Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara Falls is situated on the border of Canada and the United States, this world-renowned destination is a must-visit for families, nature lovers and adventure seekers and boomers alike. We visited mid June just before the peak tourist season, it was crowded so pick your visit dates carefully.
Up close it’s amazing to feel the sheer power and grandeur of Niagara Falls, feeling the mist on your face as you stand at the brink of the falls, mesmerized by the roaring sound and breathtaking views.
After immersing ourselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the falls, we ventured north to the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. With its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, charming shops, and cozy cafes, this quaint town offers a delightful blend of history and charm. Explore the local wineries that have put Niagara-on-the-Lake on the map as one of Canada’s top wine regions.
The Natural Wonder of Niagara Falls
The three main waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls are the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian (or Horseshoe) Falls. Each of these waterfalls has its own unique character and charm, offering visitors a diverse range of experiences.
The American Falls, for instance, is known for its dramatic and rugged appearance, with its jagged rock formations and powerful cascades. The Bridal Veil Falls, on the other hand, is a delicate and graceful waterfall that seems to dance across the rocks.
We chose to visit the Canadian side of the Falls, The Canadian Horseshoe Falls, is the most iconic and impressive of the three falls described above. With its distinctive horseshoe shape and thunderous roar, this waterfall is the largest of the three and is considered the main attraction of Niagara Falls. The sheer volume of water that pours over the edge of the Canadian Falls is truly mind-boggling, creating a mesmerizing and unforgettable sight.
Some Planning Tips for visiting Niagara Falls:
- – Plan the Timing of your visit: Consider visiting during the off-peak season to avoid crowds and save money on accommodations. Weekends, especially holiday weekends, can have longer wait times.
- – Select a Convenient hotel: Consider staying centrally so you can walk around easily. What to wear: Wear light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a light rain jacket or poncho. You should also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- – Bring waterproof bags: If you have items that can’t get wet, leave them in your car or hotel, or seal them in a waterproof bag.
- – Wear shoes with traction: Wear shoes with traction and hold on to the rails to avoid slipping.
- – Plan for parking: Be prepared to pay for parking on both sides of the falls, unless your accommodation offers free parking (unlikely).
What to Avoid during your Visit to Niagara Falls
- – Based on research try to avoid visiting in Peak Season (July & August) and Winter (November through February)
- – Avoid the gawdy and kitsch “commercial & tourist attractions” e.g. Clifton Hill area
- – Don’t plan to stay long, 2 nights was more than sufficient for us to experience the Falls before heading up to Niagara on the Lake
- – Don’t try to do too much, there are some hilly climbs between the tourist sights, and make sure you know how / where to get the shuttle back to your hotel. We used the WEGO Bus System:
“A hop-on, hop-off bus system that connects Niagara Parks, hotels, and other tourist areas in Niagara Falls. The WEGO system has three main routes that run year-round, plus a seasonal shuttle to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Green Line runs along the Niagara Parkway from the Go Train Station in Niagara Falls. The Blue Line runs from the Table Rock Centre to Falls Avenue, Casino Niagara, and Fallsview Boulevard. WEGO also offers 24-hour and 48-hour passes”
- Try to avoid crossing the border to Canada from USA at peak times, check out waiting times at Niagara Falls Bridges – Traffic Conditions
Exploring the different viewpoints of Niagara Falls
One of the most popular and iconic ways to experience the falls is by taking a boat tour, such as the famous Maid of the Mist (USA – Blue) or the Hornblower Niagara Cruises (Canada – Red). We went on the Hornblower and it takes you right up to the base of the falls, where you can feel the mist on their faces and hear the thunderous roar of the water. Great fun.
Another popular way to view the falls is from the observation decks and platforms located on both the Canadian and American sides of the border.
We enjoyed a dinner buffet at The Skylon Tower, which offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the falls from its observation deck, which is located 775 feet above the water.
You can also take a ride on the Niagara Skywheel, a giant Ferris wheel that provides views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
For those seeking a more adventurous perspective, there are also several hiking trails and walkways that allow visitors to get up close and personal with the falls.
Check out Niagara Falls State Park – Hiking Trails
Check out Niagara Gorge Trail Map
The Niagara Gorge Trail, offers a series of paths and bridges that wind along the edge of the gorge, with views of the cascading waters. The Cave of the Winds experience, takes visitors right to the base of the Bridal Veil Falls, where you can feel the power of the water and the mist on their skin.
Another popular attraction is the Journey Behind the Falls, which allows visitors to explore a series of tunnels and observation decks that provide an up-close view of the Canadian (or Horseshoe) Falls.
Where to Stay at Niagara Falls
As you may have read in our other blog posts we generally use Bookings.com or expedia.com to review hotels in new places for prices and amenities.
2 nights at the Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls was the perfect choice. The room provided and excellent view overlooking the Horseshoe Falls.
6755 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3W7, Canada•+1 905-374-1077.
Niagara Falls – Fireworks Schedule
Generally the nightly fireworks displays are in Summer from mid May through mid October.
Prospect Point is a good place to view the fireworks. The display in Summer will begin at 10:00 PM each night. There is no charge to view the fireworks.
For more information and for the latest schedule, please visit www.NiagaraFallsTourism.com/Fireworks.
Discover the charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake
We took the drive north to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. This is a picturesque town offering a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
The well-preserved 19th-century buildings and tree-lined streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake create a sense of timelessness and tranquility that is truly captivating. The town’s main street, is a delight to explore, with its quaint shops, historic buildings, and beautiful flower gardens.
Wineries and Vineyards of Niagara-on-the-Lake
In addition to its cultural and historical attractions, Niagara-on-the-Lake is also famous for its thriving wine industry. The region’s unique microclimate and fertile soil have made it an ideal location for growing a variety of grape varieties.
Culinary delights in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake is not only a hub for wine enthusiasts, but also a destination for foodies and culinary adventurers. The town’s vibrant food scene is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and its proximity to the fertile farmlands.
Where to Eat – Niagara-on-the-Lake
We can recommend The Shaw Cafe and Wine Bar on Queen Street.
“A European style café and the most popular place to be for the finest selection of Niagara wine, bistro cuisine. Relax and enjoy a glass of Niagara Wine on the spectacular Shaw Café & Wine Bar outdoor patio.”
Where to Stay – Niagara-on-the-Lake
We chose to stay at the The Charles Hotel / Inn, which we can highly recommend, due its location, service and value for money.
Upscale boutique inn near Niagara River Gorge
The hotel is beside the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club and Royal George Theatre, The Charles Hotel provides a terrace, a garden, and a bar. The on-site French cuisine fine-dining restaurant, HobNob Restaurant, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and al fresco dining. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
- Free self parking
- Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and smoke-free premises
- Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff and location
Interesting Places to Visit – Niagara on the Lake
Fort George is definitely worth a visit.
“Fort George was a military fortification in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. The fort was used by the British Army, the Canadian militia, and the Jeffersonian American Republic Army for a brief period. The fort was mostly destroyed during the War of 1812. The site of the fort has been a National Historic Site of Canada since 1921, and features a reconstruction of Fort George.”
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