FAQ About Niagara Falls Tours

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Let's face it.  Every company in Niagara Falls is delivering the same tour, to the same world-famous waterfall, in Niagara Falls, New York.  We pride ourselves on one simple, yet vital, difference.  "We're FUNNER".  (if you look up the word "funner" in the dictionary, you'll see a picture of 5 Star Niagara Falls Tours).  Our team is comprised of professionals who have a rare combination of humor, knowledge and personality.  That's what we mean by "Funner".  Niagara Falls New York, has been the domain of the same companies, faces and approaches for decades.  We are the new small business that delivers "Entertourment".  Veteran-owned, staffed by dedicated professionals and the 5-star reviews on our site are well-earned.  Perhaps the old faces are frowning at the presence of a new, upstart and fun-filled company.  You can help us grow our approach and our list of satisfied customers.  You aren't a number to us, you are not part of a cookie-cutter, and we don't consider our guests to be sheep.  Try us and you'll find the meaning of the word "FUNNER".  We're new to Niagara Falls, and we'll make your visit something you'll talk about for years to come.  

*please note, your tour may include squirrels, birds, groundhogs, waterfowl and assorted other wildlife.

Although entry to the Niagara Falls State Park is free, there are no docents present to describe the sites and background of the falls. Expect knowledgeable and entertaining commentary from our guides who enjoy spending their days touring the New York area when you take a Niagara Falls trip with us.

Depending on the weather and the number of guests, trip lengths may change. Despite 5 Star Niagara Falls Tours' best efforts, all tours are open to amendment without prior notification. Most tours are a combination of enjoying an attraction (Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds) along with walking up to 30 minutes on a short trip around the park to see the sights available.  Many of our guides are over 50, so we share concerns about excessive walking.  

Damaged personal belongings are not our responsibility.

The busiest seasons at Niagara Falls on the American side are spring and summer. Our organized services can get you through these throngs quickly so you can enjoy yourself and spend less time waiting in line. You will undoubtedly appreciate the convenience we have provided for you, with early morning beginnings to Maid of the Mist and direct entry to Cave of the Winds. 

Take advantage of our early reservations for Cave of the Winds and skip-the-line access. Check out our trips to discover a suitable choice.

5 Star Niagara Falls Tours never mails out tickets. Our scheduling software provides you with your receipt, and our Guides have a master list.  You do not need to carry a printed copy of your email confirmation. In the event that you check in with our advisor, they will record you as present. As part of our assistance to you, your tour guide will have your voucher or pass for Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls State Park or any other attraction or experience included.

For tours that include the Maid of the Mist Boat Ride, we gather in front of the Hard Rock Café. Parking is available in Parking Lot 1 in the State Park, across the street from the Hard Rock Café, for a separate fee that is not included with the trip.  Please be advised that parking lots can fill quickly and you may need to access an alternative parking location.  

The Hard Rock Café's Satellite location is 333 Prospect Street, Niagara Falls, New York, 14303. 

Cave of the Winds tour guests will gather and start the tour at the Power Portal Archway on Goat Island.  Parking is available in Parking Lot 2 in the State Park, close to the Power Portal Archway, for an additional fee that is not included with the tour price.

The Power Portal Archway can be found at  of the Cave Winds, Niagara Falls, NY, 14303, according to GPS. 

Call our customer care at 716-207-4376 for more details on parking.

100% of our tours begin and end in the United States unless it is specified as a Canadian Tour.  Passports are required for border crossing, if a tour involves crossing.  

Our guides are super easy to spot when you arrive. Our uniforms are a yellow and black button up shirt so you can easily find us in a crowd.

Our tour guides, just like other tour guides and service industry workers around the world, depend on tips for an important part of their income. If at the end of this adventure you had a good time, that is the best way to let them know. On average, $10 per person is considered the standard.

Both of the attractions give you a plastic poncho with your admission, and the poncho is free of charge.  Consider the weather on the day of your tour, as well as the temperature.  You may wish to bring a jacket or change of clothing (if desired).  Both attractions, and some viewing areas, are exposed to light mist caused by falling water so please be prepared to experience this.   

Your guide will be happy to provide recommendations for dining, additional experiences and attractions, and other features of Niagara Falls, New York, to enhance your visit and enjoyment.  

• A 24-hour cancellation notice, prior to the scheduled departure time, is required for a full ticket price refund.
• Cancellation penalties of 50% of the ticket price will be applied to all cancellations within the 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour departure time up to 2 hours before the tours scheduled departure time.
• Refunds will NOT be allowed within 2 hours prior to a scheduled tour departure time. Sorry, no exceptions.
• Additional penalties may apply when cancellations occur in conjunction with discounted room and tour packages.
• Please note that no shows or missed departures will not be refunded.
• No refunds or exchanges will be allowed on any bundles.
• Refunds will not be granted for guests who are denied entry at the international border.  All guests are required to verify their eligibility prior to entry to the US or Canada as part of their tour.  

We call this "Day Two...".  Our additional itineraries includes Wine Tours, Buffalo History & Architecture, Dining Experiences and many other options.  We are the experts at creating an experience which compliments - and completes - your Niagara Falls Tour.

Originally a rock overhang behind the Falls, the Cave of the Winds now refers to a boardwalk that is built every spring (and removed in the Fall) to augment the main platforms at the base of the Bridal Veil and American Falls.  Massive rockfalls in 1954 and, following dynamiting of a perilous ledge, destroyed the cave. The dynamite's scarring on the canyon wall can still be seen today.  The Cave of the Winds is a year-round experience and the most unique view of Niagara Falls available on either side.

In 2018, the top section of the Cave of the Winds facility underwent a full makeover, which included the addition of the "World Transformed Here Pavilion," which features interactive displays and exhibits that tell the tale of the State Park and its neighboring region. In order to provide more context beyond just the incredible vistas, a new film was introduced that details the park's past and the steps it took to create as the first State Park in the United States, as well as the effect industry had on the Niagara Region. After the film is over, visitors are handed a plastic raincoat (May through October) and guided across a walkway to the lift that takes them down inside the Gorge wall to the attraction's basement. 

The Gorge Walk, a natural trail that runs along the lower Gorge wall, begins at the base of the lift and leads visitors to the foot of the cascades at any time of year. A series of redwood platforms and steps extend out from this trail in front of Bridal Veil Falls during the summer months (May through October), bringing visitors to within touching distance of the crashing waterfall. The "Hurricane Balcony" is approximately 20 feet from the cascade itself, and visitors can experience tropical storm-like conditions there, with gusts reaching up to 68 mph (109 km/h). 

During the months of November through April, the platforms and steps are taken down for safety reasons, making this an arid event. In the winter, ice can accumulate in front of American and Bridal Veil Falls to heights that rival the actual cascades. Without the platforms and steps in place, you can get some truly incredible shots. Photos made on the Gorge Walk for the purpose of sending out holiday greetings are becoming increasingly popular.

Niagara Falls State Park is located in Niagara Falls, NY.  The park surrounds the Falls and Rapids approaching them.   The American, Horseshoe and Bridal Veil Falls are all visible from the Park from various scenic areas.

The Park is open year-round.  The best time to visit Niagara Falls State Park is during the summer months when the average monthly high temperature ranges between 70F and 80F. Because summer is peak season, you'll face more crowds and spend more money on hotel accommodations, but all of the attractions are open including Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds. During winter, spring and fall, crowds tend to be less, hotel room rates drop and the unique change of seasons is well worth a visit. In fall, peak foliage is generally the third week in October, while winter brings snow and ice that transforms the Falls into a stunning winter wonderland.

Yes!  A private company provides rentals are available outside of Niagara Falls State Park on the corner of Old Falls Street and Prospect Street. Rentals include bicycle rentals (including helmet and lock), wheelchair rentals, stroller rentals and kid wagon rentals. Rentals are available hourly, or for the entire day. 

Niagara Falls State Park does not close and there are no specific Niagara Falls open dates. Guests can view Niagara Falls year-round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Restrooms and other facilities are closed in the evening and reopened in the morning.  Times vary according to the season.  

Niagara Falls State Park is open year-round for viewing the Falls. However, some of the attractions at Niagara Falls State Park are seasonal and only open until October or November, such as Maid of the Mist, or on a limited scale such as Cave of the Winds. Also, some viewing areas may be closed during the winter months due to icy conditions.  Please check out our Winter Wonderland Tour.  

Yes.  Pets must be on a 6-foot leash and cleaned up after. This includes "scooping the poop" and losing some of our 5-stars for taking the wrong step.  Pets are not permitted in any buildings or attractions unless they are service animals.

New York City is about 400 miles from Niagara Falls USA. It takes approximately 7 to 8 hours to drive by car, or by train. Direct flights are offered at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

Parking Lot 3, at the south end of Goat Island, is available for larger vehicles and trailers.  Parking is subject to payment.  Additionally, parking for RVs and motor homes is $20 at the Aquarium of Niagara, located at 701 Whirlpool St. Niagara Falls, NY 14301. For parking on Goat Island at Niagara Falls State Park, call the Visitor Center for more information at (716) 278-1796. On-street parking is available too.

Yes, the Rainbow Bridge offers a pedestrian walkway for travel to and from Canada. You will need proper identification including a valid Passport, Passport Card, or Enhanced Driver's License.  For any travel to/from Canada, we encourage all visitors to seek information and guidance from the Canada Border Services and/or US Homeland Security websites.  

No, passports are only required when entering another country or returning to the United States. They are not required to ride the Maid of the Mist.