Best Niagara Falls State Park Tours & Trips

Which Side of Niagara Falls Is Better: US or Canada?

The first question on every Niagara Falls visitor’s mind is: which side is better, the US or the Canadian?

The Canadian side boasts the iconic panoramic view of all three falls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the grand Horseshoe Falls. It’s the picture-perfect postcard view you’ve seen in movies and magazines. The area around the falls on the Canadian side is also more developed, with a bustling, almost carnival-like atmosphere. Here, you’ll find Clifton Hill, a street packed with attractions, restaurants, and souvenir shops. If you're looking for a lively, energetic vibe with plenty of entertainment options, the Canadian side is for you.

On the other hand, the US side offers a more natural, park-like setting. Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the United States, provides a more tranquil and intimate experience with the falls. Here, you can get incredibly close to the American and Bridal Veil Falls, feeling the spray on your face and the thunderous power of the water. The US side is less about the glitz and glamour and more about the raw, untamed beauty of the falls. It's perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a more serene experience.

Of course, the best way to experience Niagara Falls is to visit both sides. The Rainbow Bridge makes it easy to walk or drive between the two countries, so if you have your passport handy, you can get the best of both worlds.

Top Attractions & Highlights in Niagara Falls

Both sides of Niagara Falls are packed with attractions that will leave you in awe.

On the American side: The Cave of the Winds is a must-do. You'll take an elevator down into the Niagara Gorge and walk on a series of wooden walkways to the "Hurricane Deck," just feet from the Bridal Veil Falls. Be prepared to get soaked! For a different perspective, head to the Observation Tower for panoramic views of all three falls. Goat Island, situated between the Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls, offers stunning viewpoints and walking trails.

On the Canadian side: Journey Behind the Falls takes you through tunnels to an observation deck at the base of the Horseshoe Falls. The Skylon Tower offers an incredible bird's-eye view of the falls and the surrounding area. And for a bit of fun, the Niagara SkyWheel, a giant Ferris wheel, provides spectacular views of the falls and Clifton Hill.

Niagara Falls Boat Tours: Maid of the Mist vs Hornblower

Both boat tours follow the same ~20-minute route, passing Bridal Veil, American Falls, and Horseshoe Falls - just from opposite sides of the border.

Maid of the Mist (US side):

The iconic Maid of the Mist, operating from the US side since 1846, is a legendary experience. Donning a blue poncho, you'll sail past the American and Bridal Veil Falls before heading into the misty abyss of the Horseshoe Falls. The roar of the water is deafening, the spray is intense, and the experience is nothing short of exhilarating.

Departing from Prospect Point every ~15 minutes from mid-April to early November; tickets about $28 USD adults, kids 6-12 around $16-17; blue ponchos included. No seating - everyone stands.

Hornblower Niagara Cruises (Canada side):

On the Canadian side, the Hornblower Niagara Cruises offers a similar experience. The boats are a bit larger and more modern, and they also offer evening cruises with views of the illuminated falls and fireworks. You'll be given a red poncho to distinguish you from the Maid of the Mist passengers.

Season runs roughly April to end of November; ticket ~32-38 CAD (~28 USD) with seating, bathrooms, enclosed viewing area. Timed-entry bookings and evening illumination/fireworks cruises make it more flexible.

Beyond the Falls: Other Things to Do

Cave of the Winds

The Cave of the Winds takes you closer than you can imagine to the thundering Niagara Falls. An elevator will whisk you 175 feet (53 meters) below the Niagara Gorge. After you put on the classic yellow poncho and special non-slip footwear, a tour guide will lead you behind safety railings to within 20 feet (6 meters) of the torrential Bridal Veil Falls. Admission tickets are $14 for adults, $11 for children ages 6-12 years, and free for children below age 6.

Whirlpool Jet

Take your Niagara Falls holiday to the next level of fun with a ride on the Whirlpool Jet. You’ll enjoy an adrenaline-pumping high-speed ride upriver through the gorge. Note, the ride does not go through the falls themselves. The ticket for the Whirlpool Jet Niagara is $61 for adults and $51 for children ages 6-13.

Niagara Falls Night Illumination

Every evening, the Niagara Falls are illuminated in the brilliant colors of the rainbow. Don’t miss the marvelous spectacle of the Niagara Falls by night. Sometimes, the lighting is done in special colors during events to support different organizations and charities. You can also take a night cruise to enjoy the beauty of the falls from the water or admire the falls from the revolving restaurant of the Skylon tower as you sip on a glass of wine (ticket price for the observation deck is $14.50 for adults and $8.50 for kids ages 4-12, access from the Canadian side).

Shopping at Niagara Falls

There are endless opportunities to shop at Niagara Falls in antique stores, specialty boutiques, and outlet malls where you can find unique gifts and amazing deals, sometimes even better than online prices. The Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA is the premier designer outlet shopping destination in the area.

Helicopter Rides

Soar above both sides for aerial perspective - you see the full Horseshoe and raging currents below.

Zipline or Jet-boat Rides

Near the gorge add adrenaline options on the US side.

Wine Tours

In Niagara-on-the-Lake (Canada) or Niagara County wineries (US) offer tasting tours and ice-wine experiences.

Local Towns

Like Niagara-on-the-Lake (Canada) or Lewiston and Lockport on the US side invite charming shops, restaurants, and trails.

How to Get to Niagara Falls - and Where to Start

Where you start matters. If you're planning a visit, your experience - travel time, cost, border crossing - can differ a lot depending on where you begin. Here's how the main cities compare:

From New York City: It’s a 6-7 hour drive or 9.5 hours by Amtrak. A long haul, but doable as a weekend trip - especially with overnight Niagara Falls packages from NYC. Choose this if you want to include a scenic train ride and make it a bigger trip.

From Toronto: This is the most convenient jumping-off point for visiting the Canadian side. Niagara Falls is just a 1.5-hour drive (about 80 miles / 130 km), and there are frequent day tours from Toronto with hotel pickup, boat tickets, and wine tasting stops included. If you're flying internationally into Canada, pick Toronto Pearson Airport and head straight down.

From Buffalo: Just 40 minutes away, Buffalo is the best US gateway. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is served by many domestic US flights, and shuttle buses or rental cars can get you to either side of the falls quickly. If you're short on time, this is your fastest bet.

From Philadelphia, Washington D.C., or Boston: These East Coast cities also work for longer weekend trips. Driving from Philly or Boston takes around 7-8 hours; from D.C., it's about 8.5-9. If flying, connect via Buffalo. These routes are better suited for 2-night getaways rather than quick day trips.

*Local transit tips: From Buffalo and Toronto, you can also reach Niagara Falls by bus (GO Transit, Megabus, Greyhound) or train (VIA Rail from Canada, Amtrak from the US). But for flexibility, especially if you want to explore beyond the falls, renting a car or joining a small-group tour is ideal.

Bottom line: Toronto is best for day trips. Buffalo is best for quick US-side access. NYC is manageable for 2-3 day plans. Choose based on time, passport status, and whether you want to explore the Canadian or American side more deeply.

Sample Itinerary: Niagara Falls Weekend Trip

Day 1: Arrive and check in near Clifton Hill (Canada) or near Old Falls Street (US). Walk to the falls, catch the fireworks show at night (summer only).

Day 2: Start with the boat tour (Maid of the Mist or Hornblower). Visit Cave of the Winds or Journey Behind the Falls. Grab lunch with a view. In the afternoon, take a helicopter ride or visit a winery.

Day 3: If you have time, walk along the Niagara Gorge Trail or explore Niagara-on-the-Lake. Drive or take your return train/flight in the afternoon.

Tip: If you're short on time, many Niagara Falls day tours pack in the essentials.

Insider Tips for Visiting Niagara Falls

• Crossing the border: Bring a valid passport. Rainbow Bridge is the most walkable crossing between US and Canada sides.

• Best times to visit: May through October. Summer is busiest, spring and early fall are ideal for lighter crowds and milder weather.

• What to wear: Waterproof shoes and layers. Even with ponchos, expect to get damp on the boat or behind-the-falls experiences.

• Dining with a view: The Skylon Tower and Table Rock House Restaurant both offer great views with your meal.

• Saving money: Look for combo attraction passes or guided tour packages that bundle boat rides, entry tickets, and transport.