With around 12 million visitors each year, Niagara Falls is one of North America’s most spectacular natural wonders with bonafide bucket list appeal. Though it’s by no means the world’s tallest waterfall — that’s Venezuela’s Angel Falls — Niagara’s roaring curtain of water makes it one of the most beautiful, with 2.8 million litres of water flowing over the falls every second in peak daytime hours. It’s easily approached from the US and Canadian side — I once visited on a day trip from Toronto — and both have family-friendly attractions, hotels and even casinos with waterfall views. This is what you need to know before you go.
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This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada GETTY IMAGES There are five airports within a 90-minute drive from Niagara Falls, though visitors from outside Canada and the US tend to use Toronto Pearson International Airport, around 78 miles away. Buffalo Niagara International Airport on the American side is well-served by flights from across the US. There are taxis and buses at all airports, but renting a car is the quickest and easiest way to get to the falls. Various tour operators offer day trips to Niagara Falls from Toronto and these all include transport. Summer is the best time to visit Niagara Falls Though some winter visitors have been lucky enough to catch Niagara Falls when it’s frozen over, you’re more likely to end up standing in sub-zero temperatures being sprayed by freezing water if you visit between November and February. Summer is by far the best time to visit though it’s also the busiest. Aim for June or September to miss the big crowds but still enjoy warm weather. Forget your raincoat at your peril You’re likely to get wet so bring lightweight clothes that can dry easily, plus a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes as you’ll be on your feet all day. It’s usually a touch cooler than you’d expect and can be windy so it’s always worth adding an extra layer. If you decide to brave winter, wrap up very warmly and wear thermals too. Absolutely nothing. The falls are completely free and open 365 days a year. Whether you can resist the lure of the boat rides, ticketed observation decks and souvenir shops is another story entirely. Niagara Falls from the American side GETTY IMAGES It’s down to personal preference. The US side is less developed, as the falls are surrounded by the protected Niagara Falls State Park. The Canadian side has tacky tourist attractions aplenty but has the best straight-on view for that all-important photo. It also provides the best opportunity to get up close to the crashing water at Journey Behind The Falls, a tunnel through the rock to a viewing platform behind the waterfall. Ideally, visit with enough time to walk the Rainbow Bridge between the two and see both sides, though you will need your passport. It takes around half an hour including border patrol and photo stops. • New York v Toronto: which is better? Let someone else take care of the logistics if you can only squeeze in a day trip from Toronto. This day tour includes coach transport from your hotel, a boat tour and an optional buffet dinner overlooking the falls. On the way, you’ll visit Niagara Whirlpool, the Floral Clock, Living Water Wayside Chapel and the pretty town of Niagara on the Lake, then stay to see the light show over the water before heading home. Heading to the falls but don’t know where to start? This all-in-one tour has you covered with visits to both the US and Canadian side. It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in the Niagara area and insight from a local tour guide, plus admission to the Maid of the Mist boat cruise, Cave of the Winds Niagara Falls Observation Tower and the 775-foot Skylon Tower. You’ll even enjoy maple syrup and fudge tasting. Just remember to bring your passport to cross between countries. Take your time enjoying Niagara Falls before the day trippers arrive by staying just steps away. This package includes four nights room-only at the Sheraton Fallsview plus flights from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic. You won’t need to spend all your time gazing at the falls either. The hotel has four pools, splash zones for kids, mini-golf, a spa, seven dining spots and bikes to explore the local area. virginholidays.co.uk The Empire State Building, New York GETTY IMAGES Get a big city fix and spend two nights in Niagara Falls, including a sightseeing cruise, with this escorted nine-day tour in a private, air-conditioned coach. Start your US adventure with two nights in New York before heading north to Niagara then continuing through the Pocono Mountains to Philadelphia and finally spending two nights in Washington DC, where you’ll join a half-day tour with photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House. The CN Tower, Toronto ALAMY Tick off Canada’s most famous cities on this 12-night tour that includes flights from the UK, transfers and hotel accommodation in Toronto, Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa, Midland and Niagara. Better still, there’s a whopping 12 experiences along the way including city tours, lunch in a maple forest and a boat ride at Niagara Falls, before a farewell dinner at Toronto’s CN Tower with 360-degree views of the city’s skyline. Mount Robson and Berg Lake in the Canadian Rockies GETTY IMAGES Niagara Falls is not Canada’s only knockout natural beauty. Keep your camera close on this 14-day tour which includes stunning sights including the Rocky Mountains, Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier and Jasper National Park, plus a day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto. Travelling in a maximum group of 50, you’ll also visit Quebec, Montreal, Banff, Ottawa and Vancouver, with all flights, coach travel, transfers and hotel accommodation included. Glassblowing, wine tasting, an ice hockey lesson and even a chance to experience the Amish way of life in Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County are all included on this once-in-a-lifetime 14-day coach tour from New York. You’ll visit all the usual big-hitter cities but it’s the quirkier stops that set this tour apart, including Oakville on Lake Ontario, Kingston and Franconia Notch State Park. Plus, there’s two nights in Niagara Falls including a boat cruise. trafalgar.com A Via Rail Canadian train in Alberta ALAMY See Canada’s endless prairies, glacial lakes and dramatic canyons on a rail journey across the country from the Rockies to Toronto. The tour includes three nights onboard the VIA Rail Canadian as the train crosses Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, plus eight nights in hotels in Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff and Toronto. End on a high before heading back to London with a full day trip to Niagara Falls including transportation, an expert local guide, boat cruise and a trip to Niagara on the Lake. greatrail.com • Best things to do in Canada Sign up to the Times Travel newsletter for weekly inspiration, advice and deals hereHow do I get there?
When is the best time to go?
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Which side is best?
• Best things to do in TorontoHow to do it
1. Niagara Falls day and evening tour with boat cruise & dinner (optional), Viator
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2. Niagara Falls: All-inclusive US & Canadian side tour from US, Tiqets
3. Four-night package to Sheraton Fallsview, Niagara Falls, Virgin Atlantic Holidays
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4. New York, Niagara Falls & Washington DC, Cosmos
5. Eastern Explorer, Tui
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6. Canada – Niagara Falls to the Rockies, Newmarket Holidays
7. East Coast USA and Canada, Trafalgar
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8. Canada, Niagara Falls and the Rocky Mountains, Great Rail
• Best US road trips
