The City of Niagara Falls
Home of the legendary Canadian Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil waterfalls, Niagara Falls is a four-season destination renowned for its awe-inspiring natural wonders combined with world-class accommodation, thrilling entertainment and a burgeoning culinary scene. Visitors from Ontario, across North America and around the world who come to experience adventure, discover family fun, feel the romance and create unique and memorable experiences have made it Canada’s #1 leisure destination.
- Niagara Falls is located in the province of Ontario, Canada’s most populated province. The population of Niagara Falls is 88,071 (2016) and welcomes 14 million visitors from around the world each year.
- Niagara Falls covers a land area of 212 sq. km. (81.9 sq. mi.).
- The city is located on the western bank of the Niagara River opposite Niagara Falls, New York.
- Named after the world-famous waterfalls, the city overlooks the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls.
- The city is connected to the United States side of the Falls by several bridges, including the Rainbow, Whirlpool, and Queenston-Lewiston bridges.
- The Niagara Region was a place of awe and wonder for the Indigenous peoples who first walked this land. Their ancestors’ footsteps arrived approximately 13,000 years ago as the melting glaciers retreated northward, revealing the great lakes of Erie and Ontario and the mighty Niagara River.
- One of the earliest indigenous inhabitants called themselves the “Onguiaahra”. It is one of the names from which the name “Niagara River” originated. The name appears on maps as early as 1641. The generally accepted meaning is, “The Strait”. Some think it was derived from the narrow waterway that flows north from Lakes Erie to Lake Ontario. Early maps do not refer to the Niagara River but the Niagara Strait, which is more correct. Others believe the word Niagara is taken from another indigenous word meaning, “Thundering Waters”. Another theory of the name's origin suggests Niagara is derived from the name given to a local group of Indigenous peoples, called the Niagagarega people.
- In 1626 Etienne Brule, the first European, arrived in Niagara. This signaled the beginning of European explorers coming to the “New World” including Niagara.
- Niagara Falls is steeped in history and was one of the most popular and busiest New World places to visit.
- Originally called Elgin by settlers, the community merged with Clifton in 1856 and was known by that name until 1881, when its name was changed to Niagara Falls. It was incorporated as a city in 1904. Niagara Falls History Page
- Niagara Falls was an area early settled and vigorously active in Canada's formative years.
- One of the bloodiest battles of the War of 1812 took place on July 25, 1814 at Lundy's Lane in Niagara Falls, Ontario. A total of 7,500 Americans and Canadians fought for six hours. At the end, 1,000 soldiers lay dead or wounded.
- "Uncle Toms Cabin", a famous novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe was partly inspired by the author’s trip to Niagara Falls and her subsequent interest in Reverend Josiah Henson who smuggled runaway enslaved people across the Niagara River into Canada.
- The Falls at Niagara were the symbol of America and the New World. Visitors from all over the world targeted Niagara as a must-see during a visit to North America, a tradition that continues to this day.
- Niagara Falls was formed 12,500 years ago at the end of the Ice Age, as the ice retreated northward. The rushing meltwaters flowed through Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River and into the Atlantic Ocean.
- The rushing waters carved out a river in their descent and the Falls are located where they pass over the Niagara escarpment, a steep cliff like formation.
- Thundering over the Niagara Escarpment, the water began to wear its way back up the river. The path that it left is known today as the Niagara Gorge (a deeply cut and very scenic river path).
- There are actually three waterfalls in Niagara Falls, the Canadian Horseshoe Falls located in Canada and the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls located in the United States.
- It is the combination of height and volume of water that makes Niagara Falls so impressive.
- More than 168,000 cubic metres (6 million cubic ft.) of water go over the crestline of the falls every minute during peak daytime tourist hours.
- The Canadian Horseshoe Falls drops an average of 57m (188 ft.) into the Lower Niagara River.
- The crest line of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls is approximately 670m (2,200 ft.) wide. The plunge pool beneath the falls is 35m (100 ft.) deep.
- The height of the American Falls ranges between 21 to 34m (70-110 ft.). The height of the Falls from the top of the Falls to the river is 57m (188 ft.). The crest line of the American Falls is approximately 260m (850 ft.) wide.
- Water is redirected from travelling over the Falls in order to drive large hydro-electric turbines that produce electricity for Southern Ontario and Western New York State.
- Rapids at the Falls have been recorded up to 68 mph.
- The Niagara River flows at approximately 35 miles/hour (56.3 km/hour).
- Water that flows over the Falls at Niagara ultimately ends up in Lake Ontario - from there, water drains by way of the St. Lawrence River into the Atlantic Ocean.
- The vibrant green colour of the Niagara River is due to the erosive power of water. An estimated 60 tons of dissolved minerals are swept over Niagara Falls every minute.
- The waters of the Niagara River are used by a combined Canada/United States population of more than 1,000,000 people for a wide range of purposes such as drinking water, recreation (boating, swimming, birdwatching), fishing, industrial cooling water supply, receiver of municipal and industrial effluents hydro-power generation (Sir Adam Beck Station in Ontario & New York State Power Authority)
- There has only been one occurrence where the flow of Niagara Falls has been stopped due to a winter freeze. In March of 1848, the waters stopped flowing over Niagara's famous cliff when ice forming in the mouth of the Niagara River caused a blockage of water from flowing down towards the Horseshoe Falls.
- During the winter months, when water comes crashing down over the Falls into the rocks below it causes it to freeze solid and form what is known as “The Ice Bridge” connecting the American side to the Canadian Side.
- An "Old Scow" (a steel barge) remains stranded a few hundred meters above the Falls and has been marooned there since August 6, 1918 when a near tragedy was averted by three men who opened the dumping hatches of the barge to let water in and ground the out of control boat.
- Niagara Falls is Canada’s #1 leisure travel destination, a global iconic four-season tourism hub with a legacy of being on every travel bucket list.
- Named after the world-famous waterfalls, the city overlooks the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls.
- Crowned the “Honeymoon Capital of the World” and known as a world-famous wedding destination, Niagara Falls, Canada is synonymous with love and romance. To this day Niagara Falls Canada is a sought-after destination by romantics from all over the world who come from near and far to get married, renew their vows, enjoy their honeymoon or to experience an unforgettable romantic getaway.
- Niagara Falls is home to numerous thrilling and iconic experiences including two official Canadian Signature Experiences (officially curated once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences) Journey Behind the Falls a 150 food descent through bedrock right into the heart of Niagara Falls and emerge behind a thunderous wall of water and A View to Thrill exciting way to experience Niagara Falls from the cockpit of a helicopter
- The 20th Century Fox Movie, "Niagara" starring Marilyn Monroe was filmed in Niagara Falls, Ontario in 1952. She stayed in Room 801 at the historic Crowne Plaza Hotel Niagara Falls.
- The Niagara Escarpment has been recognized as a world biosphere by U.N.E.S.C.O.
- The Niagara Glen was designated a Nature Reserve in 1992 and features 4 km (2.5 miles) of paths that wind through a pristine pocket of Carolinian Forest.
- The Niagara River corridor is one of the world’s most biodiverse places similar to the world-famous Galápagos Islands, the Florida Everglades and Yellowstone Park.
- In 1996, the entire Niagara River corridor, stretching 56km (35 miles) from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, became the first site in North America to receive international recognition as a “Globally Significant Important Bird Area” by major conservation groups in Canada and the United States. Starting mid-November, the river comes alive with more than 100,000 gulls on migratory flights from as far north as Greenland and the Canadian Arctic to as far south as Florida.
- Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest and longest running free outdoor light festival.
- Canada’s longest-running spectacular fireworks series takes place each summer in Niagara Falls, Ontario and during the Winter Festival of Lights, and select other holidays throughout the year.
- Niagara Falls is home to Bird Kingdom, the largest free flying indoor bird aviary in North America and one of the largest Butterfly Conservatories in North America.
- Niagara Falls is a world-class golf destination with more than 12 top golf courses designed by famed architects including Legends on the Niagara Canada’s premier public golf course and the Whirlpool Golf Course one of Canada’s most highly rated and renowned public golf courses, located in a spectacular setting against the backdrop of the Niagara River Whirlpool and Gorge.
- One of the top 10 Best Irish Pubs in North America, Doc Magilligans’s serves up authentic Irish dishes, beer and great time.
- The world’s first Railway Suspension Bridge over the Niagara River was completed 1855 by John Roebling who would later build The Brooklyn Bridge in 1875.
- The Niagara SkyWheel is Canada’s largest observation wheel towering 53 m (175 feet) over the city and offering spectacular views of the Falls and other landmarks.
- Niagara Speedway is North America's largest elevated go-kart track facility.
- Fallsview Casino is the largest casino in Canada at 2.5 million square feet, built on a 23-acre site.
2021
- Three Best Rated in Niagara Falls, Journey Behind the Falls, Bird Kingdom, Butterfly Conservatory
- Best Bicycle Friendly Business, County Cycle, Niagara Falls, Ontario by Bike
- Best Places to Visit in Canada, Niagara Falls, Travel US News
- Best New Things to See and Do in Canada 2021- Canadian Niagara Power Station, Globe and Mail
- 52 Places to Visit in Your Lifetime - Niagara City Cruises by Hornblower, PlanetD, Bucket List Travels
- 20 Most Romantic Places in the World, Niagara Falls, Flowercard / Tripadvisor
2020
- 10 Safest Cities in the World, The Discoverer
Canada
- Hamilton, ON 50 minutes
- Toronto, ON 1 hour 20 minutes
- Kitchener, ON 1 hour 30 minutes
- London, ON 2 hours
- Barrie, ON 2 hours
- Windsor, ON 3 hours 40 minutes
- Sudbury, ON 5 hours
- Ottawa, ON 5 hours 30 minutes
- Montreal, PQ 6 hours 30 minutes
- Sault Ste Marie, ON 8 hours
- Quebec City, PQ 9 hours
USA
- Rochester, NY 1 hour 30 minutes
- Syracuse, NY 2 hours 45 minutes
- Cleveland, OH 3 hours 30 minutes
- Pittsburgh, PA 3 hours 45 minutes
- Detroit, MI 3 hours 45 minutes
- Albany, NY 5 hours
- Columbus, OH 5 hours 30 minutes
- Philadelphia, PA 6 hours 45 minutes
- NYC, NY 6 hours 45 minutes
- Boston, MA 7 hours 30 minutes
- Washington, DC 7 hours 30 minutes
- Cincinnati, OH 7hrs
- Chicago, IL 8hrs
- Louisville, KY 9hrs
- Nashville, TN 11hrs
Plane There are four major airports in surrounding areas that charter airlines from around the world. Once you land, rental cars, airport limousines, trains, buses, airport shuttles and taxis are available to transport you to Niagara Falls.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) As Canada’s largest and busiest airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport sees nearly 50 million passengers annually. The airport is located 125 km (78 mi) from Niagara Falls, and is about an hour and half drive.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) Located on Toronto Island, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport welcomes nearly 3 million passengers annually from Canada and the U.S. via two airlines: Porter and Air Canada. The airport is located 127 km (79 mi) from Niagara Falls, and is just over an hour and a half drive.
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YMC) Seeing close to 350,000 passengers a year and serving several destinations across North America, Hamilton International Airport located in Hamilton, ON, is less than a one hour drive to Niagara Falls.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) Located in Buffalo, NY, approximately a 45-minute drive from Niagara Falls, Canada. A reminder that even if you flew to Buffalo from a city within the United States, you will need a passport to cross the border into Niagara Falls, Canada. You can find information on how to get from Buffalo to Niagara Falls here.
There is small airport located in the Niagara Region, called the Niagara District Airport. While no large commercial flights charter through there, flights do fly regularly to and from Toronto and approximately 75 aircrafts are based at this airport.
Train
GO Train The GO Train is part of GO Transit, the regional transit provider for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas. The GO Train offers weekday commuter service from Niagara Falls to Toronto in the morning, with one return trip in the evening. Weekend only train service runs from Toronto to Niagara Falls during May long weekend, and then every weekend from July 1st through to Labour Day. WEGO is available at the train station to transport you to your destination, as are taxis and Ubers.
VIA Rail As Canada’s national passenger rail service, VIA Rail offers direct departures from Toronto, New York City and Cleveland to Niagara Falls once daily with evening return service. Connections from origins throughout Canada, especially Ontario and Quebec are readily available.
Car
From New York State If you’re driving from New York State, there are three bridges available to cross into Canada: Peace Bridge, Queenston Lewiston Bridge or directly into Niagara Falls via Rainbow Bridge. Visit our border crossing page for further information on documentation required to enter Canada.
From Toronto Area When coming in from the Toronto area, take Gardiner Expressway West until it turns into Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). Continue on the QEW toward Niagara, exiting on the ON-420 to Niagara Veterans Memorial Highway East. The trip should take about an hour and a half, however if travelling during peak traffic (rush hour, weekends) the trip can double. For details on parking lots and pricing, check out our parking information.
Bus GO Bus A part of GO Transit, the regional transit provider for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas, the GO Bus works with the GO Train to transport passengers from across Ontario to Toronto and then directly to Niagara. With stops in St. Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls, passengers can easily and affordably travel into Niagara from across Ontario.
Greyhound and megabus Greyhound and megabus charter buses direct from Toronto and Buffalo, NY to the Niagara Falls Bus Terminal (4555 Erie Avenue) in Canada, daily. With bus connections to Toronto from across Canada and Buffalo from across the United States, there are several origin locations to choose from.
Helicopter Fly GTA book a private jet or helicopter from Toronto to Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls Tourism is the Official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for the City of Niagara Falls, Canada. Representing almost 400 member establishments within the city limits of Niagara Falls, and including members throughout the Niagara Region including accommodations, attractions, entertainment and events, award-winning dining, shopping, spas, theatre, history, outdoor adventures, world-class golf and wineries.