9 Best Viewpoints for Niagara Falls, from the New York & Canadian Sides

Stand Face to Face with the Mightiest Falls on the Planet

Three immense waterfalls straddle the border between New York State and Ontario, about 400 miles from NYC and 17 miles north of Buffalo.

Niagara Falls stands, where 750,000 gallons of water crash down every second from cliffs that rise 167 feet high.

While the falls are stunning at any angle, these nine spots bring you close enough to feel the raw force of one of Earth’s most powerful waterfalls.

A Brief History of the Niagara Falls

Native Americans first found these massive waterfalls. The site grew into Niagara Falls State Park in 1885, now the US’s oldest state park.

The falls served as a key military spot in the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Later, enslaved people crossed the Niagara area to reach freedom in Canada through the Underground Railroad.

Museums near the falls keep these stories alive – you can visit Old Fort Niagara and the Niagara Falls History Museum to learn more about what happened here.

Journey Behind the Falls

You need a ticket to see this Canadian viewpoint, but you’ll be glad you bought one.

An elevator takes you down 125 feet through tunnels built in the 1890s, right to where Horseshoe Falls crashes down. Two platforms let you watch the water roar past.

You’ll get splashed no matter what – even with the free yellow poncho they give you when you enter (which you can keep).

Make sure to check out the tunnels before you go – they have two openings that look straight through the falls, which explains the name of this spot.

Cave of the Winds

Moving from behind the falls to their base, you can stand near Bridal Veil Falls at Cave of the Winds in Niagara Falls State Park.

The name tricks some visitors – there aren’t any caves anymore. A rocky overhang used to stick out here, but it fell apart in the early 1900s.

Now, wooden walkways and platforms bring you close to the falls’ base. You’ll need to buy a timed ticket before you show up, and plan to get soaked – your shoes too.

Skylon Tower

If the close-up views whet your appetite for a different perspective, try seeing the falls from above at Skylon Tower.

This tall structure on the Canadian side stretches 764 feet up from the water, with a deck where you can look at everything.

You can buy tickets for daytime visits, nighttime visits, or both. The tower also has a restaurant that spins around at the top, above where people view the falls.

Niagara Falls Observation Tower

Crossing back to the American side, you’ll find the 282-foot Niagara Falls Observation Tower at Prospect Point in Niagara Falls State Park.

For $1.25, you can see all three falls from up high.

Want to get closer? Take the elevator down to the bottom of the gorge, then walk up to the Crow’s Nest platform to see American Falls up close.

Queen Victoria Park

The Canadian side offers more than just tower views. Queen Victoria Park shows off both the falls and beautiful gardens.

Start at the park’s entrance, Oakes Garden Theatre, built in 1937 with beautiful architecture. Walk through gardens full of tea roses and rocks, plus lots of flower beds.

The park gives you a perfect spot to watch fireworks too. They shoot them off from May to October, during winter, and on other special days throughout the year.

Terrapin Point

Terrapin Point sits on Goat Island in New York’s Niagara Falls State Park.

This lookout spot between Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls lets you see the Canadian side across Horseshoe Falls. Even though you’re looking down from the top, mist still sprays up here.

Bring waterproof clothes.

Luna Island

Standing between the rushing waters, Luna Island splits Bridal Veil Falls. A short bridge from Goat Island takes you there.

Watch the river rush to the edge before dropping down. Cave of the Winds sits below – you’ll stay much drier up here than the people down there.

Table Rock Welcome Center

Right above Horseshoe Falls, Table Rock Welcome Center is where you start your Journey Behind the Falls trip.

But you don’t need to pay to use the center or its viewing platform.

You can eat here too – grab quick food at Table Rock Market or sit down at Table Rock House Restaurant, which has windows facing the falls.

Rainbow Bridge

Connecting both countries, Rainbow Bridge lets cars and people cross between the American and Canadian sides.

Walking across gives you great views, and you might spot actual rainbows in the mist. Bring your passport and $1 for the toll.

Both ends of the bridge have duty-free shops.