Niagara Falls is one of nature’s greatest spectacles that also forms the border between the United States and Canada. The 3 combined waterfalls (Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls) have the highest flow rate of any North American waterfall. As the rushing Niagara River flows from Lake Erie to drain into Lake Ontario, enormous amounts of water make dramatic drops into the Niagara Gorge. In addition to its immense power, Niagara Falls is among the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.

A wide range of activities allows you to see Niagara Falls in various ways. From boat rides and helicopter tours to underground mazes, you can view the gushing waterfalls from every angle imaginable. Tourism in the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and New York centres around the waterfalls to entice all types of travellers. That makes Niagara Falls a solid destination for nature trips, couple’s retreats, family vacations, and more.

What are the highlights and features of Niagara Falls?

Horseshoe Falls sits mostly on the Canadian side of the twin cities. As the most powerful waterfall in North America, it's the star attraction of Niagara Falls. Tourists can partake in numerous activities for sensational views. Hornblower Niagara Cruises let you feel the raw power of the rushing water of Horseshoe Falls from the Niagara River. You’ll receive a poncho but prepare to get drenched as you approach the base of the falls.

For a different vantage of Horseshoe Falls, navigate the bedrock tunnels of Journey Behind the Falls. After you descend 125 ft and view the engineering feat, stand at the observation deck directly beside the falls. Many visitors don’t leave without snapping a Niagara Falls panorama, and you have several options for breathtaking photos. The Niagara SkyWheel climbs 175 ft above the falls using climate-controlled gondolas. The Skylon Tower offers an exclusive dining experience 775 ft above the Niagara River.

Where to get the best views of Niagara Falls?

When you visit Niagara Falls, you have endless scenic viewpoints to marvel at the plunging waterfalls. Right on Niagara Parkway, Queen Victoria Park adds the scent of radiant flowers while viewing American Falls across the river. Just up the road, Table Rock Welcome Centre lets you take pictures of the Niagara River plummeting from Horseshoe Falls. The Oakes Garden Theatre, which sits on River Road, provides a romantic backdrop for wedding photos.

You’ll find more incredible images upstream along the Niagara Gorge. Ride the Whirlpool Aero Car to soar across the river while overlooking the bubbling Niagara Whirlpool. From the antique cable car, spot class 6 rapids and the bend in the Niagara River. For more intimate photos of the landscape, tackle the rugged hiking trails in the Niagara Glen. Niagara Helicopters give you a bird’s eye view of the 3 majestic waterfalls.

Good to know about Niagara Falls

While many claim the Canadian side of Niagara Falls has the best offerings, you can also experience the falls from the US side. The Rainbow International Bridge connects the countries at Niagara Falls to provide a smooth crossing by car or foot. If you plan on exploring Niagara Falls in Ontario and New York, make sure you have the proper paperwork to cross the border.

The Niagara Falls State Park lets you stand beside American Falls. Descend into the adjacent Niagara Gorge and feel the fury of Bridal Veil Falls. From Terrapin Point, you’ll have a fantastic view of Horseshoe Falls and rainbows forming in the mist. For scenic hikes around Niagara Falls, many trails start from the Niagara Gorge Trailhead Center. The Goat Island Scenic Walk encircles Goat Island, and Gorge Rim Trail follows the aquamarine Niagara River.

Niagara Falls in Ontario

Daniel Grenier | Contributing Writer

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

Start planning your trip

Related stories