The Niagara Falls are one of the natural wonders of the USA and they had been on my bucket list for ages. During this summer road trip with my family, I was finally able to tick them off! If you’re curious to learn more about this attraction and what to do when you’re visiting, keep on reading.
A bit of context
The Niagara Falls are definitely a must if you’re planning a trip to the United States. Located between the state of New York (USA) and Ontario (Canada), 3,160 tons of water flow over Niagara Falls every second. Fun fact, the cities sitting on both sides of the falls are called… you guessed it, Niagara Falls as well.
Niagara Falls is comprised of three waterfalls, from largest to smallest, the Horseshoe Falls (also known as the Canadian Falls), American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
Apart from the Indians who inhabited the place, one of the first Europeans to contemplate the falls was a French man called Hennepin in 1678.
Despite their natural beauty, admiring the falls is not as idyllic anymore. Given their touristic appeal, unfortunately there are a number of casinos and panoramic towers that, in my opinion, ruin the view a bit.
The Niagara Falls State Park
In order to visit the Niagara Falls, you’ll need to pay the 10 USD admission to the the Niagara Falls State Park, which is the oldest state park in the country. Open 365 days a year, Niagara Falls State Park has awe-inspiring scenery! It also features thrilling attractions, interactive exhibits, miles of hiking trails, and delectable dining options in a family-friendly environment.
What to do
What we did was first visit a number of attractions in the American Niagara Falls State Park and then cross over to Canada to compare the perspective.
On the American side, there are different options:
- Climb to the Prospect Point Observation Tower for panoramic views. Extending out dramatically over Niagara Gorge, it affords unobstructed views of the wild cascades of Niagara Falls, as well as the raging whitewater below.
- Take the Cave of the Winds elevator down to the base of the falls.
- Embark on the Maid of the Mist to explore the roar. We went for this option and loved it, even though we were quite drenched by the end. Please note that adult tickets cost 22,25 USD and are not included in the general admission ticket to the Niagara Falls State Park. This tour takes visitors on an excursion into the basin of Horseshoe Falls. Beginning at the Observation Tower, where guests are given a souvenir rain poncho to wear, the boat ferries past the base of the American Falls, and onto the basin of Horseshoe Falls–the dramatic passage leading you through the roiling waterfall whitewater and massive rock formations. Tip: if you’re planning on doing this activity, bring an extra poncho with yourself as well as waterproof clothing and shoes.
- For more on the attractions and tours available at Niagara Falls State Park, click here. From riding the Niagara Scenic Trolley to dining in the only restaurant overlooking Niagara Falls, I’m sure you’ll find what suits you.
Prospect Point Observation Tower in the Niagara Falls 
Passengers boarding the Maid of the Mist
Which side of the Niagara Falls is better?
I’m sure you’ve read this question a lot when researching your trip to the Niagara Falls. If not, I bet your friends recommended one side over the other when you told them about your next destination.
You can certainly admire the waterfalls from any side. On the American side, I would say the infrastructure of the Niagara Falls State Park is better than the simple Queen Victoria Park on the Canadian side. But I found the views from Canada were better, mainly because the sight of the Niagara Falls is much clearer (there’s a big casino on the Canadian side). However, I understand crossing the border might be a hassle for most. In fact, we waited for one hour and a half on the Rainbow International Bridge. But since we continued our trip to Toronto, it wasn’t much of a problem. Hadn’t we had plans in Canada, I think it would have been a different story. If you have enough time, then by no means enjoy the view from both sides and decide which one you like best!
Trip details
- Transportation: we flew from Boston to the Buffalo Niagara International airport and then rented a car with Alamo. From Buffalo, it’s just a 25-minute ride to the Niagara Falls.
- Admission to Niagara Falls State Park: 10 USD
- Pro tip: whether you’re coming from the USA or from Canada, remember to bring your passport if you’re crossing into the other side.
Curious about our other road trip stops? You can read them all below:
