There are so many issues to do in Niagara Falls. Many folks make a fast day journey to Niagara from Toronto and whilst you can see quite a bit in sooner or later, it’s value spending two or three days exploring the Honeymoon Capital of the World. There are at all times new sights opening yearly, whether or not it’s your first time visiting Niagara Falls go to or your twentieth you’ll at all times have a good time in one among our favorite locations in all of Canada.
Things to do in Niagara Falls
Dave and I’ve been visiting the falls 12 months after 12 months since 1996 and it’s our “go-to” getaway from Toronto. Whether you’re touring with household, and mates, or having a romantic getaway, Niagara has one thing for everybody. In this information, we’ll take a more in-depth have a look at a few of the greatest issues to do in Niagara Falls from Clifton Hill to Niagara on the Lake and even Niagara Falls State Park in the United States.
Niagara Falls Tours
When you go to Niagara Falls, we extremely suggest getting the Adventure Pass to see all the highest sights with one ticket. Sold via Niagara Parks you’ll be able to guide the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass to achieve discounted entry to Journey Behind the Falls, Hornblower, Whitewater Walk, Niagara’s Fury, and the Butterfly Conservatory with transportation on the WeGo People Mover to every exercise.
You don’t want to do a guided tour to expertise the entire greatest issues to do, it’s simple to journey independently. The WeGo People mover is an effective way to get round from attraction to sights. The WeGoBus goes to all the highest Niagara Attractions and stops alongside the Fallsview space so you’ll be able to simply catch it out of your resort. The Wonder Pass Plus consists of Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara Fury, The Butterfly Conservatory and the Power Station.
1. Hornblower
Formerly the Maid of the Mist, The Hornblower is an oldie however a goody. When you go to Niagara Falls it’s essential to get on this boat to journey to the middle of Horseshoe Falls. The Hornblower has been working since 1846 shuttling folks throughout to the United States. In 1885 they began operating as vacationer sights to take passengers to an up-close and private view of the falls.
It is one other thrilling expertise being so shut to the falling water. The boat goes proper contained in the horseshoe and thundering water surrounds you. You will get very moist as you go immediately into the mist of Horseshoe Falls, however rain ponchos are offered and that is an expertise it’s essential to not miss. Book the Hornblower in Advance Skip the ticket sales space and take the funicular straight to the dock with simple cancellation inside 24 hours of exercise.
2. Journey Behind the Falls
The Hornblower will be the Fall’s most well-known attraction however we love the Journey Behind the Falls much more! When visiting Niagara Falls, be sure that to add this to your bucket record. You descend 125 toes from above the falls to the guts of the cascade. You then get to discover 130-year-old tunnels that weave behind the waterfalls.
Feel the facility of the Niagara River and listen to the thunder of the water crashing. After you discover behind the scenes, you come out to an remark deck proper beside the falls the place you’ll get to see them firsthand. It’s one other attraction in Niagara Falls that’s certain to get your garments very moist however don’t fear, rain ponchos are offered.
3. WildPlay Zipline to the Falls
If you need to have one of the epic ziplining experiences, hop on the WildPlay Zipline to the Falls. This thrilling trip takes you excessive above the Niagara Gorge providing a fowl’s eye view of Horseshoe Falls, The American, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Ride the elevator to 67 meters (220 toes) above the falls after which soar alongside the Niagara River Gorge for 670 meters (2,200 toes) the place you’ll attain speeds of 70+ kph (40+ mph). This is one Niagara attraction you’ll always remember.
4. Niagara Fury
While you might be at Journey Behind the Falls, pop in to see the 4D film, Niagara Fury. After a number of years of visiting Niagara, I lastly went inside Niagara Fury this previous summer season. It is a variety of enjoyable for the entire household. Niagara Fury is an immersive 360-degree cinema expertise recreating the historical past of the falls. There are particular results taking you into the expertise as wind, mist and vibrations make you are feeling as in case you are proper beside the mighty waterfall.
Ponchos are handed out beforehand and in order for you to get moist, stand on the very entrance. It’s included in your Niagara Pass, so in order for you a break from the warmth in the summer season or chilly in the winter, go inside for a little bit of a break.
5. Whirlpool Jetboat
It is probably not situated immediately in the fallsview space, however it’s essential to make a brief journey to Niagara on the Lake when visiting Niagara Falls. The Whirlpool Jetboat is situated at Niagara on the Lake the place Lake Ontario meets the Niagara Gorge. It’s only a quick 10-minute drive up the Niagara Parkway from the town heart and that is an attraction that’s pure adrenaline.
Choose which jet boat you need. Open or closed. It’s up to you in order for you to get moist or keep dry. We’ve accomplished each and I desire the dry trip as you actually get to take in the great thing about the Niagara gorge. The journey takes you alongside the Niagara River to the Class 6 rapids of the whirlpool.
Anything that goes into the whirlpool received’t come however this action-packed trip takes you proper beside it. Feel the facility of the Niagara River as you chop via rapids with its triple turbo diesel water jet system for each propulsion and steering. It’s an journey of a lifetime. Check out Whirlpool Jet Boar Tours for availability right here.
6. White Water Walk
The White Water Walk is an unimaginable alternative to rise up shut to the category 6 rapids of the Niagara River. The wood platform takes you 70 meters (229 toes) down to the Niagara Gorge the place you get to expertise the facility of the most important sequence of standing waves in North America. This attraction is included in your Adventure Pass and it’s fairly lovely to see the facility of the Niagara River.
There are totally different remark decks alongside the way in which providing views of the Niagara Gorge. You can take the WeGo mover proper to the Riverwalk. An elevator takes you down to the Niagara Gorge, the place you’ll be able to spend so long as you want viewing a few of the quickest and strongest rapids in the world, with water dashing via the slim gorge at a velocity of up to 48 kilometers per hour.
The Whitewater Walk is open from mid-April to mid-November and might be accessed from the Niagara Parkway.
7. Butterfly Conservatory
You wouldn’t assume that this could be an fascinating attraction at Niagara, however the butterfly conservatory is a variety of enjoyable. Enter the climate-controlled rainforest and be surrounded by 1000’s of butterflies flying via the air as you stroll alongside the trail. Butterflies will really land on you as you stroll via a tropical rainforest setting.
As you enter, you’ll really feel as when you’ve got entered a rainforest because the humidity hits your face. Created to mimic the pure habitat of butterflies, this lovely atmosphere has waterfalls, swimming pools, and plush vegetation.
There is an academic factor in addition to you study in regards to the life cycle of butterflies and may research their habits. The Butterfly Conservator is included in Niagara Pass, and it truly is a must-visit vacation spot. The conservatory is wheelchair accessible and appropriate for guests of all ages.
8. Botanical Gardens
Dave and I’ve visited Niagara Falls numerous occasions and it wasn’t till two years in the past that we lastly stopped on the Botanical Gardens. It’s a quiet retreat and it’s the good spot to seize some Instagram images.
It’s humorous that we’d by no means walked via the gardens as a result of the Butterfly Conservatory is situated in the identical spot. But in the previous, we skipped the gardens and went straight to the butterflies. But it’s value strolling via the Botanical Gardens as it’s lovely and is a quiet retreat from the chaos of the opposite sights. The butterfly Conservatory is included in the Niagara Adventure Pass.
9. Power Station
The latest attraction in Niagara Falls is the Niagara Falls Power Station. Take a glass elevator down 54 meters (180 toes) to discover the primary main Canadian energy plant on the Niagara River. You’ll stroll the 670 meter (2,200-feet) lengthy tunnel that leads to an remark deck on the Niagara River. The interactive museum showcases how pioneers harnessed the facility from Horseshoe falls.
At night time there’s a sound and lightweight present that options an interactive mild show to music.
10. Clifton Hill
A go to to Niagara Falls wouldn’t be full with out visiting the tacky retailers and museums that line the streets. Dracula’s citadel, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Wax Museums, Midways, and haunted homes. Clifton Hill is stuffed with simply sufficient kitsch to be a blast. You should go inside one of many haunted homes only for the enjoyable of it. It’s a throwback to the 70s.
There are loads of eating places alongside Clifton Hill and it’s value strolling up from the Table Rock Station all the way in which to.
11. SkyWheel
The Niagara SkyWheel might be seen all through the town. This 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel affords fabulous views of the falls and the encircling space. Each enclosed gondola can maintain up to six passengers and they’re local weather managed. Even when you’ve got a concern of heights you’ll really feel cosy as a bug as you are taking in the views. Passengers get 3 full revolutions supplying you with sufficient time to get these epic images of the falls.
12. Clifton Hill Fun Pass
An awesome choice is to purchase the Clifton Hill Fun Pass. It provides you entry to most of the sights in the Midway and on Clifton Hill just like the Niagara SkyWheel, Movieland Wax Museum and the 6D Interactive journey rides Wild West Coaster and Zombie Attack! Clifton Hill can be an ideal place to go when in search of issues to do in Niagara Falls at night time.
Some different not to miss sights on Clifton Hill embody Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Great Canadian Midway, Niagara Speedway, Hershey’s Chocolate World, Rainforest Cafe, Niagara Falls History Museum, and the Fun Zone. This is an space that’s enjoyable for the entire household.
13. Great Canadian Midway
The Great Canadian Midway homes Canada’s largest Sky Wheel. It affords panoramic views of the falls. The Midway is precisely what it says, it’s like an amusement park halfway with video games, rides, and cotton sweet.
14. Nightmares Fear Factory
Want to get your blood pumping once more? This is one scary haunted home. Located on the high of Clifton Hill throughout from Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Nightmares is a should for anybody that loves an excellent scare.
It is horrifying alright, legend has it that it was constructed on the location of an outdated coffin manufacturing facility. The proprietor was killed in a prank gone dangerous and has haunted the halls ever since. If you change into too scared contained in the maze of nightmares you’ll be able to rooster out. Don’t really feel dangerous should you do, over 95,000 folks have chickened out over time.
We went in pondering we’d be nice, however let me let you know, I held on to Dave for pricey life!
15. Fallsview Casino Resort
Fallsview has change into an enormous draw to Niagara Falls. We’re not massive on playing, however the Fallsview Casino Resort is a wonderful place to go to. Besides the on line casino, it has a world-class music venue drawing a few of the high artists in the enterprise. Billy Joel performed Fallsview simply final week!
Fallsviews isn’t only a on line casino, it’s a resort full with worldwide music acts and 5-star eating. There’s a purchasing, 5 totally different eating places, and two nightclubs.
16. Fireworks and Falls at Night
Fireworks occur nightly in the summer season months and they’re the most effective issues to do in Niagara Falls totally free! The Falls are lit up every night time with colourful lights and most evenings in the summer season have a incredible fireworks show.
Make your approach down to the falls when the solar goes down to watch. But make certain to get there early, it fills up and also you want to scout your spot and stick to it. Or select one of many many eating places that overlook the falls and eat a late dinner for a spectacular view.
Fireworks occur at totally different occasions all year long. The Winter Festival of Lights spans over 40 Nights in the course of the Festival from November to Feb. and nightly in the summer season. The falls are illuminated every night time, so even when fireworks aren’t happening, you’ll nonetheless have a light-weight present each night time of the 12 months.
17. Dine with a View of The Falls
Since I discussed watching fireworks from one of many eating places overlooking the falls, I believed I ought to let you understand what eating places in Niagara Falls overlook the falls. Eating with a view is one among our favourite issues to do in Niagara Falls. I by no means tire of that view. Here is a listing of the most effective eating places with a view.
The Keg Fallsview – Located inside Embassy Suites. The Keg is a well-liked Canadian Steakhouse chain, however with views of Horseshoe Falls, it takes eating with a view to an entire new stage. I’d say it has the most effective view of the falls out of all of the locations to eat with a falls view and I dare to keep, I’ve but to discover a steak that I like higher.
The Watermark on the Hilton – Great when staying in the Hilton
Skylon Tower Revolving Restaurant – a Niagara establishment
Golden Lotus on the Fallsview Casino
Windows at Sheraton on the Falls
21 Club at Fallsview Casino
Mortons Steakhouse – Niagara Marriot Fallsview Hotel & Spa
Where Else to Eat in Niagara Falls, Canada
Brasa Brazilian Barbecue – Having sampled Brazilian Barbecue in Brazil, we will say that this restaurant will get it proper. If you might be into meat, you get all-you-can-eat meat of every kind and cuts. Here’s a professional tip – don’t refill an excessive amount of on the salad bar, you received’t have room for the tender cuts and it’s dear so that you’ll need to get your cash’s value.
Rainbow Room – Located in the Crown Plaza Rainbow Room one other the most effective views of the Falls. wanting down the US falls in the direction of the Horseshoe. It has an in depth wine record to go along with the seasonal menu created by verify Massimo Capra.
Napoli Restaurant and Pizzeria – This is a staple in the town and once we’re craving Italian, we head to Napoli. Located simply outdoors the Fallsview vacationer space, it’s a brief stroll on Stanely avenue.
18. Skylon Tower
It’s Niagara Falls mini model of Toronto’s CN Tower. A 52 Second trip takes you to the highest of the Skylon Tower for views of the Falls, the Niagara Gorge and the encircling space together with Buffalo New York throughout the river. While you might be there, why not have dinner on the revolving restaurant?
19. Whirlpool Aerocar
Moving somewhat out of the town now could be the Whirlpool Aerocar. If you may have visited Niagara Falls just a few occasions, this can be a nice attraction to add to the record. What we don’t love about that is that traces can get lengthy since it could possibly solely do one journey at a time.
Located alongside the WeGo route, the Whirlpool Aerocar is part of some Niagara Packages. It is sort of a thrill taking you out to the center of the Niagara Gorge to see the large whirlpool in the center of the Niagara River.
We desire the Whirlpool Jetboat tour from Niagara on the lake, however should you aren’t up for taking a ship out to the whirlpool, you may be up for taking a cable automobile over the Whirlpool. It’s additionally far more affordable and nonetheless fairly thrilling. Located between Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake, this can be a actually cool cease and simple to do.
20. Floral Clock
I by no means cared for the Floral Clock as a child, however every time we return to Niagara, we at all times take a fast journey to the clock. It is a must-see attraction while you go to Niagara Falls just because it’s been round for thus lengthy. The WEGO bus stops right here so that you don’t even want to make a particular journey.
It is powered by Ontario Hydro, which is becoming since these mighty waterfalls energy a variety of the Eastern Seaboard and it’s the largest floral clock in the world.
21. Niagara on the Lake
Speaking of Niagara on the Lake, this can be a fantastic romantic city to go to. Located on Lake Ontario on the mouth of the Niagara River, this is without doubt one of the high vacationer locations in Ontario.
I’ve already talked about the Whirlpool Jetboat tour that leaves from right here and the numerous wineries in the world. But the city itself is value visiting. Stay in a mattress and breakfast the place you’ll be able to dine in type at many nice eating eating places and go to the historic heritage buildings.
The Shaw Festival attracts theatre lovers and should you love shopping retailers and native artisans at work, that is the place for you. If you’re feeling romantic, take a horse-drawn carriage trip across the historic websites of Niagara on the Lake. We have a full article devoted to this city at 15 Amazing Things to do in Niagara on the Lake – Canada
22. Tour the Niagara Wine Route
After all that pleasure from the extra adventurous sights, hop on the Niagara wine route in the wonderful Niagara wine area. Only quarter-hour from downtown Niagara there are award-winning wineries spanning from the Niagara Escarpment and alongside Lake Ontario simply ready to be explored.
If you resolve to keep in Niagara on the Lake, you’ll be able to lease a bicycle and go by yourself or be a part of a bicycle tour. There are limo excursions, funky bus excursions, horse excursions, and extra to drink wine with out having to drive. Popular Niagara Wineries embody Peller Estates, Trius, Inniskillin, Two Sisters, Wayne Gretzky, and Vineland Estates.
23. Fort George National Historic Site
And the Fort George National Historic Site is situated simply outdoors of Niagara on the Lake. During the War of 1812, it was a strategic fort to defend the then-British Colony from the United States. Visit the fort to see re-enactments of The Red Coats firing their muskets and displaying what life was like two centuries in the past.
This is a should go to for historical past buffs to see this outpost that was the location of the Battle of Fort George in 1813. There are a number of reveals with actors dressed in historic clothes placing on musket demonstrations, and army reenactments, and studying about what life was like in the course of the War of 1812.
24. Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
The Niagara Glen Nature Reserve is a good spot for a day hike situated 8 km from the falls. There are loads of Niagara Gorge mountaineering trails inside Niagara Glen and in case you are into mountain climbing there are nice spots for bouldering. Bring a crash mat and revel in your climb over big boulders.
Or simply take a stroll via the paths of Niagara Glen. It is an extremely scenic space with rock formations, excessive cliffs, and forests overlaying an space of 42 acres. Its rock formations and boulders are 400 million years outdated created by erosion from the Niagara River. It additionally overlooks the Whirlpool on the Niagara River. Admission to Niagara Glen Nature Reserve is free.
Things to do in Niagara Falls USA
It is straightforward to cross the Rainbow Bridge from Canada to Niagara Falls USA and many individuals like to go to each side of the falls. Here are some high issues to do in Niagara USA.
We extremely suggest a Niagara PAss for New York as effectively. cross is extremely beneficial in case you are exploring each Niagara Falls NY and Niagara Falls Canada. Check out Get Your Guide the place you’ll be able to guide an entire cross to sights on each the US and Canadian sides of the falls.
25. Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls State Park, New York is the oldest state park in the USA. It was established in 1885 and spans 400 acres. The main US sights are inside Niagara Falls State Parking together with the mighty American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls with views of Canada. There are loads of mountaineering trails situated alongside the Niagara River to take in the views of all of the falls and the Niagara Gorge.
Attractions inside Niagara Falls State Park embody the Niagara Adventure Theater, the Cave of the Winds, and a spread of facilities, together with eating places, present retailers, and picnic areas. The park is open year-round. Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at all of the issues to do in Niagara Falls State Park beneath.
26. Maid of the Mist
The Maid of the Mist dates again to 1846 and has been ferrying passengers throughout the Niagara River for practically two centuries. Most Canadians nonetheless assume that the Maid of the Mist is on the Canadian aspect of the falls, however this title belongs to the Americans. However, the Hornblower and the Maid of the Mist are two comparable experiences that merely go away from opposide sides of the Niagara Gorge.
This 20-minute boat trip that takes you up the Niagara River and to the guts of the Horseshoe Falls. It’s one of the thrilling issues to do in Niagara Falls. Operating inside Niagara Falls State Park, the boat tour begins on the Maid of the Mist Plaza the place you’ll board the double decker vessel to the guts of Horseshoe Falls. Ponchos are offered, however count on to get moist! In the summer season it feels nice to cool off below the facility of the falls. If there’s one should do exercise on the US aspect of Niagara Falls State Park that is it.
27. Cave of the Winds
The Cave of the Winds takes you deep down into the Niagara Gorge supplying you with a detailed up view of the Bridal Veil Falls. After driving an elevator down 53 meters (175 Feet) you’ll stroll down a sequence of wood walkways to the Hurricane Deck which is a platform constructed a mere 6 meters (20 toes) from the falls. Just just like the Maid of the Mist, you’ll get soaked. But don’t fear, each sights present rain ponchos.
Cost: $19 USD Adults, $16 USD youngsters. Get your cross in advance right here.
28. Niagara Falls Observation Tower
The Niagara Falls Observation Tower is a 282-foot tall tower situated on the American aspect of Niagara Falls State Park providing panoramic views of the Niagara River, the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
It has three ranges that guests can entry together with two outside remark deck that gives a shocking view of the American Falls and the Niagara River Gorge.
The second stage is an indoor remark deck offering 360-degree views of the falls and the encircling space, in addition to historic reveals and a present store.
The Niagara Falls Observation tower is open year-round and you may mix a go to right here with a Maid of the Mist boat tour and the Cave of the Winds.
29. Old Fort Niagara
Canada and the United States had been at warfare in the course of the War of 1812 and on both aspect of the Niagara River, every nation has a historic fort. Old Fort Niagara was a strategic fort used in the course of the warfare between the US and British Colony.
Old Fort Niagara dates again to 1679 as a French buying and selling submit, and went on to play a job in the French and Indian warfare from 1754–1763, however it’s most well-known for its final battle in the course of the warfare of 1812. Located immediately throughout from Fort George on the Canadian aspect in Youngstown New York, Old Fort Niagara was the location of epic battles. Today the 2 forts span throughout the longest most peaceable border in the world.
Old Fort Niagara is a National Historic Landmark and guests can discover the fort’s many buildings, together with the French Castle, which was constructed in 1726 and is the oldest constructing nonetheless standing in the Great Lakes area. Like Fort George, guests can watch reenactments, army drills and cannon musket firings.
30. Niagara Wine Trail
The United States has the Niagara Wine Trail which has greater than 20 wineries you’ll be able to tour as effectively. The total area is good for wine rising, so in case you are on the American aspect of the falls, you’ll be able to head out to the Niagara Wine Trail to pattern quite a lot of grapes, together with Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. The Niagara Wine Trail is understood for its picturesque vineyards, and high-quality wines making for a pleasant break from the hustle and bustle of the falls.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
We have an entire information to the most effective locations to keep in Niagara Falls right here. But in case you are in search of some ideas proper now, we suggest the Fallsview Casino space for the most effective views of the falls out of your resort room and eating.
Our favourite place is Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel and Spa. We simply stayed there final week and had a powerful room with a view of Horseshoe Falls and loved its Scandinavian Spa expertise. I believe this resort has the most effective view of the falls, however Marriott on the Falls throughout the road is nice too with views of Horseshoe Falls.
Raddison Niagara Falls can be incredible. It is throughout the road with some obstruction by the Marriott, however you will get an unimaginable suite with a fallsview just like the one above.
The Hilton Niagara Falls can be has the most effective views in falls with rooms overlooking Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
Embassy Suites –
If you need to keep shut to Clifton Hill, we just like the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel it has nice views of the Niagara River American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
For finances lodging in Niagara take a look at Lundy’s Lane. We just like the Niagara Falls Marriott right here. It additionally has shuttles to the Marriott Fallsview.
Getting Around Niagara Falls
When you go to Niagara Falls, touring by automobile is good, however in case you are visiting from overseas or taking a aspect journey from Toronto, you don’t want a automobile. If you purchase any attraction cross, it provides you entry to the WEGO Bus that hits up the most important sights.
Bicycle leases can be found and are a wonderful approach to see the world. Dave and I as soon as rode bikes all the way in which to Niagara on the Lake from downtown Niagara to tour some wineries. You also can guide wine excursions out to Niagara.
Getting to Niagara Falls
Buses function from downtown Toronto and Buffalo, New York. We lately took the bus from Toronto by reserving via Busbud and it was fast and simple. The solely downfall is it’s a few 30 minute stroll from the bus terminal to the sights.
Trains journey from New York City, to Toronto and watch for it… Cleveland.
And these are our greatest Niagara Falls Travel Tips! Did we miss something? Have any questions? Leave them in the feedback beneath.
From boat excursions that take you up shut to the falls to casinos, amusement parks, and wineries, there’s no scarcity of issues to do in Niagara Falls. Whether you’re touring with household, mates, or as a solo adventurer, Niagara Falls guarantees to present a memorable expertise like no different.
