Has seeing the thunderous power of Niagara Falls been a bucket list item for you? Wondering where to get the best views of Niagara Falls? Living in New York, we have visited several times, and we can tell you, that yes, Niagara Falls is worth a visit and we know some of the best ways to see them!
There are ways to view the falls from below, behind, from the top, by air, and by boat, allowing you to see the falls from truly unique perspectives. The destination boasts some of the most scenic views in the U.S. and Canada, and we are here to share with you some of the best views of Niagara Falls!
When planning your visit to Niagara Falls, whether you choose to visit the U.S. side, Canada side, or both (which we recommend), adding as many of these options as possible will give you the most complete experience. You will also want to consider all of the other fun things to do in the area, including nature escapes, shopping, dining, casinos, history, and quirky, fun attractions.
***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****
Best Views of Niagara Falls in Canada
Journey Behind the Falls
The Journey Behind the Falls experience takes you to one of the best views of Niagara Falls. The tour takes you down 125 feet to a platform beside the Horseshoe Falls and gives you the opportunity to walk through 130 year old tunnels carved into the bedrock behind the falls. With elevators taking you down to the tunnels and platform, the stunning views of the falls are easily accessible for everyone. The attraction is partially wheelchair accessible to the upper viewing platform, but stairs are required for the lower platform.
Tours are offered year round, giving you the chance to see the falls in the summer sun or frozen in the winter (although seeing the falls completely frozen is very rare). If you are visiting other area attractions in Niagara Falls, Ontario, consider purchasing the Niagara Falls Pass, which gives you access to many attractions for one price.
The Niagara Skywheel
The Niagara Skywheel is one of the most unique and fun ways to get one of the best views of Niagara Falls. The Skywheel brings you up 175 feet above the falls, giving you panoramic views of the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Rides run during the day and into the evening/night, so you can take in the views during the day and/or at night when they are lit up. The Niagara Skywheel is located along Clifton Hill, close to many other fun family attractions in the area.
Lunch at Skylon Tower
Skylon Tower offers some of the best views of Niagara Falls from above. The tower sits 775ft. above the falls and offers attractions and dining options for visitors as well as an observation deck with some of the best views of Niagara Falls.
You can choose from two dining experiences, the revolving dining room that rotates 360 degrees over an hour, or the buffet restaurant. Both will offer great views of the American and Horseshoe Falls below.
After the meal, head up to the observation deck for some more great views of both the falls and the city. If you prefer to visit the observation deck without dining, you can purchase a ride to the top pass. For a truly unique experience, visit both during the day and at night when the falls are lit up.
Niagara Falls Boat Tour: Voyage to the Falls
The Voyage to the Falls tour offers another one of the best views of Niagara Falls. Hop onboard and get up close and personal with the mighty Niagara Falls.The boat ride will take you along the Niagara River past the American Falls and to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls.
You can choose to do a day tour or a night tour when the falls are illuminated and on select nights, get a close up seat to a fireworks display over the falls. We did both a day tour and night tour, and recommend them both!
Warning: Be prepared to get wet! A poncho is provided for your convenience.
Best Views of Niagara Falls: Stroll the Niagara Falls Parkway
A walkway along the falls in Ontario gives you the opportunity to stroll at your leisure along the Falls and the Niagara River, giving you views of both the American and Horseshoe Falls. And one of the best parts? There are no fees!
The Table Rock Welcome Center sits just beside the Horseshoe falls and allows you to get very close to where the water begins to flow over the falls. The visitor center also offers dining options, shops, and select attractions, such as Journey Behind the Falls.
The Queen Victoria Park sits across the highway from the walkway and gives you some beautiful views of the Falls and gardens within the park. It is also a great place to sit and relax or have a picnic lunch.
Best Views of Niagara Falls in the U.S.A.
Cave of the Winds Experience
The Cave of the Winds is a unique experience on the American side of Niagara Falls that takes you up close to the American Falls. The attraction consists of a series of boardwalks and viewing platforms that will bring you to the foot of the falls. Be on the lookout, you may be able to spot a rainbow over the falls!
The Cave of the Winds is open year-round, again giving you the chance to see the falls in the summer and winter.The experience is timed, so you will have to purchase a timed ticket at the Cave of The Winds Plaza on Goat Island. Before or after your tour be sure to stop and see the photo gallery to learn about the history of the falls.
Warning: You will get wet with this experience, but ponchos are provided. Be sure to bring shoes that can get wet.
Maid of The Mist Boat Tour
Similar to the Voyage of the Falls tour, the Maid of the Mist will take you along the Niagara River, by the American Falls, and to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls on an open boat ride. Tours run up until 8pm during the summer, but do not run during illumination of the falls, so you will not be able to see that with this tour.
Tours generally run from April to November, depending on weather conditions. Another positive, the Maid of the Mist experience is now fully sustainable, with all electric, zero-emissions boats, making this a great option for eco-friendly families.
Best Views of Niagara Falls: The Niagara Falls Observation Tower
The Niagara Falls Observation Tower is a 282-foot tower in Niagara Falls State Park. This attraction provides one of the best views of Niagara Falls in the U.S., offering a panoramic view of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls from the observation deck.
You can also take an elevator down to the gorge and climb a series of steps to Crow’s Nest for another unique experience. There is a minor fee ($1.25 at the time of this writing), to use the observation deck and elevator. This is also where you will access the Maid of the Mist tour, but a boat tour is not necessary to access the elevators.
Luna Island
Luna Island offers one of the best views of Niagara Falls on the US side. Luna Island is a small island right off of Goat Island, resting between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. When standing on the island, you can get as close as 2 feet to the top of the falls.
Because you are so close, expect to get a little bit of mist from the falls. You might not get soaked, but you are very likely to get wet!
Terrapin Point
Terrapin Point is an observation area between the Horseshoe Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls on Goat Island. This viewpoint gives you views of the Niagara River from above, looking towards Canada.
The observation point is near the gift shop and visitor center, and is easily accessible on a paved trail, making it stroller and wheelchair accessible. You will also have access to other walking and biking trails on Goat Island if you want to enjoy a peaceful stroll.
The Rainbow Bridge
A walk across the Rainbow Bridge provides another one of the best views of Niagara Falls in the U.S, but this one is tricker if you don’t have proper travel documents. The bridge extends over the Niagara River, connecting the U.S. to Canada. It has a pedestrian walkway that you can explore on foot or bike, looking out down the river towards the falls.
You will need a passport or enhanced drivers license (U.S. citizens) to access the bridge. There is also a small fee on both the U.S. and Canada sides.
Bonus View: Three Sisters Island
While Three Sisters Island does not provide direct views of the falls, it gets you up close to the Niagara River and its rapids. Three Sisters Island is a series of three small islands that are connected to Goat Island by small footbridges. The islands were named after Celinda, Angelina, and Asenath Whitney, daughters of one of the first settlers of the Niagara Falls area.
From the island, you can see the upper Niagara River and the rapids that flow towards the Horseshoe Falls. Three Sisters Islands are often less crowded than the main areas of the park, making it a good spot if you are looking to escape the crowds. The islands are located on the New York side, just past the US/Canadian border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side of Niagara Falls has the best views?
While each side offers unique views, the common opinion is that the Canadian side offers the best views of Niagara Falls. This is because you can see all three waterfalls—Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls—in a single vista.
What is the best viewpoint on the U.S. side of Niagara Falls?
Terrapin Point on Goat Island is often considered the best viewpoint on the American side. It places visitors right beside Horseshoe Falls and offers incredible views of the rushing water before it plunges over the falls.
What is the best viewpoint on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls?
Table Rock Welcome Centre is widely regarded as the best viewpoint in Canada. Located at the brink of Horseshoe Falls, it offers a dramatic up-close perspective of the waterfall’s power and size.
Can you see all three waterfalls from one location?
Yes. Several locations on the Canadian side, including Queen Victoria Park and Skylon Tower, provide views of Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls at the same time.
Are the best views of Niagara Falls accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?
Many of Niagara Falls’ most popular viewpoints, including the Observation Tower, Table Rock, Queen Victoria Park, and Skylon Tower, are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****
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