There are so many issues to do in Niagara Falls. Many individuals make a fast day journey to Niagara from Toronto and whilst you can see so much in someday, it’s value spending two or three days exploring the Honeymoon Capital of the World. There are at all times new points of interest 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 certainly one of 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 buddies, or having a romantic getaway, Niagara has one thing for everybody. In this information, we’ll take a better have a look at a few of the finest 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 points of interest with one ticket. Sold via Niagara Parks you may ebook 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 finest issues to do, it’s simple to journey independently. The WeGo People mover is an effective way to get round from attraction to points of interest. The WeGoBus goes to all the highest Niagara Attractions and stops alongside the Fallsview space so you may simply catch it out of your resort. The Wonder Pass Plus contains 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 you should get on this boat to journey to the middle of Horseshoe Falls. The Hornblower has been working since 1846 shuttling individuals throughout to the United States. In 1885 they began working as vacationer points of interest 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 instantly into the mist of Horseshoe Falls, however rain ponchos are offered and that is an expertise you should 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 would be the Fall’s most well-known attraction however we love the Journey Behind the Falls much more! When visiting Niagara Falls, be certain to add this to your bucket listing. Located on the Table Rock Welcome Center, You descend 125 toes from above the falls to the center of the cascade. You then get to discover 130-year-old tunnels that weave behind the waterfalls.
Feel the ability of the Niagara River and listen to the thunder of the water crashing. After you discover behind the scenes, you come out to an statement deck proper beside the falls the place you’ll get to see them firsthand. It’s one other attraction in Niagara Falls that’s positive to get your garments very moist however don’t fear, rain ponchos are offered.
The WeGo Stops right here and there are eating places, memento shops, cafes and it’s also possible to watch Niagara’s Fury on the Table Rock Center.
3. WildPlay Zipline to the Falls
If you need to have probably the most epic ziplining experiences, hop on the WildPlay Zipline to the Falls. This thrilling experience takes you excessive above the Niagara Gorge providing a hen’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 time. It is a whole lot 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 if you’re proper beside the mighty waterfall.
Ponchos are handed out beforehand and if you’d like to get moist, stand on the very entrance. It’s included in your Niagara Pass, so if you’d like a break from the warmth in the summer time or chilly in the winter, go inside for a little bit of a break. It is positioned on the Table Rock Welcome Center and you may seize a chew to eat right here as effectively.
5. Whirlpool Jetboat
It will not be positioned instantly in the fallsview space, however you should make a brief journey to Niagara on the Lake when visiting Niagara Falls. The Whirlpool Jetboat is positioned 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 if you’d like to get moist or keep dry. We’ve accomplished each and I want the dry experience 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 experience takes you proper beside it. Feel the ability of the Niagara River as you narrow 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 unbelievable alternative to rise up shut to the category 6 rapids of the Niagara River. The picket platform takes you 70 meters (229 toes) down to the Niagara Gorge the place you get to expertise the ability 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 ability of the Niagara River.
There are totally different statement 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 may spend so long as you want viewing a few of the quickest and strongest rapids in the world, with water speeding via the slender gorge at a velocity of up to 48 kilometers per hour. The Whitewater Walk is open from mid-April to mid-November and could be accessed from the Niagara Parkway.
7. Butterfly Conservatory
You wouldn’t assume that this may be an attention-grabbing attraction at Niagara, however the butterfly conservatory is a whole lot of enjoyable. Enter the climate-controlled rainforest and be surrounded by hundreds of butterflies flying via the air as you stroll alongside the trail. Butterflies will truly land on you as you stroll via a tropical rainforest setting.
As you enter, you’ll really feel as if in case you have entered a rainforest because the humidity hits your face. Created to mimic the pure habitat of butterflies, this lovely setting has waterfalls, swimming pools, and plush vegetation.
There is an academic component in addition to you study in regards to the life cycle of butterflies and might examine their conduct. 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 instances 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 excellent spot to seize some Instagram pictures.
It’s humorous that we’d by no means walked via the gardens as a result of the Butterfly Conservatory is positioned 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 points of interest. 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 statement deck on the Niagara River. The interactive museum showcases how pioneers harnessed the ability from Horseshoe falls.
At night time there’s a sound and lightweight present that options an interactive gentle 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 could be seen all through the town. This 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel presents fabulous views of the falls and the encompassing space. Each enclosed gondola can maintain up to six passengers and they’re local weather managed. Even if in case you have a concern of heights you’ll really feel comfortable as a bug as you’re taking in the views. Passengers get 3 full revolutions supplying you with sufficient time to get these epic pictures of the falls.
12. Clifton Hill Fun Pass
An excellent choice is to purchase the Clifton Hill Fun Pass. It offers you entry to most of the points of interest 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 also be a terrific place to go when on the lookout for issues to do in Niagara Falls at night time.
Some different not to miss points of interest 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 presents 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 prime of Clifton Hill throughout from Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Nightmares is a should for anybody that loves a superb scare.
It is horrifying alright, legend has it that it was constructed on the location of an previous coffin manufacturing facility. The proprietor was killed in a prank gone unhealthy and has haunted the halls ever since. If you develop into too scared contained in the maze of nightmares you may rooster out. Don’t really feel unhealthy for those who do, over 95,000 individuals have chickened out through the years.
We went in pondering we’d be tremendous, however let me let you know, I held on to Dave for pricey life!
15. Fallsview Casino Resort
Fallsview has develop into an enormous draw to Niagara Falls. We’re not huge on playing, however the Fallsview Casino Resort is a superb place to go to. Besides the on line casino, it has a world-class music venue drawing a few of the prime 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 time months and they’re probably the greatest issues to do in Niagara Falls without spending a dime! The Falls are lit up every night time with colourful lights and most evenings in the summer time have a implausible fireworks show.
Make your means 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 instances all year long. The Winter Festival of Lights spans over 40 Nights throughout 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 occurring, you’ll nonetheless have a lightweight 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 what eating places in Niagara Falls overlook the falls. Eating with a view is certainly one of our favourite issues to do in Niagara Falls. I by no means tire of that view. Here is a listing of one of the best 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 degree. I might say it has one of the best 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 are able to say that this restaurant will get it proper. If you might be into meat, you get all-you-can-eat meat of all types 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 probably the greatest views of the Falls. trying down the US falls in direction of the Horseshoe. It has an intensive wine listing 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 road.
18. Skylon Tower
It’s Niagara Falls mini model of Toronto’s CN Tower. A 52 Second experience takes you to the highest of the Skylon Tower for views of the Falls, the Niagara Gorge and the encompassing 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 just a little out of the town now’s the Whirlpool Aerocar. If you will have visited Niagara Falls a number of instances, it is a nice attraction to add to the listing. What we don’t love about that is that traces can get lengthy since it could 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 huge whirlpool in the center of the Niagara River.
We want the Whirlpool Jetboat tour from Niagara on the lake, however for those who aren’t up for taking a ship out to the whirlpool, you is likely to be up for taking a cable automobile over the Whirlpool. It’s additionally way more affordable and nonetheless fairly thrilling. Located between Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake, it is a actually cool cease and straightforward 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 whole lot 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, it is a great romantic city to go to. Located on Lake Ontario on the mouth of the Niagara River, this is without doubt one of the prime vacationer locations in Ontario.
I’ve already talked about the Whirlpool Jetboat tour that leaves from right here and the numerous wineries in the realm. But the city itself is value visiting. Stay in a mattress and breakfast the place you may dine in model at many tremendous eating eating places and go to the historic heritage buildings.
The Shaw Festival attracts theatre lovers and for those who love looking retailers and native artisans at work, that is the place for you. If you feel romantic, take a horse-drawn carriage experience 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 points of interest, 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 may hire a bicycle and go by yourself or be 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 positioned 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 displays with actors dressed in historic clothes placing on musket demonstrations, and army reenactments, and studying about what life was like throughout the War of 1812.
24. Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
The Niagara Glen Nature Reserve is a superb spot for a day hike positioned 8 km from the falls. There are loads of Niagara Gorge mountain climbing trails inside Niagara Glen and if you’re into mountain climbing there are nice spots for bouldering. Bring a crash mat and revel in your climb over large 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 masking an space of 42 acres. Its rock formations and boulders are 400 million years previous 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 either side of the falls. Here are some prime issues to do in Niagara USA.
We extremely suggest a Niagara PAss for New York as effectively. move is very really helpful if you’re exploring each Niagara Falls NY and Niagara Falls Canada. Check out Get Your Guide the place you may ebook a whole move to points of interest 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 points of interest are inside Niagara Falls State Parking together with the mighty American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls with views of Canada. There are loads of mountain climbing trails positioned 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 better 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 facet of the falls, however this identify belongs to the Americans. However, the Hornblower and the Maid of the Mist are two related experiences that merely go away from opposide sides of the Niagara Gorge.
This 20-minute boat experience that takes you up the Niagara River and to the center of the Horseshoe Falls. It’s probably the most 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 center of Horseshoe Falls. Ponchos are offered, however count on to get moist! In the summer time it feels nice to cool off underneath the ability of the falls. If there may be one should do exercise on the US facet 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 an in depth up view of the Bridal Veil Falls. After driving an elevator down 53 meters (175 Feet) you’ll stroll down a sequence of picket 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 points of interest present rain ponchos.
Cost: $19 USD Adults, $16 USD youngsters. Get your move in advance right here.
28. Niagara Falls Observation Tower
The Niagara Falls Observation Tower is a 282-foot tall tower positioned on the American facet 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 statement deck that gives a surprising view of the American Falls and the Niagara River Gorge.
The second degree is an indoor statement deck offering 360-degree views of the falls and the encompassing space, in addition to historic displays 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 struggle throughout the War of 1812 and on both facet of the Niagara River, every nation has a historic fort. Old Fort Niagara was a strategic fort used throughout the struggle between the US and British Colony.
Old Fort Niagara dates again to 1679 as a French buying and selling put up, and went on to play a job in the French and Indian struggle from 1754–1763, however it’s most well-known for its final battle throughout the struggle of 1812. Located instantly throughout from Fort George on the Canadian facet 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 may tour as effectively. The whole area is right for wine rising, so if you’re on the American facet of the falls, you may 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 a whole information to one of the best locations to keep in Niagara Falls right here. But if you’re on the lookout for some options proper now, we suggest the Fallsview Casino space for one of the best 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 an impressive room with a view of Horseshoe Falls and loved its Scandinavian Spa expertise. I feel this resort has one of the best view of the falls, however Marriott on the Falls throughout the road is nice too with views of Horseshoe Falls.
Raddison Niagara Falls can also be implausible. It is throughout the road with some obstruction by the Marriott, however you may get an unbelievable suite with a fallsview just like the one above.
The Hilton Niagara Falls can also be has probably the greatest 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 right, however if you’re visiting from in another country or taking a facet journey from Toronto, you don’t want a automobile. If you purchase any attraction move, it offers you entry to the WEGO Bus that hits up the most important points of interest.
Bicycle leases can be found and are a wonderful means to see the realm. 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 may ebook 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 straightforward. The solely downfall is it’s a couple of 30 minute stroll from the bus terminal to the points of interest.
Trains journey from New York City, to Toronto and look forward to 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, buddies, or as a solo adventurer, Niagara Falls guarantees to present a memorable expertise like no different.