The author was hosted by Destination Niagara USA and Niagara Falls Tourism. All opinions are the author’s own, and Destination Niagara USA and Niagara Falls Tourism had no input in any part of this review. Prices are exclusive of taxes and fees and are accurate as of August 16, 2026. The exchange rate used was 1 Canadian dollar to 0.72 U.S. dollar.
If you’re looking for pinch-yourself, one-of-a-kind vacation memories, Niagara Falls promises a spectacular trip, best experienced from both the U.S. and Canadian sides of the falls.
Planning a trip to the area can be overwhelming, from deciding which side to focus on to what activities to fill your time with. Do you want to get wet or stay dry? Do you want to deal with crowds or have some quiet reflection with nature? Do you want a rigid planned itinerary or have some flexibility?
My family of 5 braved July crowds and experienced some of the best activities Niagara Falls has to offer. We’ll let you know which attractions were kid-approved, which lines tested our patience, and where we got absolutely drenched.
Niagara Falls, New York, U.S.
Where To Stay
We stayed at the Hyatt Place Niagara Falls, a Category 3 property mere steps from Niagara Falls State Park, dining, and shopping. Cash rates start around $100, with award nights starting at 8,000 World of Hyatt points. The room configuration was ideal for a larger family, and my tweens and teens were comfortable across the 2 queen beds and sofa bed. We could even see wisps of mist from the falls from our room!
Breakfast was included for World of Hyatt members (when paying an eligible rate), and we loved watching the nightly fireworks from the sixth-floor terrace without having to brave the crowds.
Here are some of the best hotels to earn or redeem points at on the U.S. side:
- Marriott
- Sheraton Niagara Falls rates start at $96 or 43,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
- IHG
- voco Niagara Falls – The Cadence rates start from $230 or 43,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
- Holiday Inn Niagara Falls State Park Entry rates start from $90 or 18,000 points per night. The hotel has an adjacent Anchor Bar.
- Choice
- The Giacomo Niagara Falls NY, an Ascend Collection Hotel, rates start from $131 or 20,000 Choice Privileges points per night.
- Cambria Hotel Niagara Falls rates start from $79 or 25,000 points per night.
A Perfect 1-Day Itinerary
- Niagara Falls Magic Theatre
- Nightly fireworks
- Rainbow Air Helicopter
- Cave of the Winds
- Maid of the Mist
- Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
- Whirlpool State Park
- Live On Air Fallsview Balloon Ride
Niagara Falls Magic Theatre
We arrived at night, and catching a 7 p.m. magic show was a fun way to start our trip. Illusionist Leon Etienne’s high-energy show absolutely exploded my kids’ brains, whether he was cutting his assistant in half, performing amazing card tricks, or escaping the unescapable. Leon was engaging, his tricks were head-scratchers, and the atmosphere he created was electric, fast-paced, and fun. After our trip concluded, my kids said this show was their favorite thing at Niagara Falls.
Tickets are $39.99 for all ages.
Seasonal Fireworks and Illumination
Easily seen from both the U.S. and Canadian sides, you can catch a 5-minute fireworks display nightly at 10 p.m through October 12, 2026. In November and December, the fireworks are every Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m.
The falls are also illuminated nightly (see the fireworks and lighting schedule).
Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours
We started our first full day in the area with an absolute rush: a helicopter tour over the U.S. and Canadian falls. The thrilling flight lasts 8 to 10 minutes, and it felt like the quickest ride of my life! I loved doing this first, as it helped us grasp the magnitude of the Niagara River and the falls. Where you’re seated doesn’t matter, as the helicopter does a loop so that everyone gets a full view.
Tickets are $185 by credit card or $180 cash. Children must be at least 40 inches tall, and pricing for kids under 50 inches is $151.
Cave of the Winds
We next got up close and personal with the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. We knew we’d have a wet day and were outfitted in swimwear and water shoes. Once covered in our yellow ponchos, this is where the mist first took a smack at us. Once we were ready to feel the fury of the falls, the final stop on the self-guided walk was the Hurricane Deck.
Timed tickets for peak season are $23 for adults and $19 for youth and must be purchased in person at Goat Island or the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center.
Maid of the Mist
This is one of the quintessential Niagara Falls experiences — taking a boat right up to the falls. The tour culminates at Horseshoe Falls, where the roar and mist of the rushing water take over. If you weren’t wet from the Cave of the Winds, you’ll be soaked at this stage.
Adults are $30.25, and kids ages 6 to 12 are $19.75.
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
This 45-minute ride through Niagara Gorge and the Devil’s Hole Rapids was entertaining and thrilling … and yes, we got absolutely drenched on the wet jet tour. We took on Class V whitewater head-on, where we were gleefully assaulted with sheets of water, again and again. This was an outrageously fun family activity. Walk to the nearby Ice Cream Caboose at The Silo for a treat afterward!
The tour departing from Lewiston, New York, is $68.95 for adults and $39.95 for kids 12 and under (minimum height of 40 inches). The tour departing from Queenston, Ontario, is CA$78.95 ($57) for adults and CA$44.95 ($32) for kids.
Whirlpool State Park
Our jet boat tour stopped short of the Class VI whirlpool, which we realized we could view for free from Whirlpool State Park along the drive back to Niagara Falls. Parking is free.
Live On Air Fallsview Balloon Ride
Our busy day on the U.S. side finished with a ride on North America’s largest tethered helium balloon. Being lifted 500 feet in the air for a panoramic view of the falls exceeded all my expectations and offered a peaceful, unique vantage point over the area.
Adults are $60, kids 2 to 9 are $55, and the nightly fireworks show flight is $80.
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Before crossing the border, make sure to review the required documents needed.
Where To Stay
Hyatt Regency Niagara Falls Fallsview, formerly an Embassy Suites, was renovated and reflagged in April 2026. It’s a Category 5 property, and rooms start at CA$150 ($108) or 15,000 points.
Our Premium Fallsview Suite was near the top of the 42-story property and had 2 queen beds and a sofa bed with a stupendous view of the falls. After a long day of activities, watching the fireworks from the comfort of our room, in our pajamas, was an unforgettable memory. For larger families or groups traveling together, the hotel also offers suites with up to 6 beds accommodating up to 12 guests.
Globalist benefits come in clutch here, with free parking on free night awards (otherwise CA$70/$50 to self-park) and complimentary breakfast with a gorgeous view over the falls. Kids will enjoy the indoor pool and arcade.
Here are some of the best hotels to earn or redeem points at on the Canada side:
- Hilton
- The Brock Niagara Falls-Fallsview, Tapestry Collection by Hilton rates start at CA$143 ($103) or 34,000 Hilton Honors points.
- Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites rates start at CA$184 ($133) or 34,000 points.
- Marriott
- Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa rates start at CA$219 ($158) or 46,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
- Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls rates start at CA$176 ($127) or 44,000 points.
- Sheraton Fallsview Hotel rates start at CA$192 ($139) or 44,000 points.
- IHG
- Niagara Fallsview Hotel & Suites rates start at CA$94 ($68) or 13,000 IHG One Rewards points.
A Perfect 1-Day Itinerary
- Niagara Parks Power Station and The Tunnel
- Zipline to the Falls
- Niagara Takes Flight
- Journey Behind the Falls
- White Water Walk
- Butterfly Conservatory
- Whirlpool Aero Car
Because we arranged a helicopter ride and the Maid of the Mist tour in the U.S., we skipped similar attractions in Canada:
- Niagara Helicopters offers helicopter tours departing from Canada, priced at CA$209 ($150) for adults and CA$127 ($92) for kids ages 2 to 11.
- Niagara City Cruises‘ Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour starts at CA$47.95 ($35) for adults and CA$27.95 ($20) for kids ages 3 to 12.
How To Save With a Niagara Parks Niagara Falls Pass
If you want to save up to 52% on admission fees, consider booking a Niagara Parks Niagara Falls Pass.
|
Attraction |
Premium |
Plus |
Classic |
|
Journey Behind the Falls (Day or Night) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Niagara Takes Flight |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
White Water Walk |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Whirlpool Aero Car |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Butterfly Conservatory |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Niagara Parks Power Station Self-Guided Admission (Day or Night) |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Floral Showhouse |
Yes |
||
|
All 4 Heritage Sites (Old Fort Erie, Laura Secord Homestead, McFarland House, and Mackenzie Printery) |
Yes |
||
|
Adult price |
CA$129 ($93) |
CA$109 ($79) |
CA$89 ($64) |
|
Child (3 to 12) price |
CA$85 ($61) |
CA$70 ($50) |
CA$60 ($43) |
When you pick up or redeem your pass at any attraction or welcome center, be ready to plan your entire day. Many of these attractions require timed entry, and if you get a late start to your day, you could find many of the attractions booked out for the morning.
The passes detailed above are valid through November 1, 2026. Passholders also get complimentary Park and Ride parking and access to the WEGO bus and Falls Incline Railway for a consecutive 2-day period.
Niagara Parks Power Station and The Tunnel
My husband got to geek out on the science and history of the power station, but the real fun here was taking a glass-paneled elevator 180 feet down to a 2,200-foot-long tunnel that led to an observation deck right at Horseshoe Falls.
These attractions are included in the Premium and Plus passes, or you can buy tickets for CA$33 ($24) for adults and CA$21.50 ($16) for kids.
Zipline to the Falls
This was one of my favorite experiences of the trip — a zipline that breezes you past the American Falls and Bridalveil Falls, then onward toward Horseshoe Falls. Experiencing this as a family, since 4 people can ride simultaneously, was even cooler. I have a kid who’s not so great with heights, but he took this challenge head-on and had a blast.
Early bird tickets are CA$69.99 ($50), general admission is CA$79.99 ($58), a sunset experience is CA$74.99 ($54), and an express ticket is CA$99.99 ($72). With the express ticket, you can reduce your wait time to approximately 30 minutes. The maximum weight is 275 pounds, and riders must be 7 or older.
Niagara Takes Flight
This immersive flying theater ride is a perfect midday break to sit and enjoy some air conditioning. It is included in the Premium and Plus passes, or you can buy tickets for CA$33 ($24) for adults and CA$21.50 ($16) for kids.
Journey Behind the Falls
This attraction was one of our least favorites, as we spent most of our time in a long queue waiting to descend to the observation deck area. Once there, we looked at the 2 viewing portals and went out to the observation area. Since we were wearing ponchos and not our swimwear, we opted for a drier experience.
This attraction is included with all 3 passes, or you can buy tickets for CA$33 ($24) for adults and CA$21.50 ($16) for kids.
Bottom Line:
Both this attraction and Cave of the Winds in the U.S. have timed entry, but we spent significantly less time in line at Cave of the Winds and had more fun getting soaked there.
White Water Walk
We finished our day by driving north to a few attractions off the Niagara River Parkway.
This quarter-mile boardwalk brings you face-to-face with the gorge’s Class VI rapids. It is included with all 3 passes, or you can buy tickets for CA$21 ($15) for adults and CA$13.50 ($10) for kids. If you self-park instead of taking the WEGO bus, parking is CA$8 ($6) for 1 hour.
Butterfly Conservatory
This glass-enclosed butterfly house with over 2,000 butterflies is included with the Premium and Classic passes, or you can buy tickets for CA$25 ($18) for adults and CA$16.50 ($12) for kids. If you self-park instead of taking the WEGO bus, parking is CA$8 ($6) for 1 hour.
Whirlpool Aero Car
Having seen this attraction on our Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour, I was excited to ride it. This antique car (celebrating its centennial) smoothly glides 3,500 feet total across the Niagara Gorge and back. The operator had passengers rotate positions during the return voyage, ensuring everyone got a proper view of both sides of the rapids.
This attraction is included in the Premium and Plus passes, or you can buy tickets for CA$25 ($18) for adults and CA$16.50 ($12) for kids.
Final Thoughts
My family spent 2 incredible days in the Niagara Falls area, though you could certainly stretch this itinerary over several days to take your time and add in hiking, scenic dining, a ride to the top of Skylon Tower, or entertainment at Clifton Hill.
The falls are awe-inspiring, but the ways you can experience them — in a helicopter, by boat, from a zipline, or through complete submersion — are all so unique and extraordinary. Even the grumpiest of teens will be challenged to not have an amazing visit. My kids’ wide smiles and dropped jaws are my favorite memories from this trip.