Niagara Falls is a great tourist attraction, and many people make a trip to the falls every year. It is located in the upper west part of the state of New York and is a genuine natural wonder of the world. Its location makes it the ideal place for day-trippers to admire the raw power and scenery of the area. But what is the best time of day to visit, and what else can you do while you’re here?
When Is The Best Time Of Day To Visit Niagara Falls?
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon is the best time to visit. If you are visiting during the winter months, all attractions are open, except for a few. However, what makes this place so appealing is that you can access it very easily from anywhere in the US. Moreover, if you live in New York, you can enjoy a Niagara falls day trip from NYC and return by late evening. This makes it a fantastic location to get away from city life and regain an appreciation of the natural beauty that is only a stone’s throw away from one of the world’s largest cities!
Niagara Falls Day Trip Guide
If you are only visiting for a day, you will have to plan to ensure that you don’t waste any time. This is further amplified if you are coming from far away (however, if traveling more than three hours, you might as well make a weekend of it). But what should you add to your plan regarding things to bring and what you should do?
Choose Your Side!
The falls straddle both sides of the border, with each side offering a slightly different perspective. If you are only going for a day, you might be best served to choose one side rather than trying to squeeze in both and spending most of your time waiting in line. However, if you decide to travel to the Canadian side (because why not?!), you should remember to bring your passports as identification.
Bring Your Passports And IDs
To follow on from the previous point, you should remember to bring your ID if you plan on crossing the border. Even though relations are friendly, you will still be crossing an international border and, as such, will need to present your passport. Furthermore, you should remember that they use Canadian Dollars up north, and while you might be able to get away with USD, the exchange rate will be terrible. Therefore, either get out some CAD beforehand or withdraw it from an ATM once you have crossed the border.
Consider Staying For Longer
Niagara falls is undoubtedly a wonder of the natural world, and while you can certainly fit lots of exciting things into one day, you might find it better to stay at least one night. However, when choosing a Niagara Falls hotel, you have to consider the location! Viewing Niagara Falls from your hotel room is a wonderful experience. You can almost feel the magic of it, and it’s worth spending a little more on a quality hotel to get the best experience.
See It From Above
The Niagara Falls helicopter tour offers a bird’s-eye view of the falls and the surrounding area making it an unforgettable experience that you will not forget. Additionally, a helicopter tour will provide you with a better view than standing on the ground, as they are closer to the falls and can capture more details. You will also be able to take amazing pictures from a perspective that not many have experienced.
Bring Waterproofs And A Change Of Clothing
No matter the season or time of day, it is highly likely that you will get wet at some point during your trip! Therefore, you should pack a decent set of waterproofs and a change of clothes (especially if you have kids). While you are given a poncho upon entry, it is a lightweight one, and you will be better served by using your own.
Take Advantage Of The Free Activities
While entrance to the falls will cost you money, there are plenty of excellent free attractions in the general area that you can enjoy. These include:
- Botanical Gardens: A world-renowned rose garden spreads across 99 acres of this fabulous botanical garden.
- Dufferin Islands: A series of islands connected by footbridges located half a mile south of the Falls. It is quite an interesting place to visit with children.
- Niagara Glen Nature Reserve: If you enjoy hiking, this is the place for you. With stunning views of the falls, you can really experience the area like no other.
- Queen Victoria Park: Queen Victoria Park is a beautiful place to visit with its many attractions and breathtaking views of the falls. The park also has a lot of different trails you can hike on and enjoy nature at its best.
You can follow these tips to have a great day trip to Niagara Falls. You can visit both the American and Canadian sides of the falls, take a helicopter tour, look down at the majesty of the falls, or simply enjoy the free attractions.