One Day Tour: Visit the Niagara Falls from New York City

The Niagara Falls day trips from New York City is one of the best excursions. Situated on the border between the United States and Canada, the Niagara Falls is made up of three breath-taking waterfalls. Seeing this imposing wonder of nature at least once in a lifetime is totally worth it, and it’s definitely one of the must-do activities during a trip to New York City.

In this guide, we will look at all that you need to know before going to Niagara Falls in one day from New York city.

 

What is Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls – the Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls. The largest of the three, Horseshoe Falls lie on the US-Canadian Border while the other two falls are entirely within the United States. The Horseshoe Falls drop about 188 ft (57 m) while the American Falls’ drop lies between 70 and 100 ft (21 and 30 m).

Although, the main draw here is the waterfalls. The entire Niagara region is a great place to visit, because of its many attractions you can explore.

 

Why take a Niagara Falls Tour?

– See three waterfalls at Niagara

The 3 waterfalls – the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls at Niagara come together to produce the largest flow of water in the world. Simply watching the world’s fastest-moving waterfall is nothing short of a fascinating experience.

– Several other attractions, beyond the falls

If you’re a fan of history, then you must explore the Old Fort Niagara that is home to underground gunpowder rooms, army barracks, and ancient cannons. Other experiences near the falls include – the Cave of the Winds, the Maid of the Mist, the Whirlpool Jet Boat, the Hydro Power Plant Ruins and many more. Adventure lovers can explore several hiking trails around the Niagara State Park.

The Niagara State Park is the oldest in United States

Founded in 1885, the Niagara Falls State Park has a special place in the history of the United States. In 1883, the Niagara Falls Association acquired the private land around the area and maintained the natural environment intact for all these years.   

 

Top things to see and do on a Niagara Falls Tour

  1. Niagara Adventure Theatre

Hold on to your seats as you watch a spectacular movie about Niagara Falls on the big screen. At the theatre you’ll watch a 30-minute film called Niagara: Legends of Adventure, which is available in six languages.

The short film showcases the history of Niagara Falls, as well as some interesting bits of information that will give you a different perspective about the falls. You’ll learn about the early settlers, discover some interesting stories and myths surrounding the falls, such as world-record tightrope walks and barrel trips over the falls. 

The show plays every 45 minutes, so it’s a fun thing to do with family, and also gives you a breather between exploring the attractions. Tickets to the Adventure Theatre are generally included in most organized tours from New York City to Niagara.

  1. Cave of The Winds

If you’re visiting Niagara Falls from May to October, then here’s your chance to experience the Cave of The Winds Tour. As the tour begins, you’ll be given souvenir sandals and ponchos to experience the tropical storm-like conditions of the Cave of the Winds.

You’ll then descend 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge, walk on wooden walkways that bring you to the ‘Hurricane Deck’ where you’ll be within arm’s reach of the Bridal Veil Falls.

Once in the park, you can buy tickets to go down to the Cave of the Winds or most organized tours of the falls that include this stop.

  1. Maid of the Mist

Are you ready for the ultimate Niagara experience? Nothing lets you ‘feel the roar’ as much as a mist-soaked cruise aboard the Maid of the Mist. This 30-minute boat tour has been operating since the middle of the 19th century.

It begins at the base of the Observation Tower, goes past the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls to the basin of the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. Tours depart every 15 minutes and you are bound to return with a newfound appreciation for Niagara Falls.

  1. Prospect Point Observation

Prospect Point is the main viewing area for the American Falls and its surrounding area. The view from here is simply unmatchable – the rampaging descent of all three individual falls and the rushing white water below while the mist fills the gorge up. 

Later, you can take the elevator of the tower to the floor of the gorge. From here, you can either board the Maid of the Mist cruise or walk up a flight of stairs on the side of the cliff to view the falls from the Crow’s Nest.

  1. Illumination of the Niagara Falls 

After taking the Niagara Falls tour by boat (Maid in the Mist), at the base (Cave of the Winds), and from the scenic platforms during the day. It’s now time to see the falls from a completely different perspective – the light display at night that results in a colourful mist that rises. There are several places to see the lights, but one of the best is near the Horseshoe Falls (the Canadian side). The falls is illuminated with hundreds of LED lights.

Please note: The falls are illuminated at different times throughout the year – on holidays and special occasions, so check the schedule before visiting. 

  1. Aquarium of Niagara

This attraction is great for kids. The Aquarium features more than 30 exhibits – this includes the Aliens of the Sea jellyfish exhibit, the state-of-the-art Penguin Coast exhibit, the sharks and stingray’s exhibit. The facility is home to more than 120 aquatic animal species, don’t miss the daily penguin and seal feedings and sea lion shows.

  1. Hiking Around Niagara Falls

Hiking is a fun thing to do during your Niagara Falls day trips from New York. While not all hiking trails are suitable for youngsters, there are several paths starting at the Niagara Gorge Trailhead Building, where hiking tours are available from May to October.

Here are the recommended trails: The Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Hike is an easy one-hour trail that offers nice views all around without much effort. The Upper Great Gorge Hike is a two-hour friendly trail that follows the Great Gorge Railway Trail, which is short but scenic. For a more moderate and adventurous hike, try the Devil’s Hole Rapids and Giant Rock trail, which takes about 2.5 hours to complete. The Whirlpool Rapids Adventure is a three-hour hike and is the most challenging that requires some trekking over boulders.

 

Best way to reach Niagara Falls from NYC

The quickest way to take Niagara Falls day trips from New York is by plane. There are frequent flights to the nearby city of Buffalo which takes only 90 minutes. The next fastest way is to drive through the beautiful countryside of Upstate New York. The third fastest way is by bus, which is the least expensive. The train is the slowest and expensive choice, but undoubtedly, it’s the most comfortable and scenic.

Flying from New York To Niagara Falls

Buffalo is the closest city to Niagara Falls and is located 23 mi (37 km) away. A flight from New York City takes under an hour, but including check-in and boarding, it should take 3-4 hours each way. Once you reach Buffalo airport you can arrange for a taxi to the falls and is pretty economical if you’re travelling in a group. This is the fastest way to reach the falls from NYC.

New York to Niagara Falls Tour by Car

This option allows you the freedom to stop and explore New York State’s attractions on your way. The journey from New York City to Niagara Falls is 400 mi (645 km) long and depending on the traffic it takes about 6.5-to-7-hour drive one way. You can take the I-80 West or go via I-81 N and connect to I-90 West. It’s best to leave early in the morning to escape the traffic.

New York To Niagara Falls Tour by Train

Train is one of the most relaxing ways to reach Niagara Falls from New York City, but it’s also the slowest and generally an expensive option. There is a direct train departing from NY Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station and arriving at Niagara Falls Amtrak Station. The journey takes approximately 9 hours. The Niagara Falls station is located 3.5 mi (5.6 km) from the falls, and the easiest way is to hire a cab to get there. This option is suitable only if you plan to visit other Upstate destinations in New York.

 

New York City to Niagara Falls Tour by Bus

Whether you travel by plane, train, or bus, there isn’t a huge difference in prices. However, travelling by bus is a slightly cheaper option than the other two. There are a few bus services that run daily for a one-way trip. The bus route is direct and takes nearly eight hours. The bus station in Niagara Falls is right in the heart of the town next to the Niagara Falls Visitor Centre, so you’ll be able to step off of the bus and immediately see the falls.

Organized Tours from New York to Niagara Falls

The best and convenient way is to set off on a full-day trip from New York City by bus to the fascinating Niagara Falls. Rosotravel offers private guided tours from New York City to Niagara Falls and back. Your travel is made considerably easier as you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel in a comfortable coach. This is a full day trip which takes around 19 to 20 hours. And includes travel time both ways and visiting the attractions at the Niagara Falls.

 

Best time to visit Niagara Falls 

Niagara Falls boat tours attraction. Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

As a tourist you may be wondering when is the best time to visit Niagara Falls. The truth is this place is beautiful all-round the year. It all depends on what you want to do and which attractions you want to see, as one season may be better than another.

Summer is a good time to visit Niagara Falls. Between June to August the temperature is ranging between lows of 14° C and highs of 26° C. This means you’ll rub shoulders with many tourists and even may have to pay extra on attractions. However, all attractions are open in full swing and is a great time to explore different parts of the Niagara State Park. 

If you plan to visit in spring, the flowers are in full bloom, there are fewer crowds, and you’ll be able to see only a few tourist attractions.

Similarly, Fall is also a good time to go on a Niagara Falls Tour. If you’re a fan of natural surroundings – the colours and foliage of autumn are gorgeous, the weather is nice, and there aren’t many tourists. You can also visit the nearby wineries that are celebrating the seasonal harvest.

Finally, a winter trip to Niagara Falls may not sound as a good idea as most of the attractions are closed. However, when it’s cold and the Niagara Falls freeze over, it makes for one of the most beautiful and extraordinary sights.

 

Tips to visit the Niagara Falls

Beautiful Niagara Falls from on a boat with tourist wearing rain jackets.
  1. Wear Comfortable Clothes

During the Niagara Falls Tour your clothes are likely to get wet. Shorts and quick dry trousers are a better option than jeans. Also, sandals are better than wearing shoes and socks. And if you’re visiting in winter, it’s best to wear several layers to adapt to the changing weather.

  1. Book an Organized Tour

Traveling from New York to Niagara by public transport can be quite a hassle. The Niagara region does not have a good public transport system hence getting from one place to the other by local taxis can be very expensive. Therefore, we recommend taking a private guided tour from New York City to Niagara for the best experience.

  1. Plan to visit both sides of Niagara Falls

If you’re wondering which side of Niagara Falls Tour is better, plan to visit both the American and Canadian falls. The best way to see both sides is by crossing the Rainbow Bridge. That said, don’t forget to bring the necessary documentation for Niagara Falls, as you will be crossing the border between the United States and Canada.

 

  1. Leave Everything that can get wet 

It’s impossible to not get wet by the Niagara waterfalls, even if you wear a poncho. So, it’s best to leave behind anything that could be damaged by water or seal your stuff in a waterproof bag if you’re keeping it on you.

  1. Take a Helicopter Tour of Niagara Falls

If you’re ready to splurge a bit, then consider taking a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls, it’s a short 10-minute flight and every second is mesmerizing.

  1. Catch a good spot to watch the fireworks

If you’re planning an overnight stay; then the Niagara Falls fireworks are one of the most popular things to see on summer evenings. The show starts every night at 10 pm, and the best spot to be on the American side is Prospect Point and Sky wheel on the Canadian side.

  1. Return to Niagara Falls in Winter

As we have mentioned, the best time to go to Niagara Falls depends on what you want to do and see there. While summer is popular with most tourists, winter has something special about it. There are few tourists; peaceful and calmer atmosphere; and prices are lower. That said, we don’t recommend a winter trip on your first visit to Niagara Falls since most of the attractions are closed.

 

Now you have all the information you need to plan your visit to Niagara Falls in one day from New York City. If you have any questions, you can reach out to us, and we will try to help you as quickly as possible. We have a team of expert guides who will take you on a guided tour to Niagara Falls from NYC.

The Niagara Falls Tour is a unique experience that you will remember for the rest of your life!!