could keep you busy for weeks.
There are water parks, golf courses, and spas. You could spend the day at an amusement park, a safari park, or an aquarium. Or how about a helicopter ride?
You could walk across the Rainbow Bridge for bragging rights that you walked from Canada to the U.S.
Niagara Falls was the last stop on the Underground Railroad, and the Underground Railroad Heritage Center tells the heroic stories of the people seeking freedom and the abolitionists who helped them. Harriet Beecher Stowe learned some of these stories when she visited Niagara Falls in 1834. Her groundbreaking bestseller Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published in 1852.
If the weather is fine, you might choose to explore Queen Victoria Park. This park hugs the water on the Canada side.
In spring, 500,000 daffodils blanket the grass, adding to the beauty of blooming magnolia trees and tulips. Roses and fuchsia and canna plants add color to the landscape in summer. Fall turns the foliage rich colors and in winter, icy branches and white paths have their own beauty.
Also in this area, Dufferin Islands and Kingsbridge Park are connected by the Niagara Parkway and Niagara River Recreation Trail. Rent a bike to explore this 38-mile path further and take time to read the plaques that relay the area’s history.
Table Rock House Restaurant is a great place to refuel with a stunning view of the top of Horseshoe Falls. Nearby, the seasonal Queen Victoria Place Restaurant, which has a patio overlooking the falls, is another dining choice.