The Niagara Falls are indeed breathtaking. It is a rare sight to watch the thundering waters as they tumble over the 325-foot cliff and form a delicate mist. Millions of people visit this natural beauty every year. Enjoy the waterfalls when you visit Niagara Falls, as well as the other attractions in the region, which include gardens, parks, casinos, hiking trails, an observation wheel, and a fort from the 17th century.
An Overview of the Niagara Falls
The US and Canada are separated by the breathtaking Niagara Falls. The Niagara River, which divides Ontario, Canada from New York State, is home to these cities and the falls. Niagara Falls consists of three distinct waterfalls – Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, and Horseshoe Falls or Canadian waterfalls.
If you are thinking about taking a vacation to Niagara Falls, you certainly want to know when to go. This article will discuss the best season to visit Niagara Falls and the Niagara Falls seasonal attractions you should check out for your vacation.
When Is the Best Time of Year To Visit Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls is one of those places where the time of year you visit can affect your experience. The best month to visit Niagara Falls can vary depending on the season.
Niagara Falls during Summer Season – June, July, August
Summer is considered the best season to visit Niagara Falls. June to August is the busiest tourist month. The breezes and mist from the falls help make hot summer days feel very comfortable. The temperature ranges from 75 to 81 degrees and all the popular attractions are open.
The falls are always accessible and free to see, but if you want a more up-close and personal experience, there are lots of tours and activities available. Founded in 1846, the most famous boat excursion, Maid of the Mist, brings visitors to the foot of the falls to see them in all its splendour. There are rain ponchos available, but to avoid getting your feet wet, it is essential to wear waterproof shoes.
The Journey to the Falls trip is the Canadian equivalent of the popular American boat cruise, Maid of the Mist. Also, you can go 175 feet down into the Niagara Gorge to the Cave of the Winds, located behind Bridal Veil Falls. The Niagara Scenic Trolley is an option for those seeking less adventurous experience.
The Niagara Falls is illuminated every night, creating a spectacular light display. Do not miss the Niagara Falls fireworks display from late May to early October at 10 pm.
Festivals and Events that take place in the Summer Season
- Niagara on the Lake Peach Festival – August
- Niagara Folks Arts Festival – June
- Niagara Falls Comic Con – June
- Royal Canadian Henley Regatta – August
Niagara Falls during Spring Season – March, April, May
Spring is a good season to visit Niagara Falls for people who do not mind the chilly weather. Temperatures in the early spring can vary from 25 to 55 degrees. By May the temperature starts to rise to about 67 degrees. Popular attractions that close in the winter, such as Maid of the Mist, reopen in May.
The springtime brings flower blooms. More than 2400 roses are growing on 99 acres of grounds in Niagara Parks Botanical grounds, more than 500000 daffodils in Queen Victoria Park, 1200 lilac bushes at the Centennial Lilac Garden, orchids, succulents and exotic plants at the Floral Showhouse.
Festivals and Events that take place in the Spring Season
- Niagara Falls Elvis Festival – April
- Shaw Festival – April to October
Niagara Falls during Fall Season – September, October, November
With pleasant highs of 71 degrees and less crowds than in the summer, September is one of the best months to visit. There are plenty of festivals in September and all of the popular tourist attractions are still operating. You can also enjoy the stunning fall foliage at this time of year. A cool autumn afternoon near Niagara Falls is perfect for scenic walks and treks.
For wine enthusiasts, autumn is a fantastic time of year because it’s vineyard harvest season. Every year in September, the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival takes place, which is the biggest wine festival in Canada.
In October and November, the high temperature ranges from 46 to 58 degrees, and crowds start to reduce. Popular attractions, such as the Maid of the Mist tour close for the season.
Festivals and Events that take place in the Fall Season
- Oktoberfest on Old Falls Street – October
- Niagara Falls Blues Festival – September
- Niagara County Peach Festival – September
- Niagara Falls International Marathon – October
- Niagara Grape and Wine Festival – September
- Niagara Falls Christmas Market – November to December
Niagara Falls during Winter Season – December, January, February
In the winter, the area around Niagara Falls is extremely chilly. The highest temperature that may be reached is 36 degrees, and it can even drop into the twenties. Because of this, winter is when there are fewer visitors and rates are at their lowest, making it a fantastic time to go if you are on a tight budget.
While some attractions, like Maid of the Mist, are closed in the winter, the Niagara Falls region offers several yearly events. During the winter, the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Falls Zip Line, Fallsview Casino and Aquarium at Niagara are open. Visitors are fortunate enough to witness the falls partially frozen, a breathtaking spectacle that rewards those who face the cold to see Niagara Falls.
A lot of tourists schedule trips to Niagara Falls in New Year’s Eve to witness the amazing fireworks show. The Niagara Falls area is a popular area for birdwatchers in the winter. Numerous bird species, such as gulls, ducks, geese, and swans, call this area home throughout the winter.
Festivals and Events that take place in the Winter Season
- Niagara Falls Christmas Market – November and December
- Festival of Slice – December
- Winter Festival of Lights – November to February
- Birds on the Niagara – February
- Niagara Icewine Festival – January
Activities in and around the Niagara Falls Area
Things To Do in And Around Niagara Falls include,
1) Taking a Maid of the Mist boat ride
2) Taking a tour of the Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory at Niagara Parks
3) Making a trip to the Cave of the Winds
4) Wandering along the White Water Path
5) Gazing upon the falls from the Skylon Tower observation deck
6) Joining the tour of Journey Behind the Falls
7) Trying out different wines at the June Niagara New Vintage Festival
FAQs
1) Is a Passport Required to Enter Niagara Falls Anytime of the Year?
A common question when making travel plans to Niagara Falls is if a passport is required. The good news is that you can still visit Niagara Falls without a passport. You do not need a passport to take in the breathtaking views, go on a boat trip, or wander along the beautiful paths as long as you remain on the US side of the falls. You will require a passport if you wish to visit the Canadian side or cross the border.
2) How many days do you need to visit Niagara Falls?
It is recommended that you stay at Niagara Falls for at least two or three days if you want to view the main attractions and partake in some outdoor activities. This will let you explore other local sights, go on a boat excursion, trek in the Niagara Gorge, and see the falls from both the American and Canadian sides.
3) Is Niagara Falls frozen in February?
Niagara Falls is extremely cold throughout the winter, but those who face the chilly weather may be rewarded with the sights of partially or completely frozen cascades. Depending on the temperature, the Niagara Falls might be frozen in February,
4) How can you go to Niagara Falls in the easiest possible way?
Travelling by car is usually the most convenient method to get to Niagara. Niagara Falls may be reached by car in about 1.5 hours from Toronto in Canada and about 30 minutes from Buffalo in the United States. If you are arriving by plane, the closest airports are Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). The Go Train runs between Niagara and Toronto, and other bus and train routes link Niagara Falls to neighbouring towns and cities.
5) What is the cost of a trip to Niagara Falls?
The average cost of a week trip to Niagara Falls is $1721 for two people and $861 for one person. This covers lodging, meals, local transit, and sightseeing. The activities you engage in at Niagara Falls will determine how much your visit will cost. Accessing most of the nearby parks and trails, as well as viewing the falls, is free of charge. The cost of attractions such as helicopter rides, boat tours, museums, and observation desks can range between $15 to $200.
Final Thoughts
There is plenty to do in Niagara Falls at any time of year, whether you go in the spring for amazing blooms, the summer for wonderful weather, the autumn for harvest season or even the winter for bird watching. Consider the best time to visit Niagara Falls from Canada before planning your trip.