NIAGARA FALLS || A Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Niagara Falls - Links Included
Niagara Falls is a world-renowned natural wonder that draws millions of visitors annually.
Straddling the border between the United States and Canada, the falls are a breathtaking display of the power and beauty of nature. While both sides offer stunning views, the Canadian side is often considered the superior vantage point, providing visitors with a front-row seat to the awe-inspiring Horseshoe Falls. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about visiting Niagara Falls from the Canadian side, complete with helpful links to plan your trip effectively.
Getting to Niagara Falls
The closest major airport to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side is the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), approximately 80 miles away.
Take the GO train to Burlington Station from Downtown Toronto Union Station. Purchase a day pass or weekend pass here for a cheaper option. You’ll be able to get to Niagara and back without purchasing additional passes.
Once you reach Burlington Station, take the GO bus number 501B to Niagara Falls. This bus takes you directly to the tourist attraction and is covered with the GO pass purchased earlier.
In Niagara, their transit system is called WEGO. Only day tickets and weekend tickets are available for purchase here. During my trip, I only needed to get from the restaurant to Niagara Falls so it would be more cost-efficient to call an Uber for the one ride (which ended up being cheaper than the day pass ticket for WEGO). However, if you do plan on purchasing the ticket, it is valid for the entire transportation service around Niagara.
Where to Stay
Niagara Falls offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Some of the most popular hotels include:
Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa: Offers stunning views of the falls, luxurious amenities, and easy access to the Fallsview Casino.
Sheraton on the Falls: Located directly across from the falls, this hotel provides breathtaking views and is within walking distance of major attractions.
Clifton Victoria Inn at the Falls: A more budget-friendly option that still offers excellent proximity to the falls and complimentary breakfast.
Niagara Falls Campground and Lodging: For those who prefer a camping experience, this campground offers a serene natural setting just a short drive from the falls.
Exploring Niagara Falls
Once you've settled into your accommodation, it's time to explore Niagara Falls. The most popular attraction here is the Hornblower Niagara Cruises. This cruise takes you directly into the falls to experience the fresh water and mist, and of course, this is what I wanted to do coming to Niagara Falls.
You can see the falls while lining up for the cruise, and that sparked immense excitement that I would be able to board the boat and see the attraction up close.
Once you reach the attraction, you’ll see a huge line for the cruise. Remember to purchase tickets here ($32.75 CAD/person) prior to lining up to expedite the process. They’ll scan your ticket and you’re well on your way down to the boat!
This picture was taken right before we went deep into the water. You can already see the water mist collecting at the bottom.
You’ll be led to take the elevator down to board the boat. They’ll hand out rain ponchos to everyone because the “mist” will make everything wet. Interestingly enough, the “mist” was not a mist at all. In fact, it was more like if you went through a shower with the best water pressure. Fortunately, the poncho took most of the hit, but because there were strong winds mixed with the water, everything ended up getting wet.
This is a smaller waterfall located on the side. There was not as much water splashing from this side of the falls but the view was just as breathtaking.
Regardless of the watery surprise, the falls was astounding to see and the beauty of it made me appreciate nature.
If you choose not to board the cruise, you can view Niagara Falls from afar and still experience the beauty of nature.
Visiting Niagara Falls from the Canadian side is a bucket-list experience that offers unparalleled views and a host of exciting attractions. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a romantic getaway, Niagara Falls has something for everyone. Plan your trip using the provided links and get ready for an unforgettable journey to one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
