Known as the world’s ‘honeymoon capital’ for over 200 years, Niagara Falls straddles the border of the United States and Canada. Today, these iconic famous waterfalls host 12 million visitors every year, mainly from Canada, the US and the UK. I spent two months travelling through Canada and spent a full day seeing these incredible falls from different angles. Read on for the lowdown on what to wear to Niagara Falls, and discover the most romantic and exhilarating things to do there. First up, how likely are you to get wet at Niagara Falls?
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Do you get wet at Niagara Falls?
Perhaps you’re wondering, how wet do you get at Niagara Falls? Start walking towards the Horseshoe Falls and even from some distance away you will begin to feel tiny water droplets in the air and see a white cloud floating mysteriously to the sky. Get even closer and you’ll be enveloped in the cool mist of this majestic natural phenomenon. This is a good time to dig out your waterproof jacket. But what happens if you want to get up close and personal with the falls on a boat ride? That’s next up, so read on to find out.
Check the latest deals on cheap flights to Niagara Falls.
How wet do you get on the Niagara Falls boat trip?
You can book a Niagara Falls boat tour that takes you near to the three waterfall areas, so close you can touch them. This is an exhilarating experience, as you approach the powerful falls.
How wet do you get on the Niagara Falls boat trip? Quite a lot, so be prepared. The boat operators give you a waterproof poncho to protect you and keep you mostly covered. However, you will still get wet. The water spray gets into your hair and slides down the outside of the poncho, onto the bottom of your legs and into your shoes.
So in that case, what kind of shoes should you wear? Read on to discover what to wear on the Niagara Falls boat ride, including the best shoes to wear to stay comfortable during the ride and afterwards too.
Discover Niagara Falls up close in this incredible half day tour.
What to wear to Niagara Falls
You’re probably wondering what to wear on the Niagara Falls boat tour. To an extent, it depends what time of year you go. The busiest season is July to September, followed by April to June. I went in August during summer and wore a long sleeved t-shirt, a hoodie and jeans. If you’re looking for what to wear to Niagara Falls in May, it’s cooler so bring a warmer coat or fleece.
Here are my top three tips for what to wear at Niagara Falls:
1. Avoid wearing jeans
I learned from experience that they are heavy when wet and won’t be comfortable to continue sightseeing in. Wear lightweight trousers if possible that will dry quickly.
2. Take a change of clothes
I had a t-shirt dress with me that I could easily stash in my bag – as well as a packable rain jacket with a hood. You may also want to bring spare underwear and socks.
3. Bring spare bags
You’ll need to take plastic bags or dry bags to protect your electronics, especially on the boat trip. Spare bags are also useful to store damp belongings if you do get wet. This way, you can still walk around and enjoy the falls without waiting for your clothes or socks to dry.
We’ve covered clothing, but what shoes should you wear to Niagara Falls? That’s next up!
What shoes should I wear to Niagara Falls?
A common question is what shoes to wear to Niagara Falls. It’s important to know that if you go on the boat ride, your shoes will probably get wet.
For this reason, the best option is to wear lightweight water shoes with no socks, so your feet dry quickly afterwards and you won’t ruin your favourite shoes.
My recommendation is affordable water shoes like these. Then it doesn’t matter how drenched you get. But do go on the boat ride, it’s worth it.
If you’re really not keen on getting wet, keep reading for other amazing tour options to see Niagara Falls where you’re guaranteed to stay dry.
How do I see Niagara Falls in an amazing way without getting wet?
As well as being an awe-inspiring way to see Niagara Falls from above, the great thing about a taking a helicopter ride is you won’t get wet.
I did this and it was an incredible tour. An audio guide explains the fascinating history and geography of the area, building up the anticipation until the moment you see the falls. You get around 10 minutes in the air and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to have an aerial view of the falls.
This was definitely a highlight of our trip and at the end, you can purchase personal souvenir photos of your trip.
Check out the latest availability for a Niagara Falls helicopter ride for a trip to remember.
A cheaper way to see Niagara Falls from above
The Niagara SkyWheel opened in 2006 as Canada’s largest observation wheel. At over 53 metres tall, it’s a romantic and relaxing way to see the Falls from up high at any time of year.
From the top, you can take in breathtaking views of Niagara’s Horseshoe and American Falls, spanning for miles in every direction. Fully-enclosed gondolas each hold up to eight passengers, with specially designed floor-to-ceiling glass windows allowing you to take photos without reflective glare.
The ride lasts for around 15 minutes and as it’s open every day, year round, from 9am to 1am, you can choose whether you prefer a daytime or night-time experience. The gondolas are temperature controlled so you are sure to stay comfortable whatever the weather.
You can buy your Niagara SkyWheel tickets here.
Where to stay in Niagara Falls
If you’re going to stay in the Honeymoon Capital of the World, why not splash out on a special hotel to make your trip extra romantic? There are many luxurious and affordable options, some offering spa and honeymoon packages to cater to your every desire.
Check out the boutique-style Sterling Inn & Spa which has an on-site spa and restaurant and is perfect for couples. Some of its wonderfully spacious rooms have their own jacuzzi hot tub and you can order breakfast via room service for an indulgent treat in the morning. The reviews are outstanding – check them out here.
If you’re on a budget, try the home-from-home Butterfly Manor or the stylish Blue Gables Bed and Breakfast. These top-rated guesthouses are just a 20-minute walk from the falls and include comfy beds and a generous breakfast.
If you’re seeking Americana cool, don’t miss the vintage vibes of the Cadillac Motel Niagara which is centrally located, with vibrant themed rooms and excellent hosts.
To browse and book a selection of the best hotels in Niagara Falls, click here.
Where to dine with the best views of Niagara Falls
Take your dinner plans to new heights by booking a table with a legendary view. Look up, and you’ll see the Skylon Tower.
Dominating the skyline, the Skylon Tower‘s revolving restaurant offers award-winning fine dining at an incredible 236 metres above the falls.
This famous restaurant has rotated every hour for the last 50 years, giving diners a 360-degree view around Niagara Falls and beyond. On a clear day, you can see for up to 80 miles (129 km). It’s truly incredible. Included in the price of your meal is the ride-to-the-top elevators and a visit to the observation decks.
If you want to visit the Skylon Tower observation deck, you can book your ticket here. Or why not go all in, make your trip truly special and book a helicopter ride, boat ride and lunch at Skylon Tower here.
Combine your trip to the falls with a Niagara wine tour
While Canada is not known for its wine, its vineyards produce some tasty examples – check out my review of Kelowna. Niagara is another of the country’s best wine regions and there are plenty of tours to visit its award-winning wineries for tastings and to discover the wine-making process.
Dozens of wineries are located within a 20-minute drive of the falls, many with restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic meal with your wine. The region’s best-known estates include Inniskillin, Jackson Triggs and Peller Estates.
Book a half-day Niagara winery tour that picks you up by bus from your hotel, here.
How to get to Niagara Falls
From Toronto, ON
To travel to Niagara Falls by air, most international travelers arrive in Toronto, Ontario in Canada.
Niagara Falls is a 90-minute drive from Toronto. If you don’t have a car, you can book a day trip or take the train or the bus, like we did.
From Toronto, you can book a Niagara Falls day tour with optional boat cruise here.
From Buffalo, NY
Many travellers from within the US will arrive at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. It’s around 45 minutes by car to Niagara Falls and it’s easy to book a private transfer.
From Niagara Falls Ontario station
From the Niagara Falls Ontario train and bus station you can drive south by the riverbank along the Niagara Parkway to reach the falls, or instead take a romantic 30-minute stroll.
The scenic Niagara Parkway route stretches for 56 km (35 miles) to just outside the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Sir Winston Churchill called it ‘the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world.’
Check the latest deals on cheap flights to Niagara Falls.
One final tip for visiting Niagara Falls – an important one
Whether you arrive on the US or Canadian side of the falls, bring your passport.
This way, you’ll be able to truly explore everything Niagara Falls has to offer. It’s not the same on the Canadian side vs the US side.
Don’t miss out on the chance to see all the viewpoints and angles of this iconic landmark that’s one of the true wonders of the world.
Thanks to Hornblower Niagara Cruises and Niagara Helicopters, who hosted our activities here.
Next up, read the ultimate guide to planning a backpacking trip across Canada, here.
The Maid of the Mist tours are different in other ways. They use the same, old boats they’ve been running for ages. No amenities like restrooms, concessions or enclosed dry areas if you really want to completely avoid getting wet. Hornblower uses new, more stable catamarans, so they can get closer to the falls.
Thanks for the tips – good to know! Sounds like Hornblower is the best bet for now for visiting the Falls.