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Niagara Falls
New York
Visit Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world, offers an unforgettable experience for any visitor. Straddling the border between the United States and Canada, it consists of three separate waterfalls: the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the most famous, the Horseshoe Falls. The sheer power and magnitude of the falls are a sight to behold, with more than six million cubic feet of water cascading over the rim every minute at peak flow. The thunderous roar of the falls and the refreshing mist that bathes the surroundings create an exhilarating atmosphere that draws millions of tourists each year.
Visiting Niagara Falls provides a plethora of activities suited to every type of traveler. For those looking to get up close and personal with the falls, boat tours like the Maid of the Mist in the U.S. and Hornblower Cruises in Canada offer unforgettable rides into the basin of the Horseshoe Falls. The Journey Behind the Falls or the Cave of the Winds tour allows visitors to stand just feet from the cascading water. For a bird's eye view, nothing beats the thrill of a helicopter tour over the falls, or the more relaxed setting of the Skylon Tower or the Niagara SkyWheel, where visitors can soak in panoramic views of the watery spectacle and the surrounding area.
Beyond the falls themselves, the surrounding region offers a rich array of activities and attractions. The Niagara Parks features beautifully maintained gardens and extensive hiking trails. The Clifton Hill district is a hub of entertainment with its wax museums, haunted houses, and SkyWheel. For those interested in history, Old Fort Niagara offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Moreover, Niagara Falls is also a gateway to the renowned wine region of Niagara-on-the-Lake, perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely afternoon of wine tasting. Whether it's adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Niagara Falls is a destination that promises memorable experiences for all who visit.
Niagara Falls Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
22°F
31°F
12
February
17°F
36°F
12
March
31°F
42°F
12
April
42°F
57°F
12
May
50°F
67°F
12
June
57°F
77°F
12
July
66°F
81°F
9
August
63°F
77°F
9
September
57°F
72°F
12
October
46°F
57°F
12
November
37°F
47°F
12
December
25°F
36°F
12
Need to Know Before You Go To Niagara Falls
Nickname:
The Honeymoon Capital of the World
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
America/Toronto
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type A and Type B
Annual Visitors:
12 million
Primary Export:
Electricity
Busiest Travel Months:
July, August, June
Quietest Travel Months:
January, February, November
Find your Next Adventure in Niagara Falls
Explore Niagara Falls
Iconic Landmarks
Horseshoe Falls
Often considered the most impressive part of Niagara Falls, the Horseshoe Falls is located mostly on the Canadian side. It's known for its distinctive curved shape and is the largest of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls.
American Falls
Located entirely on the American side, this is another major component of Niagara Falls. It is separated from the Horseshoe Falls by Goat Island and is known for its scenic beauty and impressive rock formations at its base.
Bridal Veil Falls
The smallest of the three waterfalls, Bridal Veil Falls is located next to the American Falls, separated by Luna Island. It offers a more intimate view of the cascading waters and is popular among visitors.
Maid of the Mist
This historic boat tour, which started in 1846, takes visitors close to the base of the falls for a wet and exhilarating experience. It's one of the oldest tourist attractions in North America and a must-do when visiting Niagara Falls.
Cave of the Winds
Offering a thrilling walking tour that takes you to the decks and platforms just a few feet from the torrents of Bridal Veil Falls, the Cave of the Winds provides a unique perspective and close-up experience of the falls.
Skylon Tower
Providing panoramic views of all three waterfalls and the surrounding area, the Skylon Tower features an observation deck and a revolving restaurant. It's a great place to get a bird's-eye view of the entire Niagara Falls region.
Cultural Experiences
Maid of the Mist Boat Tour
This iconic boat tour takes you up close to the breathtaking spray and power of the falls. It's a must-do for any visitor and offers a unique perspective of the natural wonder from the water.
Cave of the Winds
The Cave of the Winds tour allows you to walk on wooden walkways just a few feet away from the falls. It's an exhilarating experience that lets you feel the mist on your face and hear the roaring sound of the water.
Niagara Falls State Park
As America's oldest state park, it offers numerous viewpoints of the falls, historical exhibits, and beautiful landscapes. The park is ideal for walking, picnicking, and soaking in the natural and scenic beauty of the area.
Old Fort Niagara
Located near the falls on the American side, Old Fort Niagara offers a rich historical experience with original buildings, living history programs, and reenactments. It provides insight into the area’s military history, dating back to the 18th century.
Niagara Falls History Museum
Situated on the Canadian side, this museum offers exhibits that explore the history of Niagara Falls, including its indigenous peoples, military history, and the stories of those who dared to challenge the falls.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
A short drive from Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a picturesque town known for its 19th-century charm, wineries, and the Shaw Festival, a major Canadian theatre festival. The town offers a different pace and a cultural contrast to the hustle and bustle of the falls area.
Outdoor Adventures
Maid of the Mist Boat Tour
This iconic boat tour takes you up close to the base of the American Falls and into the basin of the magnificent Horseshoe Falls. It's a wet and exhilarating experience that provides unique views and photo opportunities of the cascading waters.
Cave of the Winds
The Cave of the Winds tour brings you as close as you can get to the falls. You'll descend 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge before standing just feet from the powerful rush of the Bridal Veil Falls on the Hurricane Deck, where you can experience tropical storm-like conditions.
Niagara Jet Adventures
For a high-speed adventure, take a jet boat tour on the Niagara River.
Helicopter Tour
Seeing the falls from above offers a completely different perspective. Helicopter tours provide breathtaking aerial views of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area, making for an unforgettable experience.
Hiking the Niagara Gorge Trail System
Explore the natural beauty of the Niagara region by hiking the Niagara Gorge Trail System.
Zipline to the Falls
For a thrilling view of the falls, try the MistRider Zipline to the Falls at Niagara Falls, Canada. This zipline offers a flight without feathers, where you can soar towards the falls at speeds of up to 70 kph (40 mph).
Off the Beaten Path
Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
Located on the Canadian side, Niagara Glen overlooks the rapid waters of the Niagara River and the natural whirlpool. It offers a series of trails that descend into the gorge, where you can enjoy a more secluded, forested environment away from the crowds. The area is great for hiking, bouldering, and observing unique geological formations.
Old Fort Niagara
Just a short drive from the falls on the American side, Old Fort Niagara offers a historical experience with original buildings from the 18th century. The fort played a significant role in the struggles of France, Great Britain, and the United States to control the Great Lakes region. The site often hosts reenactments and other living history events.
Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
This is a delightful escape located on the Canadian side of the falls in the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. The conservatory features over 2,000 exotic butterflies in a lush, tropical environment. It's a peaceful contrast to the thunderous waterfalls and can be a magical experience, especially for families.
Whirlpool Aero Car
For a unique view of the Niagara Whirlpool, take a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. This antique cable car has been operating since 1916 and travels between two different points over the Niagara Gorge, directly above the swirling waters of the whirlpool. It’s a thrilling way to see the power of the river from a different perspective.
Devil's Hole State Park
This lesser-known park on the American side offers rugged trails and stunning views of the Niagara Gorge. It’s a great spot for a quiet hike. The park has a significant geological and historical significance, providing a more natural and introspective visit compared to the commercialized areas of Niagara Falls.
Chippawa Battlefield Park
Located near Niagara Falls on the Canadian side, this park is the site of the Battle of Chippawa, a significant conflict during the War of 1812 -- It’s a serene location that offers not only historical insights but also beautiful landscapes and walking paths.
Niagara Falls Fun Facts
Niagara Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, straddles the border between the United States and Canada. Here are ten fun facts about this natural wonder:
- Three Waterfalls
Niagara Falls is comprised of three separate waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls (also known as Canadian Falls), American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the largest and most iconic of the three.
- Volume of Water
Approximately 3,160 tons of water flows over Niagara Falls every second. This massive flow makes it one of the most powerful waterfalls in North America.
- Hydroelectric Power
Niagara Falls is a valuable source of hydroelectric power, providing a significant amount of electricity to both New York State and Ontario. The first hydroelectric project started in 1881.
- Ice Bridge
In the winter, an ice bridge can form at the base of the falls. Historically, tourists were allowed to walk on the ice bridge, but this has been prohibited since 1912 when the ice broke apart and resulted in fatalities.
- Nik Wallenda's Tightrope Walk
In 2012, Nik Wallenda became the first person to walk a tightrope directly over the precipice of the falls, traveling from the U.S. to Canada. This event was televised and watched by millions.
- Maid of the Mist
The famous boat tour known as the Maid of the Mist has been operating since 1846, making it one of North America’s oldest tourist attractions. The boat takes passengers close to the base of the falls for a wet and exhilarating experience.
- War of 1812
During the War of 1812, the area around Niagara Falls was a significant battleground. The falls were a strategic location for control of the upper Great Lakes.
- Barrel Rides
Going over the falls in a barrel is one of the most famous stunts associated with Niagara Falls. Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to survive the barrel ride over Horseshoe Falls in 1901. Since then, several others have attempted various stunts with varying degrees of success.
- International Border
Niagara Falls serves as an international border between the United States and Canada. The Rainbow Bridge, one of several bridges connecting the two countries at Niagara Falls, offers spectacular views and is a popular spot for tourists.
- Oldest State Park
The Niagara Falls State Park, established in 1885, is the oldest state park in the United States. It was designed by famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also co-designed Central Park in New York City.
Featured Picture Gallery
Niagra Falls is Directly Between the Canada and US Border
3,160 Gallons of Water Flows Through Niagra Falls Every Second
To Get Up Close and Personal with Niagra Falls, Take a Ferry Ride
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