Niagara Falls Car Rental

Guide to Niagara Falls

Geography

Niagara Falls is situated on the banks of the Niagara River in Ontario, Canada. As you’ll discover when you visit, there are three waterfalls in the vicinity, not one: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Horseshoe Falls lies almost entirely within Canada, while the other two are in the US. The border between the two countries is fairly porous.

Climate in Niagara Falls

No matter what time of the year you visit, Niagara Falls remains welcoming, and you will have plenty of hotel options to choose from. Winters (December-February) are freezing, and arctic winds ensure clear skies. Summers (June-August) are sunny but equally clear-skied. Most of the city’s rainfall occurs in the fall, in the month of September.

Culture

No one is quite sure where the name Niagara Falls comes from, though some posit that it is an Anglicized version of the Iroquois word: “Onguiaahra.” The famous waterfalls were formed at the end of the last ice age, but the settlement itself was only founded in the late 1600s. The first European to discover the area was a French missionary named Father Louis Hennepin. After the expansion of North American railway networks in the 1800s, Niagara Falls transformed into a hub of tourism.

Things to do in Niagara Falls

Learn about the history of these magnificent waterfalls

The Canadian section of Niagara Falls is where you should start your sightseeing if you’d like to learn about the local culture first. The Niagara Falls History Museum, originally built in 1874, dedicates itself to telling the story of the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, focusing especially on its role in the War of 1812 between the US and the British Empire. The exhibits on display in the museum include tons of military memorabilia, such as muskets, uniforms, cannonballs, and the like. Occasionally, it also has exhibitions revolving around politically relevant themes like environmentalism and water inequality.

Stroll through a tranquil oasis of greenery

Next, move on to Queen Victoria Park, considered by most as the heart of the Niagara region. Here you’ll have access to some brilliant views of Horseshoe and American Falls, so don’t forget to keep your camera close when you go on a stroll. Some of the plants in the park are Canadian, while others have been imported from other parts of the world. Be sure to check out the rock garden and local tea rose garden. If you visit in spring, you will see the daffodils bloom, while autumn visitors will be treated to a sudden explosion of chrysanthemums and kale. In winter, the park hosts the Winter Festival of Lights, transforming into an arctic wonderland.

Indulge your inner adrenaline junkie

Crossing the border to the American part of Niagara Falls, you will have the opportunity to take what is probably the most famous boat tour in the country – the Maid of the Mist. The name for this tour comes from the Iroquois legend of Lelawala, a maiden said to have fallen in love with the god of thunder and sought him at the Horseshoe Falls. Several public figures have made the boat trip in the past, including Princess Diana, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Marilyn Monroe! The original Maid of the Mist boat, back in 1846, was used as a ferry until the operators figured out it would be more successful as a tourist cruise.

Witness the sheer power of the thundering falls

The last item on our itinerary is the Cave of the Winds, on Goat Island. To get there, you’ll need to cross a bridge or take a trolley ride from the mainland. Contrary to its name, this isn’t a cave at all, but rather, a platform that is very close to the torrent that is Bridal Veil Falls. To get to the platform, locally called the Hurricane Deck, you’ll need to first cross a bridge onto the island, descend 175 feet by elevator, put on a poncho and special footwear, then climb up some wooden walkways. The Deck is barely 20 feet from the waterfall so you’ll probably be drenched in minutes. Prepare to be awed by the powerful spray of the water!

Eating out in Niagara Falls

Since Niagara Falls gets so many visitors every year, it has plenty of restaurant options to choose from. Here are some of our favorite places to grab a bite:

Masaki is so serious about serving authentic Japanese sushi that it imports all its key ingredients from across the continent. When you visit, ask for the nabe yaki udon, an excellent seafood/soup combo. There are few better places near Niagara Falls to enjoy contemporary American and Canadian cuisine than Turtle Jack’s. Savor the taste of dishes like the bison meatloaf while you enjoy the gentle buzz of a Night Storm. Mai Thai is a family-owned establishment that serves excellent Thai dishes such as glass noodles and the famous Pad Thai. Be sure to try the special catfish, too. Looking for a taste of Italy? You’ll find all the pasta, pizzas, and other Mediterranean dishes you love at Mama Mia’s Restaurant and Tavern.

Niagara Falls Transport

Airport

If you can, book a flight to the Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG), on the US side of the Falls. In case there aren’t any direct connections from your city, fly to Hamilton International Airport (YHM) and hire a taxi to cover the 70 km journey to Niagara Falls.

Getting around Niagara Falls

Once you reach the Niagara Falls area, you can get around easily either by contacting a tour operator or by using the WEGO bus service.

However, for maximum convenience and flexibility to see the waterfalls and surrounding attractions in your own time, we recommend renting a car instead.