Niagara Falls: Two Vacations in One Epic Getaway

It was completely dark. Hundreds of people had gathered at the Niagara Falls State Park to see the famous falls at night, with a rainbow of colorful lights shining on the water. As my friend Melissa and I took in the free show from a park bench, I realized the power of Niagara Falls and understood why the destination draws millions of visitors every year.

With attractions on both the US and Canadian sides, Niagara Falls offers extra value for your money: two vacations, not to mention two countries, for the price of one. It’s where kids can see the magic of the cascades for the first time and adults can reminisce about past trips, perhaps even a honeymoon.

Niagara Falls at night — At night, colorful lights transform Niagara Falls into a dazzling spectacle; photo courtesy of Niagara Falls Tourism

This visit was my first time on the American side of the falls, over a decade after my initial visit to the cascades. Back then, I was young and an eager backpacker, having arrived from Toronto after a days-long bus ride from my home in Atlanta. This time, I flew directly to Buffalo, New York, and rented a car, significantly reducing the travel time.

If you plan on traveling between the US and Canada, by car or on foot, you will need your passport. There are three border crossing points, but the most popular is the Rainbow Bridge, which has easy pedestrian access between the cities of Niagara Falls in Ontario and New York. You can check the wait times in advance on NiagaraFallsBridges.com.

American Falls, Niagara Falls — Watch millions of gallons of water thunder over the American Falls every minute; photo courtesy of Niagara Falls USA

Best things to do in Niagara Falls

The falls themselves are the biggest draw, spanning Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the US, and Queen Victoria Park in Canada. There are three falls in all: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Horseshoe, best viewed from the Canadian side, is the largest, named for its shape. The American Falls are smaller and can be viewed from Niagara Falls State Park. There’s no charge to visit the park. Also on the US side, you’ll find Bridal Veil Falls. There, it’s a must to go into the spray via the Cave of the Winds attraction, which takes you on a series of connected wooden decks at the base of falls. Admission is $14 for adults and $10 for children.

woman on Gorge Trail with bike, reading sign — Scenic trails along the Niagara Gorge offer sweeping views of the river and rapids; photo courtesy of Niagara Falls USA

The free Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Trail, also in Niagara Falls State Park, is a popular hiking trail for beginners. A trolley also circles the park for $5.

The Niagara River Recreation Trail on the Canadian side offers a 30-plus-mile paved path that follows the river. It’s open for pedestrians and cyclists, so you can choose how far you want to go. Bikes are available to rent nearby for about $30.

Looking up the Niagara Gorge with Horseshoe Falls in the background... — Maid of the Mist and Niagara City Cruises take visitors up close to the thundering base of Niagara Falls; photo by G. Edward Johnson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Both sides offer a way to see the falls by boat, including the Maid of the Mist, which has tickets starting at $30 per person, a worthy splurge to get the classic Niagara Falls experience. You’ll receive the iconic poncho, but you’ll still get wet.

A highlight of my trip to the Canadian side was lunch at Skylon Tower, a revolving restaurant and observation deck with views from 775 feet above the falls. I opted for a grilled chicken wrap at the restaurant, but you can also enjoy the buffet, which is $40 for lunch with dessert and a ride to the top, usually $20 on its own. The floor-to-ceiling windows are the perfect way to soak it all in―while staying completely dry.

Enjoy a tasting at Arrowhead Spring Vineyards, part of the Niagara Wine Trail near Niagara Falls; photo courtesy of Niagara Falls USA

Best restaurants and wineries in Niagara Falls

Both Niagaras have world-class wine regions without the crowds you’ll find in the big-name wine-growing districts. On the Canadian Niagara Peninsula, where the wine region dates back to 1873, there are now 100 operations, many known for their ice wine, a sweet dessert wine made by pressing frozen grapes. The Niagara Escarpment on the New York side highlights native grapes, with tastings at some wineries for as low as $8 for 6 samples. Arrowhead Spring Vineyards was my favorite both for its viognier and vineyard views.

Of course, with great wine comes great food. I tested my cooking chops in a cooking class at The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute in Niagara Falls, New York. My friend and I learned how to make wontons and beef and broccoli stir fry, carefully dicing and stirring before chowing down on our creation. Classes start at $40 per person. The school’s Savor Restaurant also showcases the work of students, with a prix fixe lunch for $17.

The historic Hotel Giacomo offers stylish boutique accommodations in downtown Niagara Falls, New York; photo by G. Edward Johnson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Best hotels in Niagara Falls

You’ll find comfortable and charming lodgings on both the US and Canadian sides, but views of the iconic falls are best from the high rises on the Canadian side.

A top pick on the Canadian side in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is the Grandview Boutique Hotel. Set in an 1891 home, each of the boutique hotel’s 17 rooms is named for a member of royalty, all with king or queen beds, of course. Guests enjoy free daily breakfast and free parking.

On the American side in Niagara Falls, New York, you can’t go wrong at The Giacomo Hotel. This Art Deco skyscraper, a former office building, is now a luxury boutique hotel, where guests enjoy an included daily breakfast, and in the evening, can order special martinis in the lounge.

Some hotels have locations on both sides of the border, so don’t mix up your booking. Book through AAA for the best price, usually 10% off.