What to Wear in Niagara Falls: Waterproof Mist Layers, Grippy Gorge Shoes & Passport Pouch

Even on a cloudless, 28°C (82°F) July afternoon when the sun is shining brightly up on Clifton Hill, step 200 metres down to Table Rock Point beside the Horseshoe Falls and you step into Niagara's famous 'Mist Microclimate': depending on wind direction, a constant, swirling cloud of cool waterfall spray blows straight across the promenade like a fine tropical rainstorm.

Five Practical Packing Rules for Niagara Falls

1. Wear Quick-Dry Shorts / Capris & Waterproof Sandals for the Boat & Cave of the Winds (Avoid Heavy Denim Jeans): while your ticket for Niagara City Cruises and Journey Behind the Falls includes a complimentary plastic rain poncho, the poncho stops at your knees. When you stand at the front rail of the boat or climb the wooden stairs of the Cave of the Winds Hurricane Deck, water cascades straight down onto your calves and feet. If you wear heavy blue jeans and canvas trainers with cotton socks, you will squelch around in cold, wet denim for the next four hours. Instead, wear quick-dry nylon shorts or leggings and waterproof Teva or Chaco sandals (or bring a dry pair of socks and shoes in your daypack to change into afterward).
2. A Hooded Waterproof Windbreaker + A Zip-Top Bag / Lanyard for Your Phone: for walking the Table Rock promenade and the 670-metre damp brick tunnel of the Niagara Parks Power Station, bring your own breathable waterproof rain shell and keep a microfibre lens cloth in your pocket to wipe mist droplets off your camera lens.

3. Closed-Toe Trail Trainers for the Niagara Glen Gorge & Winery Cycling: the limestone boulders along the river in Niagara Glen are polished smooth and damp, so swap your sandals for proper grippy trainers before descending the gorge stairs.
4. Bright Red, Yellow or Pink Shirt for the Butterfly Conservatory: tropical butterflies inside the Butterfly Conservatory are drawn to bright flower colours and will land right on your sleeves.
5. Do Not Forget Your Physical Passport: even if you have no intention of driving into New York, pack your passport in a waterproof pouch so you can walk 10 minutes across the Rainbow Bridge to Goat Island (visiting in winter? Pack a waterproof down parka and clip-on ice cleats for the icy mist walkways around Table Rock). Check seasonal weather.