Is Niagara Falls Canada Worth Visiting in 2024?

If you’re considering a trip to Ontario, Canada you might be asking yourself, “Is Niagara Falls worth visiting?” My response is Yes! Niagara Falls is worth seeing at least once in your life.

Living in Toronto, we are lucky enough to visit the Niagara Falls area frequently and in every season. I’m always mesmerized by the natural beauty of the Niagara region and the waterfalls. 

We often come and spend anywhere from a couple of hours to an entire weekend in Niagara.

In this article, I will share many reasons why it is worth visiting Niagara Falls. I will also add some tips and information to consider as you plan your travels, helping you to make the most of your time in Niagara Falls, Canada.

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What Makes Niagara Falls Special?

Niagara Falls might not be the tallest waterfall in the world, but its sheer power and volume are truly mesmerizing.

More than 6 million cubic feet of water cascade over the falls every minute, making them one of the fastest-moving waterfalls in the world. This combination of height, size, and volume makes the Falls breathtaking.

From the Canadian side, you can enjoy impressive panoramic views of all three waterfalls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

You can stand incredibly close to Horseshoe Falls and easily walk past all three falls, making it a walkable and accessible destination.

10 Reasons Why Niagara Falls is Worth Visiting

Niagara Falls is also an ideal destination to visit with kids or for a romantic getaway. There are many activities that cater to different interests, and you can even walk across the Rainbow Bridge to the US side of the Falls, providing a very different experience.

1. Views of the Canadian Falls are Amazing

The number one reason to come to Niagara Falls has to be the incredible views of the waterfalls from the Canadian side. 

Canada offers breathtaking views of all three magnificent waterfalls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. 

You can walk along the Trains Canada Trail, which follows the Niagara River, and enjoy the views from multiple angles, providing great spots for selfies and photography. There is no cost or admission fee required to see any of the waterfalls in Canada from the trail.

One of the most thrilling experiences is standing at the brink of Horseshoe Falls to see and feel the water rushing over the top.

2. The Niagara City Cruise on the Hornblower is Fantastic

Niagara City Cruises takes visitors on a ride on the Hornblower to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls. Maid of the Mist is the same ride, offered on the US side of the Falls. Taking the Hornblower or Maid of the Mist is something you can only experience here at Niagara Falls.

This 20-minute boat ride takes you right to the base of Horseshoe Falls, where you will spend several minutes in the mist and feel the immense power of the falls up close.

You will get wet, but don’t worry—ponchos are provided. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time or at the kiosk at the top. This is a “must-do” attraction for anyone visiting Niagara Falls for the first time.

3. There Are Lots of Things to Do in Niagara Falls

In addition to seeing the Falls, there are many activities to enjoy in Niagara Falls and the surrounding Niagara Region. You can simply view the falls, take a walk along the scenic trails, and have a picnic in the park. 

For an up-close experience with the falls and Niagara River, you can buy tickets for fun attractions that allow you to walk behind the falls, take a cable car over the Niagara Whirlpool, or walk beside the white water rapids. 

There are also many things to do for free in Niagara Falls. Examples include visiting the botanical gardens, hiking the Niagara Gorge, or riding your bike along the Niagara Parkway.

For a more adventurous “bucket-list” experience, you might choose to splurge on a Jet Boat Tour through the Niagara rapids or a helicopter ride over the Falls.

One mistake often made by visitors is spending all their time in the main Fallsview tourist area. Don’t be afraid to venture out, as there is so much more to explore and enjoy.

4. The Fallsview Tourist Area is Walkable

The main Fallsview Tourist Area is easy to navigate on foot. From the Welcome Centre to Clifton Hill, it’s about a 1 km walk, or roughly 20 minutes. 

Key attractions like the Floral Showcase, Niagara Parks Power Station, Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury, zip lining, boat cruises, Clifton Hill, the Skylon Tower, and the casinos are all within walking distance.

5. There’s More to Niagara Than Waterfalls

Once you have seen the Falls, leaving the main Fallsview Tourist Area can help you appreciate the Niagara region even more.

I highly recommend driving along the Niagara River Parkway and stopping at some of the scenic viewing spots, taking a hike on the Niagara Gorge Trail, or picking up treats at a local farmer’s market for a picnic in the park.

Another charming experience is to explore the historic Niagara-on-the-Lake, just 20 minutes from Niagara Falls. Here you can browse the boutique stores, enjoy the beautiful waterfront, or participate in High Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel. 

And if you haven’t visited one of the incredible Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, I can’t encourage you enough to visit one or two, even if you’re not a wine enthusiast. In fact, we much prefer to have dinner in a winery over the options in the Fallsview area.

6. You Can Walk Across to the American Side of Niagara Falls

One of the coolest things to do is to walk over the Rainbow Bridge to the American side of the Falls and back. It’s an easy walk across and the bridge is in a central location, close to all the attractions on both sides of the Falls.

The cost to go across is just $1.00, but you must have your passport or birth certificate to re-enter Canada.

Alternatively, you can take this popular guided tour that takes you to both the American and Canadian sides of the Falls. 

7. The WEGO Bus Makes Transportation Easy

To explore a little further afield, the WEGO Bus makes it easy for visitors to get around Niagara Falls.

This hop-on hop-off bus follows several routes that make it convenient to get to attractions such as the Floral Clock, Butterfly Conservatory, White Water Walk, and the Whirlpool Aero Cable Car. 

The WEGO Bus also offers a shuttle to Niagara-on-the-Lake for an additional cost.

Visitors can purchase a 24-hour or 48-hour WEGO Bus pass, and some hotels even include a bus pass with accommodations. 

This also makes it possible to easily travel from Toronto to Niagara Falls without a car to spend the day or a weekend.

8. Niagara Falls is an Easy Day Trip from Toronto

Niagara Falls is only about 2 hours away from Toronto, making it easy to visit Niagara Falls in a day. There are several transportation options to Niagara Falls from Toronto. These include travelling by car, GO train, bus, or guided tour.

It is entirely possible to spend a day in Niagara Falls as part of your Toronto itinerary, making it a convenient addition to any visit to Canada.

9. The Falls are Beautiful in Every Season

Niagara Falls is beautiful in every season, each offering a unique experience.

Summer is the busiest season, with long days and all attractions open and running daily. It’s the perfect time for those who want to enjoy everything Niagara has to offer.

Spring is my favourite time to go, especially after the May long weekend. Many attractions are open, but it’s not yet busy, allowing for a more relaxed visit. The parks and gardens are also absolutely beautiful in the spring.

Fall brings the added beauty of vibrant fall leaves, making it an ideal time for walks and hikes. The scenery is breathtaking, and the cooler weather is perfect for outdoor activities. 

Winter is a special time to visit the Falls. Although it’s cold, seeing the Falls in winter time is unique and an incredible experience. The Winter Festival of Lights also runs from November-January and features stunning holiday lights.

However, not all attractions are open in winter; for example, the Hornblower cruise is closed from November to mid-May.

10. Niagara Falls, Canada, has Casinos

Niagara Falls is home to two casinos: Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara. Between the two, you’ll find hundreds of slot machines and gaming tables. 

Both casinos offer sports bars and entertainment options, making them great choices for adults looking for some casino fun during their visit to Niagara.

Things to Know Before You Visit Niagara Falls

Before you arrive, here are some helpful tips for visiting Niagara Falls, including advice on parking and other important considerations.

Some Areas are Very Touristy (But Fun!)

One common criticism of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is that it can be very “touristy.” It’s true; parts of the Falls have a commercialized feel, with Clifton Hill being the biggest example.

From arcades and mini-golf to rides and tacky museums, Clifton Hill is sometimes referred to as the “Las Vegas of Canada.”

Despite the touristy feel, kids and teens love this area. I even overheard a child exclaim, “Mom, I’ll never forget this place!” as I walked by the other day. They were clearly having a great time. 

While it may feel like a bit of a money grab, it’s undeniably fun for families. For others, I recommend avoiding this area all together and heading into the Niagara Region instead and visiting some of the Niagara wineries or perhaps some outlet shopping.

Food and Restaurant Prices are Inflated

You’ll find that in many places prices for everyday items such as coffee, ice cream, and sandwiches are quite high in Niagara Falls. For example, I bought a Starbucks coffee at my hotel, and it was twice the usual cost. 

To save money, I suggest stopping at Walmart or even a dollar store before you arrive in Niagara and bringing your own snacks and drinks.

Splurge on a few “must-have” experiences, like an ice cream or a ride on the Niagara SkyWheel, but try to avoid the tempting add-ons such as maple syrup and Hershey’s chocolate that you could buy anywhere, especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget.

Niagara Falls is Busy in the Summer

Over 30 million tourists visit Niagara Falls each year, making it a popular place. The peak travel season is during the summer months, and the weekends and holidays can get particularly crowded. 

This means that hotels, especially those with views of the Falls, can be pricey. Additionally, you may have to wait for a table at some restaurants or in lines for attractions at prime times. Walking along the waterfront trail, however, there are lots of spots to stop and view the waterfalls.

To maximize your time, I recommend carefully planning your Niagara itinerary. Visit popular attractions at the start or end of the day to avoid the crowds. For example, I went on the Whirlpool Aero Car on a July night at 6 p.m., and I just walked on with only five other people on the ride. It was awesome!

Fine Dining Restaurant Options are Limited

While Niagara Falls offers a variety of dining options, from Kelseys and Boston Pizza to the Rainforest Cafe and (of course) Tim Hortons, finding high-quality restaurants can be challenging. 

Some of the better options include The Keg, Table Rock House Restaurant, and Queen Victoria Place. Reservations are recommended in the peak summer season.

A local favourite is the Flying Saucer Restaurant, a UFO-shaped eatery known for its large portions and reasonable prices, especially by Niagara standards. Taco N Tequila is another local favourite that has a fun ambiance with some great tacos!

Add Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries to Your Itinerary

For those looking for something more refined, consider visiting one of the many excellent wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake. 

Even if you don’t drink wine, many wineries have some delicious dining options. And, if you don’t want to drive, there are many exceptional Niagara Wine Tours that will take you on a wine tasting tour of various wineries in the area.

Parking is Not Free in Niagara Falls

Parking in Niagara Falls can catch a lot of visitors off-guard. There are no free parking lot options, and day parking at various lots starts at $20 per day. The parking lot closest to the Falls is $35 per day.

Overnight hotel parking is even more expensive, ranging from $20 to $50 per night. Planning for these costs in advance can help avoid surprises.

The Fireworks Show is Average

The fireworks show at Niagara Falls happens every day during the summer at 10 p.m. and lasts about 5 minutes. 

While they are fun and entertaining, they are not on the same level as Disney fireworks. If you are there, you’ll enjoy watching this show, but I wouldn’t suggest you go out of your way to stay for the fireworks. 

The Niagara Parks Attractions Pass is Great Value

If you plan to visit many of the paid attractions during your stay, consider buying one of the Niagara Parks Attraction Passes. 

These bundled passes offer great value if you are in Niagara for a couple of days and want to experience most of the Niagara Parks attractions. 

However, if you are just visiting for one day, I have found that it’s better to pay for individual attractions as needed, as it’s challenging to do everything in a single day.

How Many Days Do You Need in Niagara Falls?

It is absolutely possible to visit Niagara Falls in just one day, making it an easy day trip from Toronto. 

However, if this is a once-in-a-lifetime visit and you are specifically coming to see the Falls, 2 days in Niagara Falls is an ideal length of time for a visit. 

This gives visitors ample time to explore and enjoy the falls without feeling rushed and allows you to stay one night in a hotel with a view of Niagara Falls. You’ll even have time to explore beyond the most popular tourist attractions. 

The maximum amount of time you need in Niagara is three days (two nights), and I would only recommend this if you have a car and are visiting in the peak season between June and October. 

When Is the Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls?

If I had a choice, the best time to visit Niagara Falls is September and June. During these months, you avoid the main summer tourist season and experience fewer crowds.

Hotel prices are a little lower, especially if you visit mid-week, and the weather is still beautiful—warm but not too hot or cold. 

Additionally, most attractions are open, making it an ideal time to experience the Falls.

When is the Worst Time to Visit Niagara Falls?

The worst time to visit Niagara Falls is from November to February. The weather is cold, and it can be absolutely freezing at the brink of the falls in winter.

The only exception is during the Niagara Festival of Lights, from November 16, 2024, to January 5, 2025. 

While some attractions remain open in Winter, many others are closed. For example, the Aero Cable Car and White Water Walk are closed from November to June, and the Hornblower Cruise does not run from November until mid-March.

If you are interested in seeing the Falls in the winter season, plan for a short visit with a quick stop at the Falls. The best time to visit during this period would be during the Festival of Lights to make the most of your trip.

Don’t forget to dress warmly!

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls, Canada

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the Falls. If you specifically want a hotel room with a view of the Falls, there are several options, including:

• Marriott on the Falls
• Marriott Fallsview Hotel and Spa
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview
• The Oakes Hotel
• Radisson Hotel and Suites Fallsview
• Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview
• Sheraton Fallsview

My favourite hotel in Niagara is the Marriott on the Falls. It has one of the best views but is not quite as expensive as some of the other Fallsview hotels as it has fewer amenities.

It is located right at the top of the incline railway, and the WEGO bus stops right outside the hotel.

My second choice is the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, which has the best location, very close to both the Falls and Clifton Hill. The Sheraton is a great option for those travelling with kids.

Bed & Breakfast options are also popular in Niagara. I recently stayed at the Serene Niagara Inn, which was ideal for me as a solo traveller.

This accommodation would also suit couples or back-packers. A stay here includes a delicious homemade breakfast, free parking, and is just a 10-minute walk to the Falls. This was excellent value for my stay in Niagara Falls.

Conclusion: Is Niagara Falls Worth It?

Absolutely! Niagara Falls is an exciting road trip for families, couples, or even solo travellers. You can easily spend a few hours here or come and stay for a few days. 

You can marvel at the falls and explore the beautiful parks and gardens without spending a lot of money. Or, you can go all out—stay overnight in a hotel with a breathtaking view, take thrilling boat tours, and even enjoy a helicopter ride over the falls if that’s on your bucket list. 

Don’t miss out—if you’re in the area or visiting Toronto, make sure to add Niagara Falls to your Canada travel plans for an unforgettable adventure.