Things to do in Niagara Falls

5-hour domestic flight to Buffalo plus a 30-minute drive; there is no fast direct rail link, and Amtrak takes over 9 hours. This is not a day trip: the round-trip drive alone runs 14-16 hours, so plan at least one overnight, ideally on the Canadian side, where Horseshoe Falls faces you directly.

The American side gives you American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls up close. Crossing into Canada requires a passport (biometric where applicable) and, depending on nationality, a visa or eTA separate from the US ESTA. Paid boat tours (Maid of the Mist) and the Cave of the Winds put you at the base of the falls.