10 Of The Best Ways To See Niagara Falls (From Both Sides)

Niagara Falls is nothing new. In fact, this natural phenomenon was created back in the Ice Age. When large amounts of ice began to melt, water rushed over a steep slope in the area, more or less creating a cliff and what we know today to be Niagara Falls.

Today, Niagara Falls is a popular tourist destination, drawing in over 8 million visitors annually. With Niagara Falls being such a hot attraction, it can be tricky to sift through the tours, parks, and Yelp reviews to figure out the best way to see the Falls. This article has done the work for you, providing a list of the ten best ways to see the magnificent Niagara Falls.

10 Prospect Point Viewing Area, New York

If you are looking to enjoy Niagara Falls for free, Prospect Point Viewing Area is the way to go. This viewing spot is located in Niagara Falls State Park and does not require an admission fee to enter the park. You also do not have to worry about lines or time constraints.

This viewing area overlooks the falls from the American side. Prospect Point Viewing Area also possesses a stellar view of the Falls when there are seasonal fireworks (May 20th-October 10th).

Cost: free

9 Prospect Point Observation Tower, New York

If you are looking to get a bird’s-eye view of the Falls, look no further than the Prospect Point Observation Tower. This tower is the only point in Niagara Falls State Park where visitors can see both the American and Horseshoe Falls simultaneously.

This observation deck is 282 feet above the ground, and visitors can lean over and look down at the rushing falls. If you are scared of heights, you might want to consider one of the other best ways to see Niagara Falls, which is more acrophobia-friendly.

Address: 332 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-11pm, Saturday 8:30am-9pm, Sunday 8:30am-11pm
Cost: $1.25 admission fee

8 Helicopter Ride, New York And Canada

If you REALLY want a bird’s-eye view of Niagara Falls, a great way to see the Falls from above is via helicopter. There are helicopter tours available on both the US and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls.

On the American side, Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours has been giving airborne tours of the Falls since 1995. The company offers standard tours, as well as extended tours and “special occasions” tours for engagements and vow renewals.

Address: 454 Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14301
Cost: $145 per ticket
Duration: 8-10 minutes
Reservations: N/A; it is first come, first served at the ticket office

On the Canadian side, there is Niagara Helicopters Limited. This company has over 50 years of experience taking visitors over the Falls. A perk of choosing this company is its family and group rates.

Address: 3731 Victoria Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6V5, Canada
Cost: Adult (12+)- $160 CAD, Child (3-11)- $99 CAD, 2 and under- free, Couples- $308 CAD
Duration: 12 minutes (including boarding)
Reservations: book ahead of time via the website

7 Goat Island, New York

This viewing point and island is a part of the Niagara Reservation State Park. It is an excellent Niagara Falls viewing option, as it is located in the middle of the Falls (in between Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls). To access the island, you can take the bridge by foot or by car.

Located on Goat Island is Terrapin Point, a lookout spot with breathtaking views of Horseshoe Falls. Visit Goat Island at sunset for a particularly stunning view of the wild Falls.

Cost: $10 parking fee

6 The Tower Hotel, Canada

Another one of the best ways to see Niagara Falls is from your very own hotel room. The Tower Hotel in Ontario, Canada, offers immaculate views of the Falls. This hotel is also within walking distance from Niagara Falls (0.28 miles). Not feeling like spending the night? Inside the hotel is the Sky Fallsview Steakhouse, which is open to the public and also features breathtaking views of the Falls.

Address: 6732 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3W6, Canada
Amenities: free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, parking, kid-friendly

5 Cave Of The Winds, New York

This tour gets visitors up close and personal with the Falls. With this tour, rain ponchos are a must (and will be provided). After riding an elevator down into the Niagara Gorge, you will walk through a maze of wooden stairs until you reach the “Hurricane Deck.” While on the deck, you can feel the spray of the Falls hit your face, hear the rushing water, and spot a few rainbows.

Address: Goat Island Rd, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9 am-6:15 pm
Cost: Adults- $19, Children (6-12)- $16, 5 and under- free
Reservations: N/A; tickets must be purchased at the ticket window

4 Journey Behind The Falls, Canada

Another great way to get up close and personal with Niagara Falls is to view the Falls from behind. Located on the Canadian side, this excursion involves exploring a tunnel behind the falls and enjoying lower observation decks. A lower observation deck= more spray from the Falls. The captivating tunnels go behind Horseshoe Falls, offering great views of the rushing, wild water from behind.

Address: 6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8, Canada
Hours: Monday-Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Cost: Adults (13+)- $23.50, Children (6-12)- $15.50, 5 and under- free

3 Whirlpool Aero Car, Canada

Many visitors enjoy hiking around the Falls, and exploring trails like the Heritage Trail and Niagara Scenic Parkway Trail. Another adventurous way to enjoy Niagara Falls is to view the Falls while suspended 250 above the ground in a tram car! The Aero Car safely takes passengers across the Niagara River, more specifically, the Niagara Whirlpool. Looking down, you will see the strong, swirling water of the Niagara River, foaming and churning.

Address: 3850 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8, Canada
Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm
Cost: Adults (13+)- $17, Children (6-12)- $11.25, 5 and under- free

2 Hornblower Niagara City Cruises, Canada

This article could not be titled “The Best Ways To See Niagara Falls” if it didn’t include a boat tour. On the Canadian side, Hornblower Niagara City Cruises is known for its up close and personal boat tour of the Falls.

The tour itself is 15-20 minutes and includes plenty of photo ops of the Canadian Falls, as well as ample opportunities to get doused with thick mist from the Falls. Remember to keep an eye out for rainbows!

Address: 5920 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8, Canada
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:30 am-6:30 pm
Cost: Adults (13+)- $32.75, Children (3-12)- $22.75, 2 and under- free

1 Maid Of The Mist, New York

On the American side of Niagara Falls, the best boat tour is Maid of the Mist. This iconic boat tour was, in fact, the original boat tour of Niagara Falls. Maid of the Mist describes their tours as “electric,” literally. The company’s boats are all-electric in order to be eco-friendly and protect the natural beauty of the Falls.

When embarking on this boat adventure, be prepared for mist showers and spectacular views of the Falls.