Every second, 150,000 gallons of water hurtle down the 176-feet high Niagara Falls, and that’s not counting the Canadian side. Lying on the United States and Canada border, visitors to this natural wonder can choose to stay on the New York region, Canadian side, or visit both. And there’s plenty to visit!
The falls are what drive tourism, but it actually sits among the 400-acre Niagara Falls State Park. Fifteen miles of hiking trails meander through the park, allowing visitors to stretch their legs amidst the sounds and sites of crushing falls’ water. For tourists hoping to get a bit closer to the thundering waters, there are far more exhilarating options; Maid of the Mist boat tours treat poncho-donned guests to a very wet excursion through the basin of the fall, and Cave of the Winds brings visitors on an elevator ride to the base of the gorge, where they too receive a refreshing spray from the falls. Some Niagara Falls tour guides recommend you relish in marvel at the falls from above, but diving into the thick of them is the only way to authentically experience their glistening strength.