Niagara Falls are some of the largest, most beautiful, and most famous waterfalls in the world. They are also some of the most easily accessible. You can walk up and stand on the very edge of the falls, separated only by a railing, without even having to pay a fee.

If you want to see them from a little different perspective, you can take a boat trip to the base of the falls, or go behind the falls and see the water pouring over from above.

The falls consist of three parts: The most spectacular section is the concave Horseshoe Falls, running 640 meters across from the Canadian shore to the American shore. The American Falls, about 330 meters across, is on the New York side, but the best views are from the Canadian side. A small third section, known as Bridal Veil Falls, is located between these two.

On the Canadian side of the falls, a walkway stretches from above the falls all the way along the edge of the gorge, providing spectacular views. At night, the falls are lit up in different colors.

The main viewing area is on the edge of Horseshoe Falls, behind which is the Table Rock Welcome Centre. This building has a restaurant overlooking the falls and is also where you’ll find shops and an information and ticket booth where you can purchase tickets to the various attractions and tours.

Below the falls, the Niagara River flows through the deep walls of the gorge, between 80 meters and 300 meters across, forming the Whirlpool Rapids as the gorge narrows. The waters eventually flow into Lake Ontario.

Journey Behind the Falls offers a close-up view of the falls from the base of Horseshoe Falls. From the Table Rock Welcome Centre, an elevator takes you down 45 meters to tunnels with viewing portals behind the falls and an observation deck near the lower edge of the falls.

From here, you can look up at the wall of water coming over Horseshoe Falls and feel the rush of mist on your face. This view offers a unique perspective and a completely different experience than viewing the falls from above.

Official site: https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/journey-behind-the-falls/

At a height of more than 235 meters above the falls, the Skylon Tower offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Escarpment, and the city.

The tower features an indoor/outdoor observation area and two restaurants. The Revolving Dining Room is an upscale revolving restaurant, while the Summit Suite Buffet is a more mid-range family oriented establishment.

Access to the observation decks is free if you are dining at the tower.

Official site: http://www.skylon.com/

Hornblower Cruises offer close-up tours to the base of all three falls in 700-passenger catamaran boats. Cruises run all day and into the evening, when the falls are lit.

This is a wet experience, and rain jackets are provided. Since the Maid of the Mist stopped operating out of Canada, this is the only boat tour option from the Canadian side that takes visitors to the base of the falls.

Official site: http://www.niagaracruises.com/

One of the newest attractions at Niagara Falls is the Niagara Skywheel, the largest observation wheel in Canada. Standing 175 feet tall, it offers visitors a new way to see the roaring falls.

Climate controlled gondolas means it’s open year-round, and rides last between eight and 12 minutes. You can take these day or night. At night, you can see the city lights as well as Niagara Falls illuminated in various colors.

The Whirlpool Aero Car is an antique cable car in continuous operation since 1916 suspended above the roiling waters of the Whirlpool Rapids. You can take a 10-minute trip over this portion of the Niagara River for a unique view of the powerful currents swirling around in a massive whirlpool below.

The Niagara Aero Car travels approximately one kilometer from one side of the gorge to the other and can hold 35 standing people per trip.

Official site: https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/whirlpool-aero-car/

Part of the attraction of the town of Niagara Falls is the festive atmosphere. A walk down Clifton Hill, also known as Niagara’s Street of Fun, will take you past the Niagara Skywheel, the Niagara Speedway, restaurants, and family-oriented attractions.

Along here, you’ll find shops selling ice-cream, cotton candy, fudge, and other treats. This area is just up the street from the falls. Even if you don’t choose to spend much time here, it’s worth a look.

The Niagara Parkway is a scenic drive running from Niagara-on-the-Lake, past Niagara Falls to Fort Erie, following the gorge. The road, lined by parks and green space, has many interesting sights along the way where visitors can stop.

Some of the most popular features along the parkway are the Floral Clock, Whirlpool Rapids, and the Butterfly Conservatory. A paved pathway for walking and biking runs alongside the Niagara Parkway.

The Butterfly Conservatory, along the Niagara Parkway, is home to 2,000 free-flying butterflies. The glass-enclosed conservatory with waterfalls and tropical plants features more than 40 different species of butterflies.

This attraction is open year round making it a particularly popular place to visit during the winter months when the outside gardens are not in bloom.

Official site: https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/butterfly-conservatory/

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours operate out of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a short drive from Niagara Falls, and take you on a thrilling jet boat ride through class 5 whitewater rapids. Tours are in open boats during the summer and dome covered boats in the spring and fall. Be prepared to get wet!

Tours are also educational, offering information on the geology and history of the area.

Address: 61 Melville Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Official site: http://www.whirlpooljet.com/jet-boating/niagara-on-the-lake/

If you love birds, this is the place to come, and it’s also a great indoor activity if you are visiting in winter. Bird Kingdom is the largest free-flying indoor aviary in the world.

Colorful tropical birds zoom past as you walk along the paths. Animal Encounters allow you to feed and interact with the wildlife. Photographers will also enjoy a chance to take photos of these beautiful creatures.

At the top of Clifton Hill, the Niagara Speedway is a fun family attraction, and it offers a new twist on go-kart racing. Unlike traditional flat courses, the track here is elevated in a roller coaster style that allows you to drive up a spiral ramp. This track is the largest of its kind in North America. Single and double seater go-karts are available.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a quaint little town on the shores of Lake Ontario just a 20-minute drive from Niagara Falls along the Niagara Parkway. The town has a mid 19th-century appearance owing largely to its history.

During the war of 1812, part of the town was razed and as a result, much of the original architecture was built in the years following the war. Building by-laws have since ensured that newer architecture is built in similar style, resulting in this charming town where horse-drawn carriages pulling tourists through the streets blend beautifully with the old-style buildings.

Some tours of Niagara Falls, particularly those from Toronto, include stops in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where visitors can wander through the shops or enjoy a meal. The area is particularly lovely in fall when the leaves are changing colors. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, this is a great place to stay.

While it may seem obvious, the best place to stay in Niagara Falls is as close to the falls as possible, preferably within walking distance. This will also put you in the vicinity of Clifton Hill, the main tourist area, where there are many restaurants and other attractions. Below are some highly-rated hotels in good locations:

• Luxury Hotels: Offering spectacular views of the Horseshoe Falls, the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa has well-appointed rooms and a highly regarded steakhouse.

  The Sheraton on the Falls also offers amazing views and, with an indoor waterpark, is a very good option for families. This hotel lies in the heart of the attractions of Clifton Hills and within walking distance to the falls themselves.

  The well-positioned Hilton Niagara Falls is a large property with falls-view rooms and suites, and the WEGO shuttle to local attractions stops right in front of the hotel.

• Mid-Range Hotels: The Radisson Hotel & Suites offers oversized rooms and suites with views of the falls through large windows, as well as two restaurants and an indoor pool.

  A 10-minute walk from Clifton Hill and 20 minutes from the falls is the recently renovated and centrally located Courtyard Niagara Falls. This hotel has both an indoor and outdoor pool.

  Two blocks from the falls, the DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa by Hilton features an indoor saltwater pool, rooms with mini refrigerators, and some rooms looking out to the American Falls.

• Budget Hotels: A five-minute drive to Clifton Hill and the falls is The Rex Motel, a small property with themed rooms at a budget rate.

  The Country Inn & Suites is a short walk from Clifton Hill and a longer walk to the falls. This hotel features standard rooms, suites with separate living areas, an indoor pool, and a complimentary hot buffet breakfast.

  A 10-minute drive from Niagara Falls is the Niagara Parkway Court, with clean and comfortable rooms.

Joining an organized tour is a great way to make sure you see all the highlights of this tourist-friendly town and learn interesting details about them without the hassle of finding your way around. Best of all, many tours include admission to key attractions and convenient pickup and drop-off at your hotel. Below are some fun tour options that guarantee the lowest price:

• Sightseeing Tours: If you only have half a day to sightsee, the Best of Niagara Falls Tour from Niagara Falls, Ontario is a convenient and great-value option, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel. This five-hour tour includes a professional guide as well as admission to the Skylon Tower, Hornblower cruise, and Journey Behind the Falls, so you can see the falls from a variety of angles. To ensure a more personalized experience, the tour is limited to six people.
• Fly over the Falls: For a bird’s eye view of the falls, consider the Niagara Falls Grand Helicopter Tour. Hover over this thundering natural wonder on a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight, while the experienced pilot shares fascinating information about the falls and nearby historic landmarks. A minimum of two people are required for this tour.