Niagara FallsRomantic GetawaysCity

The Best Time to Go to Niagara Falls and Where to Stay

By , April 1st, 2017

Oh, Niagara Falls! Comprised of what are actually three separate waterfalls, what is generally referred to as Niagara Falls is made up of the Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls on the US side of the border and the showstopping Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side.

Niagara Falls water deep Gleb Kozenko Unsplash

Cumulatively, the Falls have the highest flow rate of any waterfalls in the world with as much as 225,000 cubic feet of water rushing over the edge per second, swirling below in one of the greatest spectacles in the theatre of nature.

And as for the best spot to watch this “round the clock” show? Your Niagara Falls hotel room, of course!


Which season should you visit Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls is beautiful in every season. Want to avoid crowds? trivago data shows that the majority of visitors are booking hotels from June till August with August being both the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

The most budget-friendly time to visit? January shows the least expensive average nightly rates but prices remain low until May. April is both a budget and temperature-friendly time to visit.

When to visit Niagara Falls

Visit in April for the budget-friendly prices and less crowds. Photo by Morgan CC BY

As far as the beauty of the Falls is concerned, come in the summer and the water is a stunning shade of turquoise, intersected by bright rainbows cutting through the mist. Visit in fall to enjoy the changing foliage, showcasing the Falls against a vivid backdrop of reds, yellows and oranges.

Come in winter and be treated to fewer tourists and a frozen wonderland entangling lamp posts, walls, buildings and trees into a sculptural ice display. Then, come again in spring and see a glorious spectacle of daffodils and tulips, raging in bloom thanks to the wealth of water gently showering them from the Falls.


Looking for the best hotels with a view of Niagara Falls?

If you’re looking to make the most of your time in Niagara Falls, stick to the Ontario side and check into a hotel with a coveted Fallsview. Old and new, hotels have been competing for the “Best View of Niagara Falls” for decades

Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview bedroom seating area

trivago tip: Book a Fallsview room ahead of time. Go with the assumption that those much-dreamed-of “upgrades” to rooms with better views are rare. Most hotels also require that cars be parked via their valet service, so if you’re looking to save some dollars, park in a private lot.


Embassy Suites Fallsview

If you’re looking to get the widest angle on the falls, Embassy Suites Fallsview have sweeping views of Horseshoe Falls and also the American Falls. Suites have private bedrooms and separate living rooms with a full-sized sofa bed, making it easy to accommodate large groups.

Niagara Falls Embassy Suites lobby reception

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The onsite Keg Steakhouse & Bar boasts a fine panoramic view of the Falls from its ninth-floor location– you can only fathom how much more appetizing that rare rib steak will be when paired with this vista!


Marriott Fallsview

The large, airy rooms at the Marriott Fallsview open onto a landscape dominated by the power of Mother Nature. If you get bored by the view, are plagued by rainy weather or are simply feeling lucky, head across the skywalk to the Fallsview Casino and try your hand at a jackpot.

Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview 2

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If you’re visiting in the winter, consider upgrading to a room with a fireplace and whirlpool tub for an extra level of coziness as you overlook the Falls. Luxury bedding welcomes Falls-weary travellers at the end of the day. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and a spa if you feel like some pampering is in order. 


Hilton Fallsview

If you’re visiting with children, the Hilton Fallsview not only has a fantastic view from their Fallsview Boulevard location (the address really says it all!) but they also have an indoor waterpark (guests should note that it will reopen in Summer 2018 following renovations). Complete with a 30-foot waterslide, which kid or grown-up can resist some splash time in the pool? The hotel spans across three towers facing the Falls with spacious, family-friendly suites that can sleep up to six people.

Hilton Niagara Falls

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You’ll also be connected via the walkway to the Fallsview Casino and can dine at the rooftop Watermark restaurant with a memorable view of the Falls lit up at night (and just you wait until New Year’s Eve…)


Sheraton On The Falls

If you’re looking to forgo your morning shower, just open the floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors in your room at the Sheraton on the Falls hotel and shampoo and condition with help from the mist of the Falls. If you fancy getting a bit wetter, head to the 14th-floor indoor pool or the 7th-floor seasonal outdoor pool (weather permitting) both of which boast some lovely panoramas of the Falls. The hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant Windows serves up fare from the Niagara region’s rich farmlands.

Sheraton on the Falls falls view bathroom

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The hotel also features a Niagara Falls staple: the buffet! Mountains of delicious food are paired with an incredible view of the Falls and access to a balcony so that you can get the perfect above-the-falls selfie. Come hungry.


Tower Hotel

What better way to get a premium postcard-worthy Instagram photo of the Falls than from the top floors of the 160-meter tower which make up the Tower Hotel?

Niagara Falls Tower hotel lobby colours lounge

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Room 2709 is rumoured to have the best view from the entire hotel, but don’t think you’ll be disappointed by the others with massive windows that dominate the outside walls. The Tower Hotel plays into the general kitsch of Niagara Falls with brightly-hued rooms which play off the neon colours illuminating the Falls at night. Funky patterns, free WiFi and a unique selection of furniture lend to a boutique hotel feel. At the 525 feet mark above the Falls, you’ll find the onsite restaurant, Marilyn’s Bistro & Lounge offering a Mediterranean menu sourced from local ingredients. 


Radisson Hotel and Suites Fallsview

Prepare to be lulled to sleep by the soothing song of the Falls from the comfort of your massive bed. Plush and comfortable, the Radisson Hotel and Suites Fallsview offers up a great panoramic view of the Falls. Looking to inject a little romance into your trip? Upgrade to a room with a whirlpool tub, located right next to the window so you can splash together in a bubble bath while enjoying the fine view worthy of a painting.

Radisson Hotel Niagara Falls Room View

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The hotel has plenty of dining options with two restaurants on site: Tony Roma’s is renowned for their succulent ribs and the Outback Steakhouse puts an Australian spin on grilled steaks. 


Crowne Plaza Hotel Fallsview 

Looking for luxury in Niagara Falls? Book a room on the 11th or 12th floor of the historic Crowne Plaza Hotel and prepare to be whisked away (by a private antique elevator) to a view to kill for in these hallowed halls. You’ll be in good company as the hotel was briefly home to Marilyn Monroe, who stayed here during the filming of her film NiagaraWe can attest that Marilyn would have certainly enjoyed the onsite spa with an infinity hydrotherapy tub that offers spectacular views of the Falls as you soak away your woes.

Crowne Plaza Spa Niagara Falls

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Further Hollywood connections include hotel guests like Sly Stallone, Bruce Willis and Jackie Chan. The 11th-floor balcony terrace was also featured in a scene in The Whole Nine Yards. It could be the very one where you’ll be munching on room service from the Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra while enjoying the same stunning view as showcased in the movie.


Marriott Niagara Falls Gateway

Veering a mere 200 yards from the brink of the Falls, the Marriott Niagara Falls Gateway is a modern hotel bringing the view straight to your room. Massive windows in polished rooms offer unobstructed views of the Falls. 

Marriott Gateway Niagara Falls Suite View

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Many rooms offer separate seating areas and fireplaces while others have two-storey loft windows that give the impression of hanging above the Falls.


What else is there to do in Niagara Falls?

While the main draw might the Horseshoe Falls, the city and the surrounding area are ripe with other things to keep your vacation time packed with activities.

Take the Whirlpool Aero Car across to New York State and back (you don’t even need a passport!). You’ll be dangling on a line in a 100-year-old antique cable car, making your way over the river and the Niagara Whirlpool, six kilometres downstream from the Falls. This naturally occurring water formation is about 410 feet deep and it’s quite a rush to see it from above.

Cable car over Niagara Falls

Continuing downstream, we suggest pairing your trip with the region’s famous ice wines. The sweet taste and concentrated flavour come from the half frozen grapes which are picked after the first seasonal frost. If you have the time, considering making the trip to a local winery for a full tour and tasting.

Niagara Ice Wine Henry Fournier Unsplash

Gazing at the Falls might leave with you a strong desire to swim, splash and slide. The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark serves to fill the void which the Falls can’t — no swimming or jumping in allowed there! The Fallsview Waterpark has 16 slides, a wave pool and an outdoor heated sundeck. Hot springs welcome walking-weary visitors to rest achy bones.

This article originally appeared on trivago magazine US.