Niagara Falls Tickets, Prices, Discounts, What to Expect and More
With its towering cascades and thunderous roar, Niagara Falls stands as one of the most stunning and powerful natural wonders in the world.
Located along the border of New York state and the Canadian province of Ontario, this majestic waterfall draws millions of admiring visitors from around the globe each year.
The Niagara region boasts an array of attractions to entertain and educate visitors in addition to incredible up-close or panoramic views of the falls.
Adventurers can brave the raging waters aboard daredevil boats or witness them from behind curtain-like cascades.
Far-reaching observation towers give a unique aerial perspective showcasing the full scale of the falls’ glory.
Beyond the falls, lush parks and gardens, historic sites, and more offer abundant sightseeing opportunities, making Niagara Falls a well-rounded travel destination.
This article shares all the information you need about Niagara Falls tickets, prices, tours, what to do and more.
What is the Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a famous natural wonder. It’s a group of massive waterfalls between the United States and Canada.
The falls comprise three parts: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
They are on the Niagara River, which connects Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
The water from the river tumbles down steep cliffs, creating a breathtaking sight and a deafening roar.
Tourists from around the world visit to see the falls’ beauty.
You can take boat tours like the Maid of the Mist to get close to the waterfall.
Niagara Falls is also used to generate hydroelectric power, providing electricity to the region.
It’s a symbol of the power and beauty of nature, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Where to buy Niagara Falls tickets
It’s a good idea to buy your tickets for Niagara Falls in advance online.
While you can also get tickets on-site, there are usually long lines, and you might not get the time slot you want.
Buying your tickets online can save time on the day of your visit, especially during the busy season when waiting in line can take up to an hour.
Online booking allows you to pick a time that fits your schedule best. Plus, there are several options to choose from online.
Another advantage of booking online is that you might find special offers, discounts, or package deals you won’t get if you buy tickets in person.
It’s also important to be cautious because unauthorized ticket sellers around the Falls might not provide legitimate tickets.
By booking online, you can have a worry-free experience, save time, secure your entry, and take advantage of exclusive offers.
Niagara Falls ticket prices
There are many ticket options to choose from while booking your Niagara Falls tickets. You can choose your tickets based on the prices and the amenities provided.
A Niagara Falls USA Tour With Maid of the Mist Boat Ride, Cave of the Winds and Skylon Observation deck is the most popular option if you are visiting from New York.
This Niagara Falls ticket costs $84 for visitors over 13 years and $72 for children between five and 12 years.
Infants below five years old get free entry.
Here is an overview of the ticket prices and where to buy them:
Best Niagara Falls tickets
You can choose from several tickets when it comes to visiting Niagara Falls!
Here are the best Niagara Falls tickets for you to choose from:
Niagara Falls USA Tour with Maid of the Mist Boat Ride, Cave of the Winds and Skylon Observation deck
If you are planning to visit Niagara Falls from New York and wish to enjoy all the highlights quickly, this is your perfect tour.
Get up close to the falls and witness the power of 150,000 gallons of water per second from the Prospect Point Observation Tower, with stunning views of the American Falls.
Discover key viewing points, including Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Goat Island, and more.
On this trip, you can enjoy a guided tour of Niagara Falls, USA.
You can take the Maid of the Mist Boat Ride and enjoy entry to the Cave of Winds and the Prospect Point Observation Tower.
This tour included round transportation from New York.
This tour includes
- Guided tour of Niagara Falls, USA
- Maid of the Mist boat ride
- Entry to Cave of the Winds and the Prospect Point Observation Tower
- Guided tour of the Hydroelectric plant
Tour Prices:
| Age | Tour price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13 to 99 years) | $85 |
| Child ticket (5 to 12 years) | $75 |
Maid of Mist, Cave of Winds, and Trolley Tour
Discover Niagara Falls from the American side with a guided tour and a park trolley pass.
Your adventure begins aboard the Maid of the Mist, guided by an expert who shares insights and tips.
Get your tickets and Cave of the Winds trolley passes and explore Luna Island, Three Sisters Island, Terrapin Point, and the Cave of the Winds.
This tour includes:
- Guide
- Maid of the Mist Boat Ride ticket
- Entry to the Niagara Falls Observation Deck
- Trolley Pass
- Ticket for Cave of the Winds
Tour Prices:
| Age | Tour price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (ages 13 to 99 years) | $98 |
| Child ticket (ages 5 to 12 years) | $80 |
Maid of Mist Boat Tour
Start your adventure with the iconic Maid of the Mist boat ride and a guided walk in Niagara Falls State Park.
Experience the Maid of the Mist adventure under the falls.
Next, embark on a 40-minute guided walking tour through Niagara Falls State Park, taking you from Hennepin Rock to the Trolley Loop at Prospect Point.
Your guide will share the fascinating history, legends, and thrills of Niagara Falls, from its discoverers to its challengers.
Tour includes:
- Entry ticket for the Maid of the Mist boat ride
- Guided walking tour
- Entry to Cave of Winds
- Entry to Niagara Falls Observation deck
Tour Prices:
| Age | Tour price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13 to 99 years) | $131 |
| Child ticket (5 to 12 years) | $93 |
Niagara Falls One-Day Tour
Embark on a journey from New York City to Niagara Falls, New York State!
Travel on the renowned Maid of the Mist boat, granting you close access to Horseshoe Falls and American Falls.
You can choose from a late-night or early-morning departure!
Explore attractions like Goat Island and Luna Island, enjoying breathtaking vistas of the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls!
This Tour Includes:
- Entry to national park
- Visit the Niagara Falls
- Maid Of The Mist boat ride
- Round-trip transportation
Tour Prices:
| Age | Tour price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (ages 11 to 99 years) | $84 |
| Child ticket (ages ten and below) | $72 |
Niagara Falls USA: Day and Night Tour with Light Show
Explore Niagara Falls on a half-day tour, where you can get up close to the Falls.
From November to April, venture through the Cave of the Winds; from May to October, take a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat.
Witness the mighty 12,000-year-old wonder, stop at the American Observation Tower, and visit Goat Island.
Ticket includes:
- Tickets to Maid of the Mist boat ride (late April to early November)
- Tickets to Cave of the Winds (mid-November to April)
- Guided tour
Ticket Prices:
| Age | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13+ years) | $133 |
| Child ticket (3 to 12 years) | $105 |
How to get to Niagara Falls from NYC
Situated along the U.S./Canadian border, Niagara Falls State Park welcomes travelers worldwide.
Niagara Falls is 407 miles (605 km) from New York City.
Address: 24 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY, 14303. Get Directions.
Most visitors fly into the Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) or drive in on Interstate 90 to reach Niagara Falls State Park.
How to get to Niagara Falls by taxi or car:
If you are in for a road trip or stay nearby, you can take a taxi or drive to Niagara Falls.
The best Niagara Falls address for your GPS/cab rental app is 24 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY, 14303.
The State Park does not have an actual physical address.
If you want to go directly to the Welcome Centre, use this address: 10 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY 14303.
This will bring you to the cross streets of 1st Street and Buffalo Avenue – the intersection at the entrance to the park and the base of the bridge to Goat Island.
While there are four parking lots in the State Park, they fill up early on weekends (including Fridays) and holidays. This results in severe traffic entering the park.
You can use street parking or the additional lots available around.
How to get to Niagara Falls by air
Buffalo-Niagara International Airport is about 30 to 40 minutes from the falls and about 27.5 miles (44 km) from the central city.
There are taxis and shuttle services from there.
How to get to Niagara Falls by bus
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) has bus routes from downtown Buffalo.
Niagara is connected to Interstate 90 and has several parkways, expressways and highways.
The NFTA has a bus that runs between Niagara Falls and Buffalo Niagara International Airport every two hours.
How to get to Niagara Falls by train
The Niagara Falls Amtrak station (NFL) has daily services by Maple Leaf from Toronto and New York City.
The city is also connected to East Coast destinations such as Philadelphia, New York City and Washington D.C.
Niagara Falls Opening Hours
Niagara Falls State Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
However, park attractions are seasonal and have their own schedules.
The Niagara Falls boat tour is open from 10 am to 4 pm from April to November.
It is closed from November to March due to winter.
However, other attractions are open throughout the year.
The Niagara Falls observation deck is open from 10 am to 4.30 pm, while the night illumination show starts at 4.30 pm and ends at 2 am.
Here is an overview of the hours of operation of all Niagara Falls attractions:
| Attraction | Days | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Niagara Falls Observation Tower | Nov 6 to Dec 31* | 10 am to 4.30 pm |
| Schoellkopf Power Plant Ruins Site | Nov 1 onwards | 10 am to 4 pm |
| Niagara Falls Illumination | Nov 6 to Dec 31 | 4.30 pm to 2 am |
| Cave of the Winds | Nov 6 to Dec 31* | 10 am to 4.30 pm |
| Aquarium of Niagara | Daily | 9 am to 5 pm, last entry 4.30 pm |
| Maid of the Mist | Till Nov 5 | 10 am to 4 pm |
A Few attractions are closed or have different timings on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. Check the official website before visiting.
Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls
The best time to visit Niagara Falls depends on your preferences. If you want to see the falls at their most majestic, try to visit during the daytime.
The sun illuminates the rushing waters, creating beautiful rainbows.
For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting on a weekday.
Weekends tend to be busier, with more tourists and longer wait times.
The ideal time of year is during the summer months, from June to August.
The weather is warm, and the falls look their best.
However, be prepared for larger crowds. Spring and fall are also great options, as the weather is pleasant and groups are smaller.
Winter can be magical if you don’t mind the cold, as the falls can partially freeze, creating a unique, icy landscape.
How long does it take at Niagara Falls?
Visiting Niagara Falls is exciting! The time it takes can vary. If you’re going to see the falls, it might take a few hours. You can enjoy the view and take pictures.
But if you plan to explore more, like going on boat tours or visiting museums, it might take a full day or more.
The boat tours like Maid of the Mist are popular and can add extra time to your visit.
Keep in mind that it can get crowded, especially in the summer. So, be patient and prepare for some waiting.
Make sure to check the opening hours and any special events happening at the falls.
Plan for at least half a day, but make it a full-day adventure to see and do more!
Things to do at Niagara Falls
There are a number of attractions to visit at the Falls, and we have compiled the list of top things to do at Niagara Falls:
Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls
The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory opened in December 1996 and has been a fascinating attraction for visitors.
It’s located near Niagara Falls, on the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens grounds.
The conservatory offers educational and entertaining experiences about butterflies’ life cycle and habitats.
While the surrounding area has various attractions like games, theme parks, and casinos, the Butterfly Conservatory provides a quieter and serene escape.
Inside, there’s a climate-controlled greenhouse with over 2,000 exotic butterflies from 45 different species, a gift shop, and a 200-seat auditorium.
It’s open year-round from 10 am to 5 pm, making it a great family destination, captivating visitors of all ages.
Niagara Falls Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls, also known as Canadian Falls, is a magnificent waterfall in Niagara Falls, Canada.
It is one of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the largest and most famous of the three, with a distinctive horseshoe-shaped curve.
The waterfall’s powerful flow creates a mesmerizing spectacle as it plunges into the Niagara River.
You can witness its beauty from various viewpoints, including boat tours and observation decks.
Horseshoe Falls is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of natural wonder.
Journey Behind the Falls
Journey Behind the Falls, found in Queen Victoria Park, offers a unique view of Niagara Falls.
To visit, go to the Table Rock building. An elevator takes 125 feet down a short tunnel leading to observation decks and portals behind the Falls.
In the spring and summer, you receive a free, biodegradable rain poncho to keep dry from the Falls’ mist.
It’s a fantastic spot for capturing breathtaking photos of Niagara Falls from the observation deck.
This attraction is a must-visit in Niagara Falls, Canada, known for its year-round appeal and the remarkable perspective it provides of the Falls.
Skylon Observation Tower Niagara Falls
The Skylon Observation Tower in Niagara Falls is an observation tower that provides a panoramic view of both the American and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls.
This well-known attraction should be a part of your trip when visiting Niagara Falls.
The Skylon Tower has an indoor and outdoor observation deck that offers a stunning view of the falls from 764 feet.
With the Skylon Tower Observation Deck ticket, you can climb to the observation deck at the Tower’s peak and get astonishing views of Niagara Falls.
The observation deck’s floor-to-ceiling windows provide a unique perspective, allowing you to marvel at the sheer scale and majesty of the falls.
Niagara Falls at Night
The nightly illumination of Niagara Falls is a must-see.
Every night, all year round, the three waterfalls are lit up with vibrant colors, creating a breathtaking view that can be seen from a distance.
The illuminated water against the dark sky enhances the beauty of the falls, making it a unique sight.
Lights from three locations near the falls provide this stunning display.
Schoellkopf Power Plant Ruins Site
The Schoellkopf Power Plant Ruins Site is historic in Niagara Falls, USA.
It’s the remains of a hydroelectric power plant that suffered a catastrophic collapse in 1956. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction.
Visitors can see the old machinery and learn about the power plant’s history. The site overlooks the stunning Niagara Falls, making it a unique spot for photos and exploration.
It’s a reminder of the past and the importance of renewable energy.
The site offers a glimpse into the area’s industrial history and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and natural beauty.
Niagara Falls Canadian Side vs American Sides
While the Falls themselves are the main draw, the surrounding areas on the Canadian and American sides offer distinct scenery, attractions, hotels, restaurants and more.
Here’s an overview comparing the two sides of Niagara Falls.
Views of the Falls
The Canadian side offers spectacular wide-angle, panoramic views of the entire Horseshoe Falls, the largest and most impressive of the three waterfalls.
Views from popular spots like Table Rock, Journey Behind the Falls and hotel restaurants offer unobstructed sight lines near thundering waters.
The American side showcases outstanding front-facing views directly overlooking the smaller American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
Key spots like the Prospect Point Observation Tower, Cave of the Winds tour and various state park lookout points provide views close to the crashing cascades.
Surrounding Area Attractions
The Canadian area features a vibrant, lively tourist district with themed restaurants, wax museums, haunted houses, indoor waterparks, casinos and more.
Major amusement parks like Marineland, Canada and Fallsview Indoor Waterpark provide family entertainment.
The Skylon Tower observation deck offers aerial views while Hornblower boat tours get you up close to the bottom of the Falls.
The American side encompasses a State Park with scenic walking trails leading to more waterfall lookouts.
Attractions like the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, Old Fort Niagara and various historical sites offer more educational experiences focused on local culture and history.
Serene spots like the riverside Niagara Falls State Park and Whirlpool State Park contrast with the busier Canadian clamor.
Accommodations and Dining
On the Canadian side, tourists can select from dozens of high-rise hotels directly facing the Falls featuring restaurants, spas and pools.
Luxury hotel chains like the Marriott, Sheraton, Embassy Suites and Hilton all operate prime properties with Fall views from guestrooms.
Chain restaurants like the Rainforest Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe and others cater to families, while upscale dining venues provide fine regional cuisine.
The American side offers fewer branded hotel chains but unique, historic bed and breakfast-style inns, motels, rental cottages, and suites.
Dining options range from family-style restaurants to elegant, romantic eateries showcasing New York wines and locally sourced ingredients.
Overall, the American side offers more affordable, value-oriented accommodation and dining choices.
In summary, while both sides of Niagara Falls offer remarkable views and attractions, the Canadian side focuses on delivering exceptional up-close scenery.
The mellower American side provides a more peaceful, nostalgic getaway celebrating nature and culture.
Visitors would be rewarded by experiencing both to get the complete Niagara Falls experience.
FAQs on Niagara Falls
1. Is Niagara Falls Canada or the USA?
Niagara Falls is located on the border between Canada and the United States. It can be viewed from both countries, with distinct viewpoints and attractions.
2. Why is Niagara Falls so famous?
Niagara Falls is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and immense power.
The falls are one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, attracting millions of visitors each year due to their stunning scenery and the thrilling experiences they offer.
3. Is one day enough to see Niagara Falls?
Yes, one day is enough to see Niagara Falls. You can enjoy the main attractions in a day, like the falls, boat tours, and museums.
However, for a more leisurely visit, consider spending two days.
4. Do you need a passport to visit Niagara Falls?
Yes. If you are an American citizen and wish to cross over to the Niagara River’s Canadian bank, you must show your passport at the border crossing.
5. What’s the location of Niagara Falls State Park?
The state park doesn’t have a physical address, only a postal address. The approximate entrance to Goat Island is 24 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14303.
6. Where can I park while visiting the Niagara Falls?
There are four parking lots within the park.
7. How much to park while visiting the Niagara Falls?
Parking at Niagara is available in 4 lots. The parking prices from Jan to Mar’ 24 are $5, after which the price will increase to $10 per day.
8. Can I get an Uber or Lyft at the Park?
Yes, ride-sharing apps are available throughout Niagara Falls, USA.
9. Is the Park accessible to the disabled?
Yes. The park attractions and most footpaths are fully accessible, suitable for wheelchairs and have excellent views of Niagara Falls.
10. How long does the park stay open?
Niagara Falls State Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, park attractions are seasonal and have their schedules.
Featured Image : Nature beauty generated by AI Stock photos by Vecteezy