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New Jersey To Niagara Falls: A Trip Worth Taking

  • Posted on January 16, 2023
  • Travel Tips
  • By Summer Daidone
  • 2857 Views

New Jersey to Niagara Falls

Take a Trip from NJ to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is known around the world to be one of the most amazing sights to see on the planet. It is a very popular destination for people everywhere: around 30 million people a year flock to see the falls.

There is a reason for that!

The falls are approximately 167 feet (about 51 meters) tall with the falling water reaching about 35 miles per hour on a normal day.

Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls (the most powerful waterfall in North America), the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. All three falls are located on the Niagara River.

It really is a gorgeous sight to see, which is why people from near and far continue to visit and return to the falls–and also exactly why YOU should adventure up there as soon as possible.

The Difference Between Niagara Falls, NY and Niagara Falls, ON

Travel from New Jersey to Niagara FallsNiagara Falls is located between Ontario and New York, which makes for viewing of the falls from both Canada and the United States.

They can be seen from both Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Ontario. Both cities have the same name–so which one is really better?

The answer is neither! There is so much to do on both sides of the falls, and you will enjoy different experiences in both cities.

What to Expect from Niagara Falls, New York

Take a Trip from New Jersey to Niagara FallsThe American side of Niagara Falls provides great views of the American Falls, which is located entirely on the American side, and the Bridal Veil Falls. The largest fall of the three, Horseshoe Falls, lies on the border of the United States of America and Canada.

Niagara Falls, NY is home to the beautiful  Niagara Falls State Park, which is the oldest state park in the USA.

At nighttime, the falls light up in beautiful rainbow shades–known as the Illumination of the Falls light show spectacular.

There are many other awesome attractions to visit, such as Niagara Jet Adventures, the Aquarium of Niagara, and the historic Old Fort Niagara.

1. Journey Into the Falls on the Maid of the Mist

Travel New Jersey to Niagara FallsThe Maid of the Mist is a boat tour that offers guests the opportunity to experience the power of the falls first hand. Look up to the top of the falls from 170 feet below.

This tour travels straight into the center of the mist that swirls inside of Horseshoe Falls.

It is the most popular boat tour of the falls, and has been taken by celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Brad Pitt, Mick Jagger, Kate Hudson, and many more.

2. Feel your Heart Race on a Niagara Falls Jet Boat

Travel from NJ to Niagara FallsAre you all about the thrill? The Niagara Falls Jet Boats in NY are the most thrilling rides that can be taken on the river!

Your adrenaline will be rushing for the entire 60 minutes spent on the jet boat–moving at extreme speeds through insane class 5 white water rapids on the Niagara River.

This tour, which runs all 4 seasons of the year, brings you close to the Niagara River Gorge in a way that other tours are unable to.

3. View Niagara Falls Up Close with the Legends of Adventure Niagara Falls Movie

Things to do in Niagara Falls ONWant to experience the falls all the way up close without getting soaked?

Stay dry while you view the Niagara Falls Movie: Legends of Adventure, shown in the Niagara Adventure Theater.

The movie is 30 minutes long and is shown in an auditorium with 314 seats and a 45-foot screen.

The theater also provides complimentary headsets for those who speak Chinese, Korean, or Spanish.

4. Visit Historic Old Fort Niagara

Travel from NJ to NiagaraThe best spot for history buffs is Old Fort Niagara, which served many different purposes from 1679 until 1963. From the Iroquios Confederation to the American Revolution to the Civil War, Old Fort Niagara has so much history in it’s walls and so much to see!

Take a tour through the buildings that Native American, French, British, and American soldiers lived.

The fort offers guided tours, as well as audio and self-guided tours. There are even really cool hourly musket demonstrations!

Book a tour to Niagara Falls NY!

 

Cross over the Border and see Niagara Falls, ON!

New Jersey to Niagara Falls OntarioJust as there is a lot to see and do on the American side of the falls, there are so many awesome activities on the Canadian side! Cross the border and begin to create a very different Niagara experience than on the American side.

A must-see is the Niagara IMAX theater, where you will be taken through the history of the falls and be met with the daredevils who have voluntarily plunged over the falls.

The Skylon Tower observation tower stands 775 feet (233 meters) over the falls, providing guests with the most amazing and flawless views possible.

There are also two well-known casinos, theme parks and water parks, shows, and lots more to do and see.

1. Experience the Thrill of the Hornblower Niagara Cruises

From NJ to Niagara Falls ONRest assured that the Hornblower Niagara Cruise will take you as close as it possibly can to the bottom of the falls.

The cruise runs during the day on a Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour, as well as at nighttime on a Falls Illumination Cruise and a Falls Fireworks Cruise.

The Hornblower Cruise is known as one of the top Canadian experiences, as it is complete with some of the best views of the falls that you will be able to get.

2. Journey 775 feet into the sky in the Skylon Tower

Guide to Niagara FallsThe Skylon Tower offers some of the best views of Niagara Falls that you will be able to get.

Travel to the top of the tower (775 feet over the falls), and enjoy views of the skylines of both Buffalo and Toronto, as well as, of course, Niagara Falls.

The tower is also complete with two levels of dining, with both levels having amazing views. Visit either the affordable, but delicious, Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room, or the famous Revolving Dining Room Restaurant.

3. Niagara IMAX Film, “Niagara: Miracles, Myths, and Magic” and Daredevil Exhibit

This is the ultimate way to experience Niagara Falls and it’s history.

The IMAX film, titled “Niagara: Miracles, Myths, and Magic” brings viewers right to the edge as well as OVER the edge of the falls right in their seat.

It travels through the 12,000+ years of history of the falls and discusses all of the stunts that have been performed by daredevils.

The film really cant be beat. You will leave with knowledge of the falls that is hard to find elsewhere.

The IMAX theater also features the world’s largest daredevil Niagara Falls exhibit. See the actual barrels daredevils have used to go over the falls and hear the stories of the 16 people who have in Ontario.

Book a tour to Niagara Falls ON!

 

How can you get from New Jersey to Niagara Falls?

Travelling from New Jersey to Niagara FallsDriving

One of the many reasons we love living in New Jersey is because getting to Niagara Falls is so easy!

Depending on where in New Jersey you are coming from, we are located about 450 miles away from the falls. This makes for a drive that only takes about 7 hours.

Flying

If flying is your thing, flights to the falls take on average one hour and 25 minutes. However, for the most part, flying leaves you to do all of the sightseeing and exploring on your own and eliminates the sightseeing that you could have done on the way there.

You can take a cheap direct flight from New Jersey to Niagara Falls for about $100 on United.

Fantastic cheap flights are also one of the reasons why Niagara Falls have so many visitors throughout the year.

Bus

We have found the absolute best way to travel from New Jersey to Niagara Falls–by taking a sightseeing tour bus!

There are tours of all different lengths that go to and from Niagara Falls out of stops in New Jersey. With this option, enjoy seeing the sights of Upstate New York along the way, as well as the opportunity to see both the New York and Canadian sides of the falls within just a few days.

See More about a sightseeing bus tour here

Niagara Falls is Waiting for you!

Trips to Niagara Falls from NJWhether you are looking to take a trip by yourself, with friends, or with a loved one, Niagara Falls has all you’ll need.

Niagara Falls is most well-known for being one of the most romantic places in the world. If gazing over the falls and seeing the Illumination of the Falls at night with your other half doesn’t sound romantic enough, try visiting one of the many spas around the falls. One of the coolest ones is the Healing Salt Cave (pictured on the right), located on the Canadian side of the falls, which quite literally a spa made out of salt. Also don’t miss visiting one of the many wineries and breweries in the area.

Trips from NJ to Niagara FallsIt is also a perfect destination for a weekend with friends, as both cities have awesome nightlife including: Casino Niagara, Fallsview Casino Resort, Club Seven Nightclub, Club Mardi Gras Bar & Patio, The Vault Nightclub and more.

Don’t leave the family out! Not only will the kids absolutely love seeing the falls and riding on the Maid of the Mist boat tour, but there are also so many more attractions for kids in the cities. Niagara Falls, Ontario is packed with awesome theme parks including: Safari Niagara, Marineland of Canada, Waves Indoor Waterpark, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, and more.

It is absolutely worth it to plan a trip from NJ to Niagara Falls as soon as possible. You should definitely consider the falls as your next vacation destination or weekend getaway.

Other Resources

Visiting NJ? Find things to do in New Jersey.

See our list of the top 8 bus trips to Niagara Falls from NJ.

Still not sure where to make your weekend destination? See unique bus tours from NJ here. Also check out our hand-picked list of bus tours that go from New Jersey to awesome destinations.

FAQs

How long is the drive from New Jersey to Niagara Falls?

Depending on where in New Jersey you start your journey, the drive from New Jersey to Niagara Falls will take about seven hours.

How do you get to Niagara Falls from New Jersey?

You can take a cheap direct flight from New Jersey to Niagara Falls for about $100 on United. You can also drive there. That trip will take you about seven hours.

How do you get to Thousand Island from Niagara Falls?

You can drive to Thousand Island from Niagara Falls in about four hours.

Can you take a train to Niagara Falls?

There is no direct train from New Jersey to Niagara Falls. However, you can take the train from Penn Station in NYC to Niagara Falls.

What’s the best time of year to go to Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls is beautiful in the springtime. The area is known for its tulip season, so it will feel like you are exploring The Netherlands as well as seeing an epic waterfall.

How much does it cost to see Niagara Falls?

You can see Niagara Falls for free. However, there are ferry tours as well as a cave walk that will cost money. The price varies depending upon the time of year and your age.

 

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Summer Daidone

Summer Daidone is a recent college graduate interested in writing and traveling. She has been part of the FunNewJersey.com team for over seven years. In her free time, she loves trying new restaurants, visiting new cities, and going on adventures with her dog.

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