Located on the border between Canada and the United States, Niagara Falls is one of the most popular natural wonders in North America, from the thundering roar of the falls to the misty spray that surrounds them, and there are plenty of places to go for the best views of Niagara Falls.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the falls or you’ve been there a few times before, there are many unique ways to experience the beauty of this iconic destination. You’ll be hard pressed to have the same experience twice.
» Interested in other parts of Canada? Read our full Canada travel guide for inspiration and additional tips. Also see our road trip guide. We also have info on Montreal and Toronto.
Getting a close-up look at the falls, where you can see AND feel the full majesty of the powerful falls is likely your top priority when visiting Niagara Falls, so we want to make that as easy as possible for you.
We’ll share our top picks for the places to go for the best views of Niagara Falls, so you can make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories.
Planning your trip to Niagara Falls?
- Rent a car from the airport through Discover Cars.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls:
- Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor or Book on Expedia
- Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls | ⇒Read reviews on Trip Advisor or Book on Expedia
- Sheraton Niagara Falls | ⇒Read reviews on Trip Advisor or Book on Expedia
Best Tours and Experiences in Niagara Falls:
- Niagara Falls American-Side Tour with Maid of the Mist – Half-day Niagara Falls tour, Ride on the Maid of the Mist, visit famous attractions like Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls
- Niagara Falls in 1 Day: Tour of American and Canadian Sides – Get the full experience from both sides of the border.
- Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tour with lunch – This is a really fun and unique wine region to visit. You’ll stop at 5 wineries on this tour, plus lunch.
Where to Get a Good View of the Falls
Skylon Tower
Located on the Canadian side of the falls, the Skylon Tower is 775 feet high and offers panoramic views of Niagara Falls. This tower is a popular attraction, and it’s easy to see why. From the top, you can see the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. There are two observation decks, one indoor and one outdoor, so you can enjoy the view no matter the weather. This tower is taller than the Niagara Falls Observation Tower and offers 360-degree views.
Niagara Falls Observation Tower
On the American side of the falls, the Niagara Falls Observation Tower extends out dramatically over Niagara Gorge. This tower affords unobstructed views of the wild cascades of Niagara Falls, as well as the raging whitewater below. From the top, you can see both the American and Horseshoe Falls. There are also binoculars available so you can get an even closer look. While this tower is shorter, it’s closer to the falls and offers a more dramatic view than the Skylon Tower.
Maid of the Mist
Maid of the Mist is the original boat tour company and has been taking visitors to the base of the falls since 1846. The boats depart from the American side of the Niagara River and take you on a 20-minute journey that gets you as close as possible to the waterfalls. As you approach the falls, you’ll feel the mist on your face and hear the roar of the water. You’ll also be given a poncho to keep you dry.
The Maid of the Mist boats are double-decker and can accommodate up to 600 passengers. The lower deck is enclosed and heated, while the upper deck is open-air. If you want the best views and don’t mind getting wet, head to the upper deck. If you want to stay dry and warm, stick to the lower deck.
» Book your journey on the Maid of the Mist in advance.
Hornblower
Hornblower is the Canadian counterpart to Maid of the Mist and offers a similar experience. The boats depart from the Canadian side of the Niagara River and take you on a 20-minute journey to the base of the falls. As with Maid of the Mist, you’ll be given a poncho to keep you dry.
Hornblower boats are also double-decker and can accommodate up to 700 passengers. The lower deck is enclosed and heated, while the upper deck is open-air. The views are equally stunning from both decks, so it really comes down to personal preference.
Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States, and it is an ideal place to start your journey to see the falls. The park is located on the American side of the falls and offers some of the best views of Niagara Falls. The park is open year-round, and there are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. Below are some of the main places in the park to view the falls.
Terrapin Point
One of the best places to get a view of the falls is from Terrapin Point. This observation area is located at the end of Goat Island and provides a panoramic view of the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls. You can get up close to the falls and feel the mist on your face. The view from Terrapin Point is breathtaking, and it is definitely worth the hike.
Luna Island
Another great place to view the falls is from Luna Island. This small island is located between American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. From Luna Island, you can get a close-up view of the falls and feel the power of the water. The island is accessible via a pedestrian bridge and is a great spot for taking photos.
Whirlpool State Park
If you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet, head over to Whirlpool State Park. This park is located just a few miles downstream from Niagara Falls and offers stunning views of the Niagara Gorge and the Whirlpool Rapids. There are several hiking trails in the park, and it is a great place to go for a hike and take in the views.
Queen Victoria Park
Queen Victoria Park is located in the heart of Niagara Falls on the Canadian side and offers some of the best views of the falls. The park is situated along the Niagara River and provides ample space for visitors to walk around and take in the stunning scenery. The park is also home to a variety of gardens, including the Floral Showhouse, which features a vast collection of tropical plants and flowers.
Niagara SkyWheel
The Niagara SkyWheel is an observation wheel that provides visitors with a bird’s eye view of the falls. The wheel is located in Clifton Hill, a popular tourist area in Niagara Falls, and offers stunning panoramic views of the falls and the surrounding area. The ride lasts approximately 10-12 minutes, and each gondola is equipped with air conditioning and heating to ensure a comfortable experience year-round.
Oakes Garden Theatre
Oakes Garden Theatre is a beautiful garden located at the foot of Clifton Hill. The garden is home to a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a stunning view of the falls. The theatre is also home to a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and festivals.
Unique Experiences at Niagara Falls
If you’re looking for an adventure and a unique way to experience Niagara Falls, there are a few attractions that you won’t want to miss. Journey Behind the Falls, Cave of the Winds, and Niagara Helicopters offer some of the most breathtaking views of the falls.
Journey Behind the Falls
Journey Behind the Falls takes you on a journey through tunnels that lead to observation decks behind the falls. You’ll be able to see the falls from a completely different perspective and feel the power of the water as it cascades down. The observation decks are located at the foot of the falls, providing a truly unique and up-close experience.
Cave of the Winds
Cave of the Winds is an attraction located on the American side of Niagara Falls. It takes you down to the base of Bridal Veil Falls, where you can feel the mist and the power of the falls up close. You’ll be given a poncho and sandals to wear, as you’ll be walking on a wooden deck that is constantly being showered with water. This is an exhilarating experience that you won’t forget.
» Book your Cave of the Winds Express-Pass here.
Niagara Helicopters
For a truly breathtaking view of Niagara Falls, take a helicopter tour with Niagara Helicopters. You’ll soar over the falls and get a bird’s-eye view of the entire area. The tour lasts about 12 minutes and takes you over both the American and Canadian sides of the falls. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss.
Niagara Falls Hotels
If you’re planning a trip to Niagara Falls, you’ll want to find a hotel that offers stunning views of the falls. Luckily, there are many options to choose from on both the Canadian and US sides.
- Oakes Hotel – The Oakes Hotel is located right in the heart of the Niagara Falls tourist area and offers incredible views of the falls. This upscale hotel not only has rooms with great falls views but also an observation deck where you can almost feel the mist of the falls.
- Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and Suites – The Hilton is one of the most popular hotels on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. The hotel offers incredible views of both the American and Canadian falls. In fact, many of the rooms at the Hilton offer floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the falls.
- Table Rock Welcome Centre – If you’re looking for a hotel on the Canadian side that’s closer to the falls, you might want to consider staying at the Table Rock Welcome Centre. This hotel is located right at the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and offers some of the best views of the falls you’ll find anywhere.
Planning Your Visit
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular attractions in North America, drawing millions of visitors each year. Planning your visit in advance can help ensure that you have the best experience possible. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit to Niagara Falls:
When to Visit
Niagara Falls is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. The peak season is from June to August when the weather is warmest, and the falls are at their fullest. However, this is also the busiest time of year, and crowds can be overwhelming. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the spring or fall when the crowds are smaller, and the foliage is beautiful.
How to Get There
Niagara Falls is located on the border between the United States and Canada. If you are coming from the American side, the closest major city is Buffalo, New York. You can drive or take a bus to Niagara Falls from Buffalo. If you are coming from the Canadian side, the closest major city is Toronto. You can drive or take a bus from Toronto to Niagara Falls.
How to Avoid Crowds
Niagara Falls can be very crowded, especially during peak season. To avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening when there are fewer people. You can also visit during the week instead of on weekends when crowds are usually larger.
Other Attractions
In addition to the falls themselves, there are many other attractions in the area, including the Niagara Falls State Park, the Cave of the Winds, and the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Be sure to plan ahead and book any attractions you want to visit in advance to avoid long lines.
Promenade
The Niagara Falls promenade is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the views. The promenade runs along the Niagara River and offers stunning views of the falls. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side of Niagara Falls has the better view, Canada or USA?
Both the Canadian and American sides of Niagara Falls offer stunning views of the falls. However, many people believe that the Canadian side provides a better view because it allows for a broader view of the falls. Moreover, the Canadian side offers several attractions, including the Skylon Tower, that provide stunning views of the falls.
What is the best time of day to see Niagara Falls?
The best time of day to see Niagara Falls is in the morning or evening when there are fewer crowds. Moreover, the lighting during these times provides a more dramatic view of the falls. However, if you want to see the falls in their full glory, you should visit during the day when the sun is shining.
Where is the best free place to see Niagara Falls?
The best free place to view Niagara Falls is at the Table Rock Welcome Centre. From here, you can get a great view of the falls without having to spend any money. Moreover, you can view the falls at any time of day or night.
Which bridge offers the best view of Niagara Falls?
The Rainbow Bridge offers the best view of Niagara Falls. From here, you can get a panoramic view of the falls and the surrounding area. Moreover, the bridge is a great place to take photos of the falls.
Be Prepared For Travel
Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:
🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home
- Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
- Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner)
- Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
- Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)
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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.