Niagara Falls

Arrive early. Get ahead of other visitors and start your day while they’re still in bed or having breakfast. Not only will you be able to take great photos before people arrive, but also see a number of popular attractions before crowds gather (like Maid of the Mist boat tour, which becomes overcrowded during peak hours with long queues for the ticket office).

Plan ahead. First decide which side of Niagara you want to see (remember that the U.S. one is usually less crowded, while the Canadian one offers more restaurants, shops and activities) and check the opening hours of all the attractions you’d like to do: Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, Niagara Gorge Trail, wine tasting tours and many others.

Explore the area. If you’re tired of the crowds - head to some lesser-known places in the area, like the Three Sisters Islands (accessible via footbridges) or the nearby Devil’s Hole State Park with its views over the rapids of the Niagara Gorge.

High season at the Niagara Falls lasts from May to the end of October, with particular peaks in July and August. Give preference to May or September to enjoy good, warm weather with smaller crowds.

April and November are shoulder months, during which there are still visitors (not many though) but the hotel rates are already cheaper, with some attractions still going on and others already closed, this is what influences the visitors’ flow and all the deals at this time.

The falls don’t stop in low season, but few tourists visit them during winter months (Christmas holidays are the exception). January however sees a number of festivities (Niagara Ice wine Festival, Winter Festival of Lights) while February is a “dead” month.

If coming during low or shoulder season - it would probably be best to opt for the Canadian side, as there are more attractions and events going on.

Early fall (up to mid-October) is extremely beautiful with red and golden trees.

Photo credits to Danielle Scott via Flickr