Niagara Falls Bundled Discounts
Both the US and New York side of Niagara Falls offer bundled discounts to explore the attractions and activities.;
The Discovery Pass includes Maid of the Mist boat tour, Cave of the Winds, Adventure Theater, Discovery Center & Hiking Trails, Aquarium of Niagara, and Trolley car access.
The Niagara Falls Adventure Pass offers three bundles, depending on the activities you hope to do. All passes include the Hornblower Niagara boat tour and WeGo bus passes; visitors can then select attractions based on their interests including nature, classic tours, and plus, which allows admission to nearly everything.
Winner Niagara Falls Canada. We like that Canada gives us options on what we want to see and experience.;
Niagara Falls Ny Vs Canada
Hornblower Niagara Cruises Boat Tour | Photo by Katie Bodell
No matter which side of the border you are on, boat tours are offered that take families to all three falls . This experience is one that cant be missed! There is nothing like feeling the mist of the water encompass everything all around you. It is a family-travel memory I will honestly never forget.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises operates the Canadian side while Maid of the Mist has been offering tours on the American side since the 1800s. Both tours include ponchos .
Tours are both 20 minutes long. And both tours operate seasonally , although Hornblower typically extends its season through the end of November. Prices are similar, and both operators offer similar package deals.
Winner ;Niagara Falls Ontario, Canada. Hornblower offers the only night time tours of the Falls.
What Is There To Do In Niagara Falls
The real question is: how do you want to see the falls? There are several different boat tour companies, some of which bring you so close to the base that you won’t just get wet, you get soaked. Another option is to hike down the backside of Horseshoe Falls, which actually brings you behind the waterfall for a completely different perspective. And for those who want the ultimate tour, nothing beats taking a helicopter ride or a zipline over the falls for a view that few people get to see.
But if you think the town of Niagara Falls is just the eponymous waterfall, think again. There’s plenty to keep busy on both sides of the border, so don’t forget your passport. Walk around downtown to dine in quaint restaurants and enjoy local craft beer or wine. The Niagara Fallsview Casino not only has a great view overlooking the falls, but it’s also a fun place for adults to hang out and hit the slot machines. The Niagara Falls Botanical Garden is especially great to visit in spring, and the butterfly conservatory is the most popular attraction there.
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Niagara Falls Things To Do On The Ontario Side
To view the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, visitors typically gather in Queen Victoria Park. Many walkways wind along the river from the Canadian Falls to the Rainbow Bridge, which connects the U.S. and Canada.;
Table Rock Visitor Centre serves as your gateway to experiencing the Canadian Falls. From the Centre, you can experience:
- Journey Behind the Falls, where guests descend to a short tunnel that leads to observation decks and portals behind the falls,;
- Niagaras Fury, a 4D, 360 degree multi-sensory theatre experience,
- Table Rock House Restaurant and Table Rock Market
- Table Rock Shop, a locally sourced shopping destination.
Just one block from Horseshoe Falls lies Clifton Hill, the Street of Fun. Here, youll find the Niagara Skywheel, Niagara Speedway, and more. The area is a great spot for families especially, but couples love it too.;
Want to experience Niagara Falls from up high? Remember to visit the Skylon Tower Observation Deck to experience the Falls from a soaring 775 feet above Niagara Falls. You can also do helicopter rides on this side of the falls. In addition, Niagara Falls Canada offers the Whirlpool Aerocar, a suspended cable car that drives visitors out and above the natural whirlpool formed in the river below.;
After all those thrills, Niagara Falls has some tamer experiences as well. The Butterfly Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are a great place to stroll with children or a loved one.;;
Dine At A Restaurant With Epic Views
No doubt, after a long day of sightseeing, youll have an appetite! For viewing Niagara Falls while you dine, eat at Top of the Falls. Though temporarily closed due to Covid-19, Top of the Falls is the only restaurant on the American side that overlooks the Falls. Enjoy the special atmosphere and classic American dishes.;
Another great spot is Bella Vista Restaurante, located right on the river. Enjoy patio dining in an outdoor atmosphere while dining on delicious Italian faire.;
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How Much Does The Entrance To Niagara Falls Cost
You really pay the entrance fee of $ 18 to get on the boat; this includes the raincoat, so you dont get completely soaked.
When you pay the entrance to the falls , they give you a blue raincoat so that the cloud of water caused by the falls does not soak you.
Do not worry that it will not do you much good, and you will get soaked like it or not. But hey, it serves to cover the camera a bit and not get too wet.
We didnt have to wait long in line, really, and we got on the boat pretty quickly. The journey is very short. I would tell you that in total, you are on the boat for half an hour, at most. It takes you up to the waterfall and stands very close.
The truth is that it is quite impressive to see it up close, but what is most impressive is the noise and the wind. The water rush down there generates a constant wind in the form of rain that soaks you completely. When we were up, there was not a drop of air.
Everything gets wet, and it doesnt matter if you wear that blue raincoat or whatever you want, everything gets wet. So I recommend that you be very careful with your mobile or with the camera. If you want to take photos, youd better carry your phone in a waterproof case. One of these plastic ones that cost you five euros is enough.
Niagara Falls are not the highest in the world nor the widest in the world , but they claim they are the largest in the world.
Tips On Crossing The Border At Niagara Falls
Photo by Bigstock/p.lange
If you still cant decide which side of the falls to see, you could always see both. There are a few options for crossing the border:
Driving across the border:;You can drive across the border at Rainbow Bridge, Whirlpool Bridge , and Lewiston Queenston Bridge. Every passenger 16 and older needs a passport to cross. Kids 15 and under need only a birth certificate to cross.
Trekaroo Tip: Single parents might need a certified letter with permission to cross the border without both parents. If you are caravanning, be sure your kids are in your own vehicle at the border.
Walking across the border: You can also walk or bike across the border on the Rainbow Bridge, a fun option if you dont want to wait in a line of cars. The same passport rules apply.
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Castellani Art Museum Of Niagara University
The Castellani Art Museum was founded by the Castellani family in 1976 to further the study and appreciation of art at Niagara University and the region. The permanent collection includes more than 5,600 works in a wide range of media that dates from the 1850s to the present.
Examples include paintings, drawings, photos, and sculpture, as well as pre-Columbian ceramics. The bulk of the museum’s collection is focused on artwork created since the 1970s and features prominent and emerging contemporary artists. The museum is located on the Niagara University campus.
Address: Niagara University, 5795 Lewiston Road, Niagara Falls, New York
Other Bucket List Things To Do Niagara Falls New York
Niagara Falls has much to offer in addition to sightseeing and recreation! Take flight on a helicopter ride, or visit the Niagara Falls Aquarium. See the Falls in a unique way by riding the Niagara Scenic Trolley, or enjoying the thrill of the Whirlpool Jetboat. Remember, expect a longer wait time on weekends and especially during holidays.;
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What Airport Is Closest To Niagara Falls Canada
The airport that is closest to Niagara Falls Canada if you want to fly into Canada is the Toronto Pearson International Airport in Ontario.
It serves over 65 airlines, which offer direct flights to several domestic and international locations.
Car rentals, shared transportation services, taxis, and public transport are available for travelling to Niagara Falls, Canada.
Bringing Children Into Canada
Minors age 15 and under must have proper identification, such as a birth certificate, passport, citizenship card, permanent resident card or Certificate of Aboriginal Status. While passports are recommended, they are not required for American minors age 15 or younger crossing the border by land – a birth certificate will suffice.
If a minor is travelling alone or with an adult that is not their parent or guardian, they should carry a letter from their parents/ guardians. This letter should authorize the person meeting them or travelling with them to take responsibility for the minor while visiting Canada. The letter should also include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached.
Divorced or separated parents should carry custody or legal separation documents and a letter of authorization from the other parent to facilitate their entry into Canada.
If you are travelling with a group of vehicles, make sure you arrive at the border in the same vehicle as your children, to avoid any confusion.
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Niagara Falls: New York Vs Canada
Although Niagara Falls is breathtaking from either the US side or the Canadian side, in my opinion, the Falls are best viewed from the Canadian side. ;In this post, Ill talk about the New York side. ;If you decide to visit the Canadian side of the Falls, heres my article on visiting Niagara Falls, Canada.
Niagara Falls Ny Vs Canada Things To Do On Each Side Of The Falls
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Which side of Niagara Falls is better?
One of the seven natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls is likely on the bucket list of most families. Regardless of whether you spend time exploring the Niagara Falls from Niagara Fall NY or Niagara Falls, Ontario its still incredibly impressive.
But families planning a visit to Niagara Falls might wonder: is it better to explore Niagara Falls NY or Niagara Falls Canada?
We wondered that ourselves. So we put Trekaroo writers and contributors to work to determine the best vantage point for viewing this amazing natural wonder! Heres everything you need to know about choosing where to see Niagara Falls.
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How To Get Around Niagara Falls
The best way to explore the Niagara Falls area is your feet
Yes, the best way to get around is on foot or by bike, when it is not snowing.
Crossing the border between Canada and the United States, it is also possible to do it on foot; by the Rainbow Bridge is only about 20 minutes on foot.
Another option to get around the falls is with WEGO, a tourist bus, which works with the hop-on-hop-off system.
What we did was park the car and then move around, walking everywhere.
How To See The Waterfalls At Niagara Falls State Park In New York
Jim CheneyDisclosure:
New York is home to many iconic destinations but few illicit the same response from throughout the world as Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls is located approximately 16 miles northwest of downtown Buffalo on the United States/Canadian border. There are viewing areas along both sides of the river, and while the views from the Canadian side tend to be better, Im only going to be covering what you can see from the New York side.
Niagara Falls can be found within Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in America, and there are actually three large waterfalls that are together known as Niagara Falls. The most famous is Horseshoe Falls, which spans the Niagara River from the United States to Canada.
The other two waterfalls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, are both located on the American side of the border and are also on the Niagara River. Between these three waterfalls, islands offer both delineations for each and viewing areas.
While there are many popular attractions on the American side of the border including the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds, Im only going to cover how you can walk to see the three large waterfalls in Niagara Falls State Park in this article.
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Whats On The Canadian Side
When most people imagine Niagara Falls, they picture Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side, and its no surprise why. Horseshoe Falls is the largest and most stunning of waterfalls the world over: Though only 170 feet tall, the Falls pull 750,000 gallons of water over the edge every second. The sound of the water, the feel of the mist, and the sight of complete landscape around Horseshoe Falls makes it a top world destination.
Because millions of world travelers journey to Niagara Falls each year, the Canadian side has hasted to cater to their needs with abundant amenities, like luxurious resorts, thrilling attractions, and a bevy of tours. The most popular trails are paved and replete with water fountains and lookout stops for easy, excellent viewing. The Canadian side certainly offers a classy experience of this natural wonder.
Nypa Niagara Power Project
If you have a budding scientist in your family or just like to see how things work a tour of the NYPA Niagara Power Project is one of the best Niagara Falls attractions. The plant features more than 50 interactive displays highlighting the wonders of hydroelectricity. It also features an observation deck 350 feet above the Niagara Gorge.
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Where To Stay In Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in North America, so naturally there are plenty of hotels around here. Be careful though: There are also a bunch of cheapie motels that are very basic and some are downright filthy. They are cheap, but not enjoyable, trust me. Before you book a hotel or motel, make sure to check the latest reviews before going for what may seem like a bargain deal, and the review score. Ive put together a few options on both the American side and the Canadian side for you, for all budgets.
Note:The Canadian side has considerably more options, including some hotels with direct views of the falls from your hotel window. Its definitely worth to splurge on a room with a view of the falls! Another thing to consider when deciding if to stay on the American side or the Canadian side.
When Is The Best Time To Travel To Niagara Falls
Each season in Niagara Falls has its own advantages, depending on what you’re looking for. Summer is, understandably, the peak season for tourists when prices for hotels and boat tours are at their highest. However, the warm and sunny weather more than makes up for the cost difference, and the spray of the falls even feels refreshing in the summer heat.
Winter, on the other hand, is freezing, oftentimes literally. Niagara Falls is frigidly cold in the winter, and many of the most popular attractions shut down for the season . However, hotel rates are at their cheapest and there is an undeniable charm of snowfall in Niagara.
Spring and fall are considered the shoulder season, when temperatures are still chilly but the summer crowds have yet to arrive. In spring, the local flowers are all in bloom while in autumn, the nearby wineries are celebrating the seasonal harvest.
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Niagara Falls Hotels In New York: Where To Stay
- The Butler B&B
Finally, youll need a place to sleep. The best neighborhood to stay in Niagara Falls New York is the downtown area as it is within walking distance to most attractions. However, if youre looking for a less crowded area, you can easily stay in the suburban regions which are just a few minutes driving from the main attractions and far less expensive.
Of the several places to stay in Niagara Falls, New York the most famous is the 26-story Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino, the countys only AAA four-diamond award-winning hotel. Also, check out the Holiday Inn- Niagara Falls in the scenic downtown area. There are many hotels to choose from, as well as cozy beds and breakfasts, like The Butler.;
Niagara Animals Flora And Fauna:
- Audubon designated the Niagara River Corridor as an Important Bird Area in 1996, the first internationally-recognized area in the world. The river supports thousands of wintering gull and waterfowl species.
- The lower Niagara River supports one of New York State’s endangered fish, the Lake Sturgeon.
- The Niagara River ecosystems support many of New York State’s protected animal species, such as the Lake Sturgeon, Peregrine Falcon and American Bald Eagle.
- The Niagara River Gorge is home to 14 species of rare plants, some threatened and endangered.
- In 1901, 140 of the 170 trees native to western New York were found growing on Goat Island.
- The total number of flora species documented on Goat Island over the last two centuries is just over 600.
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