Tips and Tricks for Niagara Falls!! How to get the full experience at Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls at the southern end of Niagara Gorge, between the Canadian province of Ontario and the US state of New York. The smaller American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls lie entirely within the United States. The largest one is the Horseshoe Falls by Goat Island.
The Niagara Discovery USA Pass, includes
- Maid of the Mist (the boat ride);
- Cave of the Winds Trip (amazing for everyone. An elevator will take you 53 meters deep into the Niagara Gorge. You will wear a yellow poncho and special boots and then you’ll walk along wooden boardwalks and stairs that go right up to the bottom of the Bridal Veil Falls);
- Niagara Adventure Theater (you will watch a movie about Niagara Falls);
- Aquarium of Niagara (very nice for kids who love animals);
- Niagara Gorge Discovery Center (it has not a lot to offer. You will know more about the history of Niagara Falls);
- Unlimited rides on the Scenic Trolley for the day.
Pricing for the Niagara Discovery USA Pass (Extra $1 if you buy them online):
Adult (12 years old +) $46
Child (6–12 years old) $35
The guide for successfully navigating through Niagara Falls
- Maid of the Mist.
The Maid of the Mist is a boat tour of Niagara Falls, starting and ending on the American side, crossing briefly into Ontario during a portion of the trip. The attraction starts at 9:00 AM on most days. You can check timings and the details here: https://www.maidofthemist.com/schedule-pricing/. The price is $19.25 for an adult and $11.20 for a child. The last ticket is sold 15 minutes before the last ride.
The rides on the Candian side (The Horn Blower) leaves later than the one on the American side. It leaves at 9–9:30 PM during the illumination of the Niagara Falls.
Tips:
a. Ensure the sun doesn’t fall directly on the falls. You can’t see anything if the sun is directly on the falls.
b. Don’t carry an SLR or expensive equipment they are bound to get wet. There are a few spots on the boat that don’t get that much water but it is advisable to carry an action cam than an SLR.
c. Take the right side on the top deck if you get a chance that’s the best view. The front and the back on the top deck are also good places to be at.
d. The first ride in the morning is going to be crowded so see if you can skip that take the next one or maybe the one after that too.
e. Keep the poncho given here. It will be very useful during the Cave of winds (The poncho here is very thin and will not save you from getting wet.) or keep it as a souvenir.
f. After the ride, you can go up some steps to see the American Falls from a closer view. Don’t miss that
2. Cave of the Winds.
The Cave of the Winds was a natural cave behind Bridal Veil Falls at the Niagara Falls. Experience thrills of being as close to the Falls as possible. You ride an elevator 175 feet (53 meters) deep into the Niagara Gorge. Then, clad in a bright yellow poncho and wearing the special footwear provided. Pricing: $19.00 for adults and $16.00 for children. For more timing details: https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/attractions-and-tours/cave-of-the-winds
You need to schedule your slot for this attraction at Niagara Falls Visitor Center or any ticket counter.
You will head to “Hurricane Deck”, mere 20 feet (6 meters) from the Bridal Veil Falls. The rushing waterfalls of rock and bounces back with great force.
Tips:
a. Don’t miss this. This is hands down the best attraction that I had. I could spend hours at this place.
b. Don’t carry an SLR. It’s a warning if you want to enjoy Cave of the winds to the fullest extent. Carry an action cam if you want to record video and take photos. Avoid carrying phones that are not waterproof.
c. Using the poncho is optional. Also, the poncho you get here is not strong enough. Go wild get rid of it and enjoy Cave of the winds to the fullest. The poncho at the Maid of the Mist is thicker and can help you from getting wet but where is the fun in not getting wet.
d. Try to wear swimwear or shorts that dry quickly. Avoid Jeans and Jackets. Avoid bags or anything that can get wet and is hard to dry.
3. Niagara Adventure Theatre
You will watch a movie on the history of Niagara Falls and stories about brave and lucky attempts falling off the falls.
Tips:
a. If you don’t have time you can skip it.
4. Aquarium of Niagara
The Aquarium of Niagara is a non-profit public aquarium dedicated to education and conservation of aquatic life.
The attractions at the aquarium are the Penguin Feeding, Sea Lion Show, Rescue Harbor Seal Presentation and Aquarium full of jellyfish, different fishes, etc.
The price is for Adult: $14.95, Senior (Ages 60 and over): $12.95 and Child (Ages 3–12): $10.95. The showtimes for Penguin Feeding, Sea Lion Show, Rescue Harbor Seal Presentation are listed on the website. Try watching as many as possible, they are good especially kids will enjoy them.
5. Niagara Gorge Discovery Center
The Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, also known as the Schoellkopf Geological Museum, is on the American side of Niagara Falls within Niagara Falls State Park and the city of Niagara Falls, New York.
Tips:
a. If you don’t have time you can skip it. It has a movie and exhibits on rocks and minerals.
b. There is an elevator outside Discovery Center to go down to the Power Plant. You are not allowed into the facility but gives access to the American Falls Gorge Trail.
6. Whirlpool Jet rides
One of the best things you can do but it is quite far from the falls. You can drive or you can take the free shuttle bus. Its a little expensive but it is fun, I would recommend going because its a great experience.
You can book tickets on their website. Check out for discounts. I got a good discount as a student.
They do sell photos and videos. They are a little cheaper if you order them before the ride. They charge you more after the ride.
7. Niagara Power Project Visitors Center
- Things we missed — Old Fort
- State park
Other general tips:
a. Discover Pass
I would suggest buying a discover pass if you wish to cover all the attractions. You can buy them online or at any visitors center (Yes, they have two) or ticket counter.
b. Food
Lots of options from restaurants to food trucks. If you like Indian food try Zaika (421 3rd St, Niagara Falls, NY 14301). I loved the buffet. It is very Vegetarian-Friendly.
If you have more tips, please share them in the comments.