Niagara Falls is an eternal beacon for travellers to southern Ontario. (Unsplash photo)
Niagara Falls. Beautiful, blue, and busy. Very busy, in fact! Still in 2025, Niagara Falls is the world’s most visited natural waterfall, attracting around 22.5 million visitors annually – and ranking as the fifth most popular tourist attraction globally.
It’s also a rather interesting prospect if you’re visiting for the first time. Because it’s located in both Canada and the US, visitors have a unique opportunity to experience two different perspectives of the falls, and not only this, they can plan their vacation around a variety of experiences on both sides of the border.
If you’re planning to do this, however, there are a few things you need to know to navigate efficiently, stay safe, and make your Niagara Falls experience as enjoyable as it should be!
It’s Not Just About the Waterfall
Huh? What do you mean it’s not just about the waterfall? Well, we’d hazard a guess that, although you’re going to Niagara Falls to take in the natural spectacle of the cascading water, you’re not just going to be staring at it for your whole trip. As we’ve just mentioned, one of the cool things about this location is that it’s split around two locations, where there are so many things you can see, do, and explore.
In Canada, for instance, you have the Clifton Hill entertainment district, the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, or the Fallsview Casino Resort, which boasts the renowned Salon Privée – home to blackjack, baccarat, and single zero roulette, along with some truly breathtaking views of the falls.
In the US, too, you have the Cave of the Winds, the Maid of the Mist boat tour, and Goat Island – a perfect spot for walking trails, picnics, and some pretty neat photo opportunities. Basically, this has the opportunity to be a well-rounded, memorable trip, so make sure you make the most of it!
Utilise Your Vantage Points
Talking specifically about the Niagara Falls experience – and sticking with the Canada-US subject – you should also use the unique cross-border location when finding the right vantage points. On the Canadian side, for instance, the panoramic views of Table Rock and the Skylon Tower provide sweeping vistas of the Horseshoe Falls, while the US side gets you closer to the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls for a more intimate experience.
To put it simply, if you want to have better overall views of the falls in all their grandeur, utilise the Canadian vantage point. If you want to get up close, feel the mist, and capture detailed shots of the cascades, use the US vantage point. You should also try to plan your timing for crowds. Because Niagara Falls is extremely popular – especially in peak tourist season – it’s important to arrive early or later in the evening to help you avoid the busiest crowds at key viewpoints. This will give you a far better opportunity for photos without throngs of people getting in the shot!
Pack For the Whole Adventure
Lastly, as we mentioned in our first point, you’re not going to be spending all of your time simply staring at the waterfall – even if you wish you could! You’re going to be checking into a Niagara hotel, crossing the border, eating at restaurants, exploring museums, hiking, and doing a range of other attractions. So it’s important to pack for this too!
When it comes to Niagara Falls, think waterproof clothing – the mist can be surprisingly heavy, especially if you take a boat tour like the Maid of the Mist – comfortable walking shoes for the trails and viewpoints, and a waterproof case or small dry bag. For your other adventures, think phone chargers, snacks and water bottles, first-aid kits for a Niagara Glen hike, or comfortable shoes for a Niagara Falls power station trip. As well as this, make sure you remember documents like your ID or passport, since it’s likely you’re going to cross the border and explore both sides of what this destination has to offer.
Conclusion
These are just a few things to bear in mind during your first trip to Niagara Falls. So long as you remember them, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy everything the Niagara Falls – and its surrounding areas – can throw at you, so have a good time and go and make some memories!
