Niagara Falls USA
The first half of the tour will take place at Maid of the Mist. Board this popular boat ride and start your Niagara USA experience with an up-close visit to the Falls.
1
Guided tour of Niagara Falls State Park
40 min
Tickets included
The legends and thrilling history of Niagara Falls come to life through stories of explorers and daredevils told to you by an expert guide. The 40-min walk will take you from Hennepin Rock to the Trolley Loop around Prospect Point.
Walk
2
Niagara Falls USA
Expert-guided tour that takes you right up to Niagara Falls.
Expert-guided tour that takes you right up to Niagara Falls.
Inclusions
Our guide Jacob was super awesome and very knowledgeable.. great personality and had a great rapport with everyone on the group!
My husband and I had a wonderful time! Greg was a knowledgeable and friendly guide. He took time to make everyone feel comfortable along the wat. Maid of the Mist was a roaring, great, fun filled experience and well worth the time and money. I highly recommend this tour and boat ride!
We all had a wonderful time. Our tour guide Greg was the best! He explained the history of Niagara Falls and was imformative. He was with the group the entire time. He even waited for us at the end and told us awesome daredevil stories about Niagara Falls. We appreciate the fun adventure and we highly recommend this experience.
Our guide, Bernie, was fantastic! Riding the Maid of the Mist is a life changing experience. Seeing the falls this way was incredible. The Cave of the Winds was absolutely wild!
So glad we spent the money for the tour. Our tour guide was amazing and very funny. The maid of the mist boat was amazing. Just remember you will get wet. 😆
Paul and Peter very beautiful person Thanks you so much
Fine ticketing guide was knowledgeable
Bernie was great very personable and sherry went above and beyond to help us after I went to the wrong side
Jacob our guide is wonderful! Loved his stories on daredevils
The passion behind every guide was edvident as you can tell they love what they do. It was pouring down rain but Greg kept us busy and distracted until we got to the Maid of the Mist and were able to settle. His excitement for all things nature is contagious and his people skills with all kinds is awesome. He is a gem!
Getting tickets was so easy! Our tour guide was very nice and easy to get along with! We really enjoyed talking to him! He was very adamant about safety.
Our guide was friendly but a lot of information was skipped over because we had a large group of children in our tour. We also had to wait in an extremely long line in order to get the tickets we thought we already had purchased. I feel like I would have been better off just purchasing the ticket on my own and exploring the park and falls independently.
Our guide was well spoken, made sure all guests were ok during our trip. On and off the boat and the walking through the park with stories of the daredevils was enjoyable
The Maid of the Mist ride was phenomenal, but Paul was an excellent guide. We especailly enjoyed the history of the daredevils.
The ability to have someone point out the highlights and not wait in the long line to get tickets or take the chance of missing out altogether. Tour guide was great! He is a current teacher and made the tour accessible to our whole party 9-44 years old.
The boat ride was great, but the "guided tour" was a joke. Very disorganized, and not very professional. I would have just walked up and bought my own ticket for the boat if I'd known you could.
The falls were incredible. Our guide Jacob was high energy and fun to follow. Easy directions before during and at the end of the tour. Thank you!
Ricky was really nice and the Maid of the Mist is a great experience but wouldn't waste my money on the tour since you can pay half the price at the ticket booth without a reservation and all you'd be missing is a few interesting facts that could be found on google. Paid for a 2 hour tour that only lasted an hour and then got told the tour is really 1.5 -2 hours.
The guide was very nice. But we could barely hear her. We thought she would be telling us more information about the falls, but she only had a small amount of information. We were able to go everywhere she took us so we did not need a guide.
The guide was the best, he gave facts and history and kept us engaged and entertained. Great job on his part! The lady that checked us in (had pink hair) was not friendly.
Jenn was attentive, helpful and fun! She kepy the tour interesting and even told us about upgrading our tour to include the Cave of Winds , and we're so glad she did. Awesome experience.
The boat ride was breathtaking.
Easy to use, clear instructions
The ride time is very less not as expected.
It was all wonderful. Bryan was excellent.
Hard Rock Café (333 Prospect St)
Meet your tour guide at the Hard Rock Café on 333 Prospect Street to begin your day of adventure at Niagara Falls USA. In case you've opted for the upgraded tour, you will be picked up directly from your downtown hotel.
1
Niagara Falls
Tickets included
Exploring Niagara Falls with a tour guide offers deeper insights, hidden viewpoints, and a seamless experience through the park’s top attractions. Please note that the sequence of attractions may vary based on the tour operator’s itinerary.
2
Niagara Gorge
Tickets included
Ride the elevator up the tower for stunning panoramic views of all three Falls—Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Walk
3
Cave of the Winds
Tickets included
Go on an unforgettable visit to the Cave of the Winds, where you'll descend to the Hurricane Deck and feel the power of the falls just feet away.
Walk
4
Niagara Observation Tower
Tickets included
The Niagara Observation Tower offers sweeping views of all three waterfalls, making it a perfect vantage point for photo ops and panoramic views.
5
Hard Rock Café (333 Prospect St)
Niagara’s best hits in one guided experience—boat ride, cave walk & epic observation tower views.
Niagara’s best hits in one guided experience—boat ride, cave walk & epic observation tower views.
Inclusions
Exclusions
My husband and I had THE best time thanks to Bryan! We got to see and do everything! He gave us other recommendations for after the tour was over and he wasn't lying we definatly had to see them! he was awesome, kept the group together, kept us entertained, had fun with us, he was seriously the best! AND ALSO BRYAN WE FOUND A BLACK SQUIRRELL, after cave of the winds! Lol Thank you so much for such a great tour and time! Best anniversary weekend ever!!!
The headout app was worthless because it didn't sync to my purchase. The app would get a 1 star. However, the people on my tour guide were great! Got a text that morning where to meet and very easy to locate. Very friendly folks. Left promptly. Our guide Bernie was great with giving historical stories of the falls. He also has a unique sense of humor that I found entertaining. Plenty of time for pictures and rest breaks while still feeling like the tour is moving. If you don't mind getting wet, this is a great way to feel the power of the falls without attempting a barrel ride!
Greg was amazing! We had such a great time! Getting all the stories and history was so much better than doing this on our own without a guide!
Our guide was so great. He got us through the busy crowds in the busiest day of the year. We saw everything we wanted in this one tour.
We loved the small group and our guide Naomi was great. She took us to the perfect picture spots and offered education about Niagra's history that was informative and concise. I highly recommend her. She kept my teenagers engaged in the history without boring them!
My family and I decided to do the Boat Ride, Cave of the Winds & Observation Tower Guided Tour. It's definitely worth it. There were a few hiccups along the way including a downpour but I'd definitely do it again. Our tour guide Jacob was great- interactive and funny and the falls are beautiful to look at.
Everything was amazing with the tour ! Our guide was awesome and took care of everything and was very helpful and knowledgeable
Had a good tour guide and enjoyed the history he shared. Since it was our first time to Niagara it was good to help find the layout but wish we could have spent more time at attractions and less time waiting.
Jacob was an awesome guide and made the experience immersive and enjoyable. Very personable guy, I will recommend him to anyone who is looking for a genuine experience.
The Maid of the Mist was great. Our tour guide was very friendly and upbeat. Enjoyed the day even though it was very hot.
It was well organized, started right on time. Got clear expectations of what to expect on the tour and the stops. Our tour guide Jacob was awesome! He even got our cranky teenager to get excited about everything. On tours like this, the guide makes or breaks the experience and Jacob definitely made it! He answered all of our autistic sons questions no matter how crazy they were. Great times had by all!
The tour guide (I think it was John) was very knowledgeable and organized. His stories were great. He made sure everyone was safe, accounted for and understood what to expect.
Jacob (sp?) was a fantastic guide! His management of group movement/timing helped take the experience to the next level.
The best thing about this tour was our guide Jacob. He was amazing. Gave us so much great information. There were a few timing snafus but all in all we loved our time at Niagara Falls!
It was a tad confusing at the beginning at the meeting place. But, everything went well. Mitch was a GREAT guide person!! Hopefully others will be lucky enough not to end up scheduling their tour when a couple of bus loads of middle school kids aren't available for their trip (for the Maid of the Mist boat tour). Regardless, we had a great time and would do it again!!
It was just a great experience. The falls are awesome. Steve was very knowledgeable about the falls and it's history. I am 81 traveling with a 14 year old and he kind of watched over me. He also volunteered to take photos so that I would be in them. He is a great guide.
The tour is great to help you move to each experience in a timely manner. Cheri did a great job interacting with everyone and providing interesting info about the past and the present.
We had a great time. So glad we did this tour and that we had Darryl as our tour guide. My husband and I could not imagine doing this without the help of this tour. Thank you from Cleveland.
Jacob was so energetic and had awesome stories! Plus, we even geeked out about some back-of-the-envelope hydroelectric power calculations!
I loved the cave of the winds and the maid of the mist.
Jacob was a great guide. We highly recommend you take this tour and hope he is your guide.
Our guide, Bryan. He was the absolute best!!!
Our host was a blast, she was super helpful in some of the local hotspots and local knowledge!
Location to meet and the guide for the tour!
Great experience and Brian was a great tour guide
Niagara Falls USA
The first part of the tour will take you to Cave of the Winds. Make your way to the Power Portal Archway on Goat Island where your tour will begin.
1
Cave of the Winds
Tickets included
The Cave of the Winds portion of the tour lets you walk beneath the thundering Bridal Veil Falls, with a thrilling experience on the Hurricane Deck just 20 feet from the cascade. You'll also explore the Gorge Walk, where you'll get breathtaking views of all three Niagara Falls waterfalls, especially during the summer when you can feel the full force of the mist.
2
World Transformed Here Pavilion
Tickets included
Your Cave of the Wind admission ticket also includes access to the World Transformed Here Pavilion. Here, you get a fascinating look at the history of Niagara Falls and the creation of the first US State Park. Interactive displays and a compelling film showcase the region’s transformation, from its natural wonders to its industrial impact, providing deeper context to your visit.
3
Guided tour
An expert tour guide will walk you through the most popular spots of Niagara Falls, including the Tesla Statue, Power Arch, and Luna Island. The guide will share the rich history and fascinating stories behind these landmarks, giving you a deeper understanding of the Falls and the surrounding area.
4
Niagara Falls USA
Get a personalized Cave of the Winds experience on this guided tour.
Get a personalized Cave of the Winds experience on this guided tour.
Inclusions
Our tour guide Jacob was amazing. He was funny, engaging and tells a story well. I am really glad we picked a tour instead of just buy the tickets and go to the cave. Learning the history of the falls and stories made it so much more interesting.
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the surroundings and what to expect when we get to the top we'll never forget our experience there
Tour was beautiful. Bernie was friendly and fun. We would have liked more info on the history/geography of the park.
Guide was very knowledgeable. Could have done without the Canada bashing.
Waited at the arch and no guide came. I decided to go to the ticket counter and was advised again to wait at the arch and a tour guide will arrive. No luck! I'm pretty sure it's a good app not very dependable guides. I had to buy 6 new tickets at the counter so the day wasn't a waste of time.
The tour guide never showed up. Repeated calls have been ignored. It's not even possible to leave a message. I expect to have the full cost of my tickets refunded. A total rip off.
The local guide never showed up We requested refund, didn't hear anything back yet
2 starting points available
1. Niagara Falls, NY
Round-trip hotel transfers from within Niagara Falls City in New York.
2. Niagara Falls, ON
Round-trip hotel transfers from within Niagara Falls City in Ontario.
1
Maid of the Mist
2 attractions
Tickets included
Board the Maid of the Mist to get close to Niagara Falls' Horseshoe Falls. One of the oldest attractions at Niagara Falls, the Maid of the Mist offers a historic and scenic start to your day tour.
Terrapin Point
Nearby things to do
Boat
2
Cave of the Winds
Tickets included
Get behind-the-scenes and up close to the Bridal Veil Falls and feel the force of the water at Cave of the Winds for an immersive experience of the Falls.
3
Niagara Falls State Park
4 attractions
Tickets included
Visit the oldest state park in the US and go on a sightseeing adventure before making your way to the Canadian side of the Falls.
1. Three Sisters Islands
2. Prospect Point
3. Prospect Point Observation Tower
Nearby things to do
4
Skylon Tower
Tickets included
Ascend the glass elevator and get sweeping views of both the US and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls from over 500 feet in the air as you enter Skylon Tower's observation deck; the perfect way to start the second leg of your day trip.
5
Niagara Gorge
1 attractions
Tickets included
Reach the Niagara Gorge and get a top-view of the Falls as you learn more about the local legends, stories, and history behind the region. Explore the Park and the surrounding region along the way for a deeper and more enriching experience.
International Control Dam
6
Niagara Parks
6 attractions
Tickets included
1. Table Rock
2. Floral Clock
3. Floral Showhouse
4. Queen Victoria Park
5. Dufferin Islands
6. Old Scow
7
2 ending points available
1. Niagara Falls, NY
2. Niagara Falls, ON
See both the American and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls in one unforgettable full-day tour
See both the American and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls in one unforgettable full-day tour
Inclusions
Exclusions
Downtown Niagara Falls
No need to worry about getting there—your adventure begins with a downtown hotel pickup.
1
Prospect Point Observation Tower
Tickets included
Your first stop is the Prospect Point Observation Tower for clear views of all three Falls from a higher altitude.
Fun fact: This is the only place in Niagara Falls, NY where you can see the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls simultaneously.
2
Goat Island
Tickets included
On Goat Island, you’ll get stunning views of the American and Horseshoe Falls, plus access to the Bridal Veil Falls viewing area.
3
Cave of the Winds
Tickets included
Descend 175 ft into the Niagara Gorge and experience the Hurricane Deck near Bridal Veil Falls, where you’ll feel the rushing power of the water.
4
Whirlpool State Park
Tickets included
The last stop is the Whirlpool State Park where you can marvel at the powerful swirling waters of the Niagara Whirlpool from scenic overlooks along the gorge rim. For a closer look, take the stairs down to the river level and hike the Whirlpool Rapids Trail, where you'll experience the force of the Class 6 rapids up close .
5
Downtown Niagara Falls
A small-group tour to enjoy an intimate Niagara Falls adventure.
A small-group tour to enjoy an intimate Niagara Falls adventure.
Inclusions
We thoroughly enjoyed our day at Niagara Falls-Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Our guide was friendly and had a lot of patience. We highly suggest both tours -Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds! Headout made the ticketing experience convenient.
While our guide was very pleasant, we did not see any value add from taking the tour vs. doing the attractions on our own - certainly not worth the large mark-up just to be led from place to place. Most of the group arrived late so we wasted our time waiting for them, and then the group straggled so much it was difficult for the guide to share info. Also, the email confirmation had the wrong meeting place. If I hadn't called to get precise directions, we would have waited at the wrong location. Overall, it was not a positive experience and we would not waste our money again taking tours with Headout. Pleasant guide but company added no real value. Save money and just follow the signs and go on your own.
It was awesome and I enjoyed with the group
The tour guide was very good. It was fun
Small group and Gary was great!!!
We booked the 119$ tour which included all the sites and stops. First to note, our tour guide showed up in sagging sweats, no company logo or anything, really could have been anyone who walked by. While his attire didn't bother us, his lack of respect for not being on his phone did. He did not seem to know much facts of the tour, rather guesstimate. If only he would do the tour on his own and read all the monument sign posts he may learn what we had by reading them rather than listening to him. The sites we gorgeous, and views were breath taking. But I would advise anyone to save their money and do the sites on your own which will save you a lot of lack of informational talk, and money as the attractions that were booked on our behalf were 1/3 of our costs at best. It says up to 6 hours, we were done in 4. And while it says dinner will be shared amongst group, there is no food included. We will not recommend or use again,but the good intent is there. Just not price worthy. 317$ for 2 adults and 1 children, for things that would have costs about 120$ on our own. Do your homework on the attractions you'd like to see, I thought I had, but I didn't know what inwas looking for in a quick booking.
there was no audio guide we saw other guides giving more info about the whole area- we saw them spending more time with their group we could have bought our own tickets and did the whole thing in less time - too much time in between both the events
Tried to cancel my tickets 14 minutes after I bought it becasue I was in Canada , not the USA . Impossible !!! Spoke with someone whose English was very , very bad . Lost effort. Wrote, spoke, impossible. Now the claim is through my bank. First time in my life.
Bryan Tallmadge was a great guide. Knowledgeable, cordial, friendly. Tour was easy to schedule, prompt, well coordinated.
We had a fantastic tour guide! Niagara is breathtaking and this tour gets you so close to all the "must do's" while there.
Buena atención, a pesar del problema de definición del punto de encuentro. Fuera de eso todo muy bien
Didn't get product it was all over the place I hate I wasted 357
We had an amazing time with our guide Selen. First time for the both of us and she was so knowledgeable and friendly. Able to answer all of our questions and was full of interesting facts. We will be recommending to friends and family.
Great experience! Kids and older adults definitely can benefit from it!
Nobody showed up . We waited 45 minutes. I called and texted . My trip was ruined. Thanks
Downtown Niagara Falls, USA
Enjoy a pick-up from your hotel in Downtown Niagara Falls, USA.
1
Prospect Point Observation Tower
Tickets included
Before boarding the boat, enjoy stunning views from the Prospect Point Observation Tower above the dock. Marvel at the view from the only place on the US side where you can see all three falls—American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
2
Maid of the Mist
Tickets included
Your next stop will be a boat ride on the iconic Maid of the Mist. On the ride, experience the thunder of the falls up close—you might get a little wet, but a rain poncho is provided.
3
Goat Island
1 attractions
Next, you'll visit Goat Island, which also connects to Terrapin Point and Luna Island. Here, you'll explore the history of the Falls, see the Nikola Tesla monument, and get up close to Bridal Veil Falls, nestled between Goat and Luna Islands.
Nearby things to do
4
Cave of the Winds
Tickets included
After Goat Island, your guide will bring you to Cave of the Winds, where you'll descend 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge. From there, you'll walk a series of platforms leading to the "hurricane deck," just feet from Bridal Veil Falls—so close, it feels like standing in a tropical storm.
5
Helicopter Ride Over the Falls
Tickets included
After Cave of the Winds, it's time for the highlight of your day—a thrilling Rainbow Air helicopter ride over Niagara Falls, the gorge, and the surrounding landscape.
6
Downtown Niagara Falls, USA
Fly above Niagara, cruise the Mist & feel the Falls at Cave of the Wind on this guided tour.
Fly above Niagara, cruise the Mist & feel the Falls at Cave of the Wind on this guided tour.
Inclusions
Exclusions
2 starting points available
1. Hotel transfers from Niagara Falls City, Canada
The exact pick up time will be shared with you 1-3 days before the tour.
2. Hotel transfers from Niagara Falls, NY, US
The exact pick-up time will be shared with you 1-3 days before the tour.
1
Cave of the Winds (US)
Tickets included
Descend 175 ft. into the Niagara Gorge and traverse a series of walkways to reach the 'Hurricane Deck' at Cave of the Winds. Feel the wind & the mist, and hear the roar of the Bridal Veil Falls as you stand no more than a few feet away.
2
Goat Island & Luna Island (US)
Tickets included
End the US part of the tour with a visit to Goat Island and Luna Island with your guide. Learn more about the region's history, geography, and find out local stories as you explore the region.
3
Skylon Tower (Canada)
1 attractions
Tickets included
Enjoy a curated lunch with magnificent views of the Falls once you enter Canada, along with access to the observation deck.
1. Lunch at Skylon Tower
Lunch
Included in price
Begin your tour of Niagara Falls in Canada with a relaxing lunch at Skylon Tower with a scenic view of the Falls as your backdrop.
2. Skylon Tower Observation Deck
Tickets included
Head up to Skylon Tower's observation deck in the glass elevator and take in the view of the Falls and the surrounding region, and make sure to capture some photographs before you continue your tour.
4
Journey Behind the Falls (Canada)
Tickets included
Enter cave-like tunnels as you descend 125 ft. towards the Falls and get behind-the-scenes views of the curtain of water. Feel the water on your skin and the thunder from the Falls as you reach the observation decks. Capture the moment with a photograph or two, for a memory of a lifetime.
5
Niagara Whirlpool (Canada)
Tickets included
End your tour with a photo stop at Niagara Whirlpool, a naturally occurring whirlpool at the US-Canada border, and click scenic photographs of the views and the natural phenomenon before making your way to your hotels.
6
2 ending points available
1. Hotel transfers to Niagara Falls City, Canada
End your tour with hotel drop-offs across Niagara Falls City.
2. Hotel transfers to Niagara Falls, NY, US
End your tour with hotel drop-offs across Niagara Falls (US).
Experience both the Canadian and American sides of Niagara Falls on an expert-led tour.
Experience both the Canadian and American sides of Niagara Falls on an expert-led tour.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Great tour. Leila was an amazing tour guide. She was super friendly and very knowledgeable of the area. We learned things that we would have never known if we did not do the tour. It is well worth it. We had a private guide and did every major attraction in an expeditious manner. I highly recommend this tour.
Downtown Niagara Falls
Your Niagara Falls USA adventure kicks off with pickup right from your downtown hotel.
1
Cave of the Winds
Tickets included
First up is Cave of the Winds, where you’ll wander along wooden walkways leading to the hurricane deck. Get ready to feel the full force of Bridal Veil Falls.
P.S.: Expect to feel like you're standing in the middle of a tropical storm, even on a calm day.
Walk
2
Goat Island
Tickets included
Next, you’ll head over to Goat Island, tucked right between the American and Bridal Veil Falls. Goat Island is connected to both Terrapin Point and Luna Island. It’s the perfect spot for taking in the rush of the water and some seriously epic views.
What you'll see: The Nikola Tesla monument overlooking the Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls that is nestled between Goat Island and Luna Island.
Walk
3
Whirlpool State Park
Tickets included
At Whirlpool State Park, you’ll get a great view of the swirling Niagara Whirlpool Rapids. See the rapids twist and turn dramatically, creating a mesmerizing sight as the water rushes through the gorge.
Walk
4
Prospect Point Observation Tower
Tickets included
From the Prospect Point Observation Tower, you can enjoy unobstructed views of all three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls—the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls.This vantage point also offers a panoramic look at the Niagara River, the surrounding gorge, and the skyline of downtown Niagara Falls, Ontario.
5
Dinner
Tickets included
After your ride on the Maid of the Mist, your guide will take you to Steak Stone & Sushi for a well-deserved group dinner. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy a delicious meal, and chat with fellow tour members about the day’s adventure.
6
See the illuminated Falls from Goat Island
Tickets included
Your guide will take you back to Goat Island for a front-row seat to the illumination of the Niagara Falls. It’s the perfect way to end the day, watching the Falls light up in vibrant colors against the night sky.
Walk
7
Luna Island
Tickets included
Your last stop is Luna Island. You get one last look at the waterfalls illuminated in stunning colors from this peaceful spot. This tranquil island is located between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
Walk
8
Downtown Niagara Falls
Experience Niagara Falls by day & night with its most popular attractions, & a scenic dinner on a small group tour.
Experience Niagara Falls by day & night with its most popular attractions, & a scenic dinner on a small group tour.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Take this historic boat tour across the Niagara River and get up close to the Niagara Falls,into the basin of Horseshoe Falls. The Maid of the Mist is one of the oldest attractions in Niagara Falls and has been operating since 1846.
Recommended tours:
Small Group Tour with Maid of the Mist & Cave of the Winds
Maid of the Mist Boat Ride, Cave of the Winds & Full-Day Trolley Pass
Sail away on the Maid of the MistIf thrill is what you’re after, the Cave of the Winds is an attraction you must not skip. Equipped with a poncho, you will descend 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge via elevator where your escapade will begin. You will walk a series of wooden walkways to the Hurricane Deck, just 20 feet away from the thundering Bridal Veil Falls. Here is where you’ll really feel the force of the water crashing down.
Recommended tours:
Cave of the Winds Skip-the-Line Guided Tour Small Group Tour with Maid of the Mist & Cave of the Winds
Maid of the Mist Boat Ride, Cave of the Winds & Full-Day Trolley Pass
Get your adventure on todayEstablished in 1885, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States of America, spanning 400 acres. Originally designed to protect the natural beauty of the falls and surrounding landscapes, you’ll probably go here to hop onto you boat for the e Cave of the Winds and the Maid of the Mist tour. There aer also hiking trails and various viewpoints.
Recommended tours:
Maid of the Mist Boat Ride, Cave of the Winds & Full-Day Trolley Pass
Explore the wonders of this state parkYour nighttime experience at Niagara Falls will be incomplete without the fireworks and illumination that takes place after dark. You can view the illumination of the Falls every night after sunset, but the fireworks are seasonal and are usually scheduled between May and October. From Prospect Point Park, watch as the cascading waters are immersed in vibrant colors creating a dramatic backdrop for the fireworks show above.
Brighten your trip with the Niagara fireworksAt 282 feet tall, the Prospect Point Observation Tower is a great place to get views of both the American and Canadian waterfalls. The tower extends over the Niagara Gorge and this is from where you will take the elevator to board the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Birdwatching and photography are popular activities at the observation deck.
There is a trail for every skill level in the Niagara Gorge Take the Rim Trail for an easier route to spectacular views, or hike through rugged terrain alongside the powerful Niagara River on the Whirlpool Rapids Trail for a bit of a challenge.
Niagara Falls and its surrounding landscape make for a picture perfect sight from the skies as you fly past the Falls on a state of the art helicopter. Your scenic flight will last for about 8 minutes but will fill you with memories for a lifetime!
Recommended tours:
Niagara Falls Small-Group Guided Tour with Helicopter Ride
Let your Niagara Falls experience be a little more intimate with a small group of up to 10 people ensuring a more personalized way of exploring the Falls. Your English-speaking local guide will be able to give you more attention on your tour of the US side of Niagara Falls where you will see Goat Island and Luna Island apart from the Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist experiences.
Recommended tours:
Small Group Tour with Maid of the Mist & Cave of the Winds
Time zone: The American side of Niagara Falls, located in the state of New York, runs on the Eastern Time Zone (ET), which is GMT/UTC -5 hours during standard time and GMT/UTC -4 hours during daylight saving time.
Niagara Falls, New York, observes daylight saving time, which began on March 10, 2024, and will end on November 3, 2024.
Take note of the time zone and daylight saving time changes to ensure you arrive at attractions and events at the correct time.
Currency: The currency used on the US side of Niagara Falls is the United States Dollar (USD), which is accepted at all local attractions, restaurants, and shops. If you plan on crossing over to Canada, carry some Canadian Dollars (CAD) with you.
Area code: 716
Emergency number: 911
Plan your visit to Niagara FallsVisit Niagara Falls during the summer (June to August) to make sure you can experience all the seasonal attractions. But remember that this is peak tourist season so expect to be jostling for space alongside other holiday makers!
If you prefer fewer people around you, early June or late August are ideal times to visit, when the weather will still be pleasant while allowing you to avoid the busiest weeks of July. The low season (October to May) is a quieter time to see the Falls but the temperatures often dip below freezing and summer attractions will be closed. In October and November you can see the foliage transform into vibrant autumn colors of reds, yellows, and oranges. As December comes, so do the mesmerizing ice formations. March to May, on the other hand, will show you the breaking in of spring with budding flowers and greenery returning to the landscape.
Niagara Falls attractions timingsAirports: Fly directly into Niagara Falls International Airport, which is the closest airport to the Falls (11 miles). You can also fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport (33 miles) which offers more flight and airline options. From the airports, rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transport to reach Niagara Falls.
Driving: If you are coming from nearby cities, driving to Niagara Falls is quite convenient with plenty of parking garages spread across the city. The drive typically takes about 8 hours from major locations, such as New York City or Chicago.
Bus: Take the various intercity bus services including NFTA Metro Bus, Greyhound, FlixBus, and New York Trailways for a convenient commute. The buses connect major cities to Niagara Falls with daily departures from cities like Buffalo, Rochester, and even as far as Philadelphia.
Amtrak: The Amtrak offers various routes to the Niagara Falls Amtrak Station, the most used one being from New York City. The journey from NYC takes around 9 to 10 hours and includes scenic views along the way, especially as the train travels north along the Hudson River and through the Erie Canal region. The Niagara Falls Amtrak Station is less than a 10-minute drive from the Falls.
Getting to Niagara FallsPublic transport: Within Niagara Falls, the Discover Niagara Shuttle offers a free hop-on, hop-off service between the Visitor Center and various attractions.
Car rentals: You can find several car rentals on the US side of the Falls including Rent-A-Car, Hertz and Alamo Rent A Car. There are car rentals at the Niagara Falls International Airport if you plan to go directly to the falls or want to explore the town immediately.
Niagara Scenic Trolley: Within the Niagara Falls State Park, take the trolley service between attractions. The route has multiple stops throughout the park, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Others: The city has a compact layout that is easily walkable. Apart from this, you can make use of the bike rental services that are available for those who prefer to cycle around the attractions.
The US side of Niagara Falls offers a more nature-focused experience, with less commercial development than the Canadian side. At the Niagara Falls State Park, which is the oldest state park in the United States, most of the attractions including Goat Island and Cave of the Winds take you remarkably close to the Falls. While the Canadian side offers expansive views of all three waterfalls, the US side of Niagara Falls provides a more intimate, natural experience.
Yes, you can enjoy watching Niagara Falls being illuminated from various vantage points on the US side like the Prospect Point Observation Tower and other designated viewing areas.
A full day is ideal to explore the main attractions, enjoy some hiking at the Niagara Falls State Park, and take in the views. If you plan to visit both the US and Canadian sides, consider staying for at least two days.
While entrance to the park is free, some attractions like the Cave of the Winds and the Maid of the Mist have separate fees.
A guided tour is a great way to explore Niagara Falls with a well-thought-out itinerary curated and led by expert guides. Some tours even include skip-the-line access to popular attractions.
Niagara Falls State Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. At the park you can white-tailed deer, eastern gray squirrels, bald eagles and many more birds and animals in their natural habitat. If you find yourself in the park's wetland areas, look out for the snapping turtles! (Bonus fact: Don’t go too close, since these turtles have powerful jaws. There is even a local myth that says they will only let go after it thunders!)
Yes! Visiting Niagara Falls on the US side in winter offers a magical experience. From Prospect Point, you can see the icy landscape, massive icicles, and the roaring water Niagara Falls. There are also indoor activities you can take part in such as rock climbing and Aquarium of Niagara.
There are several parking lots within and around Niagara Falls State Park including at Prospect Point, Goat Island, and Niagara Gorge, with varying fees. Arrive earlier in the day to secure a spot since parking lots can fill up quickly during peak season.
Of course! Get your pets along on your visit to Niagara Falls State Park so that they can enjoy some nature and fresh air along with you. But remember to keep them on a leash at all times. While pets are allowed in most outdoor areas within the park, they are not permitted into most buildings and certain attractions like the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds.