It’s no secret that Niagara Falls provides some of the most iconic views on the entire US-Canada border. It’s easily accessible from both countries. Better yet, it offers plenty of opportunities for photography, video, and just soaking in the breathtaking views. However, the international border means that there are some barriers you won’t find in most other parks.
One of the biggest mistakes we see people make at Niagara Falls is only visiting one side of the falls. Yes, the pandemic meant there were a lot of extra hoops to jump through crossing the border. However, both countries have lifted pretty much all of the pandemic restrictions at the border. We’ll cover exactly what to expect crossing the border in both directions.
In this guide, we come to Niagara Falls from the US side. If you’re coming from Canada, you’ll simply do it in reverse order.
Parking at Niagara Falls
There are parking lots on both the US and Canada sides of Niagara Falls. On the US side, the best parking is inside of Niagara Falls State Park. Likewise, the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario offers public parking close to the falls on the Canadian side. Be aware that these parking lots fill up quickly during the peak summer season, so come early if you want to park close to the falls.
Regardless of which side of the border you’re on, the best views of Niagara Falls are located between Horseshoe Falls and the Rainbow Bridge. It’s about 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometers) to walk from the US Side of Horseshoe Falls to the Canadian side of the falls. So it’s just shy of 5 miles, or 8 kilometers, round trip walking to get the full experience of Niagara Falls.
Cross the Border on Foot to Avoid Long Wait Times at Customs
Unless you’re arriving at Niagara Falls from one country and departing into the other, we strongly recommend that you cross the border on foot. Conveniently, there is a border crossing right at Niagara Falls: the Rainbow Bridge. It’s a much smaller port of entry than crossing at the Peace Bridge between Buffalo, New York and Fort Erie, Ontario. The Rainbow Bridge is about a 10-15 minute walk from the parking lot at Goat Island on the New York side.
Despite the Rainbow Bridge’s smaller size, it routinely sees long waits in vehicle lanes going both directions. At peak times, those waits can be up to an hour or more. On the other hand, there is rarely any wait at customs crossing the border as a pedestrian. Indeed, when we crossed at the end of August, there was a two to three minute wait entering Canada. Likewise, there was no wait to enter the United States.
From the United States, Follow the “Pedestrians to Canada” Signs
Access to the Rainbow Bridge is located off the main parking lot by the Visitors Center, right behind port of entry. From that main parking, look for the “Pedestrians to Canada” signs and just follow them. You’ll walk along a sidewalk that runs down the side of the U.S. Customs building, which leads you to a turnstile gate.
That turnstile gate is as far as you can go without a passport. If you pass through the gate onto the bridge, you’ll need to pass through U.S. Customs on the way back, regardless of whether or not you make entry to Canada. Once you’re through the gate, take in some of the best views of Niagara Falls from atop the bridge. There’s a placard in the middle of the bridge that marks the international border, so you can get your picture taken standing in two countries at once with the falls as the backdrop.
What to Expect Entering Canada
When we filmed the video in August 2022, Canada still required all travelers to use the ArriveCAN app and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter. If you look closely, you can see some of those signs and notices in the video.
However, the Government of Canada has since dropped those restrictions. You no longer need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or use the app to enter Canada. At the time of publication, the process for entering Canada has pretty much returned to its pre-pandemic state. You can find the latest entry requirements on the Canada Border Services Agency website.
At Canadian Customs, be prepared to answer the standard set of questions you’d encounter at any other border crossing. They asked me was what I was doing in Canada, how long I would be in Canada, and if I had anything to declare. The whole interaction took less than 30 seconds, and they waved me right through.
Soak in the Best Views of Niagara Falls from the Canadian Side
After you clear Canadian Customs, you can easily see the falls from where you exit the building. Just walk south towards them. You enjoy the best views of Niagara Falls – both American and Horseshoe Falls – the entire way down. It’s about a 1 mile (1.6 km) walk from customs down to Horseshoe Falls.
Photography Tips for Niagara Falls
While it’s surprisingly difficult to go anywhere on the Canadian side and come away with bad photos of Niagara Falls, we have a few tips that can make the difference between mediocre and fantastic pictures.
At the very least, you’ll need to bring a circular polarizer (CP) filter. Circular polarizers enhance the vibrancy of your colors and cut the glare. Just look at the difference a CP filter makes.
We also strongly recommend a neutral density (ND) filter. ND filters are essentially sunglasses for your camera, as they reduce the amount of light reaching the sensor. They allow you to take long exposure shots during the day, which gives you an incredible amount of flexibility photographing waterfalls. If you’ve ever wondered how professional photographers capture motion in water during the day, the neutral density filter is their secret weapon.
Finally, be aware of the wind direction, as the mist coming off the falls can affect your photography. The mist shouldn’t be heavy enough to damage camera equipment, but make sure you have a way to keep your camera dry, even if it’s just tucking it inside your shirt to pass through the “spray zone”. Additionally, don’t forget to carry a microfiber cloth to wipe any water droplets off your lens.
Stand on the Precipice at the Top of Horseshoe Falls
When you reach the Canadian side of Horseshoe Falls, stand right on the edge of the falls and look down into the misty abyss. This is the only spot on the entire Canadian side you can get up close to the falls, so it’s often crowded. But don’t let that stop you from getting some amazing pictures.
For a much more intimate and up-close experience with the falls, you’ll need to head over to the American side, so let’s make our way back to the Rainbow Bridge and across the border.
Pay the $1 Pedestrian Toll as You Leave Canada
Be aware that you’ll need to pay a $1 toll as you leave Canada on foot. You pay it inside the Canadian customs hall before you go back out on the Rainbow Bridge. You can pay the toll in either American or Canadian currency. It’s cash only and accepts either quarters or loonies (the $1 Canadian coin). There are machines inside Canadian customs to get coins if you don’t have any. With the current exchange rates, it’s slightly cheaper to pay in Canadian dollars, but you’re only saving a few cents.
What to Expect Entering the United States
Like Canada, entering the United States via the land border has returned to its pre-pandemic state. You still need to show your passport and answer the customs officer’s questions. Make sure to be transparent and answer the questions honestly, and you will have no issues entering the US.
Do note that while non-citizens entering the United States by air are still required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, this requirement does not apply at the land border. You do not need to show any documents related to COVID-19 entering the US by land, regardless of whether or not you are an American citizen. For the latest COVID-19 info, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
Get Up Close and Personal with Niagara Falls on the American Side
While the Canadian side offers the best views of Niagara Falls, the American side offers the most intimate and close-up experiences with the falls. After exiting US Customs, follow the signs for “Falls Viewing”, which will take you to American Falls.
At American Falls, make your way to the end of the walkways at each end of the falls for an intimate and up-close experience with the falls. Even though it’s the smaller of the two falls at Niagara Falls, feel the breeze that American Falls generates from 75,000 gallons of water flowing over it every second.
End your adventure at Niagara Falls back at Goat Island as you visit the American side of Horseshoe Falls. While it doesn’t feature quite the spectacular views as its Canadian counterpart, you can get so close to the edge of the falls you can nearly touch the water as it cascades over the falls. You can’t feel the power of the water quite as well as you can at American Falls, but you’ll be close enough to appreciate the 681,000 gallons that flow over it every second.
Final Thoughts
To get the full experience at Niagara Falls, you need to visit both the American and Canadian side of the falls. In Canada, you’ll find the best views of Niagara Falls. Don’t forget to bring a polarizer and neutral density filter to get some amazing photos of the falls!
Back on the US side, get an intimate and up-close experience with both American and Horseshoe falls as you gain a true appreciation for the power and volume that cascades over those falls every second. What’s your favorite part of Niagara Falls? Let us know in the comments below.
