How to Get the Best Views of Niagara Falls

Best Views of Niagara Falls Last Updated: March 11th, 2023

Shared between Canada and America, this spectacular landmark is often sought out by travellers. But where do you find the best view of Niagara Falls, Canada?

As one of Canada’s most popular natural attractions, Niagara Falls has been attracting visitors for more than a century. Some even consider it one of the world’s natural wonders. It is a very beautiful place and a very popular place to visit, both on the Canadian side and on the American side.

As you may know, the falls split the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA. You can view the falls from both the American side and the Canadian side but, in our humble opinion, the best way to see them is from the Canadian side.

This is where you can get up close and personal with Horseshoe Falls, the most impressive of the three falls that make up Niagara Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the one you’ve all seen in photos. However, there are also American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

Niagara Falls Facts

Before we get into how to get the best shows of the falls, I wanted to share some cool facts about Niagara Falls with you.

• The 3 waterfalls (Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil) combine to produce the highest flow rate of any waterfall on Earth.
• The largest vertical drop is over 50 metres (165 feet).
• Niagara Falls are a major source of hydropower, producing a lot of electricity.
• Although the force of Niagara Falls is controlled, they let it go strong during the popular summer months, when up to six million cubic metres of water flows over the crest each minute.
• Niagara Falls occurs as water drains from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario.
• If erosion continues at its current rate, scientists believe that Niagara Falls will be gone in approximately 50,000 years. Get there fast!
• Roughly 30 Million people visit Niagara Falls each year.
• People have gone over the falls, despite it being illegal to do so. Some have even survived, but many were injured or killed.
• People have tight-roped across the falls. First in 1859, and again in 2012.
• Niagara Falls is one of the most popular things to do in Ontario.

As you can see, Niagara Falls has been a source of inspiration for years. Whether that inspiration has been to go over them and survive or simply kick back and enjoy the wonderful views.

If you do make it to this beautiful area, there are many different ways to see Niagara Falls.

Best Niagara Falls View Point, Canada

There are many spots where you can expect brilliant fall views from magnificent Canada. Some of these will take you right up to the roaring waterfalls, while others offer equally superb scenes of the river instead.

The Niagara Falls Promenade

Everyone who visits Niagara Falls will see them from the main promenade. This is the sidewalk that snakes its way along the cliff, looking down at Niagara River before reaching the top of the falls.

You can see the falls right up close and personal or from far away. If you walked the entire sidewalk, it would likely take you 30 minutes. However, the best place to see them is right at the crest, witnessing the water drop off. For us, it’s mesmerizing to see up close.

Journey Behind the Falls

Another popular thing to do is to go behind the falls and experience the roar from a new perspective. For some, this is the best place to view Niagara Falls. This is a paid attraction and there are two parts to the “Behind the Falls” experience.

First, you’ll get to go down onto a platform that sits right next to Horseshoe Falls. They’ll give you a plastic rain poncho if you need one because you’ll definitely get a little wet. For us, this was one of the coolest things to do as the view is hard to beat.

Once you’ve had enough of this area, you’ll walk through 130-year-old tunnels built into the bedrock and actually go behind the falls. This is usually busy and so you’ll be very limited but it’s an incredible way to see the falls from behind and to hear the thunderous sound they make as they fall 160 feet.

Go on a Cruise

Probably the most popular thing to do of all the Niagara Falls attractions, taking a cruise to the base of the falls is an incredible way to see their fury, their beauty, and to taste the water. That’s right, you’ll definitely get a little wet on the cruise but if you open your mouth, you’ll get to taste Niagara Falls!

Helicopter Flight Over Niagara Falls

While this is the most expensive way to see the falls, it’s certainly worth the price. You can take an amazing 12-minute helicopter flight over Niagara Falls, witnessing from the sky as the mist rises high above the falls.

As someone who truly loves a world-class view, nothing can beat a helicopter tour over Niagara Falls. It’s just so amazing to see them from high up and see all landscapes surrounding them. This is also one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls for couples, making for a romantic date for any occasion.

Whitewater Walk

This is another Niagara Falls attraction organized by Niagara Parks Ontario and is basically a self-guided tour along the Niagara River. You won’t actually see Niagara Falls on the whitewater walk but you will get to walk next to the powerful class-6 rapids. From here, you’ll see how much power is generated downstream from the falls.

It’s a beautiful walk with many different viewing platforms and educational platforms about the geology of the Niagara Gorge and the plant and animal life you might see during your visit.

Whirlpool Aero Car

Designed by a renowned Spanish engineer, Leonardo Torres Quevedo, the Whirlpool Aero Car has been treating visitors to beautiful views since 1916. The antique cable car offers spectacular views of the swirling Niagara Whirlpool and the boats that take people down the class-6 rapids.

While you will not see Niagara Falls from this attraction, it’s another good way to see the powerful river that it creates.

Fun fact: Although the Whirlpool Aero Car travels between two Canadian points, you will technically cross the international borderline between Canada and the United States for a total of four times each trip! No passport is required.

What to Do in Niagara Falls Canada

Niagara Falls is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Canada. For us, it’s like Las Vegas in a way, with a variety of casinos, hotels, and places like Ripley’s Believe or Not.

Finding activities and fun things to do will not be hard. It’s one of those places that can be designed for couples, families, and solo travellers.

Besides the tours and activities mentioned above, you can also marvel at the scenic views from the observation tower. Or admire the best view of Niagara Falls from the SkyWheel. For more daring visitors, there’s also a zipline to the Falls. There’s also the chance to spend time in Queen Victoria Park and take in the lush scenery.

Places to Visit in Niagara Falls

If you like wine, you’re in luck. Niagara Falls is located just 30 minutes away from Niagara on the Lake, one of Canada’s most prominent wine regions. Here you’ll find hundreds of wineries to visit and do wine tastings.

The town of Niagara-on-the-lake is also beautiful and historic and is home to an array of delicious eateries and bakeries. Find your new favourite restaurant, meet the locals, and take in the surrounding views.

Visitors can enjoy a walking foodie tour of Niagara-on-the-lake and discover the many excellent dining opportunities in the town. Or head out to the wine country and do a tasting tour.

Planning a Trip to Niagara Falls

If you’re visiting Niagara Falls and reading this blog, you’re probably looking for ways to make it the best trip ever. Niagara Falls is extremely popular and a very easy place to visit with as a couple or as a family with kids.

Since this is Must Do Canada, we only talk about the Niagara Falls Canada side. After all, we’ve never been to the American side.

Where is Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls is located on the Canada-USA border, just 1.5 hours south of Toronto and only 30-minutes away from Niagara-on-the-lake. There’s a bridge that crosses the border to Buffalo, New York.

Where to Stay for a Niagara Falls Viewpoint

There are many hotels, ranging from budget to luxury, and there are also hotels that will offer you a Niagara Falls view from Canada. As you can see from above, there are many ways to see Niagara Falls, so if a Fallsview hotel is not in the budget, just stay further away from the falls. There are buses that take tourists all over the area, and many hotels are within walking distance. There are also hundreds of taxies.

Here’s a range of hotels on offer:

• Budget – Howard Johnson by Wyndham
• Mid-range – Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview
• Luxury – Courtyard by Marriott

Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls Canada

The busiest time to visit for amazing views of the falls is during the summer. If you’re visiting at this time, you’ll want to book far in advance to ensure you have a hotel. Spring and fall will be less busy and winter will be the least busy time of year to visit.

We’ve never been during the winter but from the pictures we’ve seen, it looks absolutely beautiful with snow all around. Niagara Falls holidays are the same as Canada as a whole. The busiest holidays will be New Year, Canada Day, Victoria Day, and Labour Day.

Where to See Niagara Falls

We think that Canada offers the best view of Niagara Falls, even if we are a little biased. So come and see for yourself and find all the exceptional places that offer views of the falls.

If you’re looking for other things to do near the falls, we recommend these articles below:

• Best Things To Do in Ontario
• Best Things To Do in Toronto
• Best Things To Do in Ottawa

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