The Ultimate Guide to Niagara Falls
One of the most well-known sites in Canada, Niagara Falls is a destination frequented by millions each year. While its peak season is during the summer, it’s just as magical a destination during the winter. Whatever time of the year you visit, you’ll be sure to have the time of your life with our guide to Niagara Falls.
Although the main attraction is the falls themselves, Niagara Falls offers much more to be seen; from its nightlife and entertainment to its year-round events such as its Folk Festival and more.
Not only will you discover everything you need to know before arrival but what to do while you’re there too! So, if you’re ready to book a ticket to beautiful Niagara Falls, Ontario, this guide is for you! Without further ado, let’s get right into it.
What You Need to Know
Before diving deeper into the exciting aspects of travel, it’s important to become informed about some necessary housekeeping items. These essential items include when to visit, how long to visit, safety measures to take, and more.
Of course, some of what’s to follow are simply broad generalizations and may not pertain to you, specifically. In other words, a family vacation will likely have different travel objectives and concerns than a traveling nomad, for example.
In any case, below is a summary of what YOU need to know before traveling to Niagara Falls, Ontario. While it’s impossible to uncover the needs of every traveler, hopefully, the information that follows will help clarify at least some of your unanswered questions.
When to Visit
While Canada, and Niagara Falls, in particular, is our winter wonderland, peak season happens to be during the Summer months. Of course, many opt to visit during the off-season to avoid crowds and inflated prices, which is a good idea!
With that said, Because the Falls are the main attraction, it’s optimal to enjoy them when the temperatures are hot and the water refreshing. On the contrary, visiting in the winter will only bring you frozen falls and unpleasant temperatures.
As mentioned earlier, however, this all comes down to preference. At the end of the day, Niagara Falls is a destination lucky to be visited any time of the year.
How Long to Visit
The answer here will differ from person to person depending on the type of travel experience you desire. Notably, Niagara Falls can be explored in its entirety in 2-4 days. Of course, depending on how much of it you want to explore and how long it will depend. Heck, it can be enjoyed for months if you choose to do so…
Whether you’re visiting on vacation or backpacking as a means to an end, Niagara Falls is an incredible destination to visit. Suitable for long-term and short-term stays, you honestly can’t go wrong here.
Is Niagara Falls Safe
While the United States side of Niagara Falls is known for a higher crime rate, the opposite tends to hold true over on the Canadian Side. With that said, like any foreign trip, always beware of pickpocketers and petty theft, even if its prevalence rate is low.
In any case, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is primarily a safe destination for foreigners and locals alike. However, where you need to practice extreme caution is near the falls and during the winter, where slippery.
Things to Do in Niagara Falls
This guide to Niagara Falls wouldn’t be complete without detailing the top things to do while visiting. Of course, it’s impossible to describe everything available to do here. However, below are arguably the most popular activities, whether you’re a tourist OR local!
The following are the top 5 things to do in Niagara Falls:
- Hop Aboard the Official Niagara Falls Boat Tour
- Have Dinner with a View at Skylon Tower
- Take a Ride on the Niagara SkyWheel
- Go Zip-lining Above the Falls
- Paint the Town Red at Clifton Hill
Hop Aboard the Official Niagara Falls Boat Tour
Arguably the most popular attraction of them all, the Niagara Falls Boat Tour is a must. As one of the most intimate ways of experiencing the falls themselves, prepare yourself to get drenched, literally! Don’t worry, in any case. They’ll provide you with a poncho to cover up…
The tour itself brings you up close and personal with the falls so that you can get a view like no other. Sure, you can experience the falls from afar. However, there’s nothing like being one with the falls themselves.
Have Dinner with a View at Skylon Tower
Another great way to experience Niagara Falls is by seeing it panoramically from a birds-eye view. While there are several observation points, the Skylon Tower is the most infamous.
Upwards of 500 feet high, the Skylon Tower is the equivalent of Toronto’s CN Tower. Offering 360-degree views of the city and the falls themselves, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Even better, you can have dinner at the tower’s revolving dining room restaurant!
Take a Ride on the Niagara SkyWheel
Much like the London Eye, the Niagara SkyWheel is yet another spectacular way to see the city. The SkyWheel sits proudly at 165 feet tall as the most prominent Canadian observation wheel, not for those who fear heights.
While you can hop on the 10-minute ride anytime during the day, it’s highly recommended to visit during the night. While the falls may not be as visible, the lights accompanying the city are a beautiful sight to behold.
Go Zip-Lining Above the Falls
If the boat tour wasn’t enough for the adrenalin junky of the group, how about zip-lining over 2000 feet across the falls themselves?! Zip-lining is one of the more popular attractions in Niagara Falls, and for obvious reasons. As such, be sure to book your ticket in advance before it sells out.
First, its observation deck provides its guests with an opportunity to capture some awe-inspiring photos. Next is the zip-line itself. Of course, it goes without saying, don’t try and take photos during the zip!
Paint the Town Red at Clifton Hill
Last but certainly not least, a trip to Niagara Falls isn’t complete without a visit to Clifton Hill. In short, Clifton Hill is where all the hustle and bustle takes place in Niagara Falls. Complete with amusement parks, nature parks, restaurants, and more, fun is certainly to be had here.
Offering entertainment for all ages, Clifton Hill is otherwise known as Canada’s amusement capital for a reason. For an endless day of adventure or an endless night of laughter, be sure to spend some time at famous Clifton Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before departing, what follows will be a detail of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Niagara Falls. Hopefully, this section will answer some if not all of the questions you’ve had unanswered to this point.
Where is Niagara Falls Located?
Perched between Canada and the United States, Niagara Falls is located along the Niagara River, comprising of two major falls. It acts, in large, as a border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, U.S.A.
What’s the Address of Niagara Falls?
The exact address of Niagara Falls is 6650 Niagara Parkway. (River Rd) Niagara Falls, ON L2G 0L0. By providing this address to public transit or inputting it into a GPS, you’ll be brought right to the Horseshoe Falls themselves.
How Much Does it Cost to See Niagara Falls?
Unless you participate in a tour, Niagara Falls is 100% free to see. Because it’s a public attraction part of Niagara’s park, it’s available to tourists and locals alike to access 24/7/365. Tours, however, do require payment, varying depending on the tour of choice.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls?
There are several hotels, lodges, and Airbnbs in and around the Niagara Falls area. However, for the most magical of experiences, it’s recommended to stay at a hotel with a view! Luckily, several hotels sit in the vicinity of the Falls themselves. Some of the most popular include Sheraton on the Hills, Embassy Suites, and the Tower hotel at Fallsview.
A Trip of a Lifetime
Niagara Falls is a dream destination for all, and for an abundance of reasons. With attractions available to be enjoyed year-round, it’s worth a visit no matter the time of year.
From affordable prices and enjoyable weather during the peak season to some of the top things to do in Canada, Niagara Falls is a trip of a lifetime.
Enjoy!
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