Buffalo offers great dining, outstanding art and architecture, historical sites, and river cruises. If you stay at the falls, stay on the Canadian side. Falls viewing is better and the choices for hotels and food are better. Definately stay in Canada.
The US Side:
The views are way better on the Canadian side, but that's because you can stand across the river and see the waterfalls. But if you want to stand right up next to them, you're better off on the US side. You can get pretty close to the Horseshoe Falls at the Niagara Falls Viewpoint in Canada.
How long is the drive from Niagara Falls to Buffalo? The direct drive from Niagara Falls to Buffalo is 21.8 mi (35 km), and should have a drive time of 27 mins in normal traffic.
What is this? While they are only about a third in width of Iguazu Falls and less than half the height of Victoria Falls, Niagara Falls – both American side or Canadian side – are still an incredible sight and well worth a visit, and they are still the biggest waterfalls in North America.
With so much to see and do, one day is never enough. Plan to stay 2-3 nights to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Falls, exciting attractions, nature, parks and hiking trails. Visit local wineries, breweries, distilleries, and eat and drink like a local.
The best time to visit Niagara Falls is June to August. Summer is peak season, and with good reason: Average highs rest in the low 80s. Mists and breezes from the waterfalls can make the area feel cooler.
Niagara Falls in winter is one of the best times to visit because you'll be able to see a partially frozen Niagara Falls. It's quite the sight to behold in the winter months, surrounded by snow and ice!
From Niagara Falls USA, visitors can cross the Rainbow Bridge, connecting Downtown Niagara Falls, N.Y. to Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pedestrians are permitted on the pedestrian walkway.
While the American side of Niagara Falls is less developed, the Canadian side is more urban and glamorous. In Canada, you'll experience the best views of all of the falls, from seeing the macro-view of the American side as well as the astonishing Horseshoe Falls.
By public transportation, you will need to take two buses; one from the airport to downtown Buffalo and a second bus from Buffalo to Niagara Falls. The total travel time by bus is about 2 hours, and each ticket costs $2 (€1.93).
You can tour Niagara Falls on your own too. Visitors can take a bus from Buffalo to Niagara Falls. The Discover Niagara Shuttle is a hop-on/hop-off shuttle that travels between Old Fort Niagara and Niagara Falls USA Visitor Center. The shuttle stops at 17 destinations along this route.
1. Public Bus From Buffalo to Niagara Falls. By far the cheapest option for how to get to Niagara Falls from Buffalo is to take the public bus from downtown Buffalo to the United States' side of Niagara Falls and walk across the bridge into Canada.
Niagara Falls USA is a North American treasure – and it's an easy 20 minute drive from Buffalo! Make sure you experience our natural wonder during your Buffalo vacation!
The US side is an elevator down to the bottom of the Bride's Veil fall and an easy walk and some stairs and platforms at the bottom of the falls - very dramatic, lots is spray; great picture taking spot. The two experiences, Canada (truly behind the falls) and the US (bottom of the falls) are very different.
What's on the American Side? Though the Canadian side boasts the biggest waterfall, America claims two separate falls: American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Plus, from the American side, visitors can see a panorama of all three waterfalls connected by the Niagara River.
Fireworks Every Night at 10pm
Don't miss the nightly Falls Illumination for a stunning show of lights set against the majestic Niagara Falls. *All fireworks displays are subject to weather conditions. Niagara Falls Fireworks Are Back!
The best way to get around Niagara Falls is on foot. Walking around the area is relatively easy (when there is no snow). Even getting across the United States to Canada border is only a 20-minute walk across the Rainbow Bridge.
So, which side is better? We recommend visiting the American and the Canadian side as both are worth your time! The experience on each side of the falls will be unique and enjoyable in its own ways and will give you the chance to see the beauty of Niagara Falls from multiple views and angles.
Every year, millions of visitors come to see the spectacular beauty of Niagara Falls. It's always free to walk into Niagara Falls State Park to see the Falls, and it's open 365 days a year!
Yes. A Passport (or a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver's License if coming by land) is required for crossing the border into Canada unless you are age 15 or younger.
There is a small toll fee for pedestrians and vehicles to cross the bridge; credit cards and both US and Canadian dollars are accepted. Crossing the bridge takes around 15 minutes, but count at least 15 minutes to pass through customs at each end (more at busy times).
As of February 2023 the fee per person is $100.00 for a single entry visa, $150 for a multiple entry visa or $500 for a family (multiple or single entry).
When the weather is nice out, you may want to take a stroll along the walkways next to the Niagara Parkway. The view of the illuminated Falls from here provides a stunning backdrop for your evening walk.
When Should You Visit Niagara Falls? Weekdays in late spring, summer, or early fall are the best days to visit Niagara Falls. We visited Niagara Falls on the Tuesday after Memorial Day. We even arrived at around 10am—an hour after opening—and easily found parking and short or non-existent lines throughout the day.
Based on this plan of the day, you should be spending anywhere between 8 to 10 hours at Niagara Falls and surrounding area. And you will have covered all the key areas around the Falls, that we believe are worth a visit!