Your Next Trip TRAVEL GUIDE
Niagara Falls
Discover Niagara Falls, where raw natural power meets world-changing history. This journey explores the three thundering waterfalls, the spray-drenched Hurricane Deck, and an adrenaline-packed Whirlpool Jet Boat ride. Learn how Nikola Tesla harnessed the river’s energy and how freedom seekers crossed these waters on the Underground Railroad—an unforgettable blend of adventure and heritage.
Now, check out our recommendations featured in this episode and more!
What to do
Cave of the Winds
Stand almost beneath Bridal Veil Falls on the Hurricane Deck, rebuilt each spring after winter ice destroys it. The spray and roar are unforgettable.
Address: Goat Island, Niagara Falls, NY
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (seasonal)
Cost: About $21 adults, $18 kids
Website: Cave of the Winds tour
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
Ride a specially built jet boat through the Lower Niagara Gorge and Devil’s Hole Class V rapids. Expect spins, drenching splashes, and speeds up to 60 mph on this hour-long adventure.
Address: 115 S. Water St., Lewiston, NY
Hours: May–October, times vary
Cost: From $70 adults, $45 kids
Website: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center
Powerful exhibits tell the stories of freedom seekers who crossed the Niagara River into Canada.
Address: 825 Depot Ave W., Niagara Falls, NY
Hours: Wed–Sun, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: $10 adults, $6 youth
Website: Underground Railroad Heritage Center
Maid of the Mist
The iconic boat tour that’s been operating since 1846 takes you right into the mist at the base of the American and Horseshoe Falls for an unbeatable close-up view.
Address: 1 Prospect St., Niagara Falls, NY
Hours: Late April–early November, daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (seasonal)
Cost: Adults $28.25, children $16.50
Website: Maid of the Mist Boat Tour
Journey Behind the Falls
On the Canadian side, descend tunnels to observation portals directly behind Horseshoe Falls to feel the thundering water from a unique angle.
Address: 6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Hours: Daily, typically 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (hours vary by season)
Cost: Adults about CA$24, children about CA$16
Website: Journey Behind the Falls
Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
Hike through 4 kilometers of trails in a pristine pocket of Carolinian forest along the Niagara River, with dramatic views of the Whirlpool and rapids.
Address: 3050 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Hours: Trails open year-round, daylight hours
Cost: Free (guided hikes available for a small fee)
Website: niagaraparks.com
Where to stay
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
A full-service resort with spa, casino, and multiple restaurants, just a short walk from the Falls.
Address: 310 Fourth St., Niagara Falls, NY
Rates: From about $200/night
Website: Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
The Giacomo
A boutique art-deco hotel offering luxury rooms and sweeping views of the Falls.
Address: 222 First St., Niagara Falls, NY
Rates: From about $180/night
Website: The Giacomo
DoubleTree by Hilton Niagara Falls New York
Family-friendly, with spacious rooms and easy access to major attractions.
Address: 401 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls, NY
Rates: From about $170/night
Website: DoubleTree by Hilton Niagara Falls New York
And there’s tons of other fabulous places to stay during your trip.
Check out the best accommodation deals below.
What to eat
Fortuna’s Restaurant
Classic Italian dishes served from family recipes for generations.
Address: 827 19th St., Niagara Falls, NY
Hours: Tue–Sat, 4–9 p.m.
Cost: $$
Website: fortunas.biz
Top of the Falls Restaurant
Seasonal dining with panoramic views of the American Falls—ideal for lunch with a view.
Address: Goat Island, Niagara Falls, NY
Hours: Seasonal, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Cost: $$
Website: niagarafallsstatepark.com
Zaika Indian Cuisine & Bar
Flavorful Indian fare, perfect for a change of pace from classic American dining.
Address: 421 Third St., Niagara Falls, NY
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Cost: $$
Website: zaikaniagara.com
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall (May–October) is prime season. All attractions—including the Cave of the Winds, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, and Maid of the Mist—run at full schedule, and evening illumination of the Falls is most frequent.
July and August bring bigger crowds; September offers warm weather with fewer visitors. Winter is quieter and cheaper, but many outdoor attractions close and icy mist can make paths slippery.Getting Around
Niagara Falls, NY, is walkable around the State Park, but a car is helpful for reaching Lewiston (jet boats) or crossing to Canadian attractions.
Public Transit: Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley loops through key sights inside the park (small fee).
Ride-share & Taxis: Uber, Lyft, and local taxis operate on both sides of the border.
Cross-Border: The Rainbow Bridge allows car and pedestrian crossings; bring a valid passport or approved ID.Safety Tips
Surfaces near the Falls are always wet—wear shoes with good traction.
Rapids and gorge trails are powerful and unpredictable: stay within marked areas and follow posted warnings.
If you ride the Whirlpool Jet Boat, heed health restrictions (not for those with back, neck, or heart issues, or during pregnancy).
For winter visits, icy conditions can form quickly; dress in layers and use caution on steps and railings.Helpful Notes
Currency: U.S. dollars on the American side; Canadian dollars across the border. Major credit cards are widely accepted on both sides.
Border Tips: Wait times vary. Check live updates before heading to bridges and carry required identification.
Weather Prep: Even in summer, expect mist and occasional temperature drops near the Falls—pack a waterproof layer and quick-dry shoes.
Evening Illumination: The Falls are lit nightly, with special color shows for holidays and events—worth planning around sunset
Plug Type: A/B
Voltage: 120V
Frequency: 60Hz
Packing list
Here’s our suggested items to pack for this destination. Please always consider the weather and activities you will be doing. Prepare for mist, changing temperatures, and active adventures on both the U.S. and Canadian sides.
Clothing
Waterproof jacket or poncho – essential for Cave of the Winds, jet boat rides, and misty trails.
Quick-dry layers – lightweight shirts and pants that dry fast after spray.
Warm mid-layer – a fleece or light sweater; temperatures near the falls can be cooler than inland.
Comfortable walking shoes with traction – for wet, slippery paths and boat decks.
Extra shoes/socks – in case your primary pair gets soaked.
Casual evening wear – for dinners or casino nights at Seneca Niagara Resort.
Accessories
Daypack or waterproof bag – to carry camera gear and dry clothes.
Waterproof phone/camera case – protects electronics from heavy mist.
Sunglasses & brimmed hat – for sunny gorge hikes and boat rides.
Refillable water bottle – stay hydrated on long walks.
Adventure Essentials
Complete change of clothes & towel – required for Whirlpool Jet Boat Wet Jet tours.
Swimwear – optional but handy under ponchos for wet rides.
Travel documents – passport or enhanced ID for crossing to the Canadian side.
Toiletries & Health
Sunscreen & lip balm with SPF – water reflections intensify sun exposure.
Motion-sickness relief – for jet boat or Maid of the Mist rides if you’re prone.
Basic first-aid kit – bandages, pain relievers, and personal meds.
Tech & Power
Camera or GoPro – waterproof if possible for action shots.
Portable power bank – keep phones charged for photos and navigation.
Get a full packing list and free downloadable template at Pack Better.
Ultimate Packing List Library
Find the perfect customizable packing list for all of your travel situations on our sister website Pack Better.
This episode of "Your Next Trip" explored the ancestral lands of
We extend our respect and gratitude to the Indigenous communities who have been the stewards of these lands for generations. Research for this acknowledgment was made possible using the NativeLand.ca.
Learn more about responsible travel practices in the TWD Responsible Travel Guide.
Visit the guideTrip provided by: Destination Niagara
Special Thanks: Andrea Czopp, Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center
