More about: Niagara Falls Tickets and Tours
Step into a whole new world, filled with mist, formidable rapids of powerful water and the occasional rainbow, with the best tours of Niagara Falls. The falls are surrounded by vineyards, forests and other attractive spots that you’ll love to explore, and you have the chance to do just that.
Discover this tourist paradise for the first time, or return to admire it from a completely different perspective. After reviewing the available tours, I’ve put together some excellent options by land, water and even by air. So let yourself be surprised by this exclusive selection that shows you everything you can enjoy whilst you’re there.
1. Tour on the famous Maid of the Mist boat
One of the unmissable experiences, and among the best tours of the Falls, is the tour aboard the Maid of the Mist. This is a boat that will venture right into the heart of these imposing waterfalls. In this way, it will give you a unique experience that you will never forget.
You’ll be surrounded by thousands of litres of water and *feel the adrenaline rush from the force and roar of the falls. Thanks to the powerful breeze, the water will hit your face and body, soaking the protective clothing you’ll be given. Without a doubt, it’s not just about having wonderful views; it’s about experiencing an indescribable thrill.
This type of tour usually takes less than half a day and includes more than just the boat trip. For example, they may pick you up from the hotel where you’re staying in New York. They’ll even take you back there once everything’s finished, without charging you anything extra for this service. So make the most of it.
Key details of this excursion
Price: Around €120
Estimated duration: 5 hours
Transport used: Boat
2. Thrilling speedboat ride
The Niagara boat tour is one of the most thrilling tours of the falls. On board, you’ll navigate these waters for a couple of hours of great fun. These boats are modern, comfortable and fast, travelling at a speed that I bet will impress you.
They boast over 1,650 horsepower, which will propel you throughout the journey. You simply must give this adventure a go – it’ll send your adrenaline skyrocketing. Get ready to enjoy this classic ride where the water will splash against you as the boat rocks back and forth.
On this excursion through Niagara Falls, you’ll find yourself between the gorge and its cliffs. Be daring and take one of the open-air seats on the boat. If you’re a bit more reserved, head inside; either way, you’ll love the ride.
Key details of this excursion
Price: Around €60
Estimated duration: 45 minutes
Transport: Boat
3. Evening tour of the beautiful illuminated Falls
See the beautiful Falls in a completely different light during a night-time excursion. Your eyes will sparkle and light up thanks to the reflection of all the effects. The pyrotechnics, laser lights and fireworks used at night provide an unrivalled and unforgettable spectacle.
This Technicolor night-time display at Niagara Falls only takes place after sunset. So, if you’re looking to witness something completely different, book a night-time tour. You’ll witness a natural phenomenon, sparkling and brilliantly lit.
Gazing at the stars, bathed in their light, will complement this amazing spectacle of colour and stunning luminosity. This excursion also includes the chance to view some attractions from a boat, which makes the whole experience even better.
Key details of this tour
Price: From €120
Estimated duration: 4 hours
Transport used: Boat
4. Aerial tour over the breathtaking Falls
Among the best tours of the Falls that you can enjoy is the plane ride over Niagara. This involves treating yourself to an aerial view on a flight that will take you on an extraordinary journey. From high above, you’ll witness everything the Falls have to offer like never before.
There are tours that take off from the small airport in the Niagara district. By choosing these, you’ll fly over many forests and see, from the heights, the bubbling waterfalls of these amazing cascades. You’ll be fascinated to witness how those powerful streams plunge through the mist.
You’ll also feel very comfortable inside the plane, and you’ll be able to have a window seat. This will allow you to appreciate every detail of the splendid landscape. So, have your camera to hand and get ready to capture those images that will remain as memories.
Key details of this excursion
Price: From €70
Estimated duration: 25 minutes
Transport used: Plane
5. Adventure and express access to the great Cueva de los Vientos
There is a cave located beneath these roaring waterfalls called the Cave of the Winds. As it is a magnificent tourist attraction, it is included in one of the best tours of the Falls on the American side. Once inside, you’ll gain a new and breathtaking perspective of the channels.
In fact, you’ll be able to get so close to the falls that you’ll feel as though you could touch them. You’ll have a guide who’ll have your ticket ready, so you can avoid a long, exhausting queue. He’ll speak Spanish and will tell all sorts of stories of mystery, rescues and daredevils throughout the tour.
This will help you learn about the park’s history and make your experience even more enriching. Come along and descend 53 metres to reach the cave where you’ll feel the full force of the Falls. I can assure you that the whole tour will be thoroughly entertaining, from start to finish.
Key details of this excursion
Price: Approximately €50
Estimated duration: Around 2 hours
Transport used: Walking tour
6. Helicopter flight over the Falls
Another way to see Niagara Falls from the air is by taking a helicopter sightseeing tour. No one can deny that the views from the air are unrivalled. Furthermore, as the number of passengers is limited, you are guaranteed a more personalised service.
As a result, you’ll feel as though you’re elevating your visit to a luxury experience, yet the price is actually quite reasonable. There’s nothing quite like being over 230 metres above this fantastic place. If you want to capture and take home those amazing moments, make sure you take some great photos.
Generally, this type of tour also includes a boat trip so you can enjoy the scenery from every angle. If it’s your first time there, you’ll appreciate a comprehensive tour all the more. Depending on the option you choose, this might even include a delicious meal.
Key details of this excursion
Price: From €280.
Estimated duration: 5 hours
Transport used: Helicopter and boat
7. Flight from the city to Niagara
Do you want to avoid wasting time on your journey to the Falls? If your answer is yes, I recommend this tour. It consists of a flight from New York to this destination so popular with other tourists. Although you’ll have to spend a little more on this experience, it’s truly worth it.
Not only will you enjoy bird’s-eye views of the stunning waterfalls, but also of the Big Apple. Imagine seeing one of the world’s greatest skyscraper-filled metropolises from above, and then moving on to the beautiful falls. A wonderful contrast that will leave you speechless!
Avoiding the busy traffic on New York’s streets will save you a lot of time. The same goes for not having to drive through its forests and mountains. You can make better use of that time on the Maid of the Mist boat and by extending your excursion.
Key details of this excursion
Price: Approximately €500
Estimated duration: 15 hours
Transport used: Plane and boat
8. Exploring the vast Niagara Park
It goes without saying that the Falls, magnificent as they are, are the main attraction here. However, don’t forget that there is an entire state park covering 160 hectares or more. Don’t leave without taking a tour that includes a walk through these beautiful, vibrant gardens.
If you love the outdoors as much as I do, this is a unique opportunity. Get in touch with nature as you stroll peacefully along the spectacular trails in the park designed by Frederick Law. There you’ll also find sites of great historical value and interest.
Therefore, going with a guide who explains the park’s secrets in your own language is the best decision. That way, you’ll discover the most notable curiosities of this place, which has been used as a film location. Fortunately, these kinds of combined tours offer that and much more.
Key details of this tour
Price: Around €35
Estimated duration: 1 hour
Mode of transport: Walking tour
9. Walk from the American side to the Canadian side
There is the option of taking a tour of Niagara Falls from the American side to the Canadian side. This is possible because the falls cascade through the mist on both sides of the border. In other words, you can enjoy the view of these falls from either country.
On a tour of this kind, you’ll get to see both sides up close, passing through certain strategic spots. For example, you can go from the platforms at Cave of the Winds to the viewing points at the top of the Skylon Tower. This excursion includes a ticket to the famous ‘Maid of the Mist’.
This boat will immerse you in the thrill of witnessing or being right at the heart of Niagara. On board, you’ll reach the point where the great river begins to plunge down the cliffs. I can promise you’ll experience an unrivalled sensation that’s both delightful and exhilarating.
Key details of this excursion
Price: Around €130
Estimated duration: 7 hours
Transport used: Boat
10. Bus tour from the city to the Falls
If you want to enjoy the best tours of the Falls, you can do so by taking a bus from the city. On this trip, you’ll cross the Appalachian Mountains in New York, taking a short route and arriving in no time. This way, you won’t have to endure a long, drawn-out wait.
Leaving the bright lights of Broadway behind, you’ll find yourself face to face with the spectacular and majestic Niagara Falls. The coaches used for the journey are very comfortable and practical. So you’ll feel at ease as you explore the state parks and viewing points along the way.
These coach tours from New York to the Falls are available only during certain months and sometimes include a walk once you’re in the Falls State Park. This boat trip is on the Maid of the Mist, but you’ll also be able to explore the famous Cave of the Winds. Enjoy a scenic tour before returning to New York!
Key details of this excursion
Price: From €200
Estimated duration: 19 hours
Transport used: Coach and boat
The best time to visit Niagara Falls
The best time to visit Niagara Falls is in the summer, from June to August. The warm temperatures during this period make it easier to enjoy all the activities on offer there. Conversely, during the winter, some attractions at Niagara Falls are unavailable, such as the Maid of the Mist.
This is because trips are cancelled due to ice covering the river. As the weather affects the best tours of the Falls, bear this in mind when planning your visit, and don’t rule out visiting Niagara Falls in winter as it can be an unforgettable experience.
Tips for your trip to the Falls
Here are a few suggestions to help you get the most out of the best tours of the Falls:
- Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet.
- Check the visa requirements for Canada if you’re crossing the border.
- Compare the options and choose the one you like best and that fits your budget.
- Take Canadian dollars with you if you’re travelling to the other country.