Ultimate Niagara Falls Travel Guide: USA Vs. Canada

Niagara Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world. Located on the border of two different countries, it’s not too difficult to get from one side to the other, so most people will try to see both sides in one trip. Maybe even tackle an entire New York waterfalls road trip!

But if you are short on time and have to decide between the USA and Canada side of Niagara Falls, this is the guide for you!

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 side(s) you decide to visit!

In this Niagara Falls travel guide, I will include not only the differences between the Canadian and USA sides of Niagara Falls, but 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!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks so much for your support!

NIAGARA FALLS AT A GLANCE

Before diving in, here are a few highlights for planning a trip to Niagara Falls.

Getting There: The closest airport to Niagara Falls, NY is Buffalo Niagara International. If you’re staying on the Canadian side, consider flying into Toronto Pearson. Find affordable flights here.
Entrance Fee: FREE to enter but there is nearby parking for roughly $10-$15
Where to Stay: Stay in the town of Niagara Falls, NY, or Niagara Falls, Ontario.
How to Get Around: You’ll need to rent a personal vehicle to get to Niagara Falls OR take a tour from NYC.
Best Time to Visit: June – September (full guide on visiting in June)
How Long to Visit: 1-2 days

Table of Contents

Niagara Falls Travel Guide: USA Vs. Canada

maid of the mist boat tour at niagara falls

standing under bridal veil falls cave of the winds

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

USA: Nearby Airports to Fly into

Niagara Falls International Airport
Buffalo Niagara International Airport
Greater Rochester International Airport
Erie International Airport

Canada: Nearby Airports to Fly Into

Toronto Pearson International Airport
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Region of Waterloo International Airport
John C. Monroe International Airport

USA: Driving Distances From Major Cities

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

Canada: Driving Distances From Major Cities

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

Find affordable flights with Skyscanner!

Niagara Falls: USA Vs Canada

So which side is worth the visit – the USA or Canada? 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 vs canada which side of niagara falls is better

On the USA side, you can view each of the falls from the top down or side profile.

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.

USA

Cave of the Winds
Maid of the Mist boat tour
Observation Tower and Crows Nest

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.

USA

Parking – FREE to $15 USD
Paid excursions – $1.25-$25.25 USD

Canada

Parking – FREE to $20 CAD
Paid excursions – $15 -$89.99 CAD

Comparison Conclusion: USA vs. Canada

USA

Up close and personal views of the falls
Unique experiences
Affordable
More natural

Canada

Superior views of the falls from unpaid excursions
More expensive
More paid excursions are available
More urbanized

To gain the full experience, I’d recommend visiting BOTH sides of Niagara Falls! The views, excursions, outdoor recreation, and overall feel are unique from both sides.

Paid Excursions on the USA and Canada Sides of Niagara Falls

USA: Cave of the Winds

cave of the winds experience at niagara falls

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.

PRO TIP: You WILL get drenched! Bring a waterproof phone case to protect your device (or a GoPro) and have complete freedom to take photos and videos directly underneath the falls!

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.

USA: 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.

PRO TIP: For the BEST view, stand on the boat’s top deck. Don’t keep adjusting your spot on the boat; the driver will give each side an unobstructed view by spinning the boat in different directions!

USA: 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.

PRO TIP: You do NOT need to purchase a boat ticket to view the falls from the Observation Tower, take the elevator into the Gorge, or climb the Crowd Nest stairs by American Falls.

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.

PRO TIP: Bring a waterproof phone case to protect your device!

Canada: 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.

Canada: 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.

PRO TIP: There is also a fun adventure course hosted by the same company that is located by Whirlpool Rapids!

Canada: 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.

PRO TIP: If you dine at the on-site revolving restaurant, your ride up the elevator to the top of the observation deck is FREE!

Canada: 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.

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.

Here are the 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.

Don’t forget your passport!

Tips for a Smooth Border Crossing

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Have Your Passport Ready

Have your passport and all other applicable documents and identification ready to show the border patrol agent.

4. 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?

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

Canada Stays

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: 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.

hiking at whirlpool rapids and devils hole state park

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.

USA: Go Waterfall Chasing in the Finger Lakes Region

lucifer falls at robert treman state park

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 New York waterfalls 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: 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.

Canada: 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!