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Ontario · Canada
The Niagara River waterfalls on the border with the United States, seen up close from the Canadian side, and Niagara-on-the-Lake, a historic village surrounded by vineyards.
In the photo: Niagara Falls — Niagara Falls
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
Niagara Falls is on the Niagara River, which links Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and marks the border between Canada and the United States. There are three falls: Horseshoe Falls, horseshoe-shaped and almost entirely on the Canadian side, and American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the American side. From the Canadian side you get a frontal view of all three.
The city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, grew around the falls. The riverbank is occupied by the Niagara Parks, with promenades, gardens, and viewpoints; boat trips to the base of the horseshoe, the tunnels behind the falls, and the old hydroelectric power station are all located in this strip. Behind it, Clifton Hill concentrates commercial attractions and lights.
Downriver, the Niagara runs through a canyon with rapids and a large whirlpool, and the Niagara Parkway follows the bank to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The village, at the river mouth, has 19th-century houses, a fort from the War of 1812, and a theater festival. Around it are the vineyards of the Niagara Peninsula, known for ice wine.
Crossing the Rainbow Bridge to the American side means leaving Canada: you must have the documents required to enter the United States and, on return, to enter Canada.
This destination brings together 2 cities: Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Boundaries: Statistics Canada (Statistics Canada Open Licence) / geoBoundaries. Adapted by Cidade Turismo.
✈ Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), in Mississauga · 125 km to Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is about 130 km from Toronto via the QEW highway, roughly a one-and-a-half-hour drive. There are regional trains and buses from Toronto’s Union Station, as well as organized day tours.
Suggested arrival point: Niagara Falls
Ontario city facing Niagara Falls. The riverbank is a continuous park, with the Table Rock viewpoint at the edge of Horseshoe Falls, the boats that reach the base of the falls, the tunnels behind it, and the old hydroelectric power station. Downriver are the canyon, rapids, and the Niagara whirlpool.
Village at the mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario, about 25 km from the falls. It has 19th‑century houses on Queen Street, Fort George from the War of 1812 and a theatre festival dedicated to the work of Bernard Shaw. Around it, the peninsula’s vineyards produce the region’s ice wine.
The local experience
Queen Street and the neighbouring streets, with 19th‑century houses and shops, gardens, the clock tower and theatres, in one of Ontario’s best‑preserved ensembles.
The largest of the three Niagara falls, horseshoe-shaped, seen from the Table Rock viewpoint, where the river plunges just a few meters from the railing.
British fort reconstructed on the Niagara River bank, site of battles in the War of 1812, with palisades, barracks and period demonstrations in the warm months.
Canadian-side boat tour that goes upriver to the base of Horseshoe Falls, into the mist and roar of the cascade; ponchos are provided on board.
Tunnels excavated in the rock behind Horseshoe Falls, with openings to the curtain of water and a terrace at the base of the falls. Open year-round.
Hill above the Niagara River, about 11 km from Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake, with the monument to General Isaac Brock, killed in the 1812 battle fought there, and views of the river valley.
Historic 1905 hydroelectric power station on the edge of Horseshoe Falls, with the original generator hall preserved and a 670-meter tunnel leading to a riverside platform.
Historic cable car that crosses the river’s whirlpool about 4 km from the falls, suspended by cables above the canyon’s green waters.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
From May to October the boat tours, the whirlpool cable car, and outdoor excursions operate. Summer is the busiest season. In winter it gets very cold, some attractions close, and the mist freezes on trees and railings; the falls do not stop.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
One full day for the falls and riverbank attractions. Two days allows including Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Niagara Parkway, and the wineries, with one overnight stay.
In Niagara Falls, accommodations facing the falls are on Fallsview Boulevard and near Clifton Hill, with high viewpoints. Niagara-on-the-Lake has inns in historic houses, quieter, about a 25-minute drive from the falls.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
One day is enough for the falls and the riverbank attractions. With two days, you can include Niagara-on-the-Lake and the wineries.
The Canadian side offers a frontal view of all three falls, including Horseshoe Falls. From the American side you can get closer to American Falls.
Yes. The falls do not stop and the mist freezes on trees and railings. Boats and some excursions close during the cold season.
By car, about 130 km via the QEW. There are also regional trains, buses, and organized day tours.
Yes, via the Rainbow Bridge, but it is an international border: you must have the documents required to enter the United States and to return to Canada.
Eastern Time, UTC−5, and UTC−4 during daylight saving time from March to November, the same as Toronto.
