Things to Do at Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is really two cities facing each other across the Niagara River. Niagara Falls, New York, prices everything in US dollars. Niagara Falls, Ontario, prices everything in Canadian dollars. The river forms the border, so each side has its own attractions, ticket offices and transit. Three waterfalls make up the view: Horseshoe Falls, which carries about 90 percent of the river, the American Falls, and the narrow Bridal Veil Falls beside it.

Things to do on the US side

Niagara Falls State Park is free and open every hour of the year. Its walking paths reach Prospect Point, Goat Island, Luna Island and Terrapin Point, where you stand beside the crest of Horseshoe Falls.

The Maid of the Mist boat leaves from Prospect Point. The 2026 season runs from April 24 to November 8. Adults pay $30.25, children 6 to 12 pay $19.75, and children 5 and under ride free. The ticket includes a blue poncho and the Prospect Point elevator.

Cave of the Winds takes you down to the Hurricane Deck beside Bridal Veil Falls on wooden walkways. It is open every day of the year. Tickets cost $23 for adults and $19 for youths in summer, and $14 and $10 from October 19, 2026 to March 31, 2027. Tickets are sold in person at Goat Island or the Welcome Center, not online. The deck is taken down each fall and rebuilt each spring, so winter visits use the lower walkways.

Things to do on the Canadian side

Journey Behind the Falls descends by elevator and tunnel to portals behind Horseshoe Falls. Adults pay $33 CAD and children 3 to 12 pay $21.50 CAD, plus tax. It stays open all year.

Niagara Parks Power Station and its Tunnel cost the same. A glass elevator takes you down to a 2,200 foot tunnel that ends at a platform under the falls. The address is 7005 Niagara Parkway.

The Whirlpool Aero Car glides over the Niagara Whirlpool from April to November for $25 CAD (adults) and $16.50 CAD (children 3 to 12). The antique cable car crosses the Canada and US border four times on its route, and you do not need a passport for it.

Niagara City Cruises is the boat operator on the Canadian side, with adult tickets from about $47.95 CAD and red ponchos. Prices change by date and time.

Jet boats in the lower gorge

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours runs open “Wet Jet” and enclosed “Freedom Jet” boats from Lewiston, New York. The season runs from about late April to mid October. Expect adult fares of roughly $75 to $88 USD, and check the height rules for children before booking.

Water safety

The river above the falls and the gorge below are lethal. Do not swim, wade, kayak, paddleboard or raft in them. Motorised commercial jet boats are the only boats on the lower gorge.

Tips

  • Bring a rain jacket for any boat or deck visit, since the spray soaks everything.
  • Pack a passport if you plan to cross the Rainbow Bridge on foot.
  • Winter visits suit the tunnels, the Power Station and Cave of the Winds, because boats close in early November.

Read more: Attraction tours in Niagara Falls compares the boats, tunnels and Aero Car in more detail.

Official sites and booking

Check prices and hours at Niagara Falls State Park and Niagara Parks . Tours and combination tickets can be compared on GetYourGuide .