I've been to Niagara Falls over a dozen times—here's everything you need to know about visiting both sides

Niagara Falls is one of the most incredible natural wonders in North America. Straddling the US and Canadian border, this collection of three massive falls—the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls—is jaw-dropping in both size and splendor. The American side is the oldest state park in the US, while the Canadian side is protected parkland. Aside from the gorgeous waterfall views, this area is home to tons of tourist attractions, activities, sightseeing, and restaurants.

Almost all of my extended family lives in Buffalo and Toronto, so I've spent more time visiting these two cities than anywhere else on Earth. At this point, I've been to Niagara Falls enough times to draw my own map—it's where my parents got married, and where my family goes when we have a few empty hours to fill and want to get out of the house. While I personally prefer the Canadian side since it has much more to do with its kitschy shops and attractions, postcard views, and high-rise hotels, I've spent more time on the American side since it doesn't require border control, and is still home to exceptional state park trails, close access to the falls (the Maid of the Mist boat tour takes you directly to the base of the falls), and the Cave of the Winds—the tourist attraction you've probably seen pictures of where guests don bright rain ponchos and get drenched on a walking path at the base of the Bridal Veil Falls.

Whether you're on the hunt for a nature-filled, quiet getaway where you can simply stare in awe at the world wonder, or want to experience all the brightly-colored, campy tourist attractions at Clifton Hill in Ontario, here's how to experience Niagara Falls your way.

Anchor Bar

US side

For dinner and a view, Top of the Falls Restaurant is one of the most well-known spots to dine. It serves classic American cuisine overlooking Horseshoe Falls, and thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows, you won't miss a single second of the view. While it's currently closed, it plans to reopen in 2026, so keep an eye out. The Silo in Lewiston is open seasonally. It's built into an actual historic silo and serves New American cuisine like burgers and grilled chicken alongside ice cream. Red Coach Inn is romantic fine dining at its best with an extensive menu that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials, including New York Strip steak, scallops Florentine, and French onion soup. For casual bar food, try Anchor Bar, the home of the original buffalo chicken wing. While the Buffalo location is the true home of this famous dish, the Niagara Falls spot serves up equally tasty bites.

Red Coach Inn

Canadian side

Many of the hotel restaurants near Niagara Falls on the Canadian side have dining rooms with a view, but if you're interested in trying something outside of your accommodations, try Table Rock House Restaurant, which calls itself “The closest [place] you can dine to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.” Expect elevated classics that mix global flavors with a Canadian twist, and locally inspired cocktails. For another view-heavy spot, head to Skylon Tower's Revolving Dining Room, which while definitely a tourist spot, is worth a trip for the one-of-a-kind visuals above the falls. Niagara Brewing Company is a more casual spot known for their craft beer. Enjoy live music at night, and in the warmer months, hang out on one of two outdoor patios. Grab a sweet treat from Canadian chain, BeaverTails, which sells the unique long, flat pastries. Or, for fresh seafood and local wine, make your way to Tide & Vine, where you can indulge in oysters, seafood towers, lobster rolls, and more.

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

On the domestic side, there are a few hotels in the Niagara Falls area, but I'd recommend staying in Buffalo, New York, (one of our best places to go in 2026 and worth exploring on its own) and driving the 30 minutes to and from the falls. A few options include the stylish Curtiss Hotel for a luxury experience, with Art Deco spaces and a close proximity to city attractions like Niagara Square. Another great option is The Mansion on Delaware Avenue, which is particularly ideal for history lovers who want to stay in posh accommodations inside what was once a 19th-century French-inspired mansion. The boutique hotel Reikart House Buffalo in Amherst, New York, is all art and opulence, with a fitness center, bar, and restaurant. The Westin Buffalo is located in downtown Buffalo, so you'll have straight highway access to Niagara Falls, plus it boasts modern amenities and a close location to Buffalo's dining scene.

If you plan to stay in Canada, there are tons of nearby properties to pick from. For a view of the falls from your guest room, stay in the Hyatt Regency Niagara Fallsview, where you can wake up to the sounds and sights of the rushing water. The Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites is another option right on the water, with views from your guest room, the Watermark Fallsview Dining room, and even the pool. For the most unique stay, head to Tower Hotel, a boutique spot in Niagara's Fallsview district inside what was once Niagara's first observation tower.

Toronto is just an hour-and-a-half drive away if you want to stay in town instead, and there are plenty of spectacular hotels and Airbnbs in the city—including some editor-favorite options worth checking out. For luxury, a good place to start is the three-time Readers' Choice Award–winning Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.

If you'd prefer a bit more space and privacy, consider booking an Airbnb instead. From lakeside haunts to apartments perched in the city of Niagara Falls itself, these vacation rentals let you feel like a local while exploring one of North America's natural wonders.

American Falls & Crow's Nest

Cave of the Winds walkway

US side

Nature lovers will want to stick to Niagara Falls' American side, which truly puts the world wonder and its surrounding state park at the center of the stage. Take in the views of the Falls from one of the many spectacular vantage points, like the Observation Tower for a crow's nest view of the surrounding area; the Terrapin Point, perched high on Goat Island and offering views of Horseshoe Falls (the largest, and arguably most impressive of the three falls); or Prospect Point, which overlooks the American Falls. Another viewpoint is Stedman’s Bluff, which offers views of the Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls, as well as access to the Nikola Tesla Statue. Luna Island is a unique spot to visit situated between the American and Bridal Veil Falls, while the Three Sisters Islands have calmer, more relaxing views of the river. There are also plenty of nearby hiking trails to walk along, like the beginner-friendly Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Trail and the more advanced Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Trail.

Entrance to the park is free, but admission to the special attractions like Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds does cost extra. If you want to get an up-close and personal view of the falls, hop on the Maid of the Mist, a seasonal boat tour that takes you past the base of the American Falls and onto the basin of the Horseshoe Falls. Expect to get wet, but thankfully, guests are provided with colorful rain ponchos before their boat tour. Another option is to embark on the Cave of the Winds experience. Guests pile into an elevator on Goat Island that speeds down to the base of the falls and deposits them by the Hurricane Deck and adjoining catwalk. This is an experience like no other. If you are brave enough to walk the Hurricane Deck (I recommend it), you'll be nearly bowled over by the intense wind and splashes from the falls.

You can also take the Niagara Scenic Trolley for a guided tour of the park that's available for those of all mobility needs, or enjoy the sea creatures at the Aquarium of Niagara.

Niagara Falls Zipline

Canadian side

The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is home to almost too many attractions to take in during one trip. Starting with the falls themselves, guests can take guided tours or simply walk to the viewpoints on their own. If you want a swankier way to see the water, zipline by the falls with Wildline, which lets travelers swoop over the water and land at the base of Horseshoe Falls. Not a fan of heights? The Journey Behind the Falls experience takes you 125 feet deep to give you a chance to explore the underground tunnels leading to Horseshoe Falls. There are plenty of picture-perfect spots through viewing portals cut into the stone of the tunnels and on the Upper Observation Deck. There's also the Whirlpool Aero Car, a cable car which travels high in the sky to offer an unparalleled view of the Niagara Falls Whirlpool, and the Gray Line Boat Tours which venture out on the water, perfect for those who aren't afraid of getting a little wet.

Once you leave the natural phenomenon behind, this side of the falls is actually home to dozens of (sometimes gimmicky, but always fun) tourist attractions. Many of them are located on Clifton Hill, like the Movieland Wax Museum, the Niagara SkyWheel, the Dinosaur Adventure Golf mini golf course, and Niagara Speedway go-carting.