If you’ve been debating about visiting Niagara Falls, then make the move and mark your calendars for a summer adventure you won’t want to miss! Summer is the prime time to visit, where the weather is warmer with the average temperature between 75-80 degrees, daylight hours are longer, and summer specials are abundant. Another bonus is mists and breezes from the waterfalls can make the area feel even cooler. Discover why June, July, and August are the perfect months to make this trip and discover why Niagara Falls, also known as the Honeymoon Capital for its beauty, is the place to be this summer and join the many travelers that visit and enjoy with so many cool things to do.
If you’re looking to get outdoors this summer, Niagara Falls has many activities to offer. From breathtaking views to unforgettable tours, festivals, attractions, and unbeatable activities, Niagara Falls is truly the perfect family getaway. So, gather the kids (and a raincoat), put on some comfortable shoes, and create your to-do list with some of these favorites curated for you.
Things to Do in June in Niagara Falls
Exclusive first on the boat Niagara Falls Tour & Journey Behind the Falls
Skip-the-line to be first on the boat at Niagara Falls, before an expertly guided walking tour featuring, Table Rock, Horseshoe Falls, and special access to Journey Behind the Falls experience. This ultimate Niagara experience will grant you exclusive access to the first elevator of the day bringing you nineteen stories down into the gorge, complete with panoramic views. You will be the first down to the docks and personally escorted onto the Niagara City Cruises boat which ensures the best views before the crowds arrive. The twenty-minute cruise around the falls will exhilarate and excite you while your expert guide enchants you with exceptional storytelling. This is an ideal way to avoid crowds and get better views.
View the Falls from all angles when you visit, Journey Behind the Falls and prepare to get wet with literally nothing separating you and the over 300,000 gallons of water flowing down every second. You will feel the thunderous vibration of the Horseshoe Falls long before you see them. This 13-story observation deck will leave you breathless (and probably a little wet), offering you a once-in-a-lifetime view of one-fifth of the world’s freshwater crashing down in front of you! You will journey deep into the bedrock, navigating fascinating tunnels that lead behind the Falls and incredible cave-like portals that open behind the falling water, where you will hear and feel the power of the falls. You will want to don your complimentary yellow poncho and rainboots (great keepsakes) and stand on the Lower Observation Deck and look up-way up; and try to remember to take a breath.
Niagara Speedway
Next, on your to-do list Niagara Speedway, standing tall at a whopping 42’ feet high. Unleash your inner kid on North America’s largest elevated go-cart track. A four-story helical spiral, closely followed by a two-tier ramp is sure to have your adrenaline pumping, and at reasonable costs, you don’t have to break the bank to feel the wind in your hair.
Festivals & Events
Summer is arguably the best time to enjoy live music, festivals, or arts and crafts events in Niagara Falls. There is sure to be an event to hit the mark. Check out the lineup here and see which events spark your interest to enjoy along with the cooler weather. There is something for everyone all summer long.
Things to Do in July in Niagara Falls
Summer officially kicks off in late May and from June to August, Niagara Falls is in full swing. This is a time when families have time to road trip and all outdoor activities are open. July is the hottest month of the year at Niagara Falls with an average temperature of about 81 degrees. It is the perfect time to take advantage of the many outdoor activities and excursions while visiting. Now is the time to go on an exciting and informative adventure with Niagara Water Power: Skylon Tower & Tailrace Tunnel Tour. Experience the thrilling Tailrace Tunnel, Niagara Parks Power Station, and Skylon Tower where you will hear the tale of Nicola Tesla’s dramatic invention of hydropower and how he used water to change the world. You can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the Falls and the surrounding city, and you will find breathtaking views from both indoor and outdoor observation decks. This is especially stunning in the evenings when the “illumination of the Falls” and seasonal fireworks are on display. The Tower also has a revolving restaurant perfect for romantic evenings or family dinners. End your tour with an exciting and new experience with the Tailrace Tunnel, diving 180 feet in a glass elevator for a walk-through of historic tunnels and a once-in-a-lifetime view at the base of Niagara Falls.
With the warmest weather during the year, it is a good time to take advantage of boat tours that are available. Maid of the Mist is located on the American side of Niagara Falls and crosses briefly into Canada during a portion of the trip offering scenic boat tours departing daily from Niagara Falls State Park at Prospect Point. This includes sightseeing spots like Goat Island, Niagara Falls State Park, American Observation Tower, and the “Cave of the Winds.” This tour is approximately 20 minutes, and a souvenir rain poncho is included. You do not need a passport for the voyage. Get into the mist aboard Canada’s top visitor experience with a Voyage to the Falls boat tour.
This 20-minute tour brings guests on the journey of a lifetime, sailing from Niagara Falls, Canada. Enjoy stunning views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, and come face-to-face with the famous Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Feel the thundering roar, power, and amazing mist that come along with these natural wonders, or ride after sunset for a light-mist experience with the Illumination of the Falls. (Souvenir recyclable mist poncho is provided)
The United States-Canadian border is so close at Niagara Falls, and you can easily cross over the border by hopping on to the Whirlpool Aero Car, an antique cable car which is suspended more than 200 feet above the Niagara River offering up close and personal views of the Niagara Whirlpool and the Class 6 whitewater rapids of the River. This highly exhilarating ride is for the adventurous thrill-seeker!
Niagara Falls State Park Aquarium
Since the weather is warm, go on an aquatic adventure at Niagara’s other “wet wonder,” the Aquarium of Niagara. This is a short walk from Maid of the Mist, and the aquarium has over 120 species including playful penguins, seals, sea lions, jellyfish, and more. You can enjoy interactive displays with sharks and stingrays and watch daily feedings or educational presentations. This aquarium is open daily from 9:00-
5:00 pm and the last admission is thirty minutes prior to closing. Your whole family will love the sea lion shows at this can’t-miss attraction.
Things to Do in August in Niagara Falls
The key to enjoying Niagara during peak season is to plan well and book early. Apart from the mighty falls, the Niagara region is known for its wine. Head to Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is about 20 minutes away from Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. It has the perfect climate conditions for producing high-quality wines and you can choose from 37 varied wineries. Whether you are on a day trip or for a weekend, adding a wine tour to your itinerary is a must-do.
Niagara Skywheel
Another fun activity to do in Niagara Falls in the summer is to enjoy a ride on Canada’s largest observation wheel the Skywheel. This twelve-minute ride towers over 175 feet above the falls in climate-controlled gondolas giving riders breathtaking panoramic views. It’s a romantic way to see the Falls.
Entertainment District Niagara
The upscale Entertainment District in Niagara Falls is full of activities in the summer. Outdoor cafes and bars and live entertainment provide the perfect backdrop for a beautiful summer night. There are tons of indoor entertainment arenas such as bowling, movies, car racing, and wax museums to name a few. You can find live shows and world-class restaurants as well as souvenirs from the classics to the trendy.
Traveling to Niagara Falls in the summer is really the ideal time. The weather is warm, the days are longer, there are tons of outdoor activities to choose from, and there are so many exciting and beautiful attractions to enjoy with your whole family making it the perfect summer destination. Although it is peak season, planning well will ensure a great time by all. Whether you enjoy a boat trip, take in a festival, ride the skywheel, or imbibe in a glass or wine (or two) you cannot go wrong with a trip to Niagara Falls.
SOALAN LAZIM
What is the best time of day to visit Niagara Falls in the summer?
If you’re an early bird, we suggest heading to the falls at sunrise. You’ll beat the crowds and catch the falls in the magical morning light. If you’re more of a night owl, visit after dinner when the falls are illuminated in a rainbow of colors. Or, for a midday escape from the heat, visit during the lunch hour when the sun is high in the sky.
What should I wear when visiting Niagara Falls in the summer?
We recommend comfortable shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting wet. You may want to bring a waterproof jacket or poncho too, just in case. And don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen because the sun can be quite strong during the summer months!
How do I purchase tickets for a Niagara City Cruises boat tour?
Easy peasy! You can purchase tickets for a Niagara Falls boat tour online through the official websites of Maid of the Mist or Niagara City Cruises. You can also purchase tickets on-site but be prepared for long lines during peak summer months.
What are some kid-friendly activities to do in Niagara Falls during the summer?
Niagara Falls is a great destination for families! Kids will love taking a boat tour of the falls, exploring the Cave of the Winds, and visiting the Niagara Falls State Park Aquarium. There’s also a fun interactive fountain in the park where kids can cool off on hot summer days.
What is the busiest time of year for tourism in Niagara Falls?
The summer months are by far the busiest time of year for tourism in Niagara Falls. From June to August, the falls are teeming with visitors from all over the world. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season in May or September, or even in the winter months when the falls are frozen and just as beautiful.