Niagara Falls Travel Guide
From the thunderous roar of its famous waterfalls to the unique tourist attractions and culinary hot spots of its modern city, Niagara Falls has become the most popular destination in Canada, surpassing both Banff and Jasper National Parks in tourism volume.
As the most photographed waterfall in the world, most international visitors are familiar with the celebrated image well before even arriving in Canada. However, the Niagara Falls region promises adventures far beyond the features of its iconic river.
Within this Niagara Falls travel guide, we will explore all of the unique ways you can experience this iconic destination in Ontario, including the best spots to admire the landmark, exciting nearby accommodations, and some of the top hidden-gem attractions you can find nearby.
Facts & Info
- Size – 209.7 km2
- Population – 94,415
- Region/Province – Southern Ontario
- Time Zone – Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Airports – John C. Munro Hamilton Airport (YMC)
- Nickname – The Honeymoon Capital of the World
- Country – Canada
Niagara Falls Attractions
Niagara Falls
Marvel at one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world.
Niagara SkyWheel
Admire the aerial views of the city atop this 175-foot Ferris Wheel.
Skylon Tower
Enjoy fine dining, arcade games, and breathtaking views atop this observation tower.
Bird Kingdom
Explore exotic bird species at the world’s largest free-flying aviary.
Niagara Power Station
Tour through interactive exhibits and explore 115 years of hydropower history.
Things To Do In Niagara Falls
- Journey Behind the Falls – Enjoy a unique perspective along this year-round tour.
- Ride the Lady of the Mist – Get up close and personal with the falls along an iconic boat tour.
- Have Fun in Clifton Hill – Wander through a haunted house or sample mouthwatering cuisine along the tourist promenade.
- Walk the Niagara Parkway – Cycle your way along the river, leaving the city behind to enjoy a beautiful countryside.
- Go on a Wine Tour – Embark on a vineyard tour and sample through some of the region’s most celebrated wineries.
Where To Stay In Niagara Falls
- Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa – Best hotel overall
- Sheraton Fallsview Hotel – Best luxury hotel
- Vittoria Hotel & Suites – Best hotel on a budget
- Tower Hotel at Niagara Falls – Best hotel for waterfall views
- Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls – Best hotel for families
Festivals & Events
Winter Festival of Lights
Get in the festive spirit with stunning light displays and interactive exhibits.
Niagara Wine Festival
Sample your way through participating wineries and explore snow-covered vineyards.
Niagara Falls Elvis Festival
Celebrate the King of Rock and Roll at this four-day festival featuring impersonators and competitions.
Canada Day Celebrations
Join the celebrations as the whole city comes to life for the anniversary of the Canadian Confederation.
Niagara Falls Comic Con
Don your best cosplay, browse vendors, and attend workshops at this annual event.
When To Visit Niagara Falls
- Summer – High summer temperatures and pristine weather conditions make the summer seasons the best time to visit Niagara Falls. However, the summer is also peak season, which means elevated prices for local accommodation options.
- Fall – While temperatures begin to drop, the fall can be a great time to visit Niagara Falls for fewer crowds and a breathtaking natural landscape accentuated by the sombre hues of the changing foliage.
- Winter – Winter in Niagara Falls is cold. However, if you are open to visiting during this off-season, you will be rewarded with some of the most affordable hotel prices and some great season festivals, including the Niagara Icewine Festival. Just keep in mind that many summer attractions may be closed during your stay.
- Spring – With flowers beginning to bloom, the spring can be a beautiful time to visit. I suggest planning your trip for May or early June to escape the summer crowding while enjoying warm temperatures and scenic attractions.
Getting Here & Around
- Airports – Niagara Falls has a small regional airport, but most visitors will arrive in the area at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Toronto or the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, which is about 45 minutes away.
- Trains – Niagara Falls can be reached from Toronto along the Go Train, which features stops in Port Credit, Oakville, Burlington, St. Catherines, and Niagara Falls on the weekends.
- Driving – The easiest way to reach Niagara Falls is by private vehicle. Located along an international border crossing, the roads are easy to follow, but can experience heavy traffic during peak times.
- Taxis – Taxi and rideshare services are abundant in Niagara Falls, making getting to popular attractions easy once already in the city.
- Public Transportation – WeGo is Niagara Falls’ state-of-the-art public bus system that connects accommodations and tourists to popular attractions, providing a more cost effective way to get around the city.
- Biking – Cycling is one of the best ways to get around the area. The Niagara Parkway connects the city to nearby tourist spots and promises an exciting trip through the county.
- Walking – Niagara Falls is made to be walked. Many of the city’s top attractions are concentrated around Clifton Hills and can easily be reached on foot from popular accommodation options.
Niagara Falls Travel Tips
- Visit Off-Peak Season – Plan your visit in either September or early June to avoid summer crowds.
- Dress in Layers – Temperatures can vary throughout the day. Dress for fluctuations.
- Plan a Day Trip – Areas around Niagara Falls are equally as beautiful and worth a day trip, especially Niagara-on-the-Lake.
- Get a WEGO Pass – WeGo Passes are your key to public transportation.
What To Pack
- Comfortable Shoes – From the falls to Clifton Hill, you are going to be on your feet a lot.
- Seasonal Clothing – Pack clothes appropriate for the time of year you are visiting.
- Reusable Water Bottle – Ontario’s water supply is some of the cleanest in the world.
- Waterproof Jacket – Things can get wet around the falls.
- Camera – Niagara Falls is beautiful. Take lots of photos.
