Goat Island
Goat Island
4.7
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Goat Island sits in the middle of Niagara Falls, offering many walking trails and viewing points of the surrounding landscapes. Here, you can get a great view of Horseshoe Falls and American Falls from Terrapin Point and Luna Island, explore Cave of the Winds at the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls, and cross over a historic walking bridge to the Three Sisters Islands. The Niagara Scenic Trolley is an easy and scenic way to traverse the island—though walking around the island takes just 30 minutes—there are also tours available that combine it with the Maid of the Mist boat ride to the base of Horseshoe Falls. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.7
374 reviews
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kay-cee-1138
Houston, TX556 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
There are lots of vantage points around Niagra Falls, but for visitors with a relatively short time to see the highlights, Goat Island is the place to go. At its western tip, there's a great view of the Canadian Falls (so close, a change in the wind means an instant soaking); and at the north tip (by the Tesla statue), one can overlook the American Falls (Goat Island is at a higher elevation than the closer Luna Island vantage point).
There is a good-sized parking lot (P2) on Goat Island, which was very convenient. We got there at 9:30 am on a Saturday, and were very surprised to find ourselves nearly the first visitors there (granted, this was in mid-May and there was still some lingering early morning fog...). The parking fee was reasonable, and the directions to get there along with hours and fees were easily accessible via the NF state park's website.
There are public restrooms on the outside ground floor of the Top of the Falls restaurant building, between the parking lot and the western tip of the island. And note that there is a wheelchair-accessible ramp to the western viewing point, bypassing the many stairs.
Watch for the black squirrels in the trees, and the Canadian geese that like to hang out on the lawn near the western tip's viewing point.
There is a good-sized parking lot (P2) on Goat Island, which was very convenient. We got there at 9:30 am on a Saturday, and were very surprised to find ourselves nearly the first visitors there (granted, this was in mid-May and there was still some lingering early morning fog...). The parking fee was reasonable, and the directions to get there along with hours and fees were easily accessible via the NF state park's website.
There are public restrooms on the outside ground floor of the Top of the Falls restaurant building, between the parking lot and the western tip of the island. And note that there is a wheelchair-accessible ramp to the western viewing point, bypassing the many stairs.
Watch for the black squirrels in the trees, and the Canadian geese that like to hang out on the lawn near the western tip's viewing point.
Written 9 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GabrielaSeevetal
Seevetal, Germany10,413 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
We went from the Canadian part over the “Rainbow Bridge” (11 US) to the American part. After the bridge, turn right through Niagara Falls State Park and past the Observation Tower over the American Falls Bridge to Goat Island. There is also a parking lot on Goat Island. Our hike took us past the Nikola Tesla sculpture to “Terrapin Point Horshoe Falls” – here the view is very nice to the Falls and the hotel casino skyline on the Canadian side. The spray, however, sprays very strongly. From here we continued to the “Cave of the winds” lookout. Tourists stand on wooden bridges at the bottom and from above the “American Falls” shoot down and flood the wooden bridges. At 16°C we didn't want to get wet.
Small trains - “Niagara Scenic Trolley” - run for the return to the “Rainbow Bridge”.
A long walk (we started at “Horseshoe Falls”) but with many highlights.
Small trains - “Niagara Scenic Trolley” - run for the return to the “Rainbow Bridge”.
A long walk (we started at “Horseshoe Falls”) but with many highlights.
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Written 20 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paradise554159
17 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
This is part of the NY Niagra State park. The trail is easily walkable with beautiful scenery. Definitely take the bridges to the 3 Sister islands for up close look of Niagra river. We parked in Lot 2 $10 we were able to walk over the bridge to the main park as the trails are a big loop!
Written 19 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JMagicfan
Orlando, FL280 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
When you talk of Niagara, everyone says go to Canada. My thoughts are stay in the US first. Goat Island is an awesome place to start with views of Canadian falls, islands with bridges, nature, and standing over bridal veil. Cave of the Winds attraction is there, and a shuttle bus takes you around.
Written 18 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanKan
Dayton, OH224 contributions
Oct 2022
You can get no better views than from those you get from the Goat Island locations; Terrapin Point and Luna Island.
Terrapin Point offers fantastic day and night views of the Horseshoe Falls, and Luna Island offers a very different feel of the Bridal Veil and American Falls because you actually feel the power of the water flow underneath your feet. Simply awesome!
The statue of Nicoli Tesla is on the walkway along the edge between Terrapin Point and Luna Island.
You can also pick up the Niagara Scenic Trolley from this location which takes you around the entire island and across onto the other side by Prospect Point and Maid of the Mist.
If you visit the park after 6:30 PM, parking is free. Otherwise, parking is $10 for the day, which is worth it, especially if you are using the trolley to travel to the other locations. The Niagara State Park parking pass is also good for other associated State Park parking lots.
Terrapin Point offers fantastic day and night views of the Horseshoe Falls, and Luna Island offers a very different feel of the Bridal Veil and American Falls because you actually feel the power of the water flow underneath your feet. Simply awesome!
The statue of Nicoli Tesla is on the walkway along the edge between Terrapin Point and Luna Island.
You can also pick up the Niagara Scenic Trolley from this location which takes you around the entire island and across onto the other side by Prospect Point and Maid of the Mist.
If you visit the park after 6:30 PM, parking is free. Otherwise, parking is $10 for the day, which is worth it, especially if you are using the trolley to travel to the other locations. The Niagara State Park parking pass is also good for other associated State Park parking lots.
Written 5 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karrempje
Vleuten, The Netherlands3,186 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Beautifully landscaped park so you can view and sometimes even feel the waterfalls from different sides. It is impressive both during the day and in the evening with all its colors. During the busy months, fireworks are shown in the evening. Unfortunately it was no longer there when we were there.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller
New York City, NY3,338 contributions
Apr 2022
I walked on Goat Island twice during my visit to Niagara Falls in April 2022. I walked from my hotel, the Sheraton, past the Observation Tower to a bridge. I walked over the bridge which took me over the rapids to Goat Island. On Goat Island, you can make a right or a left. Both walks I made a right and walked to the viewing areas for Horseshoe Falls and American Falls / Bridal Falls. On the first walk I also visited The Cave of the Winds (separate review). The viewing area for Horseshoe Falls was fenced off due to slippery conditions so you could only get so close. But the view of Horseshoe Falls was still spectacular and I took photos and a video. For the viewing area of American Falls / Bridal Falls, you can get fairly close to the top of the falls. From there you also get a view of Rainbow Bridge, the Observation Tower, the Canadian side and the rapids. I then walked back to my hotel. I really enjoyed both of these walks and I estimate that I walked 3-4 miles. There is a Hop On Hop Off Trolley if you do not like to walk (I love to walk) which you can take all day for a small fee. I look forward to returning to Goat Island. Next time I will turn left and explore the areas on Goat Island which are near the Rapids.
Written 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat T
Fayette City, PA215 contributions
Aug 2020
Goat Island is part of Niagara Falls State Park. There is a $10 parking fee, unless you are a senior with a NY State driver's license. The fee covers all day at both sections of the park. We enjoyed coming here to see the falls illuminated at night, there were no fireworks during our visit. There are two viewing areas, one for the American Falls and one for the horseshoe falls. There are wonderful hiking trails on the island. They have restrooms, a cafe, ice cream stand, and lemonade. This is where you go for the Cave of the Winds attractions. The cafe you can expect to pay ballpark prices~ $9.50 for a hot dog and fries and $4.50 for a soft drink. The is a restaurant overlooking the Canadian falls, but it was not open during our visit.
Written 21 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia20,835 contributions
Apr 2022
Goat island divides the Niagara river into two parts which make both - one smaller part the American Falls and the bigger part the Canadian Falls.
Visiting the Goat island is the best thing you can do for free to admire this natural beauty. The only compulsory fee is 10$ flat parking fee if you're driving.
When parked you can walk from the American to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, being so close to the rumbling water on both waterfalls. There're plenty of benches to rest, have a snack and enjoy the beauty.
TIP: do come back at night (then parking is free) to watch the falls spectacularly illuminated.
Visiting the Goat island is the best thing you can do for free to admire this natural beauty. The only compulsory fee is 10$ flat parking fee if you're driving.
When parked you can walk from the American to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, being so close to the rumbling water on both waterfalls. There're plenty of benches to rest, have a snack and enjoy the beauty.
TIP: do come back at night (then parking is free) to watch the falls spectacularly illuminated.
Written 29 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Archie
Glenmoore, PA7,925 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Parking is paid at Goat island but if you drive a little further they do have limited free parking. We were here to experience Cave of the Winds and Terrapin point to see Horseshoe falls. The lots fill up quickly so we did early morning visit at 8:30 am. They have anazing views. You can also walk to three sisters island to watch the rapids. Its filled birds and trees. It gives you another view of the falls.
Written 30 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How far a walk from observation towel to goat island?
Written 16 June 2021
The observation tower is about a 10-minute walk from Goat Island. There are continuous sidewalks from one to the other. The park encompasses a lot of area. While you're there you ought to go out to Three Sisters Island, too, for a view of the river rapids.
Written 16 June 2021
Can you walk whole year on Goat Island? Even the Maid of the Mist is not in action?
Written 25 July 2019
Can you walk whole year on Goat Island? Even the Maid of the Mist is not in action?
Written 25 July 2019
Is there any entry fee ? Can you view Evenings lighting from here?
Written 7 May 2019
Unless you are staying within walking distance, there is a parking fee of around $10/day. As far as the evening lighting, you can probably see the one side pretty good from Horseshoe Falls. I always stay the Canadian side where the view is breathtaking.
Written 7 May 2019
Hello. You can walk onto the island via the Rainbow Bridge or take the trolley bus over. I highly recommend the trolley. Best $4 you will spend while you are there and it will take you the length of Niagara (from the aquarium all the way over to three sister island) and you can get off and on at any stop you choose with the wrist band they give you.
Written 1 October 2018
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