Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls tours make it easy to experience the US side of the famous waterfalls relatively easily. One of the best ways to experience Niagara Falls, USA is on a boat ride. Maid of the Mist boat tours run from the New York side of Niagara Falls. Take a boat tour at night to see views of the falls while it’s illuminated.

You can also experience the falls from the vantage points at Niagara Falls State Park, Goat Island, and the Hurricane Deck at Cave of the Winds. For a bird’s-eye view of Niagara Falls, venture to the family-friendly observation deck of the Niagara Falls Observation Tower, or go even higher during a plane or helicopter tour over the falls.

• Maid of the Mist boat tours provide ponchos, though you may want to bring a waterproof cover to keep your phone dry.

• Many guided tours to Niagra Falls include free time at the falls.

• If you plan on visiting the part of Niagara Falls in Canada, be sure you bring all the required documentation for the border crossing and re-entry.

• Maid of the Mist boats are fully wheelchair accessible, as is the Niagara Falls Observation Tower, Niagara Scenic Trolley, Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, and the Niagara Falls Visitor Center. The Cave of the Winds offers only limited accessibility.

Amtrak trains and buses operate between New York City and Niagara Falls, though it's a 7- to 10-hour journey. The quickest way to get there from NYC is to fly to Buffalo Airport, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the falls, and take a taxi or shuttle bus from there. Bus tours offer round-trip transportation to the falls from Buffalo and New York City.

Summer is the best time to visit Niagara Falls, with boat trips departing from late April/early May to late October/early November. On summer nights, witness the Niagara Falls fireworks displays.

If you’ve got some time, dust off your hiking boots for a jaunt along the scenic Niagara Gorge Trail. Stop by the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center for advice on trails to suit your fitness level and schedule. Other area attractions include the Niagara Aerospace Museum, the Niagara Wax Museum of History, and the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, where you can scour the stalls for bargain deals on brand-name goods.

That depends. Niagara Falls State Park is free to enter daily. However, parking and on-site amenities can set you back, while Maid of the Mist and Hornblower Niagara Cruises typically cost more than US$25 to ride. Package deals offer a cost-effective way to explore the area’s sights.

A typical Maid of the Mist journey lasts about 20 minutes, not including boarding time. Hornblower Niagara Cruises on the Canadian side of the falls take just about as long. Be sure to wear quick-drying clothes, as even a short cruise will likely leave you soaked.

Yes, a day trip to Niagara Falls is worth it. One of the great wonders of the world, the mesmerizing falls are among the most powerful on Earth. Book a Maid of the Mist or Hornblower Niagara Cruise to get up close to the action.

No, you don’t need to buy tickets to Niagara Falls in advance. The falls are always free to admire without a reservation. However, if you plan to purchase Maid of the Mist or Hornblower Niagara Cruise tickets or book a combination sightseeing package, it’s worth doing so early.

The best way to experience Niagara Falls is to get as close as possible. Consider taking Maid of the Mist or Hornblower Niagara Cruise rides or booking a Journey Behind the Falls experience. Both safely get up close and personal and offer unique perspectives on this natural wonder of the world.

The best time of year to visit Niagara Falls is between May and September when all the major attractions are open. In winter, cruises stop operating as the falls can partially freeze. To beat peak summer crowds, visit during the shoulder season in May or September.