10 Best Ways to See Niagara Falls

To get as close to the Niagara Falls as physically possible, hop aboard the legendary Hornblower catamaran from Niagara City Cruises. In this 20-minute journey, you’ll first sail past the iconic Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls, before you emerge into the heart of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

You’ll soon be close enough to feel the spraying mist of the magnificent Falls against your face like a refreshing balm to the summer heat. Be sure to wear something that you don’t mind getting damp. There are plenty of opportunities to snap pictures as you cruise but be aware that even the slightest bit of mist on your lens will affect your photos.

If you’d like a truly unforgettable experience, ascend the awe-inspiring Skylon Tower, an observatory that stands 236 metres above the Falls. A rotating observation deck as grand as this one is already an adventure, but when paired with a legendary restaurant it becomes an incredibly special event.

Whether you opt for award-winning continental cuisine or the casual yet delicious buffet, you’ll be treated to up to 120 km of panoramic views of the Falls, the Gorge and the surrounding city skylines. And, with a 3D/4D film and a family entertainment centre within the concourse, you’ll be able to enjoy these natural wonders at their very best.

A perfect example of humanity and nature working in harmony, Queen Victoria Park also happens to be a prime viewing spot for the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Amongst the bountiful green spaces, you’ll discover a rock garden, a hybrid tea rose garden and many meticulously pruned floral displays. And they are all backdropped with magnificent views of the Falls.

Stop by the renowned Queen Victoria Place Restaurant to sample summer berry salads or roasted salmon. The park also hosts special events throughout the year, from Canada Day fireworks to the Winter Festival of Lights, and more. Come by in the evening, you’ll get to witness Niagara Falls illuminated in a rainbow of colours.

Travellers looking for a unique adventure should undertake the Journey Behind the Falls. This year-round attraction allows you to explore the cascades of Niagara Falls from behind and below via a 38-metre elevator ride through the bedrock. Walk alongside the massive sheet of water as it crashes into the basin below before emerging at the foot of the Falls. Make sure you don a poncho and bring a waterproof camera.

The 130-year-old tunnels behind the Horseshoe Falls are brimming with history, and you’ll be able to learn all about them through informative exhibits. Visit in winter when the Falls will be framed by a blanket of snow and adorned with glistening icicles.

There’s no better way to appreciate the enormity of the Niagara Falls than by a thrilling helicopter tour. From the moment you lift off there will be exciting sights, including whirlpool rapids and the Rainbow Bridge, before you finally glide over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. You won’t be able to believe your eyes when you see rainbows appearing in every direction along the cascading water.

Viewing the Falls from above is an incomparable perspective, and all helicopters will have large windows so you can mark the journey of a lifetime with a photograph. Chartered flights are available for extra special occasions and daring couples can start their married life in style with an aerial wedding directly over Niagara Falls.

Cable cars are always exciting, but Whirlpool Aero Car that trundles over 1 km across the Niagara River is something truly sensational. Hop aboard the bright red open-air cabin with its yellow arch and pass over swirling rapids and the majestic Niagara Gorge at a leisurely pace that gives plenty of time for marvelling and photographing.

The Whirlpool Aero Car attraction has been delighting tourists since the late 1800s and has recently undergone refurbishments to ensure it continues doing just that for generations to come. Though the car runs between 2 points on the Canadian shore, you’ll actually cross the border into America multiple times thanks to how the river bends. Don’t worry, you won’t need your passport.

Clifton Hill features several attractions based around the Falls, but their Niagara Skywheel is an ideal choice if you’d like to enjoy panoramic views in a soft-paced and relaxing way. Their climate-controlled gondolas provide comfort and a unique, unsurpassed viewpoint of the surrounding horizons as they meander an impressive 53 metres above the Niagara Falls.

The sight is spectacular during the daytime, of course, but ride this observation wheel in the evening to be treated to a dazzling display of lights across the Niagara skyline. The gondolas’ glass windows are non-reflective, so any photos you take will perfectly represent the view of a lifetime.

Cross the borders to experience the USA’s original Niagara Falls boat tour, the Maid of the Mist. These electric catamaran-style ships are gentle to the environment and provide a smooth and relaxing cruise. You’ll be close enough to hear the roar of the cascading water and feel the mist on your face, so make sure you don your complimentary poncho.

Why not arrange a group tour for a truly unique way to celebrate a special occasion? You can snap a selfie with your friends and family with the Falls as a magnificent backdrop. You can even be sure to get a photo from every angle as the modern boats can turn 360 degrees.

On the USA’s side of Niagara, you’ll find Goat Island, which is home to a renowned viewing experience, Cave of the Winds. When looking at the sheer might of the Falls from afar, it’s easy to think you’d never get close to the water, but the Cave of the Winds allows you to stand almost beneath the cascades. Descend into Niagara Gorge and emerge onto a series of walkways to the Hurricane Deck, a mere 6 metres from the stunning Bridal Veil Falls.

You should stop by the Pavilion for the new indoor multimedia experience, The World Changed Here. Learn all about the history of the natural wonder that is Niagara Falls through games, cinema and interactive exhibits.

The Observation Tower at Niagara Falls State Park in New York’s Niagara Falls State Park is a spectacular way to view the natural beauty of Niagara River and its waterfalls. Climbing the 86-metre-tall tower is breathtaking experience. Described as an “architectural wonder”, this lookout point extends over Niagara Gorge to give unobstructed views of the Falls and the surrounding scenery. Adventurous visitors can climb the Crow’s Nest for a closer look, and a spray of Niagara mist in the face.

Bird watching is a popular pastime here too, so watch out for classic American birds of prey such as the peregrine falcon and the bald eagle. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for the perfect souvenir.