Niagara Falls in New York State is one of the top destinations in the USA, attracting over 22.5 million visitors annually, roughly equivalent to the population of New York. Interestingly, this iconic spot is hugely popular among Indians. I still remember friends and family eagerly asking me about visiting Niagara Falls when I returned to India for the first time after spending nearly a year in the USA.
It might come as a surprise to some, but Niagara Falls isn’t just one waterfall, it’s actually three stunning cascades formed by the Niagara River. So, if you’ve always thought Horseshoe Falls is the Niagara Falls, you’re in for a delightful revelation!
During my trip to Chicago, I decided to extend my journey and visit Niagara Falls. Why Chicago, you ask? Traveling to the East Coast from the Pacific Northwest can be quite cumbersome. Luckily, Buffalo Airport, just an hour’s flight from Chicago, offered tickets for only $99 per person. Who could resist such a steal?
To make the most of our visit, we explored both sides of Niagara Falls. We began on the US side and then crossed the border by road to experience the Canadian side. We stayed overnight in Niagara City (Ontario) and, literally, walked back to the USA the next day, paying just $1 as a border crossing fee.
Reaching Buffalo
There are two airports near Niagara Falls on the US side: Buffalo Airport and Niagara Falls Airport. Buffalo Airport typically offers cheaper tickets than Niagara Falls Airport, so we chose it as our starting point.
Our friends picked us up from the airport and drove us all the way to the border checkpoint. If you’re not planning to drive, you can take bus 24 and then transfer to route 40, which will take you to the Rainbow International Bridge. At the bridge entry point, you’ll need to have your passport checked. Once cleared, you can simply walk across the bridge to enter Canada.
Entering Canada for Indian Passport Holders
If you hold an Indian passport, you’ll need a valid Canadian Tourist Visa to enter Canada. Let me know if you haven’t applied for one yet, i’ll add a detailed post to guide you through the process. The visa application process can take up to three months and is typically valid for up to 10 years, depending on your passport’s validity.
Things to do on the Canadian Side of Niagara Falls
The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is bustling with tourists and can be quite expensive. It reminded us of the Las Vegas Strip, with its casinos and high-end hotels charging hefty resort fees. (You’ll find more details about our hotel and alternative recommendations in the “Stay” section below.) As a result, we didn’t get to experience everything on this side of the falls. We skipped a few activities due to long queues or their outrageous cost.
However, here’s everything we did during our time in Niagara Falls, Ontario, along with some recommendations if you have extra time or are traveling with kids.
Queen Victoria Park
We began our adventure at Queen Victoria Park, a serene and picturesque spot known for its breathtaking views and manicured gardens. The Fallsview Trail provided spectacular vantage points of all three waterfalls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
The park’s beautiful rock gardens, hanging baskets, and hybrid tea rose garden added an extra layer of charm, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
It was the perfect spot to spend a relaxing evening, unwinding on one of the park benches while soaking in the mesmerizing views of the three waterfalls. We also visited the park early in the morning to watch the sunrise behind the American Falls. The serene ambiance and the golden hues of the sunrise made it a truly magical experience that will stay with us forever. Here’s a video capturing the breathtaking moment as the sun rises behind the American Falls.
Walking on Fallsview Boulevard
We took a leisurely stroll along Fallsview Boulevard, exploring the vibrant casino hotels, eclectic shops, and a variety of restaurants. This bustling street is the heart of Niagara Falls City, brimming with entertainment options.
We had a great time immersing ourselves in the lively atmosphere, trying our luck at a few slot machines in the casinos, and catching glimpses of the stunning falls peeking through the gaps along the way. The blend of excitement and breathtaking views made our walk truly memorable.
Falls Fireworks at night
We ended our day watching a dazzling fireworks display from Queen Victoria Park, with the American Falls and Rainbow Bridge as a stunning backdrop. It was a truly memorable evening, filled with vibrant colors lighting up the night sky over Niagara Falls.
This fireworks show holds the distinction of being the longest-running fireworks series in the USA, taking place every night at 8 PM for over 25 years. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a day at this iconic destination.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises
One experience that’s a must on either side of Niagara Falls is cruising along the Niagara River for a closer view of the falls, especially the iconic Horseshoe Falls. Since we were on the Canadian side, we opted for Hornblower (similar to Maid of the Mist) in the morning.
The 20-minute boat ride was a thrilling experience, filled with mist as the boat took us up close to the falls. At one point, the mist was so thick that it was hard to keep our eyes open, but even then, the roar of the falls was incredible. We had an absolute blast, our faces covered in mist, surrounded by the stunning view of the falls, and big smiles at the end.
It’s an essential experience in Niagara Falls, and I highly recommend adding it to your list!
Other things to do
Niagara Falls has plenty to offer, and it’s surprising how much there is to explore in this small city. From multiple observation decks and theme parks with thrilling rides to beautiful nature spots and scenic hikes, there’s truly something for everyone!
- Journey Behind the Falls – Venture into tunnels behind the Horseshoe Falls and stand on a platform near the thunderous cascade.
- Niagara SkyWheel – Ride the giant Ferris wheel for incredible views of the falls and surrounding areas, especially at night.
- Clifton Hill – Explore this vibrant street filled with attractions like wax museums, mini golf, arcades, and restaurants.
- Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory – Wander through a lush tropical greenhouse filled with thousands of free-flying butterflies.
- Skylon Tower – Enjoy 360-degree views of the falls and beyond from this towering observation deck. Dining options are also available.
Things to do on American Side of Niagara Falls
We only had a few hours after our fun Hornblower boat tour to explore the American side of Niagara Falls. So, we focused our time on visiting Niagara Falls State Park, where we enjoyed views of the falls from its two main viewpoints: the Niagara Falls Observation Tower and Prospect Point Observation Point.
As we strolled through the oldest state park in the USA, we marveled at the falls from new perspectives, thanks to these vantage points.
If you ask me which side offers a better view of the falls, I’d say the Canadian side, as it gives you a front-facing view of all three waterfalls. However, the US side offers a unique experience as you can see the origin of the falls and get a side view of Horseshoe Falls, which is interesting in its own right.
Here are some more activities you can do on the American side of Niagara Falls:
- Take a thrilling boat ride to the base of the falls on the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour or the Hornblower Tour and feel the mist on your face.
- Walk along the wooden pathways of the Cave of the Winds (get the combo ticket to save $) trail right up to Bridal Veil Falls and be prepared to get soaked!
- Hike along the scenic trails of the Niagara Gorge Trail System, offering breathtaking views of the gorge and river rapids.
- If you’re traveling with kids, visit the Aquarium of Niagara to see marine life, including sea lions, penguins, and more.
Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM | Adults: $25, Kids: $18, Free for 2 yrs & under - For some peace and quiet, head to Whirlpool State Park to marvel at the swirling Niagara Whirlpool and explore the picnic areas and trails. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the 4-hour Niagara River Trek Tour.
Best places to stay in Niagara Falls City
I would recommend staying on the US side, as the accommodations are generally cheaper and of better quality than those on the Canadian side. We stayed at Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls in the Falls View neighborhood and paid $410 (600 CAD) for a night. We knew they were overcharging as soon as we stepped into the property, and it was definitely not worth the money. You can read the complete review here and why I don’t recommend it!
Stay in American side
Our initial plan was to stay on the US side and visit the Canadian side of Niagara Falls as a day trip. However, due to some last-minute changes, we had to cancel our booking in Buffalo and opt for another hotel. In hindsight, I wish we had stuck with our original plan and stayed at The Richardson Hotel. This stunning property offers a perfect blend of luxury and affordability, with a touch of history. It was even featured on PBS and comes with all the amenities and comforts you could ask for in a hotel.
Other hotels I recommend are:
- Hampton Inn Niagara Falls – walking distance from Niagara Falls State Park
- Hyatt Place Niagara Falls – gorgeous rooftop deck
Stay in Canadian side
If you’re visiting Niagara Falls from Canada or looking for accommodation options in Niagara Falls, Ontario, here are a few recommendations:
- Hilton Niagara Falls/ Fallsview Hotel and Suites – very close to the falls overlook point, and some suites offer waterfall views. Moreover, the Watermark Restaurant provides stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the American and Horseshoe Falls.
- Fairfield by Marriott Niagara Falls – 5 minutes walk from the Hornblower and good amenities.
- Travelodge by Wyndham Niagara Falls At the Falls – located on the main strip, next to the Hornblower and the Rainbow bridge and an excellent budget property.
Restaurants we tried in Niagara Falls (Ontario)
We tried only two restaurants in Niagara Falls, one for lunch and another for breakfast the next day. Here’s my honest review of each:
Delhi Junction, Ferry St
Our first meal at Niagara Falls was at Delhi Junction, an Indian fusion restaurant serving Indian street food, North Indian, and Indo-Chinese cuisine. We ordered parathas, a thali, and chili gobi, an Indo-Chinese staple. The staff was polite and welcoming, though the food took a bit longer to prepare. The taste was good, but nothing extraordinary. I would rate this place a 3/5.
Continental Pancake House & Family Restaurant, Stanley Ave
For breakfast, we went to Continental Pancake House, located just a short walk from Queen Victoria Park. We ordered a plate of pancakes, a plate of French toast, and coffee. The service was quick, the staff was friendly, and everything tasted great. I would rate this place a 4/5 and recommend it if you’re in the area for breakfast.
Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, Buffalo
On our way back, we stopped at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery to try some Buffalo-style pizza. The restaurant’s facade, made of red bricks, is absolutely gorgeous, and the interior features a cozy diner-style setup with wooden accents and cool collectibles as decor. We ordered the Buffalo Chicken Pizza, topped with chicken fingers, two types of cheese, and drizzles of buffalo sauce and bleu cheese dressing. It was hands down one of the best pizzas we’ve had in the USA! This restaurant was the highlight of our dining experiences on this trip, and I highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area.
Overall thoughts about Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is an iconic landmark in the USA and certainly worth visiting at least once. However, I found the experience slightly underwhelming due to the excessive commercialization surrounding the area. Compared to other waterfalls I’ve visited in the USA, which often involve scenic hikes through forests or closer viewing points, the Canadian side felt too distant from the falls, and the view from the American side wasn’t as impressive. That said, the one activity I thoroughly enjoyed was the Hornblower (Maid of the Mist) boat ride, which I highly recommend adding to your itinerary.
Check out my other East Coast itineraries on the blog, and feel free to drop a comment if you have any questions. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, newsletter, and follow me on Instagram for more travel inspiration!
