The mighty Niagara Falls is among the Seven Natural Wonders of North America. It was formed around 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. This natural wonder invites millions of visitors to marvel at its beauty yearly. Unlike other falls, it possesses a startling green color due to the dissolved salts and rock flour (very finely ground rock). Its unique color is also due to algae and other aquatic plants. This water is used for multiple purposes, including drinking, fishing, industrial supply, hydropower generation, and recreation.
The story of the formation of Niagara Falls is quite interesting. The Wisconsin glaciation formed the Great Lakes, which emptied into the Niagara River after melting. The river’s relentless flow gradually cut a gorge through the north-facing cliff, causing the erosion of soft rock formations that supported the hard layers of the Niagara Escarpment. The continuous erosion impacted the hard caprock and led it to fall off in large chunks. Eventually, it was formed into Niagara Falls.
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Is Niagara Falls In Canada Or USA?
The gorgeous Niagara Falls is the top tourist destination in the world. Tourists flock here to see its breathtaking beauty and visit nearby attractions. However, many often question whether the natural behemoth is in Canada or the US. The answer is that it is located in both countries. Niagara Falls has three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Viel Falls. The latter two are in the US territory, while the Horseshoe Falls share land in both countries.
The falls in the US are located in Niagara County, New York. They are within the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area and about 17 miles from Buffalo, NY. On the other hand, the waterfall on the Canadian side is located in Ontario near Toronto. It is within the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
American Side Vs. Canadian Side
Niagara Falls is a territory divided between America and Canada. Although it looks impressive from both sides, there are several differences. Most of the region surrounding the American side of the falls is a protected area under the supervision of New York State Park. Visitors can get panoramic views of all three waterfalls from the US territory. However, they have limited options of attractions around the falls.
On the other hand, the Canadian side of the falls has a less protective area. It features the biggest Horseshoe Falls and the best panoramic views. Visitors will find many attractions and activities to try here. While the New York side offers nature-friendly experiences like hiking and trekking, the Ontario side offers adventurous activities, including riding Canada’s largest giant wheel.
Things To Know Before Visiting Niagara Falls
It’s essential to do pre-research before visiting any travel destination. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So, you must be prepared and know the dos and don’ts before visiting these impressive falls. These include learning about the best times to visit, tickets, accessibility, tours, and more.
- Planning Itinerary: Although the itinerary primarily depends on your travel preferences, it is better to plan two days to visit Niagara Falls.
- Best Time To Visit: This natural wonder is open 365 days a year, but summer (June to August) is ideal.
- Passport: American citizens must have their passports or enhanced driver’s licenses to visit the Falls on the Canadian side and vice versa.
- Guided Tours: You can visit the falls alone or with friends and family. If you are a first-time visitor, book guided tours from Viator, GetYourGuide, kkday, and Civitatis.
- Accommodation: Always book a hotel with views of the falls. The best deals are on Booking.com and Agoda.
- Visit Both Sides: Don’t just visit one side; you must visit Canadian and American sides and watch the falls from all sides.
Things To Do At Niagara Falls, USA
Visiting Niagara Falls in Niagara County involves more than sightseeing. You will also find many exciting attractions and activities here. They range from nature walks to island explorations. We will list the best things to do at the falls down below.
See What The Fuss Is All About Cave of the Winds
Your trip to Niagara Falls will be incomplete without visiting the iconic Cave of the Winds. This natural cave allows visitors to get close to the falls and enjoy the stormy mist. You will ride an elevator 175 feet down into the Niagara Gorge. Then, you will head to the infamous hurricane deck to see water crashing down. Since you are close to the falls, expect to get wet even while wearing a raincoat. Furthermore, this site is accessible to small kids and visitors with disabilities. You can book guided tours from May to October.
Watch The Bridal Veil Falls
As mentioned, Niagara Falls comprises three falls, including the smallest Bridal Veil Falls. It is only 181 feet long and resembles the bridal veil. The best viewing spot for these Falls is Luna Island. You can also take Cave of the Winds tours to get close. The hurricane deck of the cave offers fantastic views of the cascading waterfalls. If you want a closeup view, book Maid of the Mist boat tours.
Watch Fireworks From Terrapin Point
While Cave of the Winds lets visitors get close to Bridal Veil Falls, Terrapin Point takes you next to the thundering Horseshoe Falls and provides a direct view of the American Falls. Visitors can take beautiful pictures at this observation point. However, be mindful, as you will get damp from the moisture rising from the thundering water. This place is also ideal for watching fireworks over the Horseshoe Falls on July 1st (Canada Day) and July 4th (Independence Day).
Explore The Three Sisters Islands
Next, the Three Sister Islands are a sight to behold. Three historic walking bridges link them to Goat Island. Visitors can walk on these bridges and enjoy up-close views of the falls. These islands are named after three sisters, Celinda, Angelina, and Asenath Whitney. However, a Native American legend says the islands derive their name from three sisters of the Tuscarora tribe. These ladies ventured onto the Niagara River in a canoe but tragically lost their lives. Three Sister islands were then named to honor their bravery.
Catch Movies At The Niagara Adventure Theater
- Address: 5781 Ellen Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3P8, Canada; Google Map
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Discover the Niagara Falls like never before. While many prefer watching the falls from the sidelines, some daredevils go beyond the usual route and see it as something to be conquered. It all started when Annie Edson Taylor and her cat took the first plunge over the falls in 1901. Her quest for fame and fortune has since been followed by many, including daredevil Charles Blondin, who walked across the falls on a tightrope. You can learn about their stories at the Niagara Adventure Theater. It presents 3D films on a giant screen in multiple languages.
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Top Niagara Falls Canadian Side Tours
The Canadian side features many outdoor and recreational activities. You can book boat and helicopter tours and even purchase a full-day tour. Here, we have listed the best Niagara Falls tours among them all.
Niagara Falls Hornblower Cruise | Canada
(Source: kkday)
- Duration: 0.5 hour
- Price: $26.78~
- No Cancellation
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Embark on a sensational Hornblower Cruise. You will see different views of the falls on this journey. You will get up and close to American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. As you sail toward the formidable waterfalls, you will find your surroundings turning foggy and hear the thunder-like water sound. Remember to put on the complimentary raincoat to avoid getting wet. In addition, visitors can choose the time of their departure that fits their schedule.
Niagara Falls Skylon Tower Tickets | Canada
- Duration: 1.5 hour
- Price: $15.27~
- No Cancellation
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Niagara Falls is a popular travel destination and is crowded year-long. It will be challenging to find a perfect observation spot. But not anymore! You can catch 360-degree panoramic views of the falls from Skylon Tower. Skip long lines and book these Niagara Falls Skylon Tower Tickets. Having lunch or dinner at the tower can make your experience more memorable. From the dining room, you will get breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
Helicopter Ride over Niagara Falls
- Duration: 9 minutes
- Price: $137.5~
- Free Cancellation
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How about elevating your travel experience with this Helicopter Ride over Niagara Falls? You will get a bird’s-eye view of the falls from the Canadian side. You will meet at the specified time at the heliport in Niagara-on-the-lake and board a flight. Moreover, you will catch aerial views of the water falling at nearly 3,000 tonnes per second. The best part of this ride is seeing the rainbow drawn in the falls. Although it is only nine minutes long, every second of this journey will be worth it.
Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour | Canada
(Source: kkday)
- Duration: 12 minutes
- Price: $125.5~
- No Cancellation
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One can never have enough aerial tours over the falls, so we present the Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour. It is only twelve minutes long and can be easily squeezed into your itinerary. You will experience the spacious cabin and theater-style seating and look over the falls from the windows. You will fly over the Whirlpool Rapids, Rainbow Bridge, the American Falls, and the Skylon Tower. This tour also offers an audio commentary describing the flight path in twelve languages.
Niagara River Rapids Jet Boat Tour
(Source: Civitatis)
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Price: $67.6~
- Free Cancellation
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Experience an unforgettable thrill ride with this Niagara River Rapids Jet Boat Tour. Climb aboard a whirlpool jet boat and embark on an adventurous journey. You can choose from Wet Jet Tour and Jet Dome Tour. The former features an open-air speedboat, leaving you wholly soaked at the end of the tour. On the other hand, Jet Dome Tour has a jet boat with a roof that protects passengers from the water.
Niagara Falls has been a significant part of human history and civilization, from its formation during the last Ice Age to becoming a popular tourist destination. Unfortunately, this natural wonder is slowly eroding at 1 foot per year. One of the significant influencing factors of the erosion is climate change. The ongoing flow control and diversion for hydro-power generation have decreased the erosion rate. The eroding is estimated to be reduced to 1 foot per 10 years. Still, scientists speculate the falls will cease to exist 50,000 years from now.
