Table of contents
When we learned that Buffalo, NY would be in totality for more than 3.5 minutes during the 2024 eclipse, it became a no-brainer to visit. Fred had never been to Niagara Falls, and I had only visited briefly as a child. We have current passports, so there would be no extra expense crossing the border into Canada.
Our Itinerary
Our itinerary included a four-night trip, with two nights on the Canadian side in the town of Niagara Falls, Ontario, one night in Toronto, and one night in Buffalo. We flew into Buffalo and picked up our reserved rental car at the airport.
Having searched for an affordable deal on a rental car on Expedia and Kayak, we finally ended up renting a car cheaper through National Car Rental. We had a free day that had accumulated from business and leisure trips, so we only had to pay for three of four days. You can sometimes find better deals by booking directly with the car rental companies.
Tip:
There are some benefits to brand loyalty. National Car Rental is an example. Fred’s employer has a contract with National, so when he travels for work, his cars are always rented through National. Anyone can join National’s Emerald Club, a free loyalty points program. Points toward free car rental days accumulate each time a car is rented. It’s important to not miss out on “freebies” like this as they are basically “free money.” (See our tips page here.)
Even if you will rent the cheapest car you can find each time, as opposed to being loyal to a brand, go ahead and sign up for each car rental company’s loyalty program. Over time, you will accumulate enough points to get a free rental day. We have accumulated – and used – a whole week of free days in the past! This is one of many ways to make travel affordable.
Arrival / Canadian Border Crossing
We arrived in Buffalo in the evening, and after picking up our rental car, headed to the Canadian border. There were only two other cars ahead of us – we waited about five minutes. At the checkpoint, we presented our passports and answered a few questions such as where we were traveling from, what we planned to do in Canada, and how long we planned to stay. This is a not a scary process.
We arrived at the DoubleTree Fallsview Resort and Spa by Hilton in Niagara Falls, ON, where we had reservations, around 8:30 PM. Since it was late and we were tired, we popped into the Tim Horton’s at 6380 Fallsview Drive for a light supper. We each got a chicken “loaded bowl,” mine Cilantro Lime and Fred’s Habanero. This was an inexpensive and quick option. No need to wait for table service. We spent about $20.
The DoubleTree is at 6039 Fallsview Boulevard. Our room was comfortable and clean, and the hotel lobby was modern and attractive. Sometimes DoubleTree stays include free breakfast, but often if the hotel is in a touristy area, they do not. This was the case here. We had a cup of lackluster coffee in the morning and headed back across the border to the American side of Niagara Falls for our first adventure, a Maid of the Mist excursion.
Which Side of Niagara Falls to Visit – USA or Canada?
The answer is both! If at all possible, visit both the US and Canadian sides of the falls. Each side provides a unique experience and perspective. The views from each side are different, and each side offers its own amenities and attractions.
You will need a passport to cross from one side of Niagara Falls to the other.
If you can only visit one side, we recommend choosing the Canadian side. However, if you can’t get there due to lack of time or passport, a visit to the American side of the falls is fantastic on its own and well worth your time.
US Side of Niagara Falls
The USA side of Niagara Falls is encompassed by the Niagara Falls State Park.
To plan your trip, visit the Niagara Falls USA website. The website can help you build an itinerary for your visit. You can also find information on each attraction offered at Niagara Falls State Park and logistics such as parking.
Tip: Ontario residents may purchase an annual Parking Pass, allowing you to park at state parks and attractions along the Niagara Scenic Parkway.
Maid of the Mist Boat Tours
A Maid of the Mist tour, offered by the Niagara Falls State Park, is an iconic, exhilarating and delightful experience. It is one thing to see the falls from the top, but taking a tour to the base of the falls provides a completely different perspective. Maid of the Mist tours have been running since 1846!
Now, tours are on 600-passenger, all-electric boats which feature a large upper deck and a covered area below. To best experience the energy and grandeur of the falls, stay out on the upper deck. Every passenger is given a large poncho, which is about knee length and has a hood.
Normally, the Maid of the Mist does not start running excursions until late April or early May, but with huge crowds expected for the solar eclipse, this year tours began on April 4. When we boarded for the 9:30 AM tour on April 5, we were on the first boat on the second day of operation. And it was snowing!
Maid of the Mist – Cost and Ticketing
Tour costs for 2024 are as follows: Adult: $28.25, Children (ages 6-12): $17.75, and Children 5 and under are free with an accompanying adult. For more information and to buy your tickets, visit the Maid of the Mist website.
According to the Niagara State Park’s website: “Tickets purchased online are valid any day we are open during the season, but reservations for a specific date or time are not accepted. All passengers, including those with online tickets, will be boarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets purchased in person at our ticket office are only valid on the day they are purchased.” In other words, if you plan to do this tour, you can go ahead and purchase advance tickets at any time. Arrive early for your tour – with your mobile tickets – to get a good spot and ensure that you can get on board for your desired excursion time.
Parking for Maid of the Mist
Parking is in the state park. For a map of parking options and information on rates, which range from $5-$10 per day, visit the Niagara Falls State Park Parking Information page. Since we arrived early, we were able to park very near the Observation Tower, which is your destination. This is a paid lot and costs $5 for the day.
Accessing Maid of the Mist
From the car, walk toward the large, green Observation Tower. Your mobile ticket will be scanned, and you will be given paper tickets. Then you take an elevator down to the boarding area for the boats. Wait to put on your poncho until you have boarded and are situated.
Choosing Your Spot on Maid of the Mist
The left side of the boat will go closest to the falls, so if you wish to get wet experiencing the power of the falls, grab a spot over there. To have a great experience without getting too wet, stand in the middle of the deck. If you can’t stand for too long but want to be up on the deck, be sure to board early. There are a few seats up there!
Experiencing Maid of the Mist
The ride is exhilarating and fun from the deck, especially as you experience the energy of so much water flowing over the 2,200 foot wide edge of Horseshoe Falls.
The boat tour is not long, at around 20-25 minutes to pass the American side of the falls and then approach the horseshoe-shaped Canadian falls. The boat stays in the height of the spray for a couple of minutes before turning around within the Horseshoe Falls area.
It is also possible to sit in the enclosed lower area if you prefer to be protected from the elements.
Observation Tower and Deck
If you take the Maid of the Mist tour, you will end up at the Observation Tower deck upon leaving the boat. This is a fantastic place to view the falls and snap photos.
Even if you don’t take a boat tour, you can visit the Observation Deck for an entrance fee of $1.25. For more information on visiting the deck only, click here.
Walking to Goat Island and the Top of the American Falls
Walk along the Niagara River on the Lower Grove Trail then over the bridge to Goat Island. On Goat Island, take the North Shore Trail along the river back out toward the falls. Stop at the various observation areas, making sure to go all the way out to the top of the American Falls. This vantage point will blow you away! Check out this map of Niagara State Park to orient yourself on the American side of the falls.
Top of the Falls Restaurant
The Top of the Falls Restaurant is located right at the top of the American Falls offering fantastic views. It was closed when we visited, but the menu can be found here. There are also seasonal food and ice cream stands on Goat Island.
Tip: You can drive to Goat Island, but it’s not a long or difficult walk from the Observation Tower and Maid of the Mist. The walk is scenic and relaxing. If you choose to drive to Goat Island, you will need to pay another parking fee.
Nik Wallenda Monument
While on Goat Island, check out the marker commemorating Nik Wallenda walking over Horseshoe Falls on a tightrope on June 15, 2012. The monument includes a small piece of the wire he crossed.
Cave of the Winds
Cave of the Winds is not a cave at all. (Formerly it was cavern-like with a large rock overhang. A major rock fall in the 1950s led to the removal of the remaining rock.)
At this attraction, you ride an elevator 175 feet down to the base of the Niagara Gorge, then walk on stairs and boardwalks to get very close to Bridal Veil Falls. Tours depart from Goat Island. For ticket and attraction information, visit here.
Welcome Center – Niagara Falls State Park
The new Welcome Center at Niagara Falls State Park is large and modern. There are ticketing and information desks, a gift shop, cafe, and restrooms.
Canadian Side of Niagara Falls
The Canadian side of Niagara Falls was our favorite. You will miss a lot if you only see Niagara Falls from the New York side! You do need a passport to cross the border.
Package Deals – Canadian Side
If interested in a package deal for attractions on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, visit the Niagara Parks website.
Walking the Fallsview Trail Promenade
The best way to experience the falls on the Canadian side is to simply walk along the Fallsview Trail promenade, all the way from the American Falls to the top of Horseshoe Falls. The views along the way are stupendous and the route is flat and paved. There are plenty of fantastic spots to stop, enjoy the views and take pictures. The tour boats churn along below you. At the top of Horseshoe Falls, watch the water flow over the lip of the falls. It’s mesmerizing!
Visiting the Falls at Night – a MUST
About 15 minutes after dark each night, the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls are lit up. At first the light on the falls is white, but it gradually changes over to a stunning light show / display. Plan to spend at least 15 minutes watching while strolling along the promenade.
Boat Tour to Base of Falls – Niagara City Cruises
Like Maid of the Mist on the USA side, Niagara City Cruises offers “Voyage to the Falls” boat tours that venture close to the base of the falls and leave from the Canadian side. Tickets for these excursions are timed entry and should be purchased in advance. For more information and to book, click here.
Town of Niagara Falls, Ontario
The town of Niagara Falls, Ontario is touristy, full of hotels, chain restaurants, and souvenir shops. Most of the town is set on a hill, so while it is only a short walk down to the falls, navigating the hill be difficult for some. From the DoubleTree, there was a steep dirt footpath that led directly down to the Canadian side of the falls. If you will have trouble navigating the hill, you can take the Falls Incline Railway.
Falls Incline Railway
The Falls Incline Railway shuttles passengers up and down the steep hill between the hotels and the falls. Information and ticket options can be found here.
Table Rock Welcome Center
The Table Rock Welcome Center sits above Horseshoe Falls. It features the Table Rock Restaurant, a food market, gift shop, restrooms, and access to the Falls Incline Railway.
For more information and a full listing of amenities and attractions at the Table Rock Welcome Center, click here.
Table Rock Restaurant
The Table Rock Restaurant is located inside the Table Rock Welcome Center right at the top of Horseshoe Falls. We ate lunch here. It’s a bit pricey at $18-25/person, but the views are absolutely amazing. This was a splurge, but well worth the extra money for the memorable experience. The restaurant takes reservations and is open for dinner. Find more info and menus here.
Journey Behind the Falls
Journey Behind the Falls tours leave from the Table Rock Welcome Center. An elevator takes you 125 feet down to 130-year-old tunnels, through which you access a portal cut through the rock. The observation deck places you at near the base of the thunderous Horseshoe Falls. Expect to get wet! To learn more and purchase your timed-entry ticket, click here.
Whirlpool Aero Car
The Whirlpool Aero Car has been carrying tourists across the Whirlpool on the Niagara River since 1916. It is boarded from the Canadian side of the falls. The Whirlpool is a large “bowl” in the river where the water swirls, creating Class 6 rapids. The Aero Car cuts across the Canada-USA border four times, but no passport is required. Cost is around $CA20 for adults, $C12 for children. Visit the attraction’s website for more information.
Places to Visit Near Niagara Falls, US Side
Whirlpool State Park
Drive about 3 miles north of Niagara Falls on the Niagara Scenic Parkway to Whirlpool State Park. At this spot, there is a huge “bowl” in the Niagara River, where the water swirls, creating Class Six rapids. The state park is a great place to view The Whirlpool from a trail high above the Niagara River. (See the Whirlpool Aero Car section above for a description of The Whirlpool.)
From the state park, you can access a staircase that leads to the base of the gorge. If you have the time and stamina, go for it! The power of the swirling water and the rock layers in the gorge create an amazing experience – and a good workout.
Devil’s Hole State Park
Another 5 miles downriver (north) is Devil’s Hole State Park. The upper level of the park is high above the rapids for which the park is named. A trail runs along the park, high above Devil’s Hole. You can also descend a stone staircase to reach the gorge.
Fort Niagara State Park
Sitting on the scenic shores of Lake Ontario, this state park protects Old Fort Niagara, the oldest building on the Great Lakes. The fort dates back to 1732. The Fort Niagara Lighthouse, built in 1782, also graces the grounds. The park has picnic areas, a large outdoor swimming pool (opened seasonally), and a playground. This state park is about 15 miles north of Niagara Falls.
We did not visit the Fort since the weather was cold and drizzly, but we walked down to the lakeshore, and took some photos of the fort from outside the compound.
Fort Niagara State Park provides a scenic picnic spot away from the noise and crowds of Niagara Falls. Also, across Lake Ontario, you can see the Toronto skyline.
