From experiences for hopeless romantics to adventurers, Niagara Falls has been a classic North American destination for decades.
This location begins with a breathtaking view and grows into a thrill-seeker’s paradise.
You will find protected wildlife, exciting activities, hiking trails, and stunning views at every turn.
Moreover, a vast natural wonder comes with two distinct perspectives: Niagara Falls Canadian side vs American side.
If you are deciding which Niagara Falls side is better to visit, here is a breakdown of the options for enjoying your visit to the fullest.
About Niagara Falls Canadian side vs American side
On the falls are the twin cities: “Niagara Falls, Ontario,” and “Niagara Falls, New York.”
The falls’ enormous beauty and hydropower potential make them popular tourist sites and dependable energy sources.
What is on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls
You can get gorgeous panoramas of American and Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side.
This place is the most famous tourist spot and hosts millions of tourists annually.
That’s why the Canadian side has everything in store for you, like luxurious hotels, thrilling attractions, and lookout stops for easy viewing.
You can stroll along the Niagara Falls Parkway and look down into the river or in front of you.
These locations volume how beautiful your holidays can be with a well-planned itinerary.
Things to do on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Canada attractions- create an authentic experience since there are so many things to do for fun and adventure!
- A helicopter tour from the Canadian side
- Niagara Gorge and Queen Victoria Park
- The Butterfly Conservatory
- Behind the Falls
- Aero car
- Jet boat tour
- Niagara SkyWheel
- Night Fireworks
- Falls Illumination
- Niagara Skylon Tower
- Canadian nightlife
To enjoy many other attractions, you can purchase a Small Group Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of Niagara Falls, Canada.
A helicopter tour from the Canadian side
You can experience some of the most breathtaking views of the waterfalls from above.
The helicopter ride will offer you the sights of the Niagara River, the Whirlpool Rapids, and the Skylon Tower.
You will also see the three waterfalls- American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
It will become a moment to remember when you look below at the astounding fall from such a height.
Niagara Gorge and Queen Victoria Park
Queen Victoria Park is the heart of Niagara Parks, containing a valuable collection of unique native and international plants.
Walking through the park, you can enjoy a rock garden, hanging baskets; hybrid tea rose garden, and carpet-bedding displays.
The well-groomed lawns, magnolia trees, and blooming flowers provide pleasant venues for relaxation and photography.
Add the Zipline to The Falls ticket to your plan and soar from 67 meters above the Niagara River Gorge.
Glide past the American Falls to the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
The Butterfly Conservatory
As the name implies, the Butterfly Conservatory is a botanical garden that houses a variety of butterflies for people to admire up close.
You can give this place a go during winter or spring to witness a butterfly emerging from the cocoon.
It is a great place to stroll around with kids. So, if you are interested, book your tickets now.
Behind the Falls
Imagine what it would be like to admire the falls from behind. Luckily, the Canadian side offers a Journey Behind the Falls tour.
Visitors descend by elevator, where a short tunnel gives access to two outdoor observation decks and portals directly behind the falls.
This journey will take 30 to 45 minutes, and you will experience one-fifth of the freshwater crashing down.
You can buy Journey Behind the Falls tickets online to experience the way back of the massive sheet of water.
The lower observation deck is closed throughout the winter because of the ice, reducing prices.
Aero car
Jump back for an adventurous and historic ride over the Niagara River that drives visitors out and above the natural whirlpool.
It has been a popular and oldest tourist attraction since the 1800s.
Though the aero car operators are seasonal, it is worth trying if you can.
Jet boat tour
The Jet boat tour lets you get close to the Niagara River, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
Also, do not worry if you’re going to enjoy a water splash- they provide free ponchos.
You can get wet or stay dry, as the jet boat is partially enclosed.
Niagara SkyWheel
For those looking to slow down and relax, Niagara Falls has experiences that help rejuvenate and revitalize.
If you are not afraid of heights, consider this classic Ferris wheel ride of 8 minutes with an audio guide.
Night Fireworks
Canada Falls lights up from sunset to midnight with colorful firecrackers that will make your trip memorable.
With the Festival of Lights tour with a guide, you can catch the longest-running fireworks series in summer and winter.
On top of that, there are fireworks from 20 May (Victoria Day) to 10 October (Canadian Thanksgiving) every night at 10 pm.
You can experience the colorful display of Niagara Falls fireworks on a whole new level at these classic attractions:
- Queen Victoria Park
- Oakes Garden Theatre
- Table Rock Centre
- Skylon Tower
- Niagara SkyWheel
Also, enjoy unparalleled views from the comfort of your Falls-facing hotel rooms or restaurants.
Falls Illumination
While the fireworks show at Niagara Falls only occurs during the set timeframe, fall illumination is for every night of the year.
The three waterfalls in glowing colors create a stunning vista Inspired by Nature, representing the sunrise, aurora, rainbow, and sunset.
On the top, a five-minute lighting display plays through three times, making Niagara Falls at night unlike anything you have ever seen.
Time slots for the Inspired by Nature performances are 7.30, 8.30, 9.30, 10.30, and 11.30 pm.
Without any doubt, add this fantastic Falls illumination experience to your trip to explore Niagara!
Niagara Skylon Tower
Remember to visit the Skylon Tower Observation Deck to experience Niagara Falls from high up.
It is the tallest entertainment complex, including indoor/outdoor observation of the falls from 775 feet.
The most famous Niagara Falls Restaurant in Canada- this tower also offers two levels of fine dining.
The Revolving Dining room rotates 360° every hour, giving diners a changing vantage point.
You can see the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls from the dining point and observation deck.
Canadian nightlife
If you are a person who enjoys nightlife, you will love Canada’s festive feel during your stay.
You can experience different art festivals in the area during warmer months.
What is on the American side of Niagara Falls
The Niagara Falls American side claims to have two separate falls: American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
You can see a panorama of three falls connected by the Niagara River as tons of water rush down.
An elevator is available to reach the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls and then board the Maid of the Mist boat ride.
Things to do on the American side of Niagara Falls
If you want to know what to do on the American side of Niagara Falls. Here are some things you can do to make your visit memorable.
- Maid of the Mist
- Cave of the Winds
- Niagara Falls State Park
- A helicopter tour from the American side
- Niagara Fall observation tour
- Whirlpool jet boat tour
Maid of the Mist
The iconic Maid of the Mist is a ferry service between the US and Canadian sides for you to explore the roar of the falls.
A half-hour ride will take you from the docks past the American Falls to the basins of Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
For the most memorable way to experience the majesty of Niagara Falls, a trip on the Maid of the Mist is a must.
Niagara Falls State Park
Walking into Niagara Falls State Park to witness the Falls is free and open every day of the year.
In addition to this magnificent natural wonder, you can have hours of fun at the Niagara Falls tours and other activities inside the park.
You can enjoy hiking, running, and biking trails throughout American Niagara Falls.
Cave of the Winds
A series of wooden staircases and walkways takes you closer to the waters of Niagara Falls.
Although you can skip this platform, Cave of the Winds is fun if you are okay with getting wet.
Also, both Cave of the Wind and Maid of the Mist also provide free ponchos, so save yours to reuse later if you do both activities.
This section remains closed in the winter but is still worth visiting.
Also, both Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist provide free ponchos, so save yours to reuse later if you do both activities.
A helicopter tour from the American side
Take a flight on a helicopter ride from New York, and you will see Niagara Falls’s iconic landmarks from a different perspective.
Niagara Fall observation deck
Niagara Fall USA observation tower offers unobstructed views of all three Niagara Falls, including the American Falls.
Bird watching is also a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to spot many gull species in the Niagara Gorge.
Whirlpool jet boat tour
A jet boat tour is a must-have experience for adventure seekers who love jet boats and the excitement they offer.
Prepare yourself for a 45-minute boat ride led by a Coast Guard-certified captain.
Tickets
Every year, millions of tourists come to see the spectacular beauty, miles of trails, and fascinating historical sights of Niagara Falls, Canadian and American sides.
Niagara Falls America side tour
With this American Side Highlights Tour ticket, get an up-close look at Niagara Falls and its surroundings.
Ticket price
| Visitor’s Age | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13+ years) | $130 |
| Child ticket (6 to 12 years) | $100 |
| Infant ticket (upto 5 years) | Free entry |
This ticket includes
- Guided tour of Niagara Falls, USA
- Maid of the Mist boat ride, entrance to the Cave of the Winds and the Observation Tower
- Enjoy all the viewing points of Niagara Falls
- A visit to Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Goat Island and more
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Niagara Falls Canada side tour
You can enjoy the sights of the Horseshoe Falls from the observation deck of Niagara Falls by purchasing this Journey Behind the Falls entry ticket.
Ticket price
| Visitor’s Age | Ticket prices |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13+ years) | $19 |
| Child ticket (6 to 12 years) | $13 |
| Infant ticket (upto 5 years) | Free entry |
This ticket includes
- Admission to Journey Behind the Falls
- An elevator ride to underground tunnels
- Souvenir biodegradable rain poncho
- Local taxes & fees
Niagara Falls in one day
You can experience Niagara Falls in One Day, from the cruise to the walk.
Discover both the American and Canadian sides in one visit. Take a thrilling Maid of the Mist boat ride or a Journey Behind the Falls excursion, depending on the season.
Ticket price
| Visitor’s Age | Ticket Prices |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13+ years) | $180 |
| Child ticket (5 to 12 years) | $130 |
| Infant ticket (upto 4 years) | Free entry |
This Ticket includes
- All road fees and bridge tolls, hotel pickup and drop-off from the Niagara Falls area (not from Toronto or Buffalo)
- Maid of the Mist Boat Ride or Journey Behind the Falls (replaces Maid of the Mist when not operating)
- Explore Cave of the Winds
- Enjoy breathtaking panoramas from the Skylon Tower’s summit
- Admire Bridal Veil, American, and Horseshoe Falls
Which is better: Canada or the US side of Niagara Falls?
Make sure to visit both sides! We recommend planning to visit both the Canadian and American sides. Both sides of the Falls are undeniably beautiful.
But if you have to choose between Niagara Falls Canadian side vs American side, the better one to see the waterfalls is from Canada.
Not only does the Canadian side offer enormous, picture-worthy falls, but it also has world-class dining to fill a traveler’s vacation.
There are way more things to do at budget-friendly prices.
If you want to dig deep into the best view of Niagara Falls in the USA or Canada: here is the answer, you can get the most incredible views from Canada but a better close-up view from America.
So, if you are a person who seeks vacations in outdoor settings, we encourage you to explore the American side as well.
Featured Image: Wikipedia.org