The Niagara River is the river which contains the world-renowned Niagara Falls . It connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and passes by the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Four automobile bridges connect both sides of the river. There are several small islands in the river, the largest of which is Grand Island.

Since the waters below Niagara Falls are rapid and turbulent, much of the river is open during the winter months. Accordingly, many bird watchers acknowledge the river as the best place in North America to watch gulls.