If eating in luxury restaurants with views over the most powerful waterfall in North America and a boat tour across its misty waters sounds appealing, then you may want to consider taking your next vacation in Niagara Falls.
Whether you’re in the country long-term on a study or working visa for Canada or only visiting for a short vacation, a trip to Niagara Falls is a must for all foreigners.
Located on the international border between Canada and the United States, Niagara Falls is probably one of the most recognized and desirable tourist destinations in the entire world, but many visitors are unsure of the best time to visit the famous attraction.
Read on for a full breakdown of what to expect in Niagara during each season so you can decide for yourself.
Traveling to Niagara Falls in the Spring
Traveling to Niagara Falls in Spring is well-worth it simply for the amazing flower blooms in the area brought on by the increase in temperatures, especially those at the Niagara Botanical Gardens.
April is a good time for a 2 or 3-day trip
to Niagara, as around Easter many of the area’s attractions begin to reopen after the winter. However, those hoping to take a ride on the famous Maid of the Mist tour should probably visit a little later in the year, as the still-icy water prevents the boats from going out.
The Falls in Summer
Summer is the busiest time in Niagara, as well as the most expensive. However, many consider the months of June, July, and August to be the best time to visit as all of the many adventure activites at the Falls, including helicopter rides over the waters, are fully open.
Another advantage is that the Discover Niagara Shuttle operates during the entirety of the summer months. This free bus allows visitors to easily get between all of the major attractions, including the Old Fort Niagara, the Hurricane Deck at the Cave of the Winds, and the White Water Walk.
Summer is also the best time to take a ride on the recently installed, thrilling zip wire line over the Falls. Furthermore, although temperates can get toasty, summer in Niagara never feels too hot due to the cooling mists and breezes that come off the waterfalls.
Niagara in the Fall
Travelers planning a weekend at Niagara on a budget may want to consider visiting during the Fall when accommodation rates and demand dip considerably from those in the summer.
The temperates are also significantly cooler, and sometimes it can even snow as early as late October. Therefore, it’s important to bring a warm, sturdy jacket, as well as a hat, scarf, and gloves in case the colder weather starts creeping in.
The spectacular autumn colors also make the Fall an ideal time to explore the more than 2 miles of trails through the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve and its preserved Carolinian Forest, although visitors will miss out on the guided hikes that run from May to August.
Another draw during this season is the multitude of colorful Fall festivals held in the region, including the Niagara Grape & Niagara Grape & Wine Festival in September. Wine lovers visiting the Falls are also advised to take a tour of the Inniskillin Winery, located just a few kilometers north in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
It’s here that one of the region’s most unique exports is manufactured: icewine. This unique beverage is made from grapes left to freeze on the vine over the winter and then later thawed, which gives the wine an intense flavor.
However, those planning to visit Niagara in October should be aware that Canadian Thanksgiving takes place early in the month, so many of the attractions on the Canadian side of the Falls will be closed.
Visit Niagara Falls in Winter
If you can withstand the often frosty temperatures, winter is actually one of the most beautiful times to visit Niagara and experience the mass of ice and snow that forms along the width of the Falls.
Its also one of the cheapest times to visit Niagara, although many of the main attractions remain closed until late spring.
Popular winter activities at the Falls include the spectacular Festival of Lights from November and December, which draws almost 2 million annual visitors, and the Niagara Icewine Festival in January.
Winter is also the perfect time to enjoy the variety of entertainment on offer at the Niagara Fallsview Casino, including thousands of slot machines and over 150 table games.
However, even if you’re not into gambling, the Fallsview also offers visitors a huge shopping gallery and also houses the Avalon Theatre, the site of numerous concerts and live performances throughout the year.
Author Bio:
Dorothy Jones is an experienced content writer. She is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where she shares her valuable travel tips with the audience.
