Insider tips for visiting Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Helicopter Tours | Destination Ontario
From top attractions and dining to transportation and adventure activities, plan your perfect trip now with these insider tips for exploring Niagara Falls.
When to visit
Niagara Falls is a sight to behold in all seasons, however, the experience can vary based on the time of year you choose to visit the region. Here’s is a season-wise breakdown of what to expect:
Spring (March, April and May)
Spring in Niagara Falls offers a mixed bag of weather, so it's important to be prepared. Early spring can be chilly, with temperatures ranging from single to low double digits. Snow is possible into April as well, which may not be enjoyable for everyone.
However, as May arrives, the weather starts to warm up, with temps increasing to 20° Celsius and higher. One of the highlights of spring in Niagara Falls is the beautiful blooming flowers, which can be experienced at the following locations:
Summer (June, July and August)
Given that summer is the peak tourist season, expect heavy footfall on all days at Niagara Falls. But the good news is that all major attractions are open during this season, making it the best time to experience the best offerings of the region such as:
- Voyage to the Falls: this 20-minute iconic boat tour takes guests to the base of the falls
- Niagara SkyWheel: Canada’s largest observation wheel, taking guests 175 feet in the air for spectacular views of the falls and the surrounding region
Winter (December, January and February)
While winter might not be the ideal choice for many, it does provide visitors the unique opportunity to see The Falls freeze (at least partially). Additionally, visitors can enjoy a host of year-round activities in and around Clifton Hill.
Get around easily with public transport
WEGO
This is a state-of-the-art bus system that connects accommodations and tourist attractions throughout the city of Niagara Falls and Niagara Parks.
WEGO has three lines providing visitors easy access to all the must-visit locations:
Blue and Red lines that serve the city's tourist areas,
Green line runs through Niagara Parks.
You can purchase a pass for 24-hours ($10.00/adult and $7.00/child) or 48-hours ($15.00/adult and $11.00/child) from these retailers.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Shuttle
This is a new service that started in May 2023. It connects to WEGO bus service, extending your access past the regular Green Line’s Floral Clock stop into the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
All-day access to the shuttle is included for those who purchase the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass Plus. However, access is not included for those with the regular WEGO day-pass.
For one-way and round trips, tickets can be purchased individually at the Floral Clock in Queenston or Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Niagara Regional Transit (NRT)
NRT serves as the public transit bus system for The Region of Niagara. It runs seven days a week - with reduced service on Sundays. It provides good connectivity between the main neighbourhoods of the Niagara region and is a reliable mode of transport for tourists.
Exact fare (in Canadian dollars) is required when purchasing on the bus. Get more details regarding routes, bus timings and fares.
Plan where to park
For those driving to the falls, planning where to park will help save precious time that can be used towards exploring the area and other entertainment activities.
Being a popular tourist destination, Niagara Falls receives heavy traffic throughout the year, but don’t fret as the area has parking options including:
Clifton Hill Parking Lot
One of the prime parking spaces, The Clifton Hill lot has 700 parking spaces and is security patrolled.
The lot is located just one block away from the falls and is at a walkable distance to all the attractions and restaurants present in Clifton Hill.
Additionally, this lot has two entrances and three exists, resulting in low wait times. One entrance is on Victoria Avenue just south of the top of Clifton Hill, and the other entrance if off of Clifton Hill between the Niagara Speedway and Ripley's Believe It or Not.
Location: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls
Skylon Tower Parking
In addition to being one of the main attractions at Niagara Falls, Skylon Tower also is another great location to park your vehicle. This parking lot allows overnight parking and is reasonably large.
Location: 5200 Robinson Street, Niagara Falls
Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort
Both these casinos have large self-parking garages, open to everyone. While parking is paid, you have the option to sign up for a Momentum card use your card while playing slots or table games to earn free parking.
The Casino Niagara parking lot can accommodate 1500 vehicles, while the Fallsview Casino Resort lot can easily handle up to 2500 vehicles.
Locations:
Casino Niagara, 5705 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls
Fallsview Casino Resort, 6380 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls
In addition to these options, Niagara Parks operate a host of year-round and seasonal parking lots.
Experience thrilling adventure activities
From boat rides that take you into the heart of the Falls, to helicopter rides providing you the best seat in the house, there are a host of heart-pounding adventures to experience at Niagara Falls. Start planning with:
Whirlpool Aero Car
Designed by Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo in 1916, the Aero Car is suspended from six sturdy cables, and provides breathtaking views of the Niagara River.
The round trip covers approximately one kilometer (3,600 feet) and lasts about 10 minutes. With a capacity of 35 standing passengers, the aerial cable car operates seasonally from April to November.
Location: 3850 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
This Jet Boat Tour is a memorable opportunity to navigate the exciting white waters of Niagara, famously known as the "Mount Everest" of white water.
As you speed along the Lower Niagara River at 80 km/h, your knowledgeable river guide will share captivating historical insights, local points of interest, and details about the impressive jet boat itself.
All captains and Whirlpool Jet Boats are certified by both the United States Coast Guard and Transport Canada. Hence, you can be sure of your safety and channel your attention towards enjoying the thrill and beauty of the falls.
Location: 3850 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
White Water Walk
For those not too keen on jet boats, the White Water Walk provides an extraordinary boardwalk adventure at the edge of one of the world's most untamed whitewater stretches.
Located just four km north of the Falls, accessible via the WEGO bus route and near the Whirlpool Bridge, this wheelchair-accessible attraction is a must see.
During your walk, you’ll witness trillions of gallons of water rushing through the narrow and deep Great George, making for the perfect spot to take pictures or just bask in the beauty of the mighty Falls.
Location: 4330 River Road, Niagara Falls
Zipline to the Falls
WildPlay’s Zipline to the Falls is an amazing rush that soars high above the gorge from Grand View Marketplace toward the breathtaking natural phenomenon of Niagara Falls.
As the name suggests, you’ll be ziplining over the historic falls, basking in the views for this once in a lifetime adventure.
This fully guided adventure offers a worry-free and hands-free journey like no other, all you need to do is fasten your harness, zip across and enjoy.
Location: 5920 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
Niagara Helicopters Limited
Niagara Helicopters Limited has over 50 years of service taking visitors on an all-scenic flight that provides unique and spectacular views of Niagara's natural and man-made wonders.
While in the air, along with the views, you’ll enjoy the experience of being in an air-circulated helicopter equipped with individual headsets and taped commentary.
Additionally, their landscaped grounds offer picnic facilities, a snack bar, and a gift shop for souvenir, where personalized images of trip can also be purchased. Flights operate daily from 9:00 a.m. until sunset, weather permitting.
Location: 3731 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls
For those interested in a different kind of thrill, check out our Weekender's casino guide to Niagara Falls.
Dive into delicious local cuisine
From gourmet restaurants to charming eateries, Niagara Falls is a paradise for food lovers and here are some great options to explore:
Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante
Located in the heart of Niagara Falls, Antica offers three large, comfortable dining areas serving Niagara’s best wood-oven pizza, traditional home cooked Italian dishes, delectable deserts, and refreshing cocktails.
Come and indulge in a wide variety of traditional Italian cuisine, as well as new and unique items that has been perfected by the Mascia family for over 40 years.
Location: 5785 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls
Kerala Cuisine
Whether you're a fan of vegetarian delights or crave savory meat dishes, Kerala Cuisine offers a wide range of options to satisfy every palate.
From aromatic curries to crispy dosas that can be complemented by one of their signature chicken, fish or pork entrees, their menu is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
Location: 6095 Main Street, Niagara Falls
Falls Manor Restaurant
Not only is this restaurant Niagara Region’s Original Home of Broasted Chicken, but they’ve also won the Reader’s Choice award for No. 1 Breakfast in the Niagara Falls region.
For over six decades, this restaurant has served their famous Golden Dipped Pancakes along with mouth-watering omelets and scrambles. Burgers, ribs and wings are also staple menu items which one should try during their visit to the restaurant.
Location: 7104 Lundy's Lane Niagara Falls
Braza Brazilian Steakhouse
Since its opening in 2009, Brasa has garnered numerous accolades, making it a must-visit destination for an unforgettable, all-you-can-eat Brazilian dining experience.
Given that Braza is located within the Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and Suites, you’ll enjoy an unobstructed view of the falls while enjoying all you can eat delicacies, making for a memorable outing.
Location: 6361 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls
Catch the fireworks
Niagara Falls offers free fireworks seasonally in the summer and winter and is Canada’s longest running fireworks series. The best vantage point is near Queen Victoria Park, where you can admire the show against the backdrop of the Niagara skyline and the falls.
For up-to-date information, visit the Niagara Parks Commission website.
Last updated: August 22, 2023