Disappointing photos show what it's really like to visit Niagara Falls in Canada
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.
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According to the Points Guy, this is one of the busiest months to visit. This is probably because kids are out of school in the summer, I thought.
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.
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The only way I could get a spot on the edge was by waiting directly behind other viewers, like an informal line.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
It was cool the first time, but having my views constantly obstructed by wires and humans got a bit annoying.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
It felt like what I imagine Times Square is like on New Year's Eve.
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I was worried I wouldn't have time for more activities if I waited, so I skipped it.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
It was about a 10-minute walk from the boardwalk, and I didn't have to wait too long to get to the top — only about 30 minutes.
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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.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The city was full of arcades, funnel cake stands, and crowds of people.
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.
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This attraction gets people the closest to the falls, and it's so popular that it was featured on "The Bachelor" in 2022, according to Niagara Falls Review.
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Niagara City Cruises didn't respond to a request for comment from BI about the wait times.
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On board the boat, I had access to two decks. I went to the top deck for a higher vantage point.
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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.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I waited in another long line for my turn in the elevator.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I think everyone should see them at least once.
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.