10 of the Best Views Of Niagara Falls: U.S.A,. and Canada
Has seeing the thunderous power of Niagara Falls been a bucket list item for you? Want to see what all the hype surrounding it is? Living in New York, we have visited several times, and we can tell you, that yes, Niagara falls is worth a visit. The destination boasts some of the most scenic views in the U.S. and Canada, and we are here to share with you some of the best views of Niagara Falls!
There are ways to view the falls from below, behind, from the top, by air, and by boat, allowing you to see the falls from truly unique perspectives. When planning your visit to Niagara Falls, whether you choose to visit the U.S. side, Canada side, or both (which we recommend), adding as many of these options as possible will give you the most complete experience. You will also want to consider all of the other fun things to do in the area, including nature escapes, shopping, dining, casinos, history, and quirky, fun attractions.
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Best Views of Niagara Falls in Canada
Journey Behind the Falls
The Journey Behind the Falls experience takes you down below and behind the Horseshoe Falls for some of the best views of Niagara Falls. The tour takes you down 125 feet to a platform beside the falls and gives you the opportunity to walk through 130 year old tunnels carved into the bedrock behind the falls. With elevators taking you down to the tunnels and platform, the stunning views of the falls are easily accessible for everyone. The attraction is partially wheelchair accessible to the upper viewing platform, but stairs are required for the lower platform.
Before your visit to Journey Behind the Falls, be sure to check their current prices and operating hours. Tours are offered year round, giving you the chance to see the falls in the summer sun or frozen in the winter (although seeing the falls completely frozen is very rare). If you are visiting other area attractions in Niagara Falls, Ontario, consider purchasing the Wonder Pass, which gives you access to seven attractions for one price.
Take a Helicopter Ride
For a birds-eye view of Niagara Falls, the Niagara River, and other top destinations in the area, consider a helicopter tour. Niagara Falls Helicopters offers daily sightseeing tours that take you above the mighty Niagara Falls and rapids of the Niagara River, down to the whirlpool, over Queen Victoria Park, and over many of Niagara Falls, Ontario’s top sights. This option for viewing the falls can get pricey but the views it offers are a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Lunch at Skylon Tower
Skylon Tower sits 775ft. above the falls and offers attractions and dining options for visitors as well as an observation deck with some of the best views of Niagara Falls. You can choose from two dining experiences, the revolving dining room that rotates 360 degrees over an hour, or the buffet restaurant. Both will offer great views of the American and Horseshoe Falls below. After getting, head up to the observation deck for some more great views of both the falls and the city. If you prefer to visit the observation deck without dining, you can purchase a ride to the top pass. For a truly unique experience, visit during the day and at night when the falls are lit up.
Niagara Falls Boat Tour: Voyage to the Falls
The Voyage to the Falls tour offers another one of the best views of Niagara Falls. Hop onboard and get up close and personal with the mighty Niagara Falls.The boat ride will take you along the Niagara River past the American Falls and to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls. You can choose to do a day tour or a night tour when the falls are illuminated and on select nights, get a close up seat to a fireworks display over the falls.
Warning: Be prepared to get wet! A poncho is provided for your convenience.
Best Views of Niagara Falls: Stroll the Niagara Falls Parkway
A walkway along the falls in Ontario gives you the opportunity to stroll at your leisure along the Falls and the Niagara River, giving you views of both the American and Horseshoe Falls. You can choose to do a day tour or a night tour when the falls are illuminated and on select nights, get a close up seat to a fireworks display over the falls.
The Table Rock Welcome Center sits just beside the Horseshoe falls and allows you to get very close to where the water begins to flow over the Falls. The visitor center also offers dining options, shops, and select attractions, such as Journey Behind the Falls. The Queen Victoria Park sits across the highway from the walkway and gives you some beautiful views of the Falls and gardens within the park.
Best Views of Niagara Falls in the U.S.A.
Maid of The Mist Boat Tour
Similar to the Voyage of the Falls tour, the Maid of the Mist will take you along the Niagara River, by the American Falls, and to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls. The boats provide an outdoor observation deck and indoor area. The attraction is generally open from April to November, depending on weather conditions. Another positive, the Maid of the Mist experience recently updated to support sustainable efforts, with 2 fully electric boats to create a quieter and more environmentally friendly experience.
Cave of the Winds Experience
The Cave of the Winds is a unique experience on the American side of Niagara Falls that takes you up close to the American Falls. The attraction consists of a series of boardwalks and viewing platforms that will bring you to the foot of the falls. Be on the lookout, you may be able to spot a rainbow over the falls!
The Cave of the Winds is open year-round, again giving you the chance to see the falls in the summer and winter.The experience is timed, so you will have to purchase a timed ticket at the Cave of The Winds Plaza on Goat Island. Before or after your tour be sure to stop and see the photo gallery to learn about the history of the falls.
Warning: You will get wet with this experience, but ponchos are provided. Be sure to bring shoes that can get wet.
Best Views of Niagara Falls: The Niagara Falls Observation Tower
The Niagara Falls Observation Tower is a 282-foot tower in Niagara Falls State Park. This attraction provides one of the best views of Niagara Falls in the U.S., offering a panoramic view of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls from the observation deck.You can also take an elevator down to the gorge and climb a series of steps to Crow’s Nest for another unique experience. There is a minor fee ($1.25 at the time of this writing), to use the observation deck and elevator. This is also where you will access the Maid of the Mist tour, but a boat tour is not necessary to access the elevators.
Terrapin Point
Terrapin Point is an observation area between the Horseshoe Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls on Goat Island. This viewpoint gives you views of the Niagara River from above, looking towards Canada. The observation point is near the gift shop and visitor center, and is easily accessible on a paved trail, making it stroller and wheelchair accessible.
The Rainbow Bridge
A walk across the Rainbow Bridge provides another one of the best views of Niagara Falls in the U.S. The bridge extends over the Niagara River, connecting the U.S. to Canada. It has a pedestrian walkway that you can explore on foot or bike, looking out down the river towards the falls. You will need a passport or enhanced drivers license (U.S. citizens) to access the bridge. There is also a small fee on both the U.S. and Canada sides.
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About Me
I’m Melissa, but you can call me Missy. I continuously crave a new adventure and love sharing those adventures with you! My sidekick is my 5 year old daughter. Together we are conquering the world, one city at a time! Find family travel tips and guides that will help you plan your next adventure!
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Journey Behind the Falls was a super cool experience for sure. And I have done the heli tour and that was also amazing!! Great list!!
Yes, so many great ways to see the falls! Personally I have not had the opportunity to take a helicopter ride, but I know people who have. It must be an amazing experience!