What is the best way to see the falls up close?

The best way is the Hornblower boat tour, hands down. It costs about $30 CAD per adult and runs every 15-30 minutes from the Niagara City Cruises dock on the Canadian side. You get soaked, you feel the power, and you’re right at the base of the Horseshoe Falls. Skip the Maid of the Mist on the US side unless you’re already in the States—it’s the same basic experience but with a worse view of the big falls.

If you want to stay dry but still get close, the Journey Behind the Falls is your next best bet. It’s $26 CAD and lets you walk through tunnels to a deck literally behind the falling water. It’s cool but quick—30 minutes tops. Avoid the Skylon Tower or helicopter rides for “up close” views; those are for the panorama, not the spray. Just do Hornblower. You’ll need a poncho, but they give you one.