12 Exciting Things to do in Niagara Falls in the Summer
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Niagara Falls is a historical and natural wonder, which is a perfect place to spend your summer vacation in the USA and Canada. From boat tours, observation towers to amazing staycations, and romantic dining, there are so many cool things to do in Niagara Falls in the summer.
Keep reading to find out more!
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Visiting Niagara falls in the summer – Essential Tips
Note: As travel today remains uncertain, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind at all times. If you are planning to travel this time, remember to wear a face mask, and wash your hands often. Check official websites before your trip for the latest updates on policies, closures, and status of local businesses.
At the time of writing, US & Canadian borders remain closed for non-essential travel. All of the attractions mentioned in this post can be accessed from the US & Canada, without crossing borders.
Getting to Niagara Falls (USA & Canada)
Niagara Falls can be visited from the USA as well as from Canada. Both sides of the falls provide something unique for visitors.
For visitors in the United States, note that Niagara Falls is located in the state of New York. The nearest city to the Falls is Buffalo, NY (about 23 miles away). From New York City, you can either take a train ride (Amtrak takes about 9.5 hours) or hop on a flight (takes about an hour +).
On the Canadian side, the nearest airport and major city to the Falls is Toronto (province of Ontario). Toronto to Niagara is just 1.50 hours away (one way). And you can reach there by road, bus or day tours. Here is a guide to the Niagara region + tips on visiting from Toronto Canada
Experience Niagara Falls through tours
It’s all about the experience! To make the most of your time at the Falls during summers, plan ahead and book attractions and boat tours in advance. Some of our favorites include,
- USA & Canada Niagara Attractions Pass – Book tickets here
- Canada Niagara Falls (wine, helicopter & sightseeing walking tour) – Grab tickets here
- Day tour from Toronto – Day tour from Toronto to Niagara Falls
12 Things to do in Niagara Falls in summer
Summer is the best time to visit Niagara Falls. Summer temperatures range from a high of 27 degree C/80.6 F and a low of 14 degree C/57.2 F. During this time the weather is warm, and all of the touristy attractions are open.
Summer months are from June to August, which are also high season for Niagara falls; so expect long queues or wait time in restaurants and crowds. Hotel prices are also high at this time.
The key to enjoying Niagara Falls during peak season is to book tours and hotels early. There are many budget and luxury hotels to choose from. And don’t worry too much about the heat, you won’t feel a thing due to the falls, and the breeze makes it bearable to explore Niagara in the summer.
Picnic at the Niagara Falls State Park USA
Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the States, and it is home to American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and a portion of the Horseshoe Falls. This is where you will find the lookout points, and one of the coolest things to do in Niagara Falls in the summer is to picnic and read a nice book at the park!
The State Park also has a ton of hiking and nature trails. It also offers recreational programs and movie theatres on-site.
Maid of the Mist Boat Tour USA
The Maid of the Mist Boat tour is one of the popular attractions in Niagara Falls USA. It is the BEST way to experience the falls, really at a close juncture. So close that the mist from the falls will drench you in water, and you will be soaked with tons of memories.
Maid of the Mist is a must-do Niagara activity. Here is a highly popular tour that includes a round trip (transportation) from the USA with sightseeing spots like Goat Island, Niagara Falls State Park, American Observation Tower, the ‘Cave of the Winds’ adventure with the Maid of the Mist tour. Check out the Maid of the Mist Boat ride tour (USA) here
Maid of the Mist Boat tour operates in the USA, and if you are visiting from the Canadian side opt for the Hornblower Niagara Cruises – Voyage of the Falls Boat Tour.
Enjoy viewpoints at the Goat Island USA (also known as Iris Island)
If you wish to soak in the stunning Niagara Falls with both US & Canadian views, look no further than the Goat Island. Goat Island is located in the Niagara State Park in the USA, and it is a small island in the Niagara River.
Because it is located between the Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls, you are welcomed to amazing views and lookout points. Goat Island has no residents, and 2 bridges connect the island to the mainland.
The island is home to the Tesla Monument, which was built in the memory of Nikola Tesla. Book a tour to the Goat Island, with Maid of the Mist!
Hop on to the Whirlpool Aero Car in USA & Canada
The US – Canadian border is so close at Niagara Falls, and you can easily cross over the border 4 times by hopping on to the Whirlpool Aero Car!
The aero car is an antique cable car which is suspended more than 200 feet above the Niagara River. It offers up close and personal views of the Niagara Whirlpool and the Class 6 whitewater rapids of the River.
- USA – You can book an Aero cable car ride plus Maid of the Mist tour together!
- Canada – Ticket terminals are on the Canadian side too, so no passport and visa are required.
Want an adventurous ride? You can opt for a Whirlpool Jetboat ride. This is a highly exhilarating ride where you can take in the mighty falls intimately.
Niagara Falls USA Prospect Point Observation Tower
Niagara Falls USA Prospect Point Observation Tower is located on the eastern side of the American Falls. It offers unobstructed views of the Falls, as well as the raging whitewater underneath.
The observation tower extends out over the Niagara Gorge, and for a more intimate view of the Falls, you can go to the base of the gorge and then take the stairs to the Crow’s Nest, where the views come with misty Niagara spray. Bird watching is another popular activity here.
Entry fee to the tower is free in the winter, when the Maid of Mist tour is not operational.
Dine & see Niagara illuminated at the Skylon Tower Canada
Skylon Observation tower is located on the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls. Here you can enjoy 360° panoramic views of the Falls and the surrounding city.
There is an entry fee to the tower where you can take in breathtaking views from an indoor and outdoor observation deck. This site is popular in the evenings when the ‘Illumination of the Falls’ and seasonal fireworks are on display. You can book tickets here for the Skylon Tower.
The tower is also home to a revolving restaurant, which is perfect for romantic evenings or family dine-outs.
Ziplining across the Falls from Canadian side
One of the amazing things to do in Niagara Falls in the summer is to enjoy ziplining by soaring 67-meters high above the Niagara River Gorge (Canada). This adrenaline activity will welcome you to the American Falls and to the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
This truly gives you a 360 degree unobstructed panoramic view of the mighty Falls. You can book an hour of Ziplining tour here
Enjoy a helicopter ride over the Niagara Falls Canada
One of the coolest summer activities in Niagara (on the Canadian side) is to hop on a helicopter to take in panoramic views of the Falls and Gorge. The ride also includes informative audio commentary about the flight itinerary.
During summers you also get a complimentary photo taken here (bookings for July and August only). Book the tickets in advance here
Ride the Niagara Skywheel Canada
Another fun activity to do in Niagara Falls in the summer is to enjoy a ride on Canada’s largest observation wheel – the SkyWheel. The ride is for 12 minutes, and it towers 175 feet over the falls!
It is a romantic way to see Niagara Falls, with your loved one on the enclosed gondola Skywheel ride. Learn more about it here
Join a wine tasting tour Niagara on the Lake Canada
Apart from the mighty falls, the Niagara region is known for its wine. To take in the wine experience, head to Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is located about 20 minutes away from Niagara Falls on the Canadian site.
Niagara-on-the-lake region has the perfect climatic conditions for producing high-quality wines; in fact you can choose from 37 varied wineries. You can easily book a tour (even a day tour from Toronto) to enjoy these world-class wines from Niagara vineyards!
Summer activities at the Entertainment District Niagara Canada
The upscale Entertainment District in Niagara Falls Canada is full of activities in the summer. From outdoor cafes and bars to live music and entertainment, you must make your way here.
There are tons of indoor entertainment arenas as well (from bowling, movies, car racing, wax museums to name a few).
Enjoy a romantic staycation at the Niagara
To enjoy a special day (or a weekend) with your loved one, book a staycation in one of the skyrise Niagara Falls hotels. This is a must-do bucket list item, where you can book a luxury hotel room facing the Falls.
Morning or night, you can soak in the view of the falls as well as fireworks.
That’s a wrap! These are some of the coolest things to do in Niagara Falls in the summer. Remember to book attractions and hotels ahead of time to avoid disappointment, as it is a peak tourist season.
More Posts from United States
- USA Bucket list – Get the guide to the best cities in the USA
- Yellowstone – Top Yellowstone Bucket list items
- Winter Places in USA – Bucket list places here
- Christmas Markets – Top USA Christmas markets
- East Coast Trips Ideas – Weekend getaway ideas for East Coast
More Posts from Canada
- Toronto Itinerary – How to spend 1 to 7 days in Toronto
- Toronto in the winter – Guide to visiting the city in winter
- Other day trips from Toronto – Elora Conservation Area, Peterborough
Pin: Niagara Falls Summer Activities
I regret not making it to Niagara Falls during my one day layover in Toronto. It’s one of those things that you must see at least once in your life. Good advice on booking everything early if you plan to go there in summer.
It must be so exhilarating to try that Maid of the Mist boat tour. It’s honestly been on my bucket list for a long time.
It was amazing 🙂
This is awesome! Especially if you’re traveling with kids! Not many people realize there’s more to do other than the falls, but the looks like such a fun time! Thanks for sharing
This provides some great activities for the Canada side that I did not know
Thank you. Glad you found this useful!