The short answer
Niagara Falls sits on the Niagara River, which flows north from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and forms part of the border between the United States and Canada. Two cities face each other across the river: Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Ontario.
On the U.S. side, the falls are inside Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the country, in downtown Niagara Falls, NY.
How far is it?
| From | Distance | Drive (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo, NY | about 20 miles | 20–30 minutes |
| Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) | about 25 miles | 30 minutes |
| Toronto, ON | about 90 miles | 1.5 hours, plus the border |
| New York City | about 400–420 miles | about 7 hours |
There's also an Amtrak station in Niagara Falls, NY, less than 5 miles from the state park.
There are actually three waterfalls
| Waterfall | Which side | Roughly |
|---|---|---|
| American Falls | Entirely in the U.S. | About 188 ft from the crest to the river. The rocks piled at the base leave a visible drop of 70–110 ft. |
| Bridal Veil Falls | U.S., next to the American Falls (separated by Luna Island) | About 181 ft tall, the smallest of the three |
| Horseshoe Falls | Crosses the border, but mostly in Canada | About 188 ft, with a curved crest roughly 2,200 ft wide |
About 90% of the water goes over the Horseshoe Falls. At full daytime flow in summer, more than 3,000 tons of water pour over the falls every second.
U.S. side vs. Canadian side
On the U.S. side you're right up close. You can stand next to the rapids at the brink of the American Falls, walk out to Goat Island, Luna Island, the Three Sisters Islands and Terrapin Point, get soaked at the base of Bridal Veil Falls on the Cave of the Winds, and board the Maid of the Mist right inside the state park. The park is 400+ acres of preserved green space, not a strip of hotels.
On the Canadian side you get the big picture: the wide, head-on view of both the American and Horseshoe Falls from across the gorge. The tourist area there is busier and more commercial.
Our take: See the falls up close on the U.S. side, then walk the Rainbow Bridge for the panoramic view if you have your passport. And stay on this side for dinner. Here's where to eat.
Crossing into Canada
- Walk it: the Rainbow Bridge is the only crossing in the area open to pedestrians. Walking into Canada is free. Walking back into the U.S. costs US$1 in quarters (or C$1.25, or contactless card), paid on the Canadian side.
- Drive it: the Rainbow Bridge and the Lewiston–Queenston Bridge take cars (tolls are charged heading into Canada). The Whirlpool Bridge is NEXUS members only.
What to bring (U.S. citizens): a passport, passport card, Enhanced Driver's License or NEXUS card to get back into the U.S. Kids under 16 can use a birth certificate.
Visiting from another country? Check Canada's entry rules (visa or eTA) and the U.S. rules for coming back (ESTA / I-94) before you cross.
When the water is lower
A 1950 U.S.–Canada treaty sets how much water must go over the falls. During tourist hours in season (daytime, April through October) the flow is kept at its highest. At night and in the off-season, up to about half the water can be sent to the hydropower plants instead. So for the most dramatic view, go during the day in the summer.
Have more questions? See our Niagara Falls FAQ.