“A picture is worth a thousand words.”
Niagara Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders on the planet. It’s no surprise that it’s visited by over 20 million tourists from around the world each year. It’s one thing seeing it from a distance, but wait until you get up close. Feeling the mist and hearing the thunderous roar of the falls is truly an exhilarating experience!
Niagara Falls straddles the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York. It’s about 20 miles north of Buffalo (NY) and 75 miles south of Toronto (Ontario, Canada). It’s the second largest falls in the world, after Victoria Falls in South Africa). Niagara Falls can be seen from both sides of the border (U.S. and Canadian sides). Take the scenic walk along the Canadian side of the falls (we prefer it to the American side). The views from the walkway are breathtaking… day or night! The promenade overlooks the American Falls and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls, both on the U.S. side and Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. From the American side, the falls can be viewed from walkways along Prospect Point Park.
Book Niagara Falls Tours and "Maid of the Mist" Boat Rides
If it’s your first visit to Niagara Falls, don’t miss taking what could be one of the most thrilling boat rides of your life – aboard the “Maid of the Mist.” It’s the best way to get an up-close view of Niagara Falls and experience the exhilaration of encountering millions of gallons of water crashing into the rocks nearby. It’s a blast!
Maid of the Mist boats cruise to the base of the American Falls (between Prospect Point and Luna Island, on the far left), and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls (between Luna Island and Goat Island, mid left), both on the U.S. side – then to the basin of the massive Horseshoe Falls (between Goat Island and Table Rock) on the Canadian side. Lightweight waterproof hooded-ponchos are provided to everyone (free with admission). The ponchos really come in handy when you get close to the falls. And you DO get close! And with the spraying mist, expect to get wet, especially if it’s a windy day. Maid of the Mist boat rides operate early May until late October. Boats leave every 30 minutes from both the U.S. and the Canadian side.
Book Niagara Falls Tours and Day Trips
Book Niagara Falls Canadian Side Tour and Maid of the Mist Boat Ride
Book Niagara Falls American Side Tour with Maid of the Mist Boat Ride
Book Your Niagara Falls Trip or Vacation
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Book Your Niagara Falls Trip or Vacation
Don’t Forget Your Passport!
If coming to Niagara Falls from New York state, you need to cross the Rainbow Bridge (see top picture) to get to the Canadian side of the Falls. To clear customs at the border, remember to bring along your passport.
The Best Times To Visit Niagara Falls
The best times to visit Niagara Falls weather-wise is mid-May to mid-September. During a recent May visit, the weather was warm and sunny, and the falls were spectacular. And to top it off, we were lucky to see a double rainbow over the falls!
Peak tourist season is July through August. The flow of the falls is also at its peak during this time. If you prefer less crowds and are interested in seeing the Fall foliage, the best time to visit the area would be during the first two weeks in October. Winter can also be one of the most picturesque times to see Niagara Falls. With the surrounding areas covered in snow and ice, it looks like a winter wonderland. 🙂