Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls on the planet. While it is often grouped as one of the “Big Three” waterfalls in the world, it is actually the smallest in size compared to the other two (Iguazu in South America and Victoria in Africa). However, its accessibility is overwhelmingly superior, drawing millions of tourists every year. In this post, I’ll introduce the best things to enjoy when traveling to Niagara Falls.
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Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is the largest waterfall in North America, located on the Niagara River, which forms the border between the United States and Canada.
The site is actually composed of three distinct waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls. In the photo above, the small stream on the right is the Bridal Veil Falls.
The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are located on the U.S. side, while the massive Horseshoe Falls is on the Canadian side. The American Falls stands 53.6 meters (176 feet) high and 323 meters (1,060 feet) wide, making it relatively smaller than its Canadian counterpart.
Niagara Falls is not just a tourist attraction; it is also a vital source of hydroelectric power. The immense volume of water flowing through the Niagara River is used to supply electricity to both the United States and Canada.
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Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the three waterfalls and is named for its distinct U-shape resembling a horse’s hoof. When people think of “Niagara Falls,” this is usually the image that comes to mind.
To be honest, when I first saw the American Falls, I was a little disappointed and wondered, “Is this really one of the world’s top waterfalls?” But seeing the Horseshoe Falls completely overwhelmed me.
The average annual flow rate of Horseshoe Falls is about 2,400 cubic meters (approx. 85,000 cubic feet) per second. To give you a rough idea, imagine pouring 1.2 million 2-liter (0.5 gallon) water bottles over the edge every single second.
Thanks to the mist constantly spraying from Horseshoe Falls, the viewing points right next to the falls are always wet, as if it just rained. Because of this, there is a very high probability you will see a rainbow.
You can also walk along the path leading up to the top of Horseshoe Falls. Unlike the roaring sound of the water dropping, it is fascinating to watch the river flow so calmly just before it plummets over the edge.
Niagara City Cruise
One of the two most famous activities here is the Niagara City Cruises. You take a boat right into the basin of the falls and get soaked by the mist.
You can board from either the American or Canadian side, distinguishable by the color of the rain ponchos passengers wear. Red ponchos indicate boarding from Canada, while blue ponchos indicate boarding from the USA.
Ticket Prices
- Adult: $47.95 CAD
- Child (3-12): $32.95 CAD
- Infant (2 and under): Free
- Plus 13% Tax
The Official Niagara City Cruises Website
Journey Behind the Falls
Journey Behind the Falls was such an impressive activity that I would say you’ve only enjoyed half of Niagara if you skip it.
This tour takes you down to the base of the cliff where you can physically feel the spray of Horseshoe Falls from right next to it. It offers a level of grandeur that is completely different from viewing it from above.
While the boat cruise takes you into the middle of the mist where you can’t see much, the observation deck here has the advantage of offering clear visibility while you still get hit by the mist.
As the name suggests, you also walk through tunnels to stand directly behind the falling sheet of water. Honestly, you can’t see anything but white rushing water from the portals behind the falls, so that part is just okay, but the outdoor deck is incredible.
Operating Hours
- Daily: 09:00 – 18:00
- Saturdays: 09:00 – 19:00
- Hours vary by season
Ticket Prices
- Adult: $28.00 CAD
- Child (3-12): $18.50 CAD
- Infant (2 and under): Free
- Plus 13% Tax
The Official Journey Behind The Falls Website
The tour begins at the Table Rock Welcome Centre. It’s a great spot to grab a quick bite, like Poutine, at the center’s restaurant before or after your tour.
BeaverTails
Canada isn’t necessarily famous globally for its cuisine, so there aren’t many “must-eat” specialty foods. You might think of Maple Syrup or Poutine, but another famous treat is the BeaverTail.
A BeaverTail is a fried dough pastry, stretched into a flat oval shape that resembles a beaver’s tail—hence the name.
There is a BeaverTails chain store in downtown Niagara Falls. This brand first created the treat in 1978. For those familiar with Asian street food, the taste is somewhat similar to a Hotteok (Korean sweet pancake), but much sweeter and topped with various confections. It’s a perfect sugar rush for tourists.
Fireworks
If you visit Niagara Falls, you cannot miss the fireworks set against the backdrop of the waterfalls. The show lasts about 5 minutes and is free for everyone to watch.
- Summer Season (May – Oct): Every night at 10:00 PM.
- Winter Season (Nov – Dec): Fridays, Saturdays, and select holidays.
From February to April, there are typically no fireworks, so you might want to avoid those dates if this is a priority. However, the falls are illuminated in colorful lights every night, so even if you visit during the off-season, the night view is still a must-see.
Autumn Colors in Niagara
As expected of a country famous for its Maple Leaf flag, visiting Niagara Falls in the fall offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area dyed in autumn colors.
During this season, it is great to enjoy a drive or walk along the Niagara Parkway, or visit one of the many wineries located nearby.
I visited in late September, so many trees hadn’t turned red yet. The foliage usually peaks from early to mid-October, so timing your visit for that period would likely provide the most spectacular scenery.
In this post, I’ve summarized useful information to know before traveling to Niagara Falls. From the magnificence felt inside the giant mist of the falls to unique local snacks and fireworks, I hope you create special memories blending nature and culture at Niagara.
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