Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, the phenomenon that is Niagara Falls is the collective name for three impressive waterfalls that straddle the border between the US state of New York and the province of Ontario in Canada.

Formed by the Niagara River, water crashes down from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, plunging nearly 200 feet to smash onto the rocks below. The river then rushes through the tight Niagara Gorge to form a giant whirlpool. The roar of the falls can be heard for miles and the clouds of mist formed from such a powerful force reach high into the sky.

Canada is home to the largest of the falls, with 90% of the Niagara River plunging over the Horseshoe Falls. The smaller American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are situated within the US, with the latter being separated from the Horseshoe Falls by Goat Island and the American Falls by Luna Island. Both islands are situated in the state of New York.

As you can imagine, there is plenty to see and do in this wonderful location and our guide will explore a few favourites, from trips to the bottom of the falls to tightrope walking, from the tunnels behind the falls to gambling in the spectacular casinos. And remember, if you’re considering a trip to Niagara Falls from Canada, make sure to check your eligibility and obtain the electronic Travel Authorization for Canada (eTA) in advance.

Get Close With a River Cruise

One of the best ways to experience the falls is by getting up close and personal with a river cruise that takes you past both the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls to rest at the bottom of the falls. Be prepared to get wet as the mist falls all around and there’s nothing that can describe the thunderous roar from the cascading falls.

Another spectacular sight is the falls by night when they are illuminated by a rainbow of lights and sparkling fireworks, you can take a 40-minute cruise to experience this marvellous night-time vision. Or, if you prefer a bird’s eye view, book yourself onto a 10-minute helicopter ride that takes you above the spray to see the all-encompassing Niagara Falls, Rainbow Bridge, and Whirlpool Rapids.

Enjoy the Entertainment

When planning a visit to Canada and the Falls, remember to pack your poker face! There are two casino venues close to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side of the border, Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort, both offering 24-hour entertainment. Casino Niagara offers 95,000 square feet of fun, with more than 1300 slot games and 40 exciting tables.

There are plenty of eating options and a lively sports bar to cater for your beverage and sports betting needs. Fallsview Casino overlooks the Horseshoe Falls and is the most elegant gaming resort in Canada, spreading across an incredible 2.5 million square feet!

This fun-packed resort offers legendary entertainment shows, shopping boutiques, over 3,000 slot games, more than 130 tables featuring classic games like roulette, baccarat, and craps, plus a 374-room luxury hotel. You can even play at Google Pay online casinos from your luxury hotel room; be sure to check out casinoscanada.com/en for the best Google Pay casino sites in Canada.

The Fallsview Casino is also home to a 1,500 state-of-the-art theatre, a shopping galleria, and almost 30 eateries. We recommend trying the 750-seat Grand Buffet as it has spectacular views overlooking the magnificent Niagara Falls.

A Completely Different Perspective

For a completely different perspective of the falls, an elevator from the Table Rock Welcome Centre will take you 45 metres down to tunnels with viewing portals directly behind the falls and an observation deck near the foot of the Horseshoe Falls.

Here, you can look up at the falls, feel the mist on your face, and get a totally different experience from that of viewing the falls from up above. In direct contrast, the Skylon Tower reaches a height of more than 235 metres above the falls and not only offers a bird’s eye view via its indoor and outdoor observation decks but also an upscale revolving dining room.

When planning a visit to Canada and its famous Niagara Falls, consider that the trip won’t be complete without a tour of the Niagara Falls History Museum.

Exhibitions provide an insight into the local town and its community, plus key events that have occurred over the years. Visitors are invited to brandish a musket whilst wearing a replica of the uniform worn by soldiers fighting in the 1812 Battle of Lundy’s Lane.

You can also attempt to walk a tightrope whilst learning more about the foolhardy stunts attempted by daredevils both around and over the edge of the falls, some of which didn’t end well!