Summary
We visit Niagara Falls at least once a year since we live a mere 60 minutes from Canada’s most famous attraction, and we have seen all of the best Niagara Falls views. From restaurants to viewpoints, and falls view rooms to towers, there are so many ways to take in this natural wonder. If you are planning to visit Niagara Falls, make sure to add these viewpoints to your bucket list.
Best Views of Niagara Falls
Straddling the border between the state of New York and Ontario, Canada, Niagara Falls attracts millions of visitors each year. While the best views of Niagara Falls are from the Ontario side, we are going to round up all of the views from each side of the border to help you make the most of your stay.
1. Table Rock Welcome Centre (Canada)
Table Rock Center is a great place to head to first for a jaw-dropping view of Horseshoe Falls. Located right at the edge where the falls plunge into the Niagara Gorge, it is truly breathtaking.
From its viewing platform, you hear the thundering roar as you feel the mist and can almost reach out and touch the water. At the viewpoint, you stand right at the water’s edge.
2. Skylon Tower (Canada)
For the best view of Niagara Falls from above, head over to the Skylon Tower. Standing at 775 feet high, the observation deck offers a spectacular panoramic view of Horseshoe Falls, the city of Niagara, Bridal Veil Falls, and the American Falls.
Enjoy a meal at the Revolving Restaurant with its dining room that rotates 360 degrees. Alternatively, visit the observation deck for out-of-this-world views of all three falls, the Niagara Rapids, Goat Island, and the Niagara Gorge. This is the perfect place for memorable photo ops.
You can easily reach the Skylon Tower via the WeGo Bus, and there is parking directly at the tower.
3. Helicopter Tour
If you desire an adrenaline-pumping experience for a bird’s-eye view of Niagara Falls, consider taking a helicopter tour. Niagara Helicopters offer fantastic tours of the falls and surrounding areas.
The tour takes you over the Whirlpool Rapids, Rainbow Bridge, and the majestic Niagara Falls themselves. Ensure your camera is ready, as this aerial view showcases the sheer scale and beauty of the falls—a memory that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
4. Hornblower (Canada) or Maid of the Mist (USA)
One of the best ways to see Niagara Falls is from the water. The Hornblower boat tour on the Canadian Side, or the Maid of the Mist boat tour on the American Side provides this opportunity. This tour lets you pass through the Niagara Gorge for a scenic view of the Rainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls State Park, and the American and Bridal Veil Falls before heading right into the heart of Horseshoe Falls.
This is not only one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls, but it also gives you one of the most up-close views of the falls. Rain ponchos are provided to keep you relatively dry while standing on the outdoor viewing platform. However, if you prefer to stay dry, you can remain inside the boat. Tours depart regularly from both sides of the border.
5. Journey Behind the Falls (Canada)
For a unique perspective of Niagara Falls, return to Table Rock Centre for the Journey Behind the Falls. This attraction takes visitors through tunnels to the heart of the Horseshoe Falls. While exploring the tunnels, you can experience viewpoints that lead you behind the falls, where you can feel the thunderous vibration of the massive drops.
Continue outside to the viewing platforms at the foot of the cascade, providing the best view of Niagara and its breathtaking plunge right in front of you. Journey Behind the Falls is an incredible opportunity to see the cascade up close, and ponchos are provided since you will get wet during this tour.
6. Queen Victoria Park (Canada)
Queen Victoria Park is a beautifully landscaped park located on the Canadian Side opposite the Niagara Falls Promenade. Offering stunning views amidst seasonal flowers and foliage, it’s a perfect spot for a picnic. While it may not compete with the main promenade’s immediate views, it offers a nice respite from the crowds.
7. Niagara Skywheel
Another fantastic attraction is the Niagara Skywheel, a climate-controlled Ferris wheel standing 175 feet tall. It offers fabulous views of the falls and the surrounding area. Each enclosed gondola can accommodate up to six passengers and is climate-controlled.
With a running commentary during your ride, you’ll have ample time to capture photos and take in the panoramic scenery.
8. The Tunnel at Niagara Power Station
The Tunnel is the newest attraction and offers the best place to see all three falls from water level. This extraordinary tunnel is 670 meters (2,200 feet) long and leads to an observation deck at the Niagara River.
Best Views of Niagara Falls Hotels
One of the best ways to take in the views of Niagara Falls is to choose a room that offers a spectacular view. We have experienced various accommodations, each presenting unique perspectives and breathtaking views. While you can find more details about great hotels in Niagara Falls online, here are our top two recommendations.
9. Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa
This hotel is our favorite place to stay in Niagara Falls, Canada, and we keep returning. It boasts the closest view of Horseshoe Falls. Many rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views from the luxurious falls view rooms. There’s nothing better than having the curtains open at night to enjoy the dazzling light show from your comfortable room.
10. Sheraton Fallsview Hotel
The Sheraton Fallsview is situated in the Clifton Hill area and offers fantastic views of the American and Bridal Veil Falls. Located directly across from the river, it provides guests with exceptional vantage points to appreciate the natural wonder from its falls view rooms that include Juliet balconies.
Best Niagara Falls Views from the American Side
While the Canadian side offers the premier view of Niagara Falls, several excellent vantage points exist on the New York side. Let’s explore these options.
11. Niagara Falls Observation Tower
This tower is located near Prospect Point in Niagara Falls State Park, representing the closest access to the American Falls on the U.S. side. The Observation Tower extends out over the Niagara Gorge and provides the best view from this side, making it a prime spot to observe the turbulent rapids leading to the falls.
Niagara Falls State Park, being the oldest state park in the U.S., features several observation areas and walking trails that offer diverse perspectives of the surrounding landscape, including varying viewpoints like the Cave of the Winds.
12. Niagara Gorge Discovery Center
Located just a short distance from the falls, the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center provides interactive exhibits that delve into the geological history of Niagara Falls. Additionally, the center has an outdoor observation deck that overlooks the gorge and offers partial views of the falls.
13. Terrapin Point
Situated on Goat Island, Terrapin Point is one of the best spots to see Horseshoe Falls from the American side. Here, you can feel the force of the water and capture stunning photographs with uninterrupted views of this natural wonder.
14. Three Sisters Island
Three Sisters Islands are a series of small islands connected by charming footbridges. The islands are named after the legendary tale of three Native American sisters who bravely navigated the swift currents of the Niagara River and were transformed into the islands for protection.
Visitors can access the islands from Goat Island by crossing another pedestrian bridge. Once on the islands, you can take a serene walk along the well-maintained paths and bridges winding through the lush environment and picturesque Niagara rapids.
15. Luna Island
While not as famous as some other viewpoints, Luna Island provides an intimate experience situated in the midst of the American Falls.
You can reach Luna Island by crossing a pedestrian bridge from Goat Island. Enjoy unobstructed views of the falls, as Luna Island is conveniently positioned right at the edge. The proximity to the falls grants a thrilling and immersive experience with the cascading water just a few feet away.
Niagara Adventure Pass
We highly recommend acquiring the Adventure Pass when visiting Niagara Falls to enjoy all the top attractions with one ticket. Sold through Niagara Parks, the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass offers discounted access to Journey Behind the Falls, Hornblower, Whitewater Walk, Niagara’s Fury, Whirlpool Aero Car, and Butterfly Conservatory, including transportation on the WeGo People Mover to each activity. Various packages and details can be found here. Given the price, this pass offers excellent value.
How to Get to Niagara Falls
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), USA is the closest US airport, located about 25 miles (40 km) away. You can opt for a taxi, rental car, or shuttle service from the airport. To access the Canadian Side, you can either drive or walk across the Rainbow Bridge.
On the Canadian side, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is about 80 miles (130 km) from Niagara. Renting a car is highly recommended.
If driving from within the US, take the I-90 (Interstate 90) if coming from the east or west, or the I-79 if approaching from the south. Once near, follow the signs to Niagara Falls and the Rainbow Bridge for crossing the border.
If you are coming from Toronto, the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) will lead you directly to Niagara Falls.
Getting Around Niagara Falls
Getting around Niagara is straightforward. With the Adventure Pass, you can hop on the People Mover that connects all major attractions.
Additionally, Niagara is a walkable city, allowing you to stroll along the Niagara Falls Promenade, which runs along the Niagara Gorge from Clifton Hill. If you’re driving, many parking options exist along the Niagara Parkway, though they tend to be pricey.
Plan Your Next Trip to Niagara Falls Using These Resources
Looking to plan your next journey? Consider utilizing these trusted resources that we recommend.
Book Your Flights: Start your trip planning by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. Our long-standing experience has shown they offer exceptional deals on flights.
Find Your Hotel: Locate the best prices on hotels with two reliable providers. For European travelers, check out Booking.com, while others can rely on TripAdvisor.
Explore Apartment Rentals: Discover great prices for apartment rentals with VRBO.
Secure Travel Insurance: It’s crucial not to travel without insurance. Consider the following options:
- Safety Wing – Ideal for occational travelers.
- Medjet – Offers global air medical transport and travel security services.
Reserve Your Activities: Searching for walking tours or skip-the-line tickets? We recommend checking Get Your Guide.
If you require further assistance in planning your trip, be sure to check our Resources Page where we feature reputable companies we trust during our travels.
