Niagara Falls at sunset
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How to Visit Niagara Falls
Consider these tips when planning your travel to the falls and beyond.
By Stacey Zable
With its thundering waters that border the United States and Canada, Niagara Falls draws millions of visitors annually seeking to view the beauty of the natural wonder and all that surrounds it. The collective “falls” are actually made up of three waterfalls: the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side and the largest, Horseshoe Falls or Canadian Falls, at a height of 188 feet on the Canadian side. Beyond the falls, discover outdoor adventures, dining, wineries, gaming and more. Plan your trip to Niagara Falls with these handy tips.
Rainbow International Bridge
How to Get There
You can drive to Niagara County, New York, for the American side. Cross the border from New York to the Canada via one of three bridges: Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, Whirlpool Rapids Bridge (only for subscribers to the NEXUS program, which allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing at the border), or Rainbow Bridge. The last two lead directly to the Canadian city of Niagara Falls. Another option is to fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport on the U.S. side or Canada’s Toronto Pearson International Airport and rent a car. Select cruise itineraries even offer Niagara Falls as an excursion.
Americans visiting the Canadian side will need a passport, NEXUS card or an enhanced driver’s license to cross the border by land. If you fly into Toronto, you will need a passport and an Electronic Travel Authorization, which is applied for online and incurs a fee.
Fireworks seen from Niagara Falls State Park, New York
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Best Times to Visit
Niagara Falls is busiest June through August. The Summer Fireworks Series runs mid-May to mid-October on the Canadian side. Spring sees fewer crowds, and it’s also the season when the falls are usually at their roaring peak. Autumn is considered a slower season and comes with the bonus of all foliage. Winter provides a glimpse of the frosty falls plus the Winter Festival of Lights on the Canadian side starting mid-November through the holidays and winter fireworks select nights on the American side. The best time to visit truly depends on the experience you wish to have.
People at Niagara Falls State Park overlooking the American Falls
American Versus Canadian Side
The Canadian side boasts sweeping views of all three of the waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. The American side is home to the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed 435-acre Niagara Falls State Park, which is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2025, making it America’s oldest state park. It has undergone a $150 million revitalization and has enhanced and renovated major viewing areas, including Prospect Point, Terrapin Point and Luna Island. In addition to falls-related attractions, visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures at the park, including more than 15 miles of hiking trails.
Waterfall views from Cave of the Winds in winter
Destination Niagara USA
What to Do When You Get There
Many attractions provide views of the falls from land, water and air from both sides, and even the fun opportunity to get sprayed and wear an iconic rain poncho! In the U.S., the Cave of the Winds takes you down 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge to the base of the Bridal Veil Falls to experience the Hurricane Deck. On the Canadian side, an elevator descends 125 feet in Journey Behind the Falls to transport you to observation decks behind the Falls.
Both sides provide opportunities to view the falls by boat. The iconic Maid of the Mist Boat Tour on the American side has been operating since 1846. It travels the Lower Niagara River to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. Niagara City Cruises offers a boat experience on the Canadian side. On the American side, see the falls from the air on either a Rainbow Air Helicopter Tour or from a helium balloon as part of the new Live On Air Fallsview Balloon Ride that launched in 2024. Niagara Helicopters can fly you high above the falls on the Canadian side. You can also do the WildPlay Zipline to the Falls at 220 feet on the Canadian side. Other Canadian attractions include the Skylon Tower, towering 775 feet over the falls.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls accommodations with view of Niagara River
HILTON
Hotel and Dining
Of the AAA preferred partner hotels on the American side, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York is within walking distance of Niagara Falls State Park and Downtown Niagara Falls. On the Canadian side, hotels featuring stunning views include The Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview and Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites. The Giacomo Hotel is a boutique property listed on the National Register of Historic Places that is steps away from Niagara Falls.
Fallsview dining on the Canadian side includes the recently opened STK Steakhouse in the Embassy Suites and Prime Steakhouse in the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls—Fallsview. Table Rock House Restaurant is the closest dining experience on the Canadian side.
Get treated to the talented students of the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute at Savor Restaurant on the American side. The restaurant seasonally changes its prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus.
Children enjoying the Maid of the Mist tour.
For Both Families and Adults Only
Parents and multigenerational families can share the thrill of seeing Niagara Falls with their kids and grandchildren—and even recreate the nostalgia of their own first visits if it’s a return trip. For friends or couples traveling together, there are plenty of activities beyond the falls catering to adults, including wineries and casinos on both sides.
Plan a trip to Niagara Falls by visiting AAA.com/Hotels or contact a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent.
