Niagara Falls is one of the most famous natural attractions in the world thanks to its beauty. Tracing the border between the United States and Canada, this natural wonder named by the Iroquois tribe as “water thunder” is one of the most visited places in North America.
This attraction is a unique visual spectacle due to the large amount of water that flows down the falls. It is one of the largest waterfalls in the world, with a huge volume of water of about 2,800 cubic meters per second, that falls naturally and permanently, without decreasing the water volume even in winter or summer, as it would be expected. This is an unmissable destination if you want to fully enjoy your next trip to New York and make a getaway.
Reaching the Niagara Falls
There are two ways to get to this destination: you could arrive directly to Canada or do it from the United States. Whatever your choice is you can cross to the other side of the border carrying your passport and the occasional permit.
A. How to get to Niagara Falls from New York (USA)
The falls are about 650 kilometers from New York. To get there, you may have to make more from one transport to another, which will make the trip longer if traveling independently.
If you prefer to travel on your own, you have several options:
- Train: You can take the $63$ train from Penn Station to the Niagara Falls town. As you can choose between visiting the Canadian or American side, this train makes a first stop in Niagara Falls in the USA and then in Niagara Falls in Ontario. The Ticket value costs close to $90 USD.
- Bus: You can travel by bus, on a journey of approximately 6 hours, take a Greyhound bus direct to Niagara Falls, or, if you prefer to save some money and go without haste, you can take a Megabus to Buffalo and then another to Niagara Falls.
- Plane: Land at the Buffalo airport, 40 kilometers from the Falls.
- Rental Car: It is a very comfortable option that will allow you to discover other places along the way. If you go in a rented car, you must have a card stamped by the rental company when crossing the border into Canada.
B. How to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto (Canada)
If you choose to travel from Toronto you can do it by bus in a 3 hours journey; the most popular companies are Megabus, Go Transit, and Greyhound. In summer you can travel by train through WeGo Train; the value of the tour is approximately $30 CAD, and it includes a round trip ticket with unlimited access to the WeGo tourist buses for 2 days, ideal for spending a weekend.
C. Guided Tours (Highly Recommended)
If you are going to visit Niagara Falls from New York, we recommend that you do it through a guided tour. This is the most common plan, as it allows you to meet other destinations along the way and visit the place in just one day, saving you money on accommodation, time, and additional transportation.
- You can forget about the details, learn essential information, and enjoy your trip the best way possible.
- With a guided tour, you will be directly at Niagara Falls. Likewise, you can take the Maid of the Mist boat ride.
- Throughout the excursion, a professional guide will accompany you to share all the information about the falls, its history, and its surroundings.
- Cost Example: Travel on a Niagara Falls One Day Tour from New York in a private vehicle. The travel agency picks you up at your hotel in NYC and takes you directly to the Falls without problems. For only $169 USD per person you can travel quietly and comfortably.
What to See and Attractions in Niagara Falls
The falls become a visual spectacle for the assistants in any season of the year. Fortunately, being able to enjoy this natural spectacle is still completely free, so don’t be fooled by unscrupulous people. However, the attractions that have been created around it do have a cost.
The Canadian area has been proclaimed as the “Las Vegas of Canada,” and at each border of the falls you will find different options of hotels, restaurants, and attractions with variable prices and availability according to the season.
Major Attractions & Passes
There are many attractions designed to amuse tourists and get them into the wonder of the falls; therefore, there are passes that give you access to everything for a very good price. Some of the included attractions are:
- Maid of the Mist: Embark on the boat that will sail at the foot of these falls and allow you to appreciate the spectacle in a unique way. The boat sails to the base of the “Horseshoe Falls.”
- Cave of the Winds: Excursion where you will walk a path to the base of the “Bridal Veil Falls,” getting as close as 6 meters to the falls from the platforms.
- Journey Behind the Falls: Enjoy a beautiful view from below, going through the tunnels located behind the falls; when you reach the observation points, you will be so close that you can almost touch them.
- Niagara Adventure Theater: Entrance to the theater where a film about the myths, legends, and reality of the falls is shown.
- Niagara George Discovery Center: Visit and access to the trails of the land that surrounds the area with natural trails.
- Niagara Aquarium: Entrance to the aquarium where you will see up to 1,500 marine animals.
Note: These attractions are only available from April to October (including the Maid of the Mist), as during this period the weather is conducive to doing all kinds of activities. If you want to know more about the schedules and the different attractions in Niagara Falls you can visit the Niagara Falls State Park Website.
Other Activities
Beside the plans that are included in the access passes, you can also consider:
- Observation Tower: To observe the falls from the 236-meter-high tower, perfect for those who prefer to avoid getting wet but still want to enjoy the view.
- Zipline: To do zipline over the falls, passing over them at 70 kilometers per hour, an excellent option for the more adventurous.
- Helicopter Ride: Having a helicopter ride to enjoy the view.
- Sunset/Night Show: To enjoy the sunset at the falls, so you will see a light show on the water and fireworks. (To explore more and enjoy special events, see more info here).
Traveling with Children
Niagara Falls is a spectacle that children can also take advantage of. These are some of the attractions designed for them or to enjoy with the family:
- Visit the Butterfly House with more than 2,000 specimens.
- Have a cable car ride.
- Visit the Fallview Indoor Waterparck, during summer.
- Enjoy games on the Great Canadian Midway.
Tips and Recommendations for the Perfect Visit
Season and Schedule
- Season: The best season to visit Niagara Falls is between June and October, since it is during these dates that you can enjoy the Maid of The Mist cruise.
- Schedule: Niagara Falls is open to the public without restriction 24 hours a day.
Lodging and Accommodation
- Reservation: You will be able to find all kinds of hotels, from hostels and Bed & Breakfasts to 4 and 5-star hotels, but regardless of the type of accommodation you prefer, it is ideal that you make a prior reservation, especially if you travel in high season, since the volume of tourists is such that prices go up and the availability of accommodation becomes limited.
- Overnight Trips: If you travel overnight from New York, we recommend that you find a place to stay, since the journey will take approximately 6 hours.
How to Move Around the Area
Getting around Niagara Falls is simple; it all depends on your taste and needs. For example, you can rent a bike – at your hotel or at shared bike stations –, walk on short trips, ride the WeGo bus network, or take a taxi.
The Clothing You Should Bring
- You have a 90% chance of getting your clothes wet, therefore it is advisable that you bring change clothes and comfortable shoes for long walks.
- Also, bring a rain suit to use when you hike the trails at Bridal Veil Falls.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen, especially in the summer.
- If you travel in winter, bring gloves, a jacket, and a hat.
Access to the Canadian Coast (Border Crossing)
- ESTA Countries: If you have arrived in the USA from a country with an ESTA agreement, you DO NOT require an entry visa for Canada; you may only have your passport stamped in the USA.
- Non-Agreement Countries: If you arrive from a country without an agreement, you must have a visa. Get advice from the Canadian embassy in your country.
- Arriving by Plane to Canada from the USA: You will need an eTA authorization, which is obtained on its official website.
The Best Places to Take Pictures
If you are passionate about photography and you always want to take a great memory, these are the best places to get a good shot:
- Rainbow Bridge
- Walk on the shores of the Falls (Canada)
- From the Cruise
- The viewpoint at the end of the tunnel in the Journey Behind the Fall
- Goat Island (USA)
Additional Tips to Enjoy Niagara Falls
- Load a bottle with water; this can be filled in several troughs in the area.
- Avoid using the rails to sit; it is better to prevent accidents.
- Take your camera or your phone tied up; the chances of them falling down is very high since there are many people trying to take the perfect photo at the same time.
- Protect your camera or phone with a waterproof lining so you can get great photos and keep your gear intact.
To finish this article, we recommend you to plan your trip in advance, so you can take advantage of the best rates and hotel availability. Whether you choose to travel on your own or prefer to take a Trip to Niagara Falls from NYC, we are sure you will love this destination. It will capture your attention.
