6 things to know before you visit Niagara Falls – words Alan Woods
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Canada, with loads of natural beauty and plenty of local activities that are a lot of fun and will easily keep you and your family occupied throughout your entire stay.
But before you book your trip, continue reading for six things that you should know before you visit Niagara Falls. This will ensure that you can make the most of your vacation and plan for the experience of a lifetime.
Consider Booking a Hotel Package
Rather than just focusing on booking one of the many hotels throughout Niagara Falls, why not book a hotel package that will give you some extras that you can enjoy during your trip? For example, you can book a Niagara Falls hotel package specifically designed for couples that want to enjoy a romantic weekend away, or you can book a waterpark getaway for an unforgettable summer vacation with the kids. From spa experiences, to winery experiences, casinos, and more, these hotel packages make it easy to take in all that this unique city has to offer. Just be sure to book your stay far in advance, particularly during the busy summer season, as these deals will go fast and rooms will also book up quickly.
There Are Multiple Waterfalls to See
Many people do not realize that the waterfalls at Niagara Falls actually consist of three separate waterfalls, and those are the Bridal Veil Falls, the American Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. While the Horseshoe Falls are mostly in Canada, the Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls are located in the United States. However, you can easily view all three of these amazing waterfalls from both the Canadian side of the border and the New York side of the border.
You Can Get Right Next to the Falls
When you visit Niagara Falls, if you want to see what it is like to be near the power of that rushing water, you can do that by booking a fun and unforgettable tour on the Maid of the Mist. This boat will take you right to the Falls, and you will wear a rain poncho because you will get wet. So if checking out the Falls from land is simply not good enough, you should definitely give the Maid of the Mist a try.
You Can View the Falls from Above
In addition to being able to see the Falls from ground level or getting up close and personal while on a Maid of the Mist tour, you can also check out the Falls from up above. Head to the famous Skylon Tower, which will take you high above the Falls to give you a whole new vantage point. The tower has indoor and outdoor observation decks, as well as some dining areas, so you can enjoy your dinner in the evening and then experience the way the Falls look at night.
Another option would be to get on the Niagara Skywheel, which is a giant Ferris wheel that allows you to see the Falls from above as well. What is really neat about the Skywheel is the fact that you get to sit inside an enclosed gondola that is temperature controlled, so you can enjoy the experience no matter what the weather is like.
Finding Parking Can Be Difficult
Beware that parking can definitely be difficult, particularly during the summer months, in this tourist destination. Weekends also make it more difficult to easily find parking near the Falls. Also, parking spaces that are located near the Falls are limited, so expect to walk a bit. No matter where you decide to park, just keep an eye out for any signs that designate when parking is allowed, as some of the parking lots might have strict parking times.
The Best Time of Year to Visit
The best time of year to visit Niagara Falls is between the middle of May all the way through to the middle of September. The peak season will be during July and August. Also, the first few weeks in September can be a great way to spend time in Niagara Falls because the weather will still be warm but a lot of the crowds will be gone. To view the beautiful foliage in the fall, you should visit within the first two weeks in October.
Now that you know a few important facts about Niagara Falls, you can plan your trip accordingly and make the most of your time there.
