Niagara Falls

New York

United States

North America

Niagara Falls needs no introduction—everyone has heard of this life-changing natural wonder of the world. However, only so many people have had the privilege of visiting it. There are a dozen hiking trails and gorgeous islands that ring the falls, and you owe it to yourself to each and every one of them.

Niagara Falls needs no introduction—everyone has heard of this life-changing natural wonder of the world. However, only so many people have had the privilege of visiting it. There are a dozen hiking trails and gorgeous islands that ring the falls, and you owe it to yourself to each and every one of them. Once you've come to see the falls, you can stay a bit longer to enjoy the many local celebrations of the arts.
<h2>Visit Prospect Point</h2>
Prospect Point is one of the most popular viewing areas around for its fantastic, wide-ranging perspective of the falls. However, it’s extremely busy around midday. If you want to avoid the lines and queues, you’ll want to visit in the morning or around dusk. What could be better than a peaceful evening above the Niagara Falls set against a purple evening sky?

[caption id="attachment_35162" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/1129458095.jpg" alt="Niagara Falls with Buffalo, NY in the distance " width="1200" height="800" /> OKRAD / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Hop aboard the Maid of the Mist Boat tour</h2>
From April to November, you can enjoy the most famous boat tour of the Niagara Falls. The Maid of the Mist tour gets up close to the two main waterfalls, the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls. You have a good chance of getting soaked, so the tour issues distinctive blue ponchos. Don’t forget to take a selfie wearing yours! You can embark on the tour from the Observation Tower.

[caption id="attachment_35163" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/171587080.jpg" alt="The gorgeous American Falls " width="1200" height="824" /> Orchidpoet / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Get the best view from the Observation Tower</h2>
Are you planning a proposal or any other special occasion? If so, don’t settle for anything but the best. If you want the most impressive view of the Falls from the American side, go to the Observation Tower. The only reason not to pick this spot is if you or your beloved have a fear of heights. The dizzying tower is nearly three hundred feet tall! But if you can brave the tallest tower, you’ll find a fine reward in a breathtaking, all-encompassing panoramic view of all three falls.

[caption id="attachment_35164" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/1142487063.jpg" alt="The wild heights of the Observation Tower " width="1200" height="800" /> Alexander Shapovalov / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Get dozens of great views from Luna Island</h2>
The various islands on the American side of the falls are necessary stops during any trip to Niagara Falls. The hilly, lush Luna Island is crisscrossed by walkways where you can enjoy many perspectives on the falls. To make it even better, it’s situated right between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. You can reach Luna Island from Goat Island, another important destination at Niagara Falls.

[caption id="attachment_35165" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/1056931526.jpg" alt="Sunrise over Niagara Falls " width="1200" height="800" /> ronniechua / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Drop by Goat Island</h2>
Goat Island is a must to visit if you're already near the falls. It rests at the stunning American Falls, and you can easily reach several nearby attractions from the island. Three Sisters, for instance, is the best place to enjoy the white-water rapids as they crash towards the falls. Goat Island also affords entry into the Cave of Winds, a network of boardwalks running within the falls.

[caption id="attachment_35166" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/140375809.jpg" alt="A scenic lookout at Niagara Falls " width="1200" height="800" /> cheng8 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Reach out and touch the falls</h2>
Disclaimer: You should not literally touch the falls, that’s a bit hazardous. However, the ambitious Cave of Winds Tour will take you close enough to try, as you’ll find yourself right up to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. The thunderous falling water is an amazing sight from up close. Consider bringing a change of clothes; you’re definitely getting wet on this trip.

[caption id="attachment_35167" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/1178144403.jpg" alt="The entrance to the Cave of the Winds " width="1200" height="800" /> Fahmid Swaikat / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Check out the Whirlpool Rapids</h2>
Upstream from the falls, a sharp change of course in the river produces some of the most powerful rapids in the world. Whirlpool Gorge and the Falls have drawn their share of thrill-seeking adventurers over the years, but few have lived to tell the tale of their adventures. If you take a pleasant hike down a series of paths and trails, you’ll reach the perfect observation point to see the rapids. Hopefully, that’s enough excitement for you!

[caption id="attachment_35168" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/578115632.jpg" alt="The Whirlpool Rapids" width="1200" height="800" /> billberryphotography / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Admire the collection of art on display at Castellani Art Museum</h2>
Are you an art lover? If so, the diverse collection of works at the Castellani Art Museum is for you. It contains thousands of artworks in many unique mediums and styles. The permanent exhibits include sculptures, paintings, ceramics and much more. The style ranges from classical works of the Romanticist movement to surrealist and modern art. The highly inclusive exhibit also includes a number of Native American artworks, including carefully preserved artifacts that predate contact with Europeans.


<h2>Look Into the Colonial Past at the Niagara Fortress</h2>
Old Niagara Fortress has an important role in the history of the United States and Canada. During the wars between France and Britain for control of North America, both sides fought for the fortress and its key position in controlling the Great Lakes. In honor of the importance of the fort, a restoration effort has turned it into a period museum. It looks much like it would have back then, and there’s an assortment of actors playing the part of servants performing routine chores and pre-Industrial Revolution master tradesmen at work.

[caption id="attachment_35169" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/147076168.jpg" alt="Old Fort Niagara viewed from the Canadian side " width="1200" height="828" /> SkyF / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Enjoy live music at Artpark</h2>
A concert hall overlooking the Niagara Falls? Talk about a perfect location. After spending days appreciating the falls and vying with crowds of people for the best spot, being glad to be part of a crowd will be a nice change of pace. The Artpark amphitheater regularly draws famous bands for live concerts, and the park also puts on low-cost, family-oriented events. Whether music, art, or the outdoors is your passion, Artpark is the perfect stop.

[caption id="attachment_35170" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/874747066.jpg" alt="A crowd at a music festival" width="1200" height="800" /> SolStock / Getty Images[/caption]

Witness One of the Wonders of the World at Niagara Falls, New York

Sightseeing around the falls is only one of the things to do in Niagara Falls. From helicopter tours to up close and personal walks down into the gorge and boat rides around it, there are many ways to enjoy this spectacular area.

Sightseeing around the falls is only one of the things to do in Niagara Falls. Both the American and Canadian sides have destinations for shopping, strolling, entertainment, and dining. From season to season the attractions change and although the falls keep running year-round, each time of year brings a different view. From helicopter tours to up close and personal walks down into the gorge and boat rides around it, there are many ways to enjoy this spectacular area.
<h2>1. Overlook</h2>
The first of many things to do in Niagara Falls is stand somewhere with a good view and take it all in. From the dazzling rainbows in the bright summer sun to the colorful fall trees surrounding the river and falls, it's new every time you visit. Why the binoculars? In particular, they help to see what others are doing to enjoy the falls including a descending walkway and a boat tour. They can also help to see the powerful currents above and the swirls and eddies below.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/996267784-1024x683.jpg" alt="all about the Niagara Falls" width="1024" height="683" /> M_a_y_a / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Boardwalk</h2>
Viewing the falls from a distance, tourists can see the immensity of the flow, but there's an even better way to get a once-in-a-lifetime impression of Niagara Falls. The power of the falls and immersion in the intense mist draws visitors down a carefully constructed walkway, wearing ponchos which provide protection from a total soaking of river water. If that's not enough, there's also a boat trip which slips right under the falls themselves.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/1021830684-1024x683.jpg" alt="boardwalk Niagara Falls" width="1024" height="683" /> Instants / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Maid of the Mist Boat Ride</h2>
Maybe the answer to the question "how do you want to experience Niagara Falls" should be another question: "how wet do you want to get?" This boat trip travels from the American side and goes to the curve of Horseshoe Falls, getting blasted with mist from the tons of liquid pounding into the pool you're riding through. As you ride through the roaring deluge, you'll come to understand why water is such an important force in life. Waterproof cameras only!

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/155431470-1024x558.jpg" alt="mist Niagara Falls" width="1024" height="558" /> THEPALMER / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Skylon Tower</h2>
From this tower overlooking the falls from the Canadian side, visitors can enjoy:
<ul>
 	<li>A view of Niagara Falls, both American and Canadian sides</li>
 	<li>Watching the upper river leading to the falls</li>
 	<li>In the distance, a view of Niagara on the Lake village, wineries and shopping</li>
 	<li>Two dining areas including a revolving space and a lunch and dinner buffet restaurant</li>
 	<li>A 3D/4D movie presentation about the falls</li>
 	<li>Seasonal light and firework displays</li>
</ul>
It's nearly 800 feet from the gorge to the top of the tower and the view on a clear day is 80 miles and includes the skylines of Buffalo, New York and Toronto, Ontario.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/830118154-1024x683.jpg" alt="skylon Niagara Falls" width="1024" height="683" /> undefined undefined / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Park on Canadian Side</h2>
Balancing the excitement of the falls is the Queen Victoria Park on the Canadian side with plenty of space to relax, enjoy seasonal floral displays and gardens and perhaps catch a special event such as Canada Day, the New Year's Eve concert or the Winter Festival of Lights. Also explore the petite Dufferin Islands, connected by footbridges.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/937901700-1024x678.jpg" alt="Niagara Falls" width="1024" height="678" /> FLusvarghi / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Park at Christmas and Holidays</h2>
Three LED Christmas light displays appear every Christmas on the Canadian side in Niagara Falls State Park. Updated to bright LEDs in 2016 after 20 years of powerful Xenon lighting, the new display is more colorful and impressive than ever and includes modern programmable animations. As visitors travel through the displays, they can consider a contribution to one of the many worthy causes which are featured on different days throughout the holidays and on special occasions when the lights are turned on throughout the year.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/1082570726-1024x683.jpg" alt="Canadian Niagara Falls " width="1024" height="683" /> benedek / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Frozen Mist and the Falls in Winter</h2>
The same mist which casts rainbows and delight during the spring, summer and fall clings to the trees and pretty much everything else around Niagara Falls in the wintertime. It's especially dazzling at night when festive lighting or even just the streetlamps make the trees glow in their icy encasements. Some of the attractions are closed, but the falls flow year-round producing beautiful winter rainbows for visitors who brave the cold -- or enjoy the view from indoor venues such as the Skylon Tower. The visitor's center, casino, aquarium, shopping, and dining are all open on the American side.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/902951106-1024x683.jpg" alt="ice Niagara Falls" width="1024" height="683" /> bukharova / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Victoria Day and Falls Fireworks</h2>
Niagara Falls has a busy fireworks schedule with weekend displays spring and fall and daily launches during the summer. Victoria Day, a Canadian public holiday is a festive late-May celebration on the Canadian side which launches the summer season. Join locals in celebrating the beginning of summer and experience the area in full bloom.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/156328087-1024x680.jpg" alt="Victoria day Niagara Falls" width="1024" height="680" /> ferrantraite / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Power Generation</h2>
The force of tons of naturally falling water has captured the imagination of engineers since electric power was first put to use for factories and homes. It was of course used locally for direct power before that, but in the closing years of the 1800s, Niagara became home to several power generation projects which included long-distance transmission to the city of Buffalo, New York. Success here led the growth of industry locally and the spread of electric power as an industrial resource. Currently, Niagara supplies a large portion of the power needs of both New York State and Ontario, Canada. Ontario Hydro generating plants are visible along the Niagara Parkway, especially by helicopter.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/175392431-1024x681.jpg" alt="Niagara" width="1024" height="681" /> Westhoff / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Helicopter Tours</h2>
A great way to get amazing photos from the generating plants to the falls themselves on both the American and Canadian sides is to take a helicopter tour of the area. Brief rides are available which can help you orient yourself and choose which of the many attractions you want to visit in person.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/871018394-1024x683.jpg" alt="helicopter Niagara Falls" width="1024" height="683" /> bennymarty / Getty Images[/caption]

Niagara Falls

New York

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