A Season-by-Season Guide to Niagara Falls

Spring, summer, fall or winter — there’s never a bad time to visit Niagara Falls USA. Enjoy the best of the region with our seasonal guide, from outdoor adventures to festivals and attractions.

While many attractions are only worth visiting in specific seasons (skiing can be tough in the summer!), the Niagara Falls area has so much to do and offer that there is hardly a bad time to visit. From snowy hikes to nature walks to boating outings to wine trails, there’s great activities for every forecast. (And we don’t blame you if you want to come back over and over again to try them all!)

Summer: Festivals & Fun

With all of the major attractions open, summer is the peak season for exploring the gorgeous nature in Niagara Falls. Cool off with a boat trip on the iconic double-decker Maid of the Mist or get closer to the Falls than you imagined possible by descending into the Niagara Gorge at the Cave of the Winds. If you’re ready for a thrilling, adrenaline-pumping experience, take a ride on Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours for a wet and wild journey through Class V rapids of the Niagara River. Head for a hike and a picnic at the beautiful Devil’s Hole State Park. At night, head for a Niagara Power Baseball (New York Collegiate Baseball League) game at Sal Maglie Stadium, and end the evening with a hand-scooped cone at local favorite De Dee’s Dairy.

Fall: Enjoy Nature’s Bounty

The autumnal colors of the changing leaves around Niagara Falls are alone worth the visit, with the peak usually coming mid-to-late October. Hike through Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the nation, to see the fall foliage up close. At Becker Farms, you can not only pick your own apples and pumpkins, you can also enjoy hayrides and events such as the Pumpkin Fiesta. As much fun as it is to pick your own apples, sipping cider may be more your speed, so check out Donovan Orchards Estate Ciders for some of the best hard cider in New York. And throughout fall, the Niagara wineries have multiple events, such as the Harvest Festival, along with tastings, tours and dinners.

Winter: A Snowy Fairy Tale

What’s the definition of a winter wonderland? That would surely be Niagara Falls State Park, covered in a blanket of white snow with the shimmering magic of ice dusting the trees and rivers. After you’ve built a snowman and taken photos of the natural beauty surrounding you, head to Platter’s Chocolate Factory to warm up with its famous hot chocolate and get a sneak peek of the chocolate-making process. Before heading back out into the snowy playground, consider these fun indoor activities.

Spring: Get Outside!

When spring has sprung, and visitors are encouraged to explore. Temperatures are on the rise, making it ideal to walk Old Falls Street, hit the bike lane, or attend an event or festival. Be sure to check the concert calendar at Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park, known for its outdoor amphitheater (now that’s it’s finally warm enough!) and major headliners. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Power City Eatery for authentic New York deli sandwiches. If it’s warm enough, enjoy your soup and sandwich on the restaurant’s large patio.

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