Disappointing photos show what it’s really like to visit Niagara Falls in Canada
July 2, 20240
Niagara Falls is a popular attraction that BI’s reporter found to be less glamorous than it appears on social media and in ads.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I spent a couple of days in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, for the first time in August 2022.
I found the reality of visiting Niagara Falls didn’t match my expectations from social media.
I spent much of my time battling crowds, waiting in lines, and standing on my tippy toes.
In August 2022, I took my first trip to Niagara Falls. At the iconic landmark of massive waterfalls on the border of the US and Canada, I expected to take epic hikes and savor breathtaking views and peaceful moments in nature.
But that’s not quite what happened.
While I was completely in awe of how massive, beautiful, and loud the falls were, the environment felt more like an attraction than a nature getaway. I trudged through a crowded boardwalk and saw the falls from viewpoints obstructed by glass and other barriers. I spent more time than I anticipated waiting in lines and looking at the backs of people’s heads.
Niagara Falls Tourism didn’t respond to Business Insider’s request for comments regarding crowds and long lines at attractions.
I visited Niagara Falls on a Monday and Tuesday in August.
People walk towards Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
During the day, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., I went back and forth between the boardwalk, my nearby hotel, and the attractions surrounding the falls.
While on the boardwalk, I found it nearly impossible to squeeze into a spot on the edge where I could see the falls without other people’s heads obscuring my view.
Zipliners ride above the falls.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
It was cool the first time, but having my views constantly obstructed by wires and humans got a bit annoying.
After 12 p.m., I noticed the boardwalk was flooded with people, so I decided to try some attractions.
Lines for the Journey Behind the Falls attraction.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I was worried I wouldn’t have time for more activities if I waited, so I skipped it.
Next, I went to Skylon Tower, an observation tower in Niagara Falls that offers 360-degree views of the falls and city.
People look at Niagara Falls from the top of Skylon Tower.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Most of the Skylon Tower deck was filled with people, so I had to wait for others to leave to get a front-row spot.
Back down below, walking away from the falls, I thought the town of Niagara Falls felt more like a carnival than a typical city. There was even a Ferris wheel, which I paid $15 for and waited in an hourlong line to ride.
A view of Niagara Falls from the Ferris wheel.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Although I thought the view was cool, I ultimately didn’t think it was worth the price and hourlong wait to see the falls through a window.
For more of a thrill, I paid $30 to take a boat tour via Niagara City Cruises.
People wait to board the boat.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Niagara City Cruises didn’t respond to a request for comment from BI about the wait times.
When everyone piled on the boat, it was so crowded that I thought it felt like no one else could fit.
Passengers take photos of the falls.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
At the same time, I thought the boat had a great vibe because everyone was so excited to be there. It felt like a big party and was worth the price, in my opinion.
While I used a simple ramp to board the boat, passengers had to take an elevator to return to the boardwalk after the ride.
The American Falls behind a rainbow.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I think everyone should see them at least once.
To me, it felt like I was witnessing a powerful force of nature commanding people’s attention.
Niagara Falls viewed from a boat.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
According to the Points Guy, Niagara Falls tends to be less busy in early spring and late fall. I would love to go back to Niagara Falls when it’s less crowded to enjoy a more peaceful moment to myself in front of the falls.
