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The only guide you’ll need to plan your visit to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls opening hours

The Niagara Falls State Park US and the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls, are open for viewing 24/7 all year round. However, the attractions within both parks, their visitor centers and restaurants, have different schedules.

Journey Behind the Falls: 9am to 7pm on weekdays and 9am to 10pm on weekends
Maid of the Mist: Between 9am and 8pm, depending on the season
Hornblower Cruises: Between 9:30am and 8pm, depending on the season
Niagara Parks Power Station & Tunnel: 10am to 6pm
Cave of the Winds: Between 9am and 9:15pm, depending on the season
Butterfly Conservatory: Between 9am and 7pm, depending on the day
Niagara SkyWheel: 9:30am to 1am from Monday to Thursday and 9:30am to 2am from Friday to Sunday
Skylon Tower: 9am to 11pm from Monday to Thursday and 9am to 12am from Friday to Sunday

Seasonal attractions: You will find attractions like the Maid of the Mist boat tour, Whirlpool Aero Car, and Hornblower Niagara Cruises open from April to October.

Year-round attractions: Experiences like Cave of the Winds, Journey Behind the Falls, and Skylon Tower are open year-round, with varied opening hours for each attraction based on seasons and weather.

Best time to visit

If you're looking to visit Niagara Falls without the crowds, weekdays are your best bet. This is a great time for photo ops, with shorter wait times at popular attractions and easily available parking. Weekends tend to be more crowded depending on the season, but it brings with it a more bustling atmosphere with street performers, live music, and other entertainment options.

Summer is the most popular time to visit Niagara Falls given the ideal temperatures (between 70F and 80F). However, you can consider visiting during September & October, when hotels tend to be cheaper and the seasonal attractions are still open. The weather can get tricky with the coming of Winter, with temperatures ranging between 42F and 59F.

More about Niagara Falls timings

How do I get to Niagara Falls?

From the US side

By public transport

Train: Amtrak runs a train that stops 6 minutes away from Niagara Falls by car. You can either take a taxi or rent a bike from the station.
Nearest station: Amtrak Niagara Falls Station (1.9 miles)
Bus: You can hop onto one of the several buses running to Niagara Falls that are run by Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, FlixBus, Greyhound, and New York Trailways.
Nearest bus stop: Rainbow Boulevard 1st Street West (0.3 miles)

By car

From Buffalo Niagara International Airport, take the I-290 W and I-190 N to reach the visitor center at Niagara Falls. The attraction is conveniently accessible from nearby cities via Interstate 90.

Parking: Parking is available near the Visitor Center, Goat Island, and Prospect Point.

From the Canadian side

By public transport

Train: Take the GO Train which offers a weekday service between Niagara Falls and Toronto, with one trip in the morning to the Falls and a return trip in the evening. Alight at the Niagara Falls GO Train Station, from where you can take The Niagara Falls WEGO transit bus.
Nearest station: Niagara Falls GO Train Station (2.4 miles)
Bus: Take one of the several buses by GO Bus, MegaBus, FlixBus, and Niagara AirBus that offer trips to Niagara Falls.
Nearest bus stop: Table Rock, Niagara Falls (400 meters)

By car

Niagara Falls is about 1.5 hours away from Toronto Pearson International Airport. From the airport, take ON-427 S to Queen Elizabeth Way and exit at ON-420 E. Make your way towards the Niagara River Parkway, where you will spot the Table Rock Visitors Center.

Parking: Niagara Parks Power Station, the Falls Parking (Lot A), Floral Showhouse Parking (Lot B), and Rapidsview Parking (Lot C).

Getting to Niagara Falls >

Know before you go

Facilities

Accessibility

Visiting with family

Rules & regulations

Dining

Shop

Stay

Nearby

Restrooms: Restrooms are easily available on both sides of Niagara Falls, including at the Niagara Falls State Park Visitor Center, Table Rock Centre, Journey Behind the Falls, and other attractions.
Visitor center: You can find a visitor center in Niagara Falls State Park and at Table Rock Welcome Centre, where you can get helpful information, maps, and more.
Dining: Restaurants are available on the US and Canadian sides, including the Top of the Falls Restaurant and Table Rock House Restaurant.
Picnic areas: There are designated picnic areas with views of the Falls across Niagara Falls State Park and Niagara Parks.
Gift shop: There are official gift shops at Table Rock Centre in Canada and the Visitor Center in the US.
Parking: Multiple paid parking lots are available, with fees varying by season. You can park at Prospect Point, Goat Island, and Niagara Gorge in the US, and Niagara Parks Power Station or the Falls Parking (Lot A) in Canada.
ATM: While there are no ATMs within either of the parks, you can find them just outside, within walking distance.

Wheelchair accessible: You can rent wheelchairs at Sight See Rentals in the US and at a few Niagara Parks attractions in Canada. Most pathways and major attractions, like Journey Behind the Falls, Table Rock Centre, and the Hornblower Niagara Cruises, have wheelchair-accessible routes and facilities.
Accessible parking: Designated accessible parking spaces are available in all major parking lots, including those at Table Rock Centre at the foot of the ramp to the Bridge of Flowers.
Restrooms: You can find accessible restrooms with changing stations at Table Rock Centre, Journey Behind the Falls, Visitor Center, Cave of the Winds Pavilion and other major attractions.

To make the most of your trip, take your family between April and October, when all the seasonal attractions, including boat tours and walkways to the Falls, are open.
Adventure activities like the Zipline to the Falls and Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours have separate age restrictions. There are no specific age restrictions for most other attractions, like Maid of the Mist and Journey Behind the Falls. However, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Include non-Fall attractions like the Aquarium of Niagara and Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory to enhance your experience.
Decide on must-see attractions beforehand and allow time for rest.
Pack some snacks to eat in the various picnic spots with tables and benches across the parks between visiting attractions.
You can find family-friendly restrooms with changing stations throughout the park.
Both parks are stroller-friendly, with paved pathways.
Keep an eye on children, especially near the water, and don’t let them lean against the railings on the viewing decks and on boat tours.

If you are a foreign tourist crossing the border, carry your passport and visa obtained from your home country.
Citizens of the US and Canada will have to carry a valid government-issued ID, such as their passport, to cross the border.
A flight restriction that amounts to a no-fly zone exists in the vicinity of Niagara Falls State Park, so drones are not allowed in this area.
In Canada, you must carry a valid drone pilot certificate to take a drone with you.
Let your pets enjoy a day at Niagara Falls State Park with you, but remember to keep them on a 6-foot leash at all times. Also, keep in mind that they are not allowed in any buildings or attractions unless they are service animals.
While you can shoot photos and videos for personal use, you will need a permit for commercial film or still photography shoots.

USA

Top of the Falls Restaurant: Enjoy sustainable and locally sourced fare at this restaurant within Niagara Falls State Park on Goat Island. The restaurant overlooks Terrapin Point. Its menu includes homestyle chicken tenders and Niagara Fish and chips.
Cave of the Winds Snack Bar: Located at the Cave of the Winds Pavilion on Goat Island, this restaurant offers a quick snack that is easily accessible to those exploring the Cave of the Winds attraction. Try the hot dogs and fries at this counter-service outlet.
Tastes of Niagara: Experience the rich and diverse food culture of the Niagara region at Tastes of Niagara, located at the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Welcome Center. Get yourself something from local favorites like Costanzo’s Bakery, Perry’s Ice Cream, and more!

Canada

Table Rock House Restaurant: With a menu crafted to offer a blend of contemporary Canadian cuisine and a nod to local culinary traditions, Table Rock House Restaurant serves fare that highlights the flavors of the Niagara region. Try the peach lemonade mimosa and Manitoulin Island rainbow trout.
Skylon Tower: Go to the revolving dining room at Skylon Tower for a meal with an unmatched view. Enjoy roast meats, pasta, seafood, and vegetarian options with 360-degree views here.
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar: A popular restaurant at Embassy Suites, The Keg Steakhouse + Bar is famous for its prime rib, which is cooked to perfection and served with a choice of sides.

Dining at Niagara Falls >

USA: You can find Niagara Falls State Park's gift shops at Top of the Falls and Cave of the Winds. Buy yourself Niagara Falls-themed mugs, clothes, toys, and other knick-knacks to gift your loved ones.

Canada: Head over to the Niagara Parks Shops and Queen Victoria Place Gift Shop to take home a piece of your water adventure with Canadian-themed giftware and unique souvenirs.

Your guide to shopping at Niagara Falls

USA

Canada

More hotels nearby

Canada

Floral Clock: Walk along the scenic Niagara Parkway to reach a beautiful botanical wonder, the Floral Clock. The clock that measures 40 feet in diameter is bedded with 16,000 carpet plants and colorful annuals.
Niagara Falls History Museum: A 9-minute drive from Table Rock Welcome Centre, the Niagara Falls History Museum is a good place to learn about this famous city's unique history and cultural heritage. Don’t forget to stop by the museum’s gift shop for Niagara Falls-themed souvenirs!
Clifton Hill: Just 1.7 miles away from Table Rock Welcome Centre is Clifton Hill, one of the most famous streets in Niagara Falls and a must-visit non-Falls attraction. This street is home to the Niagara Skywheel, as well as shops, wax museums, mini-golf, souvenir outlets, themed restaurants, and more!

USA

Aquarium of Niagara: Located near the Niagara Gorge, the Aquarium of Niagara is a short distance from Niagara Falls. Get acquainted with the aquarium’s beloved residents, including seals, sea lions, and penguins.
Whirlpool State Park: About 2.7 miles north of the Niagara Falls Visitor Center is Whirlpool State Park, where you can hike and picnic while enjoying breathtaking views of the Niagara Whirlpool and rapids.
Castellani Art Museum: This museum is in the heart of the Niagara University campus, a 12-minute drive from Niagara Falls. It houses over 5,000 pieces of mainly modern and contemporary art, offering a rich and diverse art experience on your visit to the Falls.

Niagara Falls highlights

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Journey Behind the Falls

Explore a series of tunnels carved into the rock behind Niagara Falls, where you can feel the rumble and hear the roar of the Falls. The tunnels open into observation decks where you can stand near the immense water flowing over the edge.

Visitor tips

Don’t miss out on either side of Niagara Falls. Both have unique attractions that will enhance your visit.
If you plan on visiting both sides, ensure you have a valid passport and visa for crossing the border between the US and Canada.
Since Niagara Falls is a popular destination, hotel rooms near the Falls tend to be sold out during peak season. Book your lodging a couple of months in advance to avoid the hassle of scouring for your stay.
Remember to bring a change of clothes and footwear because you’ll be wet around the Falls area.
To avoid the hassle of parking, take the Niagara Scenic Trolley in the US or the WEGO bus system in Canada to travel between attractions.
While there are plenty of food options in and around the park areas, carrying water and snacks along will help you stay energized between visiting attractions.
You might need help figuring out where to start on your Niagara Falls visit. Take a guided tour for an efficient itinerary curated by expert guides who will share interesting nuggets during your tour.
Visit nearby non-Falls attractions like the Whirlpool State Park, Clifton Hill, Aquarium of Niagara, and more!

Frequently asked questions about visiting Niagara Falls

How long should I plan to stay at Niagara Falls?

A 2- to 3-day visit to Niagara Falls ets you fully explore both sides of the Falls and nearby attractions. This allows time for boat tours, observation decks, parks, and other activities without feeling rushed.

Can I see both the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls from either side of Niagara Falls?

Yes, you can see the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls from both the US and Canadian sides, but the perspectives are different. We recommend you visit the Canadian side, which offers a more panoramic view of all three Falls, including Bridal Veil Falls.

Are there guided tours available?

There are several guided tours available on both sides of Niagara Falls, ranging from boat tours and walking tours to bus tours that include multiple attractions.

How can I avoid the crowds at Niagara Falls?

Visit Niagara Falls outside the peak summer season between June and August, to avoid the summer rush.

Are there family-friendly activities at Niagara Falls?

If you’re taking your family to Niagara Falls, they can enjoy several family-friendly activities, including boat tours, the Butterfly Conservatory in Canada, Niagara SkyWheel, the Aquarium of Niagara in the US, and various parks and hiking trails suitable for all ages.

Can I bring my pet to Niagara Falls?

You can bring your pet to the outdoor areas of the parks on both sides of Niagara Falls, but it must be leashed. Pets are not permitted in indoor attractions or on boat tours.

Are there any free attractions at Niagara Falls?

You can view the Falls from the various observation points on both sides of Niagara Falls for free. Apart from this, you can do several activities for free along the fall, including walking through Niagara Falls State Park and exploring Dufferin Islands in Canada. You can also watch the nightly illumination of the Falls without having to pay a fee.

How can I experience the Falls at night?

Visit Niagara Falls at night to view the Falls illuminated with colorful lights and the seasonal firework displays. This can be viewed from both the US and Canadian sides, as well as from the various observation points along the Falls.

Can I swim in the Niagara River?

You cannot swim in the Niagara River. It is extremely dangerous and prohibited due to strong currents and the proximity to the Falls. You can even be arrested for the same.