Niagara Falls

Introduction

Niagara Falls

© Peter52p

The Niagara Falls are one of the most impressive and famous waterfalls in the world. The falls can be observed from both Canada and USA. Although the Canadian side has been developed into a big tourist attraction, the falls haven't lost any of their appeal. The falls consist of the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side, which are almost 800 metres wide and have a direct vertical drop of over 50 metres, and the American Falls, which are about 320 metres wide and just over 20 metres tall. The small Bridal Veils are on the American side as well, separated from the American Falls with a single drop of almost 20 metres as well. The total drop of these falls is over 50 metres. The Canadian and American side are separated by Goat Island.

There are debates over whether the Canadian or American side offers the best view, but one of the closest views of the falls can be seen from The Maid of the Mist. Maid of the Mist is a boat that takes tourists to the foot of the falls, where you can better appreciate their thunder and spray. Price for a trip aboard the Maid of the Mist is $14.00 (Cdn) for adults. The boat runs in the spring, summer and fall. The opening date depends on the ice flow in the Niagara River, so check the Maid of the Mist website for the exact opening dates. If you would rather walk, the Cave of the Winds takes you to the base of the Bridal Veils Falls.

Opening Hours

You can visit the falls every day of the year and every season has its charm. Summer is very busy through so try to visit during spring or fall if you can. Wintertime provides the oportunity to see the falls (partly) frozen and with snow.

Getting There

Most travellers will be coming either from Toronto or from the United States from Buffalo (New York) or Detroit (Michigan).

By Plane

Travellers can fly into Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Airport (Code: YYZ). From the airport, numerous shuttle bus services run directly to Niagara Falls. Check the Toronto airport's ground transportation page for companies providing services.

From Buffalo Niagara International Airport (Code: BUF) in Buffalo, NY State, you can take a car, bus, or taxi to Niagara Falls (about 20-30 minutes).

Limited air service can also come into Canada's Hamilton's John C. Munro Airport (code: YHM) or Niagara Falls Intl Airport (code: IAG) across the border in the USA.

By Train

Via Rail and Amtrak both have service passing through Niagara Falls for trains between Toronto and New York City (via Albany). Service is infrequent and expensive.

By Bus

Trentway-Wagar and Coach Canada offer a joint service to Niagara Falls (Canada side) from Toronto via St. Catharines. Adult same-day return fare is roughly $30. There are several departures to and from Niagara Falls per day. Phone: 1-800-461-7661.

Visitors staying in Toronto can also catch a tour from various tour providers.

The Niagara Parks Commission People Mover is a bus service in the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. The service links the various tourist sights and attractions along the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls and the gorge downstream of it. The service operates every 20 minutes from April to October each year. A single all-day ticket, issued as a sticker, allows passengers to hop on and off the buses along the route, and also allows the holder to ride the Falls Incline Railway. Adult (13 years and over) $7.50, children 6-12 years $4.50, children 5 and under ride for Free. People Mover Website

For further distances, Niagara Transit operates 10 routes in the city. Fares for adults are $2.25, students and seniors (providing ID) pay $2.00, children from 6 to 12 ride for $1.00 and children 5 and under are free. Check the Niagara Transit website for routes.

Eat/Drink

There are numerous options to grab something to eat and drink, especially on the Canadian side.

Sleep

Most of the accommodation options are on the Canadian site of the falls. These, including travellers' ratings are listed below. If you have difficulties finding accommodation you can also try the American side.

External Links