If you’ve got a trip to the Falls on your horizon… well, we’re here to help answer all your questions and give you the best opportunity. Planning is important before you head out, and you need to arm yourself with all the facts! Is the Canadian or American side of Niagara Falls better? Should you see them in summer or opt for frozen? Whenever, wherever – Niagara Falls is magic for the senses. Indeed, listening to the sound of falling water and admiring this incredible view is extraordinary.
We all know that these waterfalls are among the most beautiful in the world. There’s no disputing that. That is why if you are planning a trip in or around the area, they are an absolute must-see. In this article, we will give you all the information, starting with how to reach them, which side is best, and in which season to visit them.
Where exactly are Niagara Falls?
One of the top cities in Ontario, Canada, Niagra Falls city is midway between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, sitting firmly on the U.S.-Canadian border. For this very reason, they can be visited in two different ways: an on-the-road exploration of Canada between Toronto, Montreal, and the Cascades, or a trip on the other side of the border.
Niagara Falls: what to see
Reaching Niagara Falls is an explosion of emotions, even if all you’re doing is walking alongside these indescribable natural features. But let’s go into more detail and find out together what to do once you reach the Falls. First things first: which side? As we said, the Falls are on the border between Canada and the United States – meaning the activities depend on where you are. Either way, though, a boat ride is first on the agenda. It lets you get a proper look at the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls, and it’s totally magical.
Obviously, the boat with which you will experience the tour depends on which side you are on; there is the Maid of the Mist for the American side and the Hornblower Niagara Cruise for the Canadian side. The boat ride takes about 20 minutes and is an activity you can only do from May to October.
Most agree that the most beautiful of the three Falls is the Horseshoe Falls since it creates, as the name implies, a horseshoe of tumbling water. The Canadian side offers more impressive views, but don’t worry — there are scenic terraces that allow you to see it from both sides.
You might decide to take the Fallsview Trail, allowing you to walk a beautiful path close to the Falls. On the Canadian side, you will find the viewpoint in front of Table Rock, while on the American side, you will find Terrapin Point and the Cave of the Wind viewpoint.
The smallest of the three waterfalls is Bridal Veil Falls, and if you wish to see it more closely, you only need to access the Cave of the Wind. In fact, with an elevator, you can reach its base, and in addition to a nice water shower, you can experience all the power of finding yourself at the foot of this mighty waterfall.
Looking for another unique perspective on the Falls? How about the Journey Behind the Falls on the Canadian side – a warren of tunnels behind the Horseshoe Falls, dating back more than 130 years!
Of course, there is no shortage of observation towers at the Falls either. You will find the Skylon Tower and the Niagara Falls Observation Tower on the Canadian and American sides, respectively.
For a truly adrenaline-filled experience, there is the helicopter ride. You can fly over these incredible Falls and admire them in a unique and unrepeatable way.
Frozen Niagara Falls
The allure of snow and frozen waterfalls is irresistible, and although you won’t be able to do certain activities, they are a sight not to be missed. First of all, you will find far fewer people, so if you are a solo traveller, you will love it! Niagara Falls, because of its convenient and accessible location, is surrounded by storms by tourists in summer. In winter, on the other hand, there are far fewer, which is why you need to take advantage of the chillier months.
Second, seeing them partly frozen will make them much more unique and striking. I personally have a beautiful memory of that on a February day. The rays of the sun reflected the white of the snow everywhere, and the sound of the water falling filled the whole space, creating that beautiful atmosphere that only snow can give.
How long does it take to visit the Falls?
One day is enough time to visit the Falls, and in fact, they lend themselves very well to a day trip. Of course, from Toronto, they are definitely more convenient; with a Flixbus or Greyhound, you can reach them in 1.30 h.
We’ve also got to think about what time slot you have available. If you have the chance to make a night of it, you will be able to enjoy a much more serene atmosphere, with no sense of needing to rush. That’s true of the early morning as well; watch the pink of the sun rising with these gushing waters at your side. So if you hate tourism and crowds of people, this is the best option – and in the evening, you might also get to enjoy the beautiful fireworks.
