Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in America. This natural wonder, standing 187 ft high, is located on the border between the U.S. state of New York and Canada’s Ontario, about 17 mi northwest of Buffalo. From New York City, the distance to Niagara Falls is approximately 388 mi, and the drive takes about six and a half to seven hours. How can you visit Niagara Falls and make the most of your experience?
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Table of Contents
Where Is Niagara Falls and How Much Water Flows Through It?
The falls are located on the Niagara River between the U.S. state of New York and Canada’s Ontario. They consist of three separate waterfalls.
🌊 Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls is 90% on the Canadian side and is also known as the Canadian Falls. Historical records indicate that it was named Horseshoe Falls sometime after 1721.
Water at Horseshoe Falls drops from a height of 187 ft, making it the most powerful waterfall in North America in terms of water flow.
🌊 American Falls
As the name suggests, American Falls is located on the U.S. side of the border. The height of American Falls from the top to the rock debris (where the water crashes) ranges from 69 ft to 112 ft. The total height from the top to the river is 187 ft, and the falls span approximately 951 ft at their widest point.
American Falls and Horseshoe Falls are separated by Goat Island, which features a monument to Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla.
🌊 Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is the smallest of the three Niagara Falls waterfalls and is entirely within New York State. It is separated from American Falls by Luna Island and from Horseshoe Falls by Goat Island.
Bridal Veil Falls has a height of 79 ft and a width of approximately 56 ft.
💦 How Much Water Flows Through Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls formed during the Ice Age, approximately 12,000 years ago. Today, these powerful waterfalls in North America are also used for hydroelectric power generation, with around 168,000 m³ of water cascading over the edge every minute during the summer months.
The falls’ considerable width contributes to this volume, with the widest section measuring 2,592 ft. Water flow is lower in winter.
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How to Visit Niagara Falls
🚗 How to Get to Niagara Falls
The best way to travel to Niagara Falls is by rental car. The drive from New York City takes about 7 hours. It is recommended to set aside two days for exploring the falls—while a day trip is possible, it can be quite exhausting.
There are several parking lots near Niagara Falls, with all-day parking costing $20.00 (updated February 2025).
Alternatively, you can reach Niagara Falls by bus. Greyhound and Flixbus operate direct routes from New York City, with travel times ranging from 9 to 11 hours depending on the service. Buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi and power outlets. Booking tickets months in advance offers the best prices, but traveling by bus is less comfortable than driving.
Trains operated by Amtrak also run between New York City and Niagara Falls, with a travel time of just over 9 hours.
🕒 Niagara Falls Opening Hours
Niagara Falls State Park is open 24 hours a day, though individual attractions have their own schedules.
The Niagara Falls Observation Tower is open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Hours vary throughout the year, so be sure to check in advance.
The Rainbow International Bridge is open 24/7. The toll for crossing by car is $5.00, payable upon exiting the U.S. Pedestrians can cross for $1.00, with payment collected upon leaving Canada. These fees were last updated on February 14, 2025.
🎟️ Admission to Niagara Falls
Entry to Niagara Falls State Park is free.
Access to the Niagara Falls Observation Tower costs $1.25 (February 2025). However, admission is included with the purchase of a Maid of the Mist boat tour.
For $3.00, you can ride the Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley, which offers a guided tour through the park.
ℹ️ What to Know Before Visiting Niagara Falls
The best view of Niagara Falls is from the Canadian side, which can be accessed by foot or car via the Rainbow Bridge. You do not need a visa to cross into Canada—just a valid passport.
Plan for about half a day at Niagara Falls. If possible, stay after dark to see the falls beautifully illuminated. Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho, as you are likely to get wet while exploring.
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Boat Tours Around Niagara Falls
🚢 Maid of the Mist Boat Tour Around Niagara Falls
One of the most popular attractions at Niagara Falls is the Maid of the Mist boat tour, which starts and ends on the U.S. side and lasts 15 to 20 minutes. During the tour, you will get a close-up view of the two largest waterfalls—Horseshoe Falls and American Falls. The entire experience takes approximately two hours.
It’s often said that a visit to Niagara Falls isn’t complete without a Maid of the Mist boat tour. The first sightseeing boat set sail on the Niagara River in 1846.
The original steam and diesel-powered Maid of the Mist boats operated until 2020. Their name was inspired by the fine mist created by the falls. Since 2020, they have been replaced by fully electric vessels named James V. Glynn and Nikola Tesla.
🚢 Alternative Boat Tour Around Niagara Falls
From May to October, during peak season, you can take an alternative boat tour around Niagara Falls. Experience a boat elevator, see Rainbow Bridge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and even the Ontario Hydro Power Plant. The entire excursion lasts about four hours, with the boat ride itself taking around 40 minutes.
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Fun Facts About Niagara Falls
🐟 90% of Fish Survive the Drop Over Niagara Falls
The Niagara River is home to salmon, trout, bass, walleye, and pike, some of which go over the famous waterfalls. Surprisingly, up to 90% of fish survive the fall from a total height of 164 ft. This is due to their relatively low body weight, their ability to withstand pressure, and the cushioning effect of the white foam created by air in the water.
You can witness this phenomenon at Cave of the Winds. Admission for adults is $14.00 (as of February 2025).
🛢️ A 63-Year-Old Teacher Went Over Niagara Falls in a Wooden Barrel
In 1901, 63-year-old schoolteacher Annie Edson Taylor climbed into a wooden barrel and went over Niagara Falls. She was the first person to attempt this daring feat and survive, sustaining only a concussion and minor cuts on her head.
Her wooden barrel had a diameter of approximately 3.0 ft and a height of 4.5 ft. A team of people had to help her climb out. A 200 lb anvil was attached to the bottom of the barrel to keep it upright. Several holes were drilled into the barrel and plugged with cork stoppers, which could be removed if emergency oxygen was needed.
🧊 Niagara Falls Does Not Completely Freeze in Winter
Niagara Falls has never entirely frozen over in recorded history. However, on March 29, 1848, an ice blockage significantly reduced the water flow in the Niagara River.
To prevent ice buildup from disrupting the flow, steel ice booms were later installed.
🏞️ One-Fifth of the World’s Freshwater Flows Over Niagara Falls
Water from four of the five Great Lakes flows over Niagara Falls before reaching Lake Ontario. These lakes—Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie—contain about one-fifth of the world’s surface freshwater supply.
🇺🇸 A Historic U.S. Flag from 1812 Is on Display at a Fort Near the Falls
The historic Old Fort Niagara houses one of the oldest surviving U.S. flags. This flag dates back to 1812 when it was captured by the British during the War of 1812.
There are only about 20 known American flags that were made before 1815.
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Photos of Niagara Falls
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