Near the falls
ViewsHotels along the falls and Clifton Hill.
Town guide
Things to do in Niagara Falls
The world-famous falls on the border of Canada and the USA: boat trips into the spray at the Horseshoe Falls, tunnels behind the water, nightly illuminations, the neon of Clifton Hill and the wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
3
Waterfalls
2 hours
From Toronto
The falls, from both sides
Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls on the Niagara River, on the border between Ontario in Canada and New York State in the USA. The Horseshoe Falls, the biggest, is mostly on the Canadian side, and the best views of all three are from the Canadian side. The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are on the US side.
The town of Niagara Falls, Ontario, has the falls, the riverside parkland of Queen Victoria Park and the neon, theme-park streets of Clifton Hill. Boat trips go right up to the base of the Horseshoe Falls, Journey Behind the Falls takes you into tunnels behind them, and the falls are lit up in colour every night, with fireworks in summer.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, half an hour north, is a pretty historic town surrounded by wineries famous for icewine. You can walk across the Rainbow Bridge to the US side with a passport. Give it one or two days, or a long day trip from Toronto.
Where to base yourself
Near the falls and Clifton Hill for views, around the old downtown near the station for cheaper stays, or Niagara-on-the-Lake for wine country.
Old downtown
Cheaper, near the stationAround Queen Street and the train station.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Wine countryA historic town 30 minutes north.
Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Niagara Falls
Take the Niagara City Cruises boat into the spray at the base of the Horseshoe Falls, from the Canadian side. Walk through the tunnels of Journey Behind the Falls, and visit the Niagara Parks Power Station, with its tunnel down to the river.
Walk the promenade along the Niagara Parkway for the views, and come back at night for the illuminations. Go up the Skylon Tower or ride the Niagara SkyWheel. See the Whirlpool Rapids and the Whirlpool Aero Car further downstream.
Cycle or take a tour along the Niagara Parkway to Niagara-on-the-Lake for wineries, icewine tastings and the Shaw Festival theatre.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
Viewing the falls from the promenade is free, day or night, and the illuminations and summer fireworks cost nothing.
The Niagara Parkway trail is free to walk or cycle.
Crossing the Rainbow Bridge on foot has a small toll.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Restaurants near the falls and Clifton Hill are touristy and expensive. The old downtown and Lundy's Lane have better-value restaurants.
Niagara-on-the-Lake has excellent restaurants and wineries. Icewine, made from frozen grapes, is the local speciality.
Menu prices do not include tax or tip: add sales tax at the till and 15 to 20 per cent tip in restaurants and bars.
Nightlife
Going out
Clifton Hill has bars, arcades and attractions open late, and there are two casinos.
The nightly illuminations and summer fireworks are the best free evening.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is quieter, with wine bars.
Getting around
Getting around
GO Transit trains and buses run from Toronto's Union Station to Niagara Falls in about two hours. Buses and tours also run from Toronto.
In Niagara Falls, WEGO buses link the falls, Clifton Hill and the main sights. The Niagara Parkway has a cycle path to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
To cross to the US, walk or drive across the Rainbow Bridge, with a passport and the right entry documents.
Costs
What Niagara Falls costs
Niagara Falls can be expensive near the falls, especially in summer. Dorm beds start at around €22 to €37 a night. Restaurant mains cost €13 to €24 before tax and tip.
Sales tax in Ontario is 13 per cent. Menu prices do not include tax or tip: add sales tax at the till and 15 to 20 per cent tip in restaurants and bars.
Boat cruises and attractions add up; combination passes can save money.
Safety
Safety and scams
Niagara Falls is safe. Watch for overpriced parking and restaurants near the falls.
Stay behind the railings; the river and gorge are extremely dangerous.
To cross into the USA, check US entry rules before you go. In an emergency, call 911.
Worth the trip
Wine country and the gorge.
Whirlpool Aero Car
Above the whirlpool.
Toronto
Canada's biggest city.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Fireworks, wine and winter lights.
Every night
Falls illuminations
Niagara Falls
The falls lit up in colour.
Summer nights
Fireworks
Niagara Falls
Fireworks over the falls.
January
Niagara Icewine Festival
Niagara wine country
Icewine tastings.
November to January
Winter Festival of Lights
Niagara Falls
Light displays.
When to go
May to October is the best time, with boat trips running and summer fireworks. Winter is cold but quiet, with the Winter Festival of Lights and frozen spray around the falls.
Jan
Frozen spray
Feb
Cold
Mar
Quiet
Apr
Boats start
May
Pleasant
Jun
Summer
Jul
Peak season
Aug
Peak season
Sep
Harvest
Oct
Autumn colour
Nov
Festival of Lights
Dec
Festival of Lights
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs, rounded.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Niagara Falls prices.
Treat these as a guide, before tax and tip.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Niagara Falls questions
The ones we get asked most.
Which side of Niagara Falls is better?
The Canadian side has the best views of all three falls, especially the Horseshoe Falls.
How do I get from Toronto to Niagara Falls?
By GO train or bus, in about two hours, or on a tour.
Can I walk to the US side?
Yes, across the Rainbow Bridge, with a passport and the right US entry documents.
When do the boat cruises run?
Usually from spring to late autumn, depending on ice.
Are the falls lit up at night?
Yes, every night, with fireworks in summer.
How long do you need in Niagara Falls?
One or two days, or a long day trip from Toronto.
What is icewine?
A sweet wine made from grapes frozen on the vine, a Niagara speciality.
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