Niagara Falls rates as one of Mother Nature’s greatest creations and attracts millions to the USA and Canada every year.
There is plenty to think about when planning your trip to Niagara Falls. For example, should you visit the USA or the Canada side? How long should you spend there? When is the best time to visit?
This guide has been put together, designed to answer all those questions for you. We have been there multiple times, so believe we have a really good idea of the best way to really make the most of your trip.
If you have any questions, be sure to hit us up on our Facebook page or leave comments below this page.
USA vs Canada
The big debate of which side of the Niagara falls is better, the USA side or the Canadian side.
From my personal experience, I enjoyed the larger Vegas style city on the Canadian side compared to the lacklustre town in the US. However, the interactions with the waterfalls were miles better on the US side with the Cave of the Winds being a standout.
Luckily you can see both in the one day by crossing the Rainbow Bridge that connects the east and the west. All you need is some spare change for the toll and your passport of course.
When to visit Niagara Falls
The best months to visit the falls is June through to September with the temperatures averaging around 26°C. Perfect for getting soaked and not freezing to death afterwards.
The colder months are from November through to April with temperatures hitting below zero on some days. On the plus side, you will get to see snow. However, a lot of the boat tours cease operation during winter.
A good tip is to spend the day at the falls and finish with an amazing sunset over the water in the evening, its well worth the wait.
USA Falls Experiences
The USA Falls experience is fantastic. Options include the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds and the Observation Tower.
All three are essential to visit if you want an authentic Niagara Falls experience. If you are on a tight schedule and can only fit in one, we highly recommend the Cave of the Winds (photo above).
#1 Maid of the Mist
The Maid of the Mist is a boat tour that takes passengers directly into the dense mist spray of Horseshoe Falls. Before you set sail, you receive a complimentary poncho to help keep dry.
The tour costs around $24 per adult and runs from 9 am until 7:30 pm in May – November.
#2 Cave of the Winds
Cave of the Winds is by far our favourite thing to do at Niagara Falls. Don a poncho and complimentary footwear and head down an elevator to the base of the Falls.
Then take on the raging waters as you stand underneath the actual falls. See how long you can last with water dropping from 53 meters down pummeling your body. It’s an amazing experience, to say the least.
Tickets cost around $22 per adult. Open in high season from 9 am until as late as 10 pm.
#3 Observation Tower
For a fantastic panoramic view of all three falls, head to the Niagara Falls Observation Tower.
The building itself stretches out over the gorge giving you its famous unobstructed views. Take an elevator down to the base of the tower to experience blasts of misty spray.
Open from 9:30 am until 7 pm with admission costing you a whopping $1.
Canada Falls Experiences
The Canada Falls experience is quite different to the USA Falls. We found that the city was a lot more fun with plenty of actvities, more restaurants and shorter queues.
Niagara’s Fury is a brilliant experience, while the Journey Behind the Falls is highly recommended. If you want to sail out on the water and get up nice and close to the falls, then the Hornblower Cruise is a must!
#1 Niagara’s Fury
Niagara’s Fury is an experience with a bit of a twist. You get all the thunderous rage from the falling water, the spray and even snow, all in the comfort of a 4-D cinema.
A very Hollywood approach to experiencing the falls, you stand on a moving platform with a 360-degree screen all around you while taking in the sights and sounds. Sort of a cheats way of experiencing the falls.
Tickets cost around $18 for the show.
#2 Journey Behind the Falls
Journey Behind the Falls is a big favourite with tourists. Take an elevator down to the Great Falls Portal where you will be standing behind a massive sheet of falling water.
From here you can walk to the upper and lower observation decks to enjoy the best vantage points in the area. Only costing $20 per adult, this one is not to be missed.
#3 Hornblower Cruise
Hornblower Niagara Cruises is the Canadians answer to the Maid of the Mist. Taking the same route into the great mist of the thundering Horseshoe Falls, the state of the art catamaran offers a more refined vantage point that that of its rival over the river.
Tickets on the Hornblower costs around $26 and go for approximately 20 minutes.
The Verdict
So which side of Niagara Falls takes the cake?
The Canadian side offers a larger city with so many things to see and do. They have wax museums, water parks, theatres, bowling, mini golf and restaurants on every corner. While the US leaves a lot to be desired, it lacks any decent restaurants and little to no attractions.
However, the truly exhilarating interaction that you get with the waterfalls on the US side is far superior. The Cave of the Winds and the beautiful walking treks that sit just above the falls make for some pretty amazing scenery that the Canadians can’t compete.
The verdict? We are calling it a draw. With the existence of the Rainbow bridge that connects the two, there no harm in starting your day in Canada, amusing yourself with their big bustling city, then spending the afternoon in America soaking up their beautiful scenery and stunning sunset.
