Top Things to Do in Niagara Falls

The best Niagara Falls attractions on both the US and Canadian side

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Years visited: most recently 2023

Time of year: All seasons

Niagara Falls is the second most visited attraction in New York State (besides NYC), and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. It has been the setting of Hallmark movies, honeymoon trips, daredevil stunts, and Three Stooges sketches.

Niagara Falls is an especially unique natural attraction, because it forms the border between two different countries: the United States and Canada. I already have a whole guide to visiting Niagara Falls from either side, including how to get there, answers to frequently asked questions, and where to find the best views.

This article is going to focus specifically on things to do in Niagara Falls, and will include attractions from both the US and Canadian Side.

Where is Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls is located right on the border between New York State and Ontario, Canada. It is in the far northwestern corner of New York, just north of Buffalo, NY, and about an hour and 45 minutes south of Toronto, Canada.

You will want to fly into either the Buffalo Niagara Airport, or the Toronto Pearson Airport to visit Niagara Falls. There is a small airport in the city of Niagara Falls, NY, but you will find much better flights to either Buffalo or Toronto.

How to get around Niagara Falls:

The best way to visit Niagara Falls is to get a rental car. That way you can easily get to all of the nearby attractions, or even road trip around Ontario or western NY.

However, it is easy to visit Niagara Falls without a car. You can take a train or shuttle from Toronto to Niagara Falls, and use the WEGO bus system to get around on the Canadian side (or you can book a day trip group tour from Toronto if you don’t want to navigate public transportation).

You can also get shuttles or a train from Buffalo to Niagara Falls, NY. During the summer and early fall season, the Discover Niagara Shuttle runs between many of the main things to do in Niagara Falls and the nearby area.

Things to Do in Niagara Falls, NY

The US side of Niagara Falls is a state park run by the state of NY (fun fact-it’s the oldest state park in the country!). There are a lot of great Niagara Falls attractions to experience on the US side, the most popular and iconic being the Maid of the Mist boat ride.

The Maid of the Mist

The number one thing to do in Niagara Falls (on either side) is to ride a boat right up to the base of the Horsehoe Falls. On the US side, that boat is called the Maid of the Mist.

The boat runs (weather depending) April-October. You can book your tickets online ahead of time or in person when you arrive at the park. This is the best thing to do in Niagara Falls on a hot sunny day! Be aware that you will definitely get wet!

  • Good to Know: Be sure to stop and enjoy the views from the Maid of the Mist Observation Tower while you’re here. This is the best view on the US side!

Cave of the Winds

The other main Niagara Falls attraction is the Cave of the Winds. The tour is named after the cave that used to exist behind the Bridal Veil Falls, but has since been filled in from a rockfall.

The present day tour takes you out on a series of stairs and platforms directly in front of the Bridal Veil Falls. It is the best place to feel the full force of Niagara Falls beating down on you (especially on the hurricane deck!)

Be sure to wear shoes that can get wet, as they no longer provide special sandals. Tickets are available for purchase at the plaza on Goat Island.

  • Good to Know: The Cave of the Winds tickets are timed entries that can only be purchased on site, so it is good to stop at the ticket counter first thing to get the time you want.

The Cave of the Winds tour is open year-round, and is cheaper (and colder!) in the off-season.

Niagara Scenic Trolley Tour

For a more relaxing part of your trip, take a ride on the Niagara Scenic Trolley tour. This tour will take you all around Niagara Falls State Park, telling you fun facts and inside information. It is a fun and affordable way to get to all the attractions throughout the park.

The trolleys run from April-November.

Hiking Trails in Niagara Falls

There are several hiking trails in and around Niagara Falls State Park that go along the scenic gorge and Niagara River.

The most popular hiking trail is Devil’s Hole, which starts in Devil’s Hole State Park. The most challenging hiking trail is the Whirlpool Rapids trail, which starts in Whirlpool State Park.

These parks can be reached from Niagara Falls via the Discover Niagara Shuttle during the summer months.

Walk Across the Bridge to Canada

Be sure to bring your passport with you to Niagara Falls, since it is so easy to walk between countries here!

The Rainbow Bridge is the main bridge between Canada and the US in Niagara Falls, right over the Niagara River. You can get great views of the falls from this bridge! There is a dedicated pedestrian walkway along one side of the bridge. You can see a video of the walk below.

  • Pro Tip: Walk out on the bridge at night for the best view of the fireworks over Niagara Falls!

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

If you’re more of a thrill seeker, and getting blasted with tons of gallons of water on the Maid of the Mist wasn’t enough for you, try out the Whirlpool Jet Boat tour, that cruises down the rapids of the Niagara River.

They have both “wet” and “dry” options, so if you really don’t want to get soaked again (or maybe it’s a bit chilly out…), you can actually take this tour in a covered boat and stay dry while you ride the rapids!

The jet boat tours are available on both sides of the falls, from April-September.

Take a Helicopter Ride over Niagara Falls

Now that you’ve seen Niagara Falls up close, why not see it from above? You can take a 10-15 minute helicopter ride over Niagara Falls for some pretty epic views!

Because this is a weather dependent activity, tickets can only be purchased the day of at the Rainbow Air ticket office. They do offer a free shuttle from downtown Niagara Falls to the ticket office. Tours run from April-October.

Niagara Power Vista

Niagara Falls generates A LOT of power. Learn more about all that power (“More power! Argh, argh argh!” as Tim would say) at the nearby Niagara Power Vista. They have fun activities and events all year long. And the best part is, it’s all free!

Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center

Since it’s just across the river from Canada, Niagara Falls, NY was usually the last stop on the Underground Railroad before leaving the US and reaching freedom in Canada. Learn real life stories from the Underground Railroad at the Underground Railroad Heritage Center.

Aquarium of Niagara

The Aquarium of Niagara is a small aquarium, but they have a lot of great exhibits and entertainment. See a sea lion show or watch them feed the penguins. OR (for an extra fee) you can meet a penguin!!

Because spending more time with penguins is a must.

Niagara Aerospace Museum

Located by the Niagara Falls Airport (where you will go for the Helicopter tour), is the Niagara Aerospace Museum. This small museum houses a huge collection of WWII aircraft, actual equipment from Apollo moon missions, and a jet pack like the one James Bond used in Thunderball.

The Book Corner

I love bringing books home as souvenirs from vacation (especially if they come from other countries!). I’m not talking fancy new books from the museum’s gift shop. I’m talking used, mildew filled (um…maybe?), rare finds from independent book shops.

And it just so happens that the largest independent book store in western NY is right around the corner from Niagara Falls. Get lost exploring 3 stories of varying books at The Book Corner, and maybe find something special to take home!

Old Fort Niagara

This was another stop on our fourth grade field trip to Niagara Falls. Old Fort Niagara passed hands between the French, British and American forces throughout the 16, 17 & 1800’s. It eventually ended up in American hands, but owes its architecture (such as the “French Castle”) to the French.

The historic fort is just under a 30 minute drive from Niagara Falls, and can be accessed by the free Discover Niagara Shuttle during the summer/early fall season.

Lockport Locks

Another stop on the Discover Niagara Shuttle is the Erie Canal town of Lockport, about 40 minutes east of Niagara Falls. The shuttle will drop you off at the Erie Canal Discovery Center, or for a cruise through the actual locks on the canal at Lockport Locks (you may even ride on a boat that was featured in the movie Mystic Pizza!).

Lockport Locks is open seasonally, spring-fall. The free shuttle runs Memorial Day-mid October.

Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum

The small Carrousel Factory Museum is located in North Tonawanda, NY, between Niagara Falls and the city of Buffalo.

It showcases how carrousel animals were sculpted, painted and put together, and houses the only working Wurlitzer Music Roll equipment in existence (and use!) today.

Be sure to end your visit with a ride on the 1916 carrousel.

We spent 1 hour here, talking to one of the volunteers, riding the carrousel, and browsing the gift shop.

 

Things to Do in Niagara Falls, Ontario

While Niagara Falls, NY is primarily a state park, with lots of walking trails, picnic tables, and parking lots, Niagara Falls, ON is a city. You will find some similar things to do on this side of the falls, but also more restaurants and tourist attractions, and less parking lots.

Niagara City Cruises

Just like the Maid of the Mist, but docking on the Canadian side is the Hornblower boat, run by Niagara City Cruises. Really the only main difference is that this one comes with red ponchos instead of blue ones.

Niagara City Cruises runs boat tours from the end of March to the end of November, and during the Festival of Lights (weather permitting). They also run evening fireworks tours during the summer season.

Journey Behind the Falls

Similar to the Cave of the Winds attraction on the US side of Niagara Falls, the Journey Behind the Falls takes you down to a viewing platform up close to the Horsehoe Falls.

You can’t get as close to the falls as you can on the US side, but you can get a unique and special view of the biggest of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls.

Take in the Views

The best views come from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. The most iconic view is from the platform outside of Table Rock Welcome Centre, where you can see the Horseshoe Falls (as pictured above).

You also get the best views of the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls from across the river.

Explore Clifton Hill

There are so many things to do in the Clifton Hill neighborhood of Niagara Falls, ON. This area is super touristy, and the complete opposite of the state park vibes on the US side.

It is an especially great area to visit if you’re here in the winter and need to pop inside a shop to warm up!

Here are some of the Niagara Falls attractions located in Clifton Hill:

Zipline “over” Niagara Falls

You can zipline “over” Niagara Falls on the Canadian side of the falls. I say “over” in quotation marks, because you don’t actually go directly over the falls. It’s more like ziplining along the side of Niagara Falls.

Either way, this is an epic and unique thing to do in Niagara Falls, ON. The zipline attraction is open year round.

Helicopter Ride over Niagara Falls

Like in the US, you can take a short helicopter ride from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. There are several different tour operators in Canada:

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours runs tours from both the Canadian and US side of the river, so you can experience the thrill of the rapids (both wet or dry!) no matter which side of Niagara Falls you are visiting.

Walk Across the Bridge to the US

Again, like on the US side, one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls is to walk into another country! So be sure to bring your passport so you can walk across the Rainbow Bridge between the US and Canada.

Hike the Niagara Glen

Step away from the falls and the touristy area of Canada to spend the afternoon hiking in the gorgeous Niagara Glen. They have 4 kilometers of hiking trails… which in American terms is 2.5 miles.

The Butterfly Conservatory

Located in the Niagara Glen, this large, glass enclosed conservatory is one of the largest in North America. The Butterfly Conservatory has over 2000 butterflies flying freely around the beautiful space, lined with winding trails, tropical plants, and waterfalls.

Marineland

“Everyone loves… Marineland!”

This commercial was always on when I watched my favorite TV show “Arthur” (I guess because we live close to Canada…). It made me really want to go, but my parents never took me!

Maybe someday I will visit Marineland, but if you are in Niagara Falls, Ontario, then you have no excuse (unless it’s December and the park is closed…), because it’s right there!

I think of it as basically the Canadian version of Sea World. They have rides, whales, dolphins, and most important of all… penguins!

Day Trips from Niagara Falls, NY

If you are staying on the US side of Niagara Falls, these are some of my favorite places to visit in NY state, all within an hour or two drive from Niagara Falls. Or you can plan a 1-week road trip to all the best places in western NY, including everything list below!

Buffalo

You have to visit the city of Buffalo, NY when you’re visiting Niagara Falls. It’s only a short 30 minute drive to the city, or you can get a train or bus from Niagara Falls to Buffalo.

This western NY city has so many unique attractions to experience! Here are just a couple of the fun things to do in Buffalo:

  • Eat Buffalo Wings

  • Hike to the Eternal Flame

  • Visit the AKG Art Museum

  • Tour several Frank Lloyd Wright Houses

  • Stand where Teddy Roosevelt was inaugurated

  • Rock climb on old grain silos

The National Comedy Center

The National Comedy Center is seriously one of the funnest museums I’ve ever been to! It’s not the boring “read a plaque about an important artifact but do not touch” kind. It’s more of the “touch EVERYTHING, and make jokes, and play games and have fun” kind.

The National Comedy Center is located in Jamestown, NY, a 1 hour and 45 min. drive from Niagara Falls. Jamestown is the birthplace of Lucille Ball, and is also home to the Lucy-Desi Museum. If you plan to visit both museums, get a combo ticket to save money!

The Strong Museum of Play

The Strong Museum of Play is also one of the funnest museums I’ve ever been to (seriously)! And it’s NOT just for kids (but if you have kids, definitely bring them here!)! It’s all toys and games, and a whole room full of pinball machines!

The Strong Museum of Play is located in Rochester, NY, a 1 hour and 30 min. drive from Niagara Falls. There are tons of other great attractions in Rochester, including the George Eastman House & Museum, which looks just like the mansion in the board game Clue!

Letchworth State Park

If Niagara Falls wasn’t breathtaking enough for you, head over to Letchworth State Park, also known as “the Grand Canyon of the east.”

Letchworth is a huge park, that could easily take all day to explore. It’s gorgeous any time of year, but my favorite time to visit is the fall.

Letchworth State Park is located a 1 hour and 30 min. drive from Niagara Falls.

Day Trips from Niagara Falls, ON

There are a lot more places to explore in Ontario besides just the Niagara Falls. Here are some of the best day trips or add ons for your trip:

Niagara on the Lake

Pretty much the opposite of downtown Niagara Falls, Niagara on the Lake is famed as the prettiest town in Canada. It is full of boutique shops, cute cafes, and (slightly expensive) horse and carriage rides. It is only a short drive from downtown Niagara Falls, ON.

The Painted Houses at Grimsby Beach

Scrolling through a blog by an Ontario local, I found this hidden gem! In what was once a huge summer destination for Methodist revival meetings, tons of little cottages sprang up to house the meeting goers.

And they’re not just little houses. They’re little houses that look like they sprang from a fairy-tale. It’s just about a half hour drive from Niagara Falls (on the way to Toronto), so it’s easy to stop by and get a few pictures.

Toronto

Toronto is the biggest city close to Niagara Falls. You could also base yourself in the city and take a train or book a tour as a day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto.

There are so many great things to do in Toronto! Here are a few of the best things to do in Canada’s biggest city:

  • Check out the skyline from the CN Tower (on a clear day you can see Niagara Falls!)

  • Edgewalk at the CN Tower!

  • Wander around the Toronto Islands

  • Explore Casa Loma, a castle on a hill

  • Visit one of the MANY museums

  • Eat LOTS of food, from all over the world

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Niagara Falls and the surrounding areas! You can easily fill up a week exploring either side of the falls.

Further Reading:

For more information on planning a trip, check out my complete guide to Niagara Falls, with tips for crossing the border, where to get the best views, and places to eat and stay in Niagara Falls.

Any more questions?

If you have any questions about visiting Niagara Falls (US or Canada!), don’t hesitate to email me or comment below. Or if you have any other suggestions of Niagara Falls attractions, please share them!

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