Niagara Falls, Canada

The Falls at Niagara are world famous and for good reason. They’re breathtakingly powerful and beautiful. Serving as a border between the United States’ state of New York and Canada's Ontario, the short lived Niagara River literally falls off a cliff, crashing spectacularly down to continue its truncated journey from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario. The entirety of the Niagara River flows south to north, a natural oddity, but understandable as water in the Great Lakes Basin generally runs west to east, and all water runs downhill. This cardinal preference of the Niagara River is an exception, but one shared with not a small number of other rivers in North America and the rest of the world, most notably, perhaps, the Nile River in Egypt.

In acknowledgement of the commercial potential of one of the wonders of the world, both sides of the falls and river have been developed and are geared toward a more or less commercial use of this natural wonder. They are definitely worth seeing, but being aware that parts of the area are a tourist trap is going to prepare you to not create unrealistic expectations. There are a lot of people around, and a lot of things to do at the falls, not just sightseeing.

Parking near the falls is limited and can be costly. If you are a frugal traveler we suggest parking farther out and walking, though a walk of a couple of miles isn’t out of the question. If you are looking for convenience, be prepared to pay city parking rates. We parked at the Whirlpool Aero Car parking lot, which was free. It had many spaces and a great view of the Niagara Whirlpool, but we parked at closing time for the business so we were sure we weren’t taking spots from paying customers. From here you can take cable car rides over the Whirlpool. If you do, you will actually cross the international border 4 times, 2 on each trip across!

It is a long walk from there to the falls themselves, several miles, but it was enjoyable and the sidewalk goes all the way to the falls. The sidewalk is closed from November to April, due to snow and ice. Foliage blocks much of the view of the river, so although it is an easy and pleasant walk, you see very little of the river.

For information on parking, parking costs, the Whirlpool Aero Car, ziplining, and more, click here!

On the second day we parked at Dufferin Island, which lies in a little offshoot of the main river, just east of the main falls. Parking there was $5 per hour. The walk was slightly shorter from Dufferin Island, but the view is much better. Unobstructed views of the river and falls are available for most of the walk, and you pass the electrical buildings that are no longer in use, and are able to marvel at their old, palatial grandeur.

The falls themselves are impressive. Divided into two main outpourings of white and blue manifestations of power and majesty, the river relieves itself over the cliff to the tune of 2,800 tons of water per second in peak season, as well as in other, smaller rivulets as well. The water is a lovely green/blue, because of the minerals picked up or eroded by the mind boggling amount of water.

The sightseeing is much better from the Canadian side, in our opinion. The falls are in full view and unobstructed directly across from you, unless you count the innumerable tourists there to gawk along with you. There is a viewing platform on the America side but there can be a long line and wait to get to the top.

There are many places to stay nearby the falls. Bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, Airbnb and Vrbo, whatever. The price varies and there are a lot of options. Some hotels are right at the falls and offer rooms with great views, for a price. Most don’t have a view but aren't far away.

You can use our handy map below to find a good place.

Get to the falls before the sun rises and even on weekends you’ll have the run of the place. Crowds start to gather in the morning and can linger until well after sunset. Finding a space on the rails and edges can be difficult, as there are usually many people  and the draw of the tourist traps attracts even more. If you’re not an early bird, you’re going to be in a crowd.

Immediately behind the falls the commercialization begins. You can stare at the falls in the early morning in relative silence and solitude, but turn around and you see the dollar signs, whether Canadian or American. The Hard Rock Cafe, the Rainforest Cafe, wax museums and haunted houses; anything to grab a tourist’s attention and take their money is on display and open for business. We’re not a big fan of this type of attraction, but obviously someone enjoys it and it is what it is. There are hotels galore, restaurants, all over priced, and an amazing array and assortment of attractions you don’t find in normal towns and cities.

There are boats that travel a short way up and down the river and stop just under the falls, soaking the passengers with the mist and spray. This looks like a good time, but we did not elect to take passage on this trip. We have friends who have though and they enjoyed it very much.

There is also a zipline on the Canadian side, on the opposite side of the river from the falls.

Whatever you plan on doing on your visit, the allure of Niagara Falls has always been the beauty and awe inspiring power of nature in its proper course. You will not be disappointed standing on the edge, looking out onto the majestic, green waters and seeing with what ease they flow from one Great Lake to another, charting a course through the yielding limestone, caring only to continue, onward and downward to the sea.