Niagara Falls, located on the Niagara River along the border between the United States and Canada (with New York State on one side and the Canadian province of Ontario on the other), is a natural wonder that draws millions of visitors every year. On the Canadian side, you’ll find Horseshoe Falls, while the American side boasts the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. There are different opinions about which side offers the better experience and more picturesque views. Having had the chance to visit Niagara Falls twice, I can say that both visits were filled with positive emotions, although there were some disappointments (or perhaps nuances?) that I’ll also share. This account focuses on the Canadian side of the falls.
Niagara Falls on the Map
The easiest way to get to Niagara Falls is from Toronto. Buses and trains run regularly (every 1.5-2 hours) from Toronto Coach Terminal or Union Station, taking you to the nearby town of Niagara Falls. The journey takes about two hours. From the bus or train station, you can walk to the falls in 25-30 minutes, or take a local bus (about 15 minutes).
There are also day trips to Niagara Falls from Ottawa (Canada) and New York City (USA). The nearest airport to Niagara Falls is in Buffalo, located 40 km away. Accordingly, various transportation options are available from all these cities to the falls.
“Niagara Falls”
When we talk about Niagara Falls, we instinctively picture a single, specific waterfall. In reality, as mentioned above, Niagara Falls is a collection of several waterfalls that span both the American and Canadian sides. If you have visas for both countries, you can easily cross the border by car or on foot via the Rainbow Bridge, located slightly upstream (just before the falls).
American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls
Upon arriving at the station and heading along the river, the first thing you’ll see is the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
To be honest, my initial reaction was, “Is this it? Is this the majestic Niagara Falls that everyone talks about?” It didn’t make a great impression at first. I think it’s because I expected something extraordinary but instead saw what appeared to be a fairly ordinary waterfall. However, the true power and grandeur of this natural wonder are best felt up close. Yes, you can get very close to the falls—on the American side, guided walking tours take you along specially designed routes right by the waterfall. The height of all Niagara Falls is 53 meters, which might not seem that impressive from a distance. But when you consider that the width of the American Falls is 323 meters, you realize that the volume of water cascading down each second is enormous (5,700 m³/s or more, to be precise).
Canadian Horseshoe Falls
Even more impressive is Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. Without a doubt, this is the main attraction of Niagara.
As you approach, you’ll notice a thick cloud of mist in the distance—it’s impossible to miss. The Canada-U.S. border runs through this mist, but the best view is from the Canadian side. The waterfall itself is much more picturesque, and only when you get close do you truly grasp the power of this endless torrent of water! It feels like you could almost touch it—the railing is that close. In a certain sense, you can “ride” the waterfall by leaning slightly over the railing and imagining that you’re floating above the water. This powerful flow of water rushes down just centimeters from the edge, breaking into billions of droplets that form a thick mist, often creating a vibrant rainbow.
If you feel that this isn’t enough and you want to fully experience the power of Niagara, change your perspective and head straight to the epicenter! Take a ride on the “Maid of the Mist” boat, which will take you right up to the falls for an exhilarating experience as you sway on the waves.
Maid of the Mist Boat Ride
Another tourist attraction at Niagara Falls is the Maid of the Mist boat, which regularly takes visitors up close to the falls. Armed with a raincoat (included with your ticket) and a camera, you can sail to the base of the falls and feel the surge of energy as you’re engulfed by the mist and roar of the falling water. Personally, the power of the elements always energizes me with a raw energy that only nature can convey.
The boat first approaches the American Falls and then heads to Horseshoe Falls, getting as close as possible. As you rock on the waves, you’ll have time to take in all the details and try to capture this unique moment. However, this task is not so easy… First, the spray from the waterfall will inevitably try to “ruin” your shot, so be sure to have a cloth ready to wipe your lens. Second, the boat ride is extremely popular, so there are lots of tourists on board, making it difficult to secure a prime spot at the edge of the deck. And, of course, you’ll need to stand in line. Overall, though, if you’re visiting Niagara Falls, you should definitely take a ride on the Maid of the Mist—not only because it provides a great boost of positive emotions, but also because the views of the falls from the water are equally, if not more, stunning. The unique perspectives and the waterfalls’ impressive proximity (you could almost reach out and touch them!) make it an unforgettable experience.
Attractions at Niagara Falls
In addition to the Maid of the Mist, the Canadian side of Niagara Falls offers many other attractions that draw tourists. In fact, to be precise, there’s an entire small town where locals come to relax on weekends, so there’s plenty to do besides just seeing the falls. You can stay overnight in a hotel, explore the surroundings, visit a few museums, enjoy the rides at the amusement park, or take in the view from an observation deck—there’s something for everyone!
If you’re wondering why you should go up to the observation deck, don’t repeat my mistake! Initially, I thought, “What’s the point of going up there when I can already see everything clearly from the ground?” Fortunately, on my second trip to Niagara Falls, I decided to go up the Skylon Tower observation deck. The incredible views from 236 meters up on the 360-degree observation deck are worth it!
Yes, it’s not the cheapest experience—tickets start at $15 for adults. But it’s worth every penny! If you buy tickets in advance on the official website, you can save a few dollars. As in all similar places, there are several types of tickets and packages available. In addition to the observation deck, you can visit a small entertainment center (with arcade games and a food court), watch a 3D/4D film about Niagara Falls, buy souvenirs, jewelry, and local products, or have a meal at the buffet or book a table at the restaurant with a panoramic view.
Niagara Falls is a great place to spend the weekend or enjoy a day off. Whatever you choose to do, the town’s infrastructure offers a variety of activities, and the falls, especially Horseshoe Falls, will be a feast for the eyes. At night, the falls are beautifully illuminated, which is another reason to stay for a couple of days.
