Can I fly a drone at Niagara Falls?

Short answer: No, you absolutely cannot fly a drone over Niagara Falls or anywhere in the state park. Both the New York State Parks and the Niagara Parks Commission on the Canadian side have strict no-drone policies. They enforce it heavily—park rangers and local police will confiscate your drone and hit you with a fine up to $1,000 or more. Plus, the U.S. National Park Service (which covers the Goat Island area) bans them completely. Don't even think about launching from the sidewalk or your hotel balcony; security cameras and staff are everywhere.

If you want aerial footage, your only legal option is to book a helicopter tour—Niagara Helicopters on the Canadian side runs flights for around $150-$200 per person. That's your "drone shot" loophole. Otherwise, leave the drone at home. It's not worth the hassle, especially since the mist and wind near the falls will probably crash it anyway.