Niagara Falls is home to some of the most incredible views in Canada. This natural wonder draws millions of tourists each year, and it’s not hard to understand why! If you’re looking for where to get the best views of Niagara Falls, rest assured there are a number of different ways to see it!
The Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls, collectively known as Niagara Falls, provide visitors with a number of different ways to see and experience this powerful waterfall.
If you’re looking for some of the best spots to take some epic photos of Niagara Falls, there are tons of places to get amazing views throughout the seasons. If you’re looking for some of the best views of Niagara Falls, here’s your list!
Many of these views of Niagara Falls are completely free, too, which is an added bonus!
Planning your trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto?
Check out 5 easy ways to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls!
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Best Views of Niagara Falls
From free views of Niagara Falls to experiencing the Falls up close and personal, there are a variety of ways to get some beautiful views of Niagara Falls. Whether you’re looking for a place to sit and relax or experience the force of the waterfalls, there’s something for everyone!
1. Journey Behind the Falls
Journey Behind the Falls is probably one of my top Niagara Falls attractions! This amazing activity gets you right behind the thundering Horseshoe Falls and also provides amazing views right beside the waterfall. There is no other excursion closer than this!
You’ll descend 150 feet down an elevator and through century-old tunnels to experience the power of the Horseshoe Falls from directly underneath it!
👉 Book tickets for Journey Behind the Falls!
2. Niagara Parks Power Station
The Niagara Parks Power Station is one Niagara Falls activity you don’t want to miss! This attraction gives you your best bang for your buck! Learn all about the historic power station and walk through excavated tunnels to an amazing viewing platform of Niagara Falls!
Descend 180 feet in a glass elevator and walk through a 2,200-foot long tunnel to the observation deck. Feel free to grab a complimentary poncho for rainy or misty days – they’re yours to keep!
Be sure to walk through the Power Station for interesting Niagara Falls facts about Canada’s first major power plant, complete with restored artefacts, stories about the workers, and immersive displays.
Visit at night for the breathtaking Currents exhibit. This interactive sound and light display is a full on sensory experience telling the story of the iconic power plant with colour, lights, imagery, and south.
👉 Book tickets for the Niagara Parks Power Station!
3. Skylon Tower
The Skylon Tower gives you an awesome perspective of Niagara Falls from above! You’ll have the best views from 775 feet above when you Ride to the Top of the tower!
At the top of the Skylon Tower, you’ll have access to 360 degree views of Niagara Falls from an indoor/outdoor viewing platform, and the glass-enclosed elevators provide views of the Falls, the Niagara Gorge, Niagara River, and city skylines!
👉 Book tickets for the Skylon Tower!
P.s. If you dine at the Skylon Tower Revolving Restaurant, the ride to the top is included in your reservation.
4. Table Rock Welcome Centre
There is no closer view to the brink of Niagara Falls than from the Table Rock Welcome Centre. The best part is? It’s completely free to see!
Not only does the viewing area at the Table Rock Welcome Centre provide stunning views of the water tumbling over the Horseshoe Falls, but there’s also plenty of amenities, including washrooms, gift shops, eateries, an indoor viewing area for Niagara Falls, and access to Journey Behind the Falls and Niagara’s Fury.
Related: How to Get from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake
5. Hornblower Niagara City Cruises
If you’re looking for a fun way to see Niagara Falls and cool off at the same time, then hop aboard Niagara City Cruises!
The Hornblower gets you as close as possible to the powerful waterfalls. You can feel the power of the water as it cascades down in front of you.
The Hornblower (and Maid of the Mist on the US side) is one of Niagara’s oldest attractions and it’s not hard to understand why. You’ll pass by the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and up to the Horseshoe Falls. Be prepared to get wet – ponchos are provided!
👉Book tickets for Niagara City Cruises!
P.s. Embark on an evening Fireworks Cruise with Niagara City Cruises for an unforgettable night! Sail up to Niagara Falls and watch the illumination and be mesmerized by the 10:00 pm fireworks show!
6. Niagara SkyWheel
Want a different view of Niagara Falls? Take a ride on the Niagara SkyWheel, which towers 175 feet above the falls area from Clifton Hill. Soak in the views of the American and Horseshoe Falls and the Niagara River from climate-controller gondolas.
The Niagara SkyWheel is also one of the best spots to watch the fireworks in Niagara Falls, if you time it right!
👉 Book tickets for the Niagara SkyWheel!
7. Zipline in Niagara Falls
Did you know you can zipline at Niagara Falls? This is one of the most unique and adventurous activities in the falls! This zipline takes you on a thrilling ride into the Niagara Gorge towards the Horseshoe Falls.
Glide down 2,200 feet past the American Falls, and land at the observation deck at the base of the Horseshoe Falls.
👉 Book tickets for the Zipline in Niagara Falls!
8. Helicopter Tour of Niagara Falls
Undoubtedly, one of the most memorable ways to see Niagara Falls is by helicopter!
This unique adventure tour will leave you with unbelievable views that not many people get to experience. Snap awe-inspiring photos of views of Niagara Falls, the Niagara River, Niagara Whirlpool, the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, and more!
👉 Book tickets for your helicopter tour in Niagara Falls!
9. Queen Victoria Park
An amazing free spot with views of Niagara Falls is from Queen Victoria Park, just off Clifton Hill and along the Niagara Parkway.
This scenic spot in Niagara Falls is perfect for picnics, shaded strolls, and for relaxing and taking in views of the Falls. Queen Victoria Park is also a beautiful spot to see the spring blooms, and you can also catch a blooming rose garden, a stone garden, and tons of grassy areas for soaking in the sunshine.
Related: 10+ Interesting Niagara Falls Facts
10.Oakes Garden Theatre
Another great free spot where you can catch views of Niagara Falls is from Oakes Garden Theatre, at the bottom of Clifton Hill.
This tranquil park provides panoramic views of the Falls and a unique perspective of the Horseshoe Falls and American Falls. Oakes Garden Theatre is a hidden oasis steps from the hustle and bustle of Niagara Falls and offers a quiet reprieve just steps from all the action.
If you’re visiting Niagara Falls on a budget and are looking for the best free things to do while you’re in the area, Oakes Garden Theatre should be on your list!
11. Fallsview Hotel Room
There is no better way to catch the best view of Niagara Falls than from your hotel room! There are numerous hotels offering Fallsview rooms with breathtaking views of the Falls.
Wake up early and watch the sunrise or catch the nightly fireworks show from your room and be dazzled by the sky lighting up over the Falls.
If you’re planning a visit to Niagara Falls and are staying at least a night, staying in a Fallsview room is the perfect way to get the full experience of seeing views of the Falls from another perspective!
- Best view of Niagara Falls from a hotel: Sheraton Fallsview Hotel
- Closest hotels to Niagara Falls: Embassy Suites Fallsview and Marriott on the Falls
- Upscale hotel with spa and views of Niagara Falls: Marriott Fallsview Hotel and Spa
- Luxury hotel with views of Niagara Falls: Four Points by Sheraton Fallsview
- Hotel with views of Niagara Falls for couples: Tower Hotel at Fallsview
- Hotel connect to the casino with views of Niagara Falls: Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites
- Breathtaking views of Niagara Falls: Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview
- Budget-friendly Hotel with views of Niagara Falls: Quality Hotel Fallsview Cascade
- Hotel within walking distance of the falls with views of fireworks: DoubleTree Fallsview
More amazing views in Niagara Falls
There’s no doubt that Niagara Falls needs to be seen when you’re visiting the city. However, there are a number of other ways to experience the views of the surrounding area. From parks to river views, hiking spots and unique tours, here are some other ways to get some great views while visiting the Falls.
12. Hike at the Niagara Gorge
An epic way to experience the power of the Niagara River is by taking a hike at the Niagara Gorge, accessible from Niagara Glen Nature Centre.
This free hiking area is absolutely incredible and it feels as though you’ve been transported to a different world. Various trails lead you through beautiful and unique formations through rugged land carved out by rushing waters thousands of years ago, plus leads you to views of the Niagara River.
The Niagara Gorge is my favourite spot to see the fall colours in Niagara, but it is beautiful throughout the year!
Hiking here is free and you’ll also find picnic tables and washrooms here, too. Parking is $5/hour or included in the annual Niagara Parks Annual Parking Pass. The Niagara Glen Nature Centre is accessible by WEGO.
Related: Interesting Things to see at Queenston Heights
13. White Water Walk
If hiking isn’t your thing or you don’t have enough time, then head over to the White Water Walk! This epic boardwalk trail skirts along the Niagara River at the rapids.
Niagara’s Rapids are Class 6 Whitewater Rapids and are some of the strongest in all of North America! You can feel the river’s power as it rushes by at 48 km/hour. It doesn’t sound that fast, but when the waves reach heights of 5 metres/16 feet, it’s quite something to experience!
An elevator takes you down 230 feet to the boardwalk, with a number of scenic lookout spots that are great for photos.
14. Whirlpool Aero Car
One of my all-time favourite views in Niagara Falls is of the Niagara Gorge from the Whirlpool Aero Car.
This antique cable car suspends you 220 feet in the air as you cross the breathtaking Niagara Whirlpool below. The views from above are unreal, and provide a completely different perspective than anything else!
Soar above the Niagara Gorge and take note of the numerous whirlpools below.
Fun fact: Due to the positioning of the Niagara Gorge, you actually cross the US border a total of four times during your trip – no passport and no customs required!
15. Niagara Jet Boat Tour
A thrilling way to experience the Niagara River is by hopping on a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour!
Embark on either a wet or dry boat tour (ps. you get absolutely soaked on the wet tour!) and experience the exciting Niagara Rapids during your 45 minute ride!
This tour is without a doubt the number one adventure activity in Niagara Falls and gets you up close and personal to the force of the river while enjoying some spectacular scenery along the way.
👉 Book tickets for the Whirlpool Jet Boat!
16. Adventure Ropes Course
If you’re up for a fun challenge, head over to Wildplay Niagara’s Adventure Ropes Course! This exciting course tests your limits with 41 games, obstacles, and ziplines.
Since it’s positioned right along the Niagara Parkway along the Niagara Gorge, you’ll be able to catch some amazing views from the top. Don’t look down!
👉 Book tickets for the Adventure Ropes Course!
17. Kingsbridge Park
For those seeking rest and relaxation in a quieter area of Niagara Falls with scenic views of the Niagara River, then Kingsbridge Park is the place to be.
Kingsbridge Park is a great place for picnicking and is also one of the best spots in Niagara to see the cherry blossoms during the spring!
There is access to a waterfront trail from here and close to restaurants in Chippewa, including one of my favourites: Betty’s (which happens to be a cheap place to eat in Niagara Falls!). Washroom facilities are on site. Paid parking.
Keep your eyes peeled for Niagara’s very own shipwreck if you’re making your way to Kingsbridge Park from the main hubbub of Niagara Falls. One of the best spots to see the Scow is across the street from the Floral Showhouse.
Which is the best view of Niagara Falls?
The best view of Niagara Falls is from the Table Rock Welcome Centre. This is the closest view of the Horseshoe Falls from the top. The best views of Niagara Falls from below are Journey Behind the Falls and Niagara City Cruises. Other amazing views of Niagara Falls from above are by helicopter, a fallsview hotel room, and the Skylon Tower!
Where can I view Niagara Falls for free?
You can see Niagara Falls for free at the Table Rock Welcome Centre. It is always free to see the Falls from here!
You can also view Niagara Falls for free if you’re dining at the Skylon Tower Revolving Dining Room.
What time of day is best to view Niagara Falls?
There is no bad time of day to view Niagara Falls! If you visit early in the day, there will be less people around. Sunrise is an amazing time to see Niagara Falls, especially from a Fallsview hotel room. Evening views of Niagara Falls offer a unique perspective to see the falls illuminated as well as lit up by the nightly fireworks show.
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- 15+ Cheap Date Night Ideas in Niagara Falls for Under $50
- Things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake (that aren’t wineries!)
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It’s great to know that there are both free and paid options to experience the beauty of the falls. I would love to visit Journey Behind the Falls and get up close to the Horseshoe Falls. The idea of descending through tunnels and standing right next to the powerful waterfall sounds exhilarating!
Author
It’s a great activity – and gets you right up close to the falls. Highly recommend! 🙂
I wish I had seen this before I visited the falls a few years ago! Great Photos btw.
Author
Thanks so much Jody! 🙂