Niagara Falls, the largest waterfall in North America by volume, straddles the international border between New York, USA and Ontario, Canada on the Niagara River.
Both sides of Niagara Falls offer unique perspectives of the falls and different excursions, scenery, and recreation opportunities, so you simply can’t have a negative experience, no matter which one(s) you decide to visit!
In this Niagara Falls travel guide, I will include the differences between the Canadian and USA sides of Niagara Falls, where to stay near the falls, things to see and do in both countries, information about border crossing, and more!
Hopefully after reading this Niagara Falls guide, you will be able to decide which country is worth the visit for you. It might be both!
Niagara Falls Travel Guide: USA Vs. Canada
Fun Facts About Niagara Falls
I learned some pretty interesting things about the falls, so before I share how to make the most of your trip to Niagara, here are some fun facts!
- Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in North America.
- Niagara Falls is the name of the collection of three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls (sometimes called Canadian Falls), American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
- 3,160 tons of water flow over Niagara Falls every second.
- Cave of the Winds, which is the platform and set of stairs that lead visitors beneath Bridal Veil Falls on the USA side, is torn down before every winter season and rebuilt before the summer season.
- Niagara Falls has only frozen ONCE and that was for just a few hours on March 29, 1848, when Niagara River experienced an ice jam upstream.
- During periods of peak flow in the summer and fall, more than 700,000 gallons of water per second pour over Niagara Falls.
- Four of the five Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Erie, and Huron) drain into the Niagara River before emptying into Lake Ontario.
- Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls are part of the USA while Horseshoe Falls straddles the USA/Canadian border.
- Niagara Falls’ vertical height is over 176 feet in some sections.
- The unique green color found in the falls is a result of dissolved salts and finely ground rock that is picked up from the limestone bed and the shales and sandstone under the limestone cap at the falls.
Getting to Niagara Falls
Flying
Airports on the USA Side
- Niagara Falls International Airport
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport
- Greater Rochester International Airport
- Erie International Airport
Airports on the Canadian Side
- Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
- Region of Waterloo International Airport
- John C. Monroe International Airport
Driving
Distances From Major Cities to USA Side
- Buffalo, NY: 25 minutes
- Rochester, NY: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cleveland, OH: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Pittsburgh, PA: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Philadelphia, PA: 6 hours 20 minutes
Distances From Major Cities to the Canadian Side
- Hamilton, ON: 50 minutes
- Toronto, ON: 1 hour 30 minutes
- London, ON: 2 hours
- Ottawa, ON: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Montreal, QC: 6 hours 10 minutes
USA vs. Canadian Side of Niagara Falls
So which side is worth the visit – the USA or Canadian? Or both?
Here are some comparisons to help you decide which side is worth your time!
Free Views: USA Vs. Canada
Free is always good. Here are some things you can do for free on both sides of Niagara Falls.
New York, USA
On the USA side, you can view each of the falls from the top down or side profile.
Ontario, Canada
On the Canadian side, you will have panoramic views of Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls. View Horseshoe Falls from the brink and Bridal Veil and American Falls from a distance.
Paid Excursions: USA Vs. Canada
These are the paid things you can do on each side of Niagara Falls.
New York, USA
- Cave of the Winds
- Maid of the Mist boat tour
- Observation Tower and Crows Nest
Ontario, Canada
- Journey Behind the Falls
- Hornblower Niagara City Cruises boat tour
- Wildplay Zipline to the Falls
- Skylon Tower Observation Deck
- Niagara Sky Wheel
Cost to Visit: USA Vs. Canada
On average, this is what you’ll spend to park and see the excursions on each side of Niagara Falls.
New York, USA
- Parking – FREE to $15 USD
- Paid excursions – $1.25-$25.25 USD
Ontario, Canada
- Parking – FREE to $20 CAD
- Paid excursions – $15 -$89.99 CAD
Comparison Conclusion: USA vs. Canada
New York, USA
- Up close and personal views of the falls
- Unique experiences
- Affordable
- More natural
Ontario, Canada
- Superior views of the falls from unpaid excursions
- More expensive
- More paid excursions are available
- More urbanized
Paid Excursions on the USA and Canada Sides of Niagara Falls
USA
Cave of the Winds
Plummet 175 feet (53 meters) into the Niagara Gorge via an elevator.
Step through rock and onto the man-made viewing platform and series of stairs after donning your complimentary yellow poncho.
Follow the stairs to the base of Bridal Veil Falls, where you will feel its incredible force and generous spray as you try to maintain your balance from standing directly underneath the thunderous waterfall.
This is a timed excursion in the sense that you will enter the elevator at a certain time, but you are not required to leave at a specific time. Take your time drawing in the views from the water level and enjoy getting doused in the tumultuous waterfall. No need to rush through it!
Purchase your tickets on Goat Island at the Cave of the Winds Plaza. You are now responsible for bringing your own footwear that can get wet!
For current pricing and hours of operation, click here.
FUN FACT: “Cave of the Winds” got its name from a cave-like rock overhang that allowed visitors to stand under the Falls. The Cave collapsed in the early 1900s but the name stuck.
Maid of the Mist Boat Tour
The Maid of the Mist is the ONLY way to view the falls via boat on the USA side and the ONLY way to get this close to the falls from the water level.
Take an elevator down into the Niagara Gorge to board the massive electric boat. Fully immerse yourself in the 600,000 gallons of water falling per second as you float by all three falls in your bright blue poncho on this exhilarating 20-minute electric boat ride!
With each ticket purchase of Maid of the Mist, you also gain free access to the Observation Tower and Crows Nest!
For current pricing and hours of operation, click here.
Observation Tower
Extend dramatically into the Niagara Gorge via an impressive viewing platform. You will receive clear views of American and Bridal Veil Falls while also gaining a distinctive perspective of Horseshoe Falls that you can’t get from the basic overlook.
Be sure to take the elevator down into the Gorge and climb a series of stairs to the Crow’s Nest. This is the closest visitors can get to American Falls from below!
Click here for current pricing and hours of operation.
Canada
Journey Behind the Falls
Don your yellow poncho and descend 125 feet through rock by elevator where a short tunnel gives access to two outdoor observation decks at the foot of the falls (Upper and Lower) and two cave-like portals (Great Falls and Cataract) located directly behind Horseshoe Falls. Feel the thunderous vibration of Horseshoe Falls even before glimpsing them.
For current pricing and hours of operation, click here.
Hornblower Niagara City Cruises
Slip on your bright red poncho and board the boat for an unforgettable 20-minute Voyage to the Falls tour!
You’ll glide by all three falls and come face-to-face with the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Feel the booming roar and spray from the breathtaking falls.
For current pricing and hours of operation, click here.
Wildplay Zipline to the Falls
Experience the thrill of a once-in-a-lifetime 60-90 minute zip across Niagara Falls! The tours boast fully-guided, hands-free, and worry-free experiences and are proudly open to any age or skill level.
For current pricing and hours of operation, click here.
Skylon Tower Observation Deck
Hop aboard the glass-wrapped external elevator and glide smoothly to the top of the Skylon Tower. View the falls from 775 feet above on this exhilarating 52-second ride.
You’ll draw in the sweeping cityscape, Toronto and Buffalo skylines, the gorge, the three falls, and up to 80 miles of the USA and Canada.
For current pricing and hours of operation, click here.
Niagara Sky Wheel
Soar 175 feet above the falls on comfortable, climate-controlled gondolas.
This 8-12 minute ride will allow you plenty of time to draw in the panoramic views of the falls and surrounding cityscapes while comfortably basking in either heat or air conditioning, depending on the season and weather.
For current pricing and hours of operation, click here.
How to Cross the USA/Canada Border at Niagara Falls
One of the hurdles of visiting Niagara Falls is the pesky border crossing.
In the wake of the pandemic, many additional hurdles must be surpassed. Since the restrictions are constantly changing and updating, I’m not going to go into those details on this blog. Just check Canada’s government page prior to your visit to study the current restrictions, rules, and regulations, including information on ArriveCAN.
There are three international bridges between the USA and Canada within 6 miles/9.6km of Niagara Falls.
International Bridges Near Niagara Falls
Rainbow Bridge
Rainbow Bridge is located 500 yards/457 meters from American Falls.
This bridge connects the two countries; you can walk, bike, or drive across.
No commercial traffic is allowed.
Whirlpool Bridge
Whirlpool Bridge is located 1.8 miles/2.9 kilometers north of the falls.
Only NEXUS cardholders can use the Whirlpool bridge.
Lewiston-Queenston Bridge
Lewiston-Queenston Bridge is located 5.6 mi/9 km north of the Falls.
This bridge is for all types of vehicles. Bicycles are allowed but not recommended.
Current Border Statuses and Live Traffic Conditions
Click here if you’re USA bound. Find out what to expect at the border, travel restrictions, and FAQs.
Click here if you’re Canada bound. Find out who can enter Canada, information on the mandatory ArriveCAN, and travel restrictions.
Tips for a Smooth Border Crossing
Check Bridge Wait Times
Check bridge wait times (Rainbow and Lewiston-Queenston) before you go, especially if you are short on time. Additional links are above in the “Current Border Statuses and Live Traffic Conditions” section.
Do Your Research Ahead of Time
Do your research ahead of time. Be aware of all travel rules and restrictions, including what items are and are not allowed to enter the country with you.
Have Your Passport Ready
Have your passport and all other applicable documents and identification ready to show the border patrol agent.
Be Prepared For Questions
Be prepared to answer questions. Here are some examples that you may get asked:
- Why are you visiting?
- Where are you staying?
- How long will you be here?
- Do you have anything to declare?
Prepare for a Car Search
Be prepared to be the recipient of a randomized car search. If this happens to you, don’t panic. Most of the time it’s arbitrary. Just follow their instructions and avoid small talk.
Don’t Crack Jokes
Don’t crack jokes with the border patrol agent. They won’t find you funny; in fact, they might consider your actions suspicious and refuse you entry, perform a vehicle search, or hound you with additional questions.
Be Polite
Be polite and only speak answers to their questions. Try to get all of your burning questions answered before arriving at the border.
Be Ready to Disclose Your Purchases
Be ready to share anything that you purchased or brought with you when returning to your home country.
Where to Stay Near Niagara Falls
USA Stays
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York
- Sheraton Niagara Falls
- Niagara Riverside Resort
- Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls
- Camp at Niagara Falls Campground & Lodging
- Camp at Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA Holiday
- Camp at Branches of Niagara Campground & Resort
- Camp at Four Mile Creek State Park
Canada Stays
- Hilton Niagara Falls / Fallsview Hotel & Suites
- Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls
- Sheraton Fallsview Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview
- Camp at Niagara Falls KOA Holiday
- Camp at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort Niagara Falls
- Camp at Campark Resorts
What to Do Near Niagara Falls
While the wildly popular collection of waterfalls is usually the centerpiece of visitors’ trips, I wanted to highlight a few other activities you should do and other places you should see while you’re in the Niagara Falls area!
USA Side
Devil’s Hole and Whirlpool State Parks
Venture onto the Niagara Gorge Rim Trail by hiking from Devil’s Hole State Park, through Whirlpool State Park and to Goat Island at Niagara Falls State Park.
The Devil’s Hole Rapids are wild, and the trail involves a lot of rock scrambling, steep drop-offs, and narrow paths above raging rapids.
The rapids at Whirlpool State Park are a bit calmer as they churn into a literal whirlpool swirl before tumbling back down the river into the angry Devil’s Hole Rapids.
Further upstream, the rapids begin to rage again in the Niagara River Gorge.
Once you reach Goat Island, the finish line is the collection of waterfalls at Niagara Falls State Park.
The distance of the Niagara Gorge Rim Trail is 6.2 miles one way.
If you are looking for a shorter trail, try Devil’s Hole Trail (2.5 miles roundtrip) at Devil’s Hole State Park or Whirlpool Rapids Trail (2.6 miles roundtrip) at Whirlpool State Park.
Or, simply just hike from Devil’s Hole State Park to Whirlpool State Park along the Gorge, and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back.
Go Waterfall Chasing in the Finger Lakes Region
The Finger Lakes are a series of eleven lakes located in Upstate New York. When looking at a map of the area, the long, skinny lakes resemble fingers.
There are so many fun recreational opportunities around these lakes – including my favorite, waterfall chasing! – and since they are only a few hours southeast of Niagara, they are a perfect addition to your trip!
I have a blog post about an epic 3-Day Upstate New York road trip that you can take to see dozens of waterfalls; you can read that here!
Here are some of my favorite falls in Upstate New York and the Finger Lakes area:
- The 19 waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park, located at the southern tip of Seneca Lake.
- The dozens of cascades along the gorge at Buttermilk Falls State Park, located at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake.
- The Lower Falls swimming hole and the 115-foot Lucifer Falls along the Gorge Trail at Robert Treman State Park, located at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake.
- The 215-foot falls at Taughannock Falls State Park, located on the southwest side of Cayuga Lake.
Canada Side
Visit the Niagara Glen Nature Centre
Take a guided hiking tour at Niagara Glen Nature Centre. Experience the Niagara Glen with a professional naturalist and learn all about the plants, wildlife, geology, and natural landscapes as you hike.
If you’re into rock climbing, bouldering permits are also available at the Nature Centre. Train for mountaineering and long climbing routes by bouldering the carved rock formations of Niagara Glen.
Hike the Whirlpool Rapids Trail
Downstream of Niagara Falls is the natural whirlpool of rapids. These rapids can be viewed from both the Canadian and USA sides.
The Canadian side offers a 1.3-mile out & back trail along the Niagara Gorge, which consists of wooden steps that plunge to the edge of the water, a narrow waterfall, forested paths, and bridges.
While you’re in the area, take the thrilling Whirlpool Rapids adventure course or experience a wild ride from a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour!
Summary
Niagara Falls is just one of those places that should be on every American’s and Canadian’s bucket list. It’s iconic and historical and deserves all of the respectful tourism it receives.
Remember, always leave no trace when visiting any of our beautiful outdoor spaces, and enjoy your trip to Niagara Falls!
