Niagara Falls Canada: How to Get The Best Views

Disclosure: Advertising and affiliate services, including Amazon Associates, help the cost of running my blog. Clicking ads or making purchases through affiliate links may, at no additional cost to you, earn me a small commission. I appreciate your support.

Niagara Falls is one of the great wonders of the world. People flock to it in droves every year. But what is it really like there? Where do you get the best views? And what do you need to know for the perfect trip? Prepare to pack your rain poncho and experience one of the most amazing things you can see in North America as we head to Niagara Falls Canada.

Where is Niagara Falls?

Now here’s the thing. Niagara Falls is right on the border between Canada and the USA. You can see the Falls from either the state of New York, or from the province of Ontario. There’s a never ending debate over which country is the best side to view the Falls. It’s Canada in case you’re wondering 😉. Niagara Falls NY is about a 30 minute drive North of Buffalo. And Niagara Falls ON is about 90 minutes from Toronto. But for the sake of today’s post I’m going to cover the where, how and how much of visiting Niagara Falls Canada as I’ve been to the Canadian side a number of times.

How Do I Get to Niagara Falls Canada

If you’re visiting Niagara Falls it’s most likely you’re going to be spending some time in Toronto. Toronto Pearson is the area’s biggest airport. From the airport to Niagara Falls you’ll make your way to the QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way highway) through Burlington and past St. Catherines towards the USA border for just over an hour of driving. From downtown Toronto it’s just a little further and you’ll join the Gardiner Expressway to the QEW and then get on the same route as from the airport.

Another option is taking a bus or train if you don’t want to or can’t drive. Either option will take a little longer (2.5-3 hours). Tickets will likely be from as little as $10-$20 per person each direction. The station is about a 5 minute taxi/Uber ride from the main strip where all the hotels are or a 30 minute walk. Driving is certainly easier but be prepared to pay for parking. Even day parking can be about $20.

Where Can I Stay?

Niagara Falls Canada is like a more Northern, less desert-y, more hockey-loving Las Vegas. There’s a strip with hotels, casinos, expensive sub-par restaurants and tacky entertainment. It’s loud and brash and everything Canada usually isn’t. But if you’re going to stay there you might as well commit to the experience and stay somewhere central where you can easily get around. There are plenty of hotels, all varying in quality. A lot of the hotels are older and have seen better days (like the Vegas Strip). But some have really good views of the Falls like the Crowne Plaza Falls View where I managed to get a top floor Falls-facing room. If Vegas is what you’re into, read more about some of the best hotels the Las Vegas Strip has to offer.

When is the Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls Canada?

I’m not going to lie to you, North America can get some extreme weather. I live over on the West Coast in Vancouver Canada, and while our summers are warm and our winters are mild, this is not true of the whole country. In fact Ontario and New York get some ridiculously hot weather in the summer, and some unbelievably cold weather in the winter. So depending how you deal with extremes you might want to plan your trip accordingly.

The first time I went to Niagara Falls it was July. I was dripping from head to toe as the sun beat down with not a cloud in the sky. I burned, I was sticky and sweaty, and it partly took away from being able to fully enjoy the experience. Not to mention this is really busy with everyone being on summer break. In September it was still hot but a little better. In May, same thing. If I were you I would aim for the shoulder season (May or September/October) as the most ideal time. But at any other time you can still visit, just pack accordingly.

Bonus: If you travel during winter you can also experience the Winter Festival of Lights at Niagara Falls.

What Do I Need to Take With Me?

The first thing you need to consider when visiting Niagara Falls Canada is planning around the weather:

Other things you might want with you no matter the time of year:

• Comfortable shoes (you could end up doing a lot of walking)
• A camera – you don’t want to miss this view
• A purse or bag to put your camera/cell phone in – depending on where you are viewing the falls, you might get a little wet
• Snack to reduce the amount of money you spend on expensive food
• A day pack to save you from going back to the car

How Much Does it Cost to See Niagara Falls?

To actually see the Falls it’s completely FREE. That’s right, not a single penny (or nickel since in Canada we don’t have pennies anymore). You can see the falls from just off the main road with plenty of unobstructed views all along. There are however some costs to keep in mind: parking, hotel stay and spending money for food or souvenirs (both will cost you a few bucks more than you would expect). Then there’s the option of a tour such as a ride on the Niagara Falls cruise vessels, or entry to the Journey Behind the Falls (more on both of those below).

How Do I Get the Best Views of the Falls?

If you’re driving to Niagara Falls Canada you can park at your hotel (if you’re spending the night). If not, continue through to Falls Avenue and the Niagara Parkway. You’ll find day parking lots just past the Welcome Centre. From the main road you will, like I did, get your first glimpse of this impressive waterfall as the spray mists your windscreen. Park up and (carefully) run across to the viewpoint like the big kid you know you can be. Seeing the Falls for the first time is breathtaking.

The views from all along the wall that protects you from imminent death is spectacular. Snap happily away and relax, there’s room for everyone. But what are your other options?

Take A Cruise

Hornblower Niagara Cruises will take you into the eye of the storm as it were. The Maid of the Mist is the well known cruise that leaves from the American side, but Hornblower is the Canadian version. Tickets are around $20 CAD for an adult ticket. The tour lasts about 20 minutes and gets you up close and personal with this giant monstrosity of a Falls. The power of the Falls guarantees you will get a little wet. OK a lot wet. But ponchos are given out to help with that. Although, let’s face it that ain’t gonna do much when there’s tens of thousands of gallons of water a second flowing that close to you. Book your cruise in advance through Viator.

Journey Behind the Falls

I passed up a cruise in favor of a walk behind the falls. The Journey Behind the Falls experience is a little over $20 CAD per person. We were taken in an elevator whose wet floor would lead you to believe you’re on the elevator Kate Winslet took into the depths of the Titanic. Fears of being greeted by a wall of water are quickly dispelled as you enter the dark, damp tunnels that lead you behind the waterfalls. There are amazing outdoor spaces to witness the Falls closer than you could have imagined. And get your Insta-worthy selfies. Well worth the ticket price in my opinion. Book entry with the Niagara Falls Wonder Pass through Viator.

What Else is There to Do in Niagara Falls Canada?

All that not enough for you? Sick of looking at the beautiful Falls? What’s wrong with you? No, but seriously, it’s the reason you’ll most likely be heading there but you’ll want to do other things too. Here are a few ideas:

Try Your Luck at the Tables

Niagara Falls has a number of casinos you can gamble at. Play a game of Blackjack, roll the dice for a game of Craps, or test your skills at the Slots. Remember to not bet more than you can manage, but a few games is a little fun – especially if you win.

Play Some Mini Golf

Putt your way past a few dinosaurs on the mini golf course and enjoy some outdoor fun. Niagara Falls has a couple of different mini golf and pitch & putt courses to try.

Head into a Museum

Cold outside or want to escape the summer heat? Check out one of the “museums” or exhibits in the town. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, a waxworks museum, or if you’re feeling extra brave take a stroll through a haunted house.

See a Movie

Niagara Falls IMAX Theatre is a couple of blocks off the Falls View area. Take the kids indoors for some movie time fun and a sit down from all the outdoorsy fun around here.

Experience Some Sky High Fun

The Niagara SkyWheel is a giant wheel with enclosed viewing spaces so you can get even more amazing views of the Falls from above. Look down on the town, the Falls, and over into the USA if you’re not scared of heights. Book your ticket in advance here.

Wine Tasting

All around the Niagara Falls area is wine country, countless wineries and vineyards make up the beautiful landscape close to the Falls. Spend an extra day touring some of them, or stay in nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake or St. Catharines. Whether you’re traveling with your partner, friends or by yourself, make sure to book yourself a wine tour of the area.

Niagara Falls for Everyone

I can’t imagine many people not being impressed by Niagara Falls. It’s an epic sight to behold, and is a worthwhile day trip from Toronto if you’re visiting Eastern Canada. Spend the night if you can as the Falls are lit up in the evening and in the summer there are often fireworks events. Explore the town, the crazy tackiness and all. But also if you have a chance get out of the town. Explore some of the nearby countryside which feels like a million miles away from everything. Canada is a beautiful country and this area has some impressive sights so make it part of your Eastern Canada trip next time you go. For some other bucket list travel ideas like Niagara Falls, check out this post with some of mine.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below? Have you been to Niagara Falls Canada? Where did you find the best views?