Niagara Falls, Ontario

The basics

Start at the Table Rock Welcome Centre, a renovated historic building that provides information on the history and culture, events, and a spectacular entrance to the Journey Behind the Falls walk. Additionally, the center offers the Table Rock Market, Table Rock House Restaurant, and two levels of shopping at Table Rock Shop.

Few things beat a Niagara Falls boat ride—book a Niagara Falls tour and take to the water on Hornblower Niagara, the most popular Canadian vessel, for a daytime, evening, nighttime, or fireworks experience and fantastic views. Alternatively, head into the 130-year-old tunnels and observation deck behind Horseshoe Falls on a Journey Behind the Falls tour, get a bird’s-eye view of the falls on a flightseeing tour, or marvel at the cascades from the Skylon Tower, a 520-foot (160-meter) observation tower with a revolving restaurant and panoramic views.

Things to know before you go

• If you visit the falls on a boat tour, prepare to get wet from the mist—which, of course, is all part of the thrill.

• To experience Niagara Falls on a Maid of the Mist boat, you’ll need to cross to the US side; some Canadian tours offer cross-border transportation.

• You don’t need Niagara Falls, Ontario tickets to see the falls; you can view them for free from the observation deck at the Table Rock Welcome Centre.

• If you've opted for a Maid of the Mist boat ride, be sure you have appropriate documentation to enter both Canada and the US.

• Opting for a small-group or a private tour can make the experience feel more personal; however, a large-group bus tour is a more economical way to visit.

• Every night after dark, the falls are illuminated by a spectacular light show—a Niagara Falls night cruise is a great way to see it.

How to get there

You can reach Niagara Falls from Toronto by bus, train, or car. Some tour packages include a hotel pickup. Once you’re there, you can get around the town of Niagara Falls by shuttle bus. Drivers can find plentiful parking in the area's lots.

If you’re staying in Niagara-on-the-Lake, you can take a shuttle that runs daily from April through October. Tickets cost C$12. And if you're staying on the US side, you can drive, walk, or cycle across the historic Rainbow Bridge. Bring your passport as you will need it to get back into the US.

When to get there

Summer is prime time for Niagara Falls visits, as it’s the best season for boat tours. They generally run from April through November. There’s also a Niagara Falls fireworks show several times weekly during the summer months. In winter there’s still plenty to see and do at the falls on a day trip. While you can’t walk on the ice at the falls, you can snowshoe the 3.3-mile (5.3-kilometer) Niagara Whirlpool Loop trail that follows the river and goes past the Whirlpool Golf Course.

If you don’t want to deal with cold weather (or crowds), visit Niagara Falls’ attractions in the shoulder seasons. Drive the Niagara Parkway in autumn to see spectacular fall foliage. Legend has it that Sir Winston Churchill called this scenic road, which runs parallel to the Niagara River, the “prettiest drive in the world.” In April, the Canadian side of Niagara Falls turns into a yellow sea of daffodils. There are so many that it is often referred to as North America’s daffodil capital.

Things to do nearby

If you have extra time during your visit to Niagara Falls, Eastern Ontario is a burgeoning wine region well worth exploring on a wine tour during the balmier months. Food tours are also popular ways to sample the region's fresh and distinctive offerings. Other activities outside of a Niagara Falls tour include Clifton Hill (a massive entertainment promenade), Bird Kingdom, Marineland, and the Aquarium of Niagara (in New York).