Niagara Falls is a city of roughly 94,000 on the Canadian side of the Niagara River, built around the world-famous Horseshoe Falls. Its economy centres on tourism, with a dense district of hotels, observation towers, casinos, museums, and attractions overlooking the falls and surrounding parkland. The city sits directly on the international border, across the river from Niagara Falls, New York.
Known for
- Canadian Horseshoe Falls
- Honeymoon Capital of the World
- Clifton Hill tourist district
- Casinos and observation towers
- Niagara Parkway and parkland
- Hydroelectric power generation
Frequently asked questions
Is Niagara Falls in Canada or the United States?
The city of Niagara Falls is in Ontario, Canada, sitting on the west bank of the Niagara River directly across from its twin city, Niagara Falls, New York. The giant, curved Horseshoe Falls runs along the Canadian side, which is why the Ontario city is the one packed with hotels, observation towers, and viewpoints looking straight at the falls (the American and Bridal Veil falls are on the U.S. side).
Can you walk from the Canadian side across to the American side?
Yes, pedestrians can walk between the two cities on the Rainbow Bridge, which is open 24/7 year-round; the roughly 1,450-foot span takes about 10-15 minutes on foot and offers views of both the Horseshoe and American falls. A valid passport is required at customs (U.S. and Canadian citizen children under 16 may instead present a birth certificate at this land crossing), and a small pedestrian toll of about $1 USD / $1.25 CAD is collected only when crossing to the U.S. side, while walking into Canada is free.
What is Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls?
Clifton Hill is the city's main tourist entertainment district, a steep street near the falls crammed with attractions, arcades, restaurants, and shops. Nicknamed the 'Street of Fun,' it anchors the dense hotel-and-attraction zone that overlooks the falls.
Are there casinos in Niagara Falls, Canada?
Yes, the Canadian city has two casinos: Fallsview Casino Resort, built on the cliff overlooking Horseshoe Falls, and Casino Niagara, on Falls Avenue near Clifton Hill. Fallsview is the larger of the two, with more than 3,300 slot machines, over 100 gaming tables, a 372-room hotel, and a theatre.
Why is Niagara Falls called the 'Honeymoon Capital of the World'?
Niagara Falls earned the nickname because it became a fashionable honeymoon destination in the early 1800s, popularized by high-profile newlyweds such as Napoleon's brother Jerome Bonaparte and his bride around 1804. As railway access through the 1800s made the falls easy to reach, its reputation as a romantic getaway for newlyweds grew and the label stuck.
