Niagara Falls in the Summer is typically extremely crowded. On a typical day in the Summer, you need to push through a sea of tourists to get to the railings to view the falls. While it’s a bit chaotic, the area is full of such a fun energy that the crowds seem to fuel the excitement. But, 2020 hit differently. With travel restrictions in place, social distancing, and mask requirements, Niagara Falls has not been nearly as busy as it usually is. Actually, at times, there were virtually no tourists.
Living under 30 minutes away from Niagara Falls, New York, I had the chance to experience visiting the falls various times during this new social climate. The first time I visited Niagara Falls this Summer was the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend when there were maybe 50 other people in the entire park. It was insane to see this popular tourism destination devoid of tourists. Since then, Niagara Falls has gotten increasingly busier. When I say busier, I mean ever so slightly busier. Tourism has picked up slightly, however, it still feels like you have the place to yourself. It’s a bit weird, but it is wonderful to be able to experience this natural wonder without the crowds.
Visiting Niagara Falls During These Uncertain Times
My mouth literally hung agape when I visited the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend.
There was no one at Niagara Falls! I think I counted maybe 50 people in the park and even fewer cars in the parking lot. I just stood and stared for a few moments, unable to truly comprehend what I was seeing. In all the times I have visited Niagara Falls, I have never seen Niagara Falls so empty, except maybe in the dead of winter. But on a warm summery day, on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, this was unheard of.
Once I finally snapped out it, I was able to enjoy Niagara Falls on this perfect day without many tourists. I leisurely walked through Niagara Falls State Park and lingered near the railings overlooking the waterfalls. If you have ever visited Niagara Falls during a normal summer, you will know that lingering and overlooking the falls isn’t really an option for an extended period of time.
Since that first trip of the season, I have since returned to Niagara Falls various times over the summer. Tourism certainly picked up slightly, yet it still is far from the full force.
Fast forward to the Thursday before Labor Day weekend, I stopped in Niagara Falls to enjoy a morning coffee in the park. While sitting on a bench, sipping my coffee, only a dozen or so people walked by. As I sipped on my coffee and listened to the thundering of Niagara Falls, I realized that another “busy Holiday Weekend” was upon us.
While I would love to keep Niagara Falls to myself right now, I have to admit that now is a great time to visit (for people who are currently allowed to visit New York). In recent months, walking around Niagara Falls State Park has felt serene, it feels like you have stumbled upon a hidden gem, rather than a top tourism destination. It allows you to truly enjoy the magnificent waterfalls, without bumping into loads of other tourists.
Niagara Falls Restrictions
Niagara Falls Social Distancing
As Niagara Falls is such a large park, social distancing really isn’t an issue. On all my visits, I have been able to step up to the railing to overlook the waterfalls without worrying about too many people being around. And for the most part, I’ve been able to stay at least 6 feet apart from people the entire time. There are plenty of signs up to remind visitors of social distance. Additionally, masks are required for all the attractions and when social distancing isn’t possible.
Are the Attractions Open?
All the attractions are open normally right now with social distancing guidelines. Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds are both currently operating at half capacity and require masks.
Keep in mind that the season for attractions usually runs until early November.
Is Niagara Falls Open?
Niagara Falls State Park never closed this entire time. While some attractions were not open in Spring and the beginning of Summer due to government restrictions, Niagara Falls was always open for visitors.
Keep in mind, there are travel restrictions in place for visitors arriving in New York from certain states. Make sure to check if you are able to visit New York at this time as you may be subject to a two-week quarantine.
Other Times to See Niagara Falls Without the Crowds
While Niagara Falls is typically very busy in the summer months, shoulder season is usually quiet. That means that in any given year, you can usually beat the crowds by visiting from late-Fall to early-Spring. If you really want to beat the crowds, a Winter visit to Niagara Falls will certainly do the trick.