Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a city located in Southern Ontario, Canada. The main attraction is Niagara Falls, which is composed of three separate waterfalls that are located partially in Canada and partially in the United States. Regarded as a natural wonder of the world, the Falls are a must-see for any traveller in the region. A vibrant all-season destination, the city offers plenty of attractions, dining, accommodations for year round adventures. Take a boat tour to get up close to the Falls or try the Niagara Skywheel for an elevated view. Niagara Falls offers year-round fireworks displays, a nightly illumination of the Falls and a festive Winter Festival of Lights.
To learn more about all there is to see and do in Niagara Falls, scroll down or visit the city's tourism website.
Where is Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls is located on the Canada-US border in southern Ontario. Fly into Niagara International Airport (IAG), Hamilton International Airport (YHM), Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), or Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) for easy access to the city. Niagara Falls is about a 1-hour drive from Hamilton and about a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto.
GO Transit and VIA Rail offer train service to the area from Toronto and Hamilton. GO, Greyhound, and Megabus offer bus service from the greater Toronto and Hamilton areas.
Things to Do in Niagara Falls
The city of Niagara Falls’ main attraction is Horseshoe Falls, one of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. The Horseshoe Falls are located on the Canadian side of the border, with the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls being on the American side.
Falling from a height of 52 meters, the Horseshoe Falls are often regarded as the most beautiful of the three waterfalls. They are viewable year round from many vantage points in the city including walking trails, viewing platforms, or by hopping on a boat tour with Niagara City Cruises to get up close and personal.
The city celebrates its natural beauty throughout the year with several award-winning firework displays and a nightly illumination of all three waterfalls. In winter, the annual Winter Festival of Lights adds a festive spirit to the city. This free festival runs from November to January and features outdoor lighting displays throughout Dufferin Islands, the Niagara Parkway, and Niagara Falls.
There is no shortage of shopping, dining and entertainment in Niagara Falls.
If you want to try your luck, head to one of the two casinos located in the city. For family-friendly adventures, there are plenty of entertainment options including indoor waterparks and several themed restaurants. Discover endless fun for the whole family on the 'street of fun', Clifton Hill. To get an elevated view of the city and the Falls, climb aboard the Niagara Skywheel or head to the Skylon Tower. One of the largest elevated go-kart race tracks in North America, the Niagara Speedway packs in heart-pumping excitement with every twist and turn.
Walk Niagara Tours offers all-inclusive walking tours to some of the city’s most popular attractions including the White Water Walk, the Niagara Power Station and Journey Behind the Falls.
Dufferin Islands is a four-hectare park offering an easily accessible and peaceful natural setting. Popular with both visitors and locals, the park includes several smaller islands that are connected with footpaths and bridges.
Things to Know About Visiting Niagara Falls
Whether you’re still in the planning stages or you’re already on your trip to Niagara Falls, it’s always helpful to learn what locals know.
When to Visit:
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Summer: Weather is beautiful, and all attractions are open. Many festivals and fairs happen in the summer, so it’s a great time to visit.
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Winter: The ice and snow on the falls is absolutely beautiful, plus the Festival of Lights makes it a unique time to visit, and gives families something to do outdoors.
Where to find great live music
Niagara’s award-winning Doc Magilligan's Irish Pub has the atmosphere of an authentic Irish pub from long ago combined with lively local entertainment.
Where to get great city views
The stellar panoramic views of the Falls are captivating while dining at the The Skylon Tower's Revolving Dining Room.
Where to see spring blossoms
Thousands of popular spring annuals and perennials are in bloom at Queen Victoria Park, located near the Falls.
Where to go for a romantic stroll
Take a long, leisurely walk and admire the blossoms at Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens where there are more than 2,400 romantic roses.
Where to get great ice cream
Satisfy your sweet tooth with Italian gelato created from natural ingredients at Il Gelato di Cartlotta in the Galleria Shops at Fallsview Casino Resort.
Where to buy a unique souvenir
Bring home a wax replica of your own hands that was produced at Wax Hands on Clifton Hill.
Last updated: January 24, 2023
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