Do you have to pay to see Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls State Park is open 365 days a year, and it's always free to walk into the Park and experience the Falls! Today, the park's signature attraction, the majestic Niagara Falls, is the dramatic apex of the free-flowing waters of four of the Great Lakes into the Niagara River Gorge.



No, you do not have to pay to simply "see" Niagara Falls; the falls are located in public parks (Niagara Falls State Park on the U.S. side and Queen Victoria Park on the Canadian side) that are free and open 24/7. You can walk right up to the railing at Prospect Point or Table Rock and view the thundering water without spending a dime. However, you do have to pay for "the experience" of getting closer. Attractions like the Maid of the Mist (U.S.) or Niagara City Cruises (Canada), which take you into the mist at the base of the falls, cost approximately $28–$33 USD. Similarly, the Journey Behind the Falls and the Cave of the Winds involve entry fees. Parking in the immediate vicinity is also a significant cost, often ranging from $10 to $30 depending on the lot. If you are on a budget, you can easily enjoy a full day of spectacular views and park hiking for free, provided you find street parking further away or take the "WeGo" shuttle.

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Do you need to book Niagara Falls in advance? We recommend you buy all of your Niagara Falls tickets in advance. By doing so, you'll have a more relaxed experience, and you will ensure that you actually have a ticket for the Niagara Falls attractions you want to see.

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Sure, you could visit Niagara Falls in one quick, rushed day, but it is better experienced with a two day stay (or longer).

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The Canadian side is where you get gorgeous panoramas of both the American Falls and the mighty Horseshoe Falls. It's definitely the more glamorous side of Niagara Falls. While you can't get right up to the American and Bridal Veil Falls, you can get right up to the brink of Horseshoe Falls.

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Do American Citizens need a passport to enter Niagara Falls, Canada? Yes. A Passport (or a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver's License if coming by land) is required for crossing the border into Canada unless you are age 15 or younger. Please visit the government website for any further details.

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The 20-minute Voyage to the Falls boat tour will take you on the journey of a lifetime! Enjoy breathtaking views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, and come face-to-face with the famous Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

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Peak season from May to September is the best time to visit Niagara Falls. Enjoying mild weather and engaging in activities like boat rides, Mistrider Zipline and Journey Behind the Falls will take you to deal with high prices and swarms of tourists. By October hotel prices begin to drop.

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Niagara Falls State Park is open 365 days a year, and it's always free to walk into the Park and experience the Falls!

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If you think the Falls put on a show by day, wait until you see Niagara Falls at night. Niagara Falls' nightly illuminations transform the water wonder into a kaleidoscopic cascade of color — 365 nights a year.

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Your goal on a two hour trip to Niagara Falls should be to take in as much as possible without stressing out your schedule. Book one attraction that involves getting super close to the waterfalls (such as a Niagara Falls boat tour), and leave the rest of your visit unscheduled to enjoying the views and ambience.

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The Canadian Niagara Falls not only claims the largest of the three falls but also offers classic adventure, nature, dining, shopping, and entertainment options than the American Niagara Falls.

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