Are you on the lookout for one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls on the Canadian side? We have visited countless times and have enjoyed so many amazing experiences, so we decided to rank one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls so as. New attractions open every 12 months, so whether it’s your first time visiting Niagara Falls or your twentieth, you’ll at all times have a fantastic time at this sensational natural wonder of the world.
Many people only make a fast day trip to Niagara from Toronto, and while you’ll be able to see so much in someday, it’s price spending two or three days exploring the Honeymoon Capital of the World.
Things to do in Niagara Falls
Dave and I even have been visiting Niagara Falls 12 months after 12 months since 1996, and it’s our “go-to” getaway from Toronto. So put your travel planning hat on and begin ticking off what adventure you ought to do in Niagara Falls next!
1. Whirlpool Jetboat
Located just a brief 10-minute drive up the Niagara Parkway from town center of Niagara Falls, Canada, the Whirlpool Jetboat Tour is hands down one of the best thing to do in Niagara Falls for outdoor and adventure lovers. Book your JetBoat Tour prematurely here.
Choose which jet boat tour you wish—open or closed, wet or dry. We’ve done each and while the wet is a complete thrill, and I prefer the dry ride, as you actually get to absorb the fantastic thing about the Niagara Gorge, passing through the oldest state park within the USA and the gorgeous Niagara Glen area on the Canadian Site. The trip takes you along the Niagara River to the Class 6 rapids of the whirlpool.
Feel the facility of the Niagara River as you narrow through rapids with its triple turbo diesel water jet system for each propulsion and steering. This exhilarating jet boat tour is pure adrenaline. Check out Whirlpool Jet Boar Tours for availability here.
2. Helicopter Tour
If there’s one place to take a helicopter tour, it’s over Niagara Falls. Tours are quite reasonable, starting at 186 CAD. You’ll fly over the Niagara Gorge, Horseshoe Falls, Bridalveil Falls and the American Falls. Book your helicopter tour here.
3. Hornblower
Called the Maid of the Mist within the USA, The Hornblower is one of the best experience on each side of the border. The Hornblower has been operating since 1846, shuttling people across to the United States. In 1885, they began taking passengers to an up-close and private view of the Horseshoe Falls.
It is an exciting experience to be so near the falling water. The boat goes right contained in the Horseshoe Falls as thundering water surrounds you. You will get very wet as you go directly into the mist of Horseshoe Falls, but rain ponchos are provided and that is an experience you have to not miss. Book the Hornblower in Advance – Skip the ticket booth and take the funicular straight to the dock with easy cancellation inside 24 hours of activity.
4. WildPlay Zipline to the Falls
If you ought to have one of the epic ziplining experiences, hop on the WildPlay Zipline to the Falls. This thrilling ride takes you high above the Niagara Gorge, offering a bird’s-eye view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, The American, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Ride the elevator to 67 meters (220 feet) above the falls after which soar along the Niagara River Gorge for 670 meters (2,200 feet), where you’ll reach speeds of 70+ kph (40+ mph). This is one Niagara attraction you’ll always remember. Book your ZipLine in Advance here to beat the frenzy.
5. Niagara Power Station
The Niagara Falls Power Station has quickly turn out to be a fan favorite of one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls. Take a glass elevator down 54 meters (180 feet) to explore the primary major Canadian power plant on the Niagara River. You’ll walk the 670-meter (2,200-feet) long tunnel that results in an remark deck on the Niagara River.
The interactive museum showcases the wealthy history of the Niagara Falls area. You’ll see how pioneers harnessed the facility of Horseshoe Falls. At night, there’s a sound and lightweight show that features an interactive light display set to music.
The tunnel is a tremendous walkthrough of history and a feat of engineering, and it comes out on a incredible remark deck with views of Canada’s Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls.
6. Journey Behind the Falls
The Hornblower would be the Fall’s most famous attraction, but we love the Journey Behind the Falls much more! When visiting Niagara Falls, be certain so as to add this to your bucket list.
Located on the Table Rock Welcome Center, You descend 125 feet from above the falls to the center of the cascade. You then get to explore 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 explore behind the scenes of the Canadian horseshoe falls, you come out to an remark deck right beside the falls, where you’ll get to see them firsthand from the outdoor viewing platform. It’s one other attraction in Niagara Falls that’s sure to get your clothes very wet, but don’t worry, rain ponchos are provided.
The WeGo Bus stops here and there are restaurants, souvenir stores, and cafes, and you can too watch Niagara’s Fury on the Table Rock Center, which is included in your Adventure Pass. The Niagara adventure pass makes the proper gift. Check out the choices here.
7. Niagara SkyWheel
The Niagara SkyWheel might be seen throughout town, and when visiting Niagara Falls, you actually must go for a ride. This 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel offers fabulous views of the falls and the encompassing area. Each enclosed gondola can hold as much as six passengers, they usually are climate-controlled. There is a running commentary throughout the revolutions, and you have got loads of time to take photos and luxuriate in the scenery.
Get there early within the morning to avoid the crowds. We went on a weekday and were first up, so we had the gondola all to ourselves. The Niagara SkyWheel is included in your Clifton Hill Fun Pass
8. Skylon Tower
Skylon Tower isn’t only a dining establishment; it is usually an remark deck and one among the highest Niagara Falls attractions. The Skyon Tower is Niagara’s answer to Toronto’s CN Tower, and it really does offer one of the best views of Niagara Falls, Canada, and the American Falls. There is an out of doors viewing platform that takes you 360 degrees for panoramic views. Book this better of Niagara Falls at Night Tour including entry to the Skylon Tower
A 52-second ride takes you to the highest of the Skylon Tower for views of the Falls, the Niagara Gorge, and the encompassing area,, including Buffalo, New York, across the river. There is an remark deck and a 4D movie show. Of course, if you are there, you’ll be able to have dinner on the revolving restaurant.
9. Whirlpool Aerocar
Now, moving slightly out of town is the Whirlpool Aerocar. If you have got visited Niagara Falls a couple of times, that is a fantastic attraction so as to add to the list. What we don’t love about that is that lines can get long since it could actually only do one trip at a time.
Located along the WeGo route, the Whirlpool Aerocar is a component 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 course of the Niagara River.
10. Illumination of the Falls & Fireworks
Fireworks occur nightly in the summertime months, they usually are among the finest things to do in Niagara Falls at no cost! When dusk sets in, the falls are illuminated, and throughout the summer months, there’s a incredible fireworks display.
Be sure to get your house early; it fills up, and you want to scout your spot and keep on with it. You may select one among the numerous restaurants that overlook the falls and eat a late dinner for a spectacular view.
Fireworks occur at different times all year long. The Winter Festival of Lights spans over 40 Nights throughout the Festival from November to Feb. and nightly within the summertime. The falls are illuminated each night, so even when fireworks aren’t happening, you’ll still have a lightweight show every night of the 12 months.
11. Dine with a View of The Falls
Since I discussed watching fireworks from one among the restaurants overlooking the falls, I believed I should let you recognize what restaurants in Niagara Falls overlook the falls. Eating with a view is one among our favourite things to do in Niagara Falls. I never tire of that view. Some of one of the best restaurants with a view include The Keg Steakhouse, Massimo’s Italian, Skylon Tower Restaurant, Prime Steakhouse, Table Rock Restaurant, and Morton’s Grill. Read our complete:15 Best Views of Niagara Falls
12. Wonders of Magic Show
If casinos aren’t your thing, absorb a Magic Show at Niagara Falls. The Vegas-style show is a wild magic illusion show featuring Greg Frewin on the Greg Frewin Theatre.
This is the longest-running show in Niagara, with 1 Million Guests having fun with the World Champion of Magic and Canada’s Top Illusionist performance. We saw this years ago and plan on going back to enjoy a buffet dinner followed by a magic show. It showcases illusions, classic magic, and a fun story for families and adults. Check out the Evolution of Magic for more details. Book tickets prematurely here.
13. White Water Walk
The White Water Walk is an incredible opportunity to stand up near the Class 6 rapids of the Niagara River. Included in your adventure pass, an elevator takes you 70 meters (229 feet) all the way down to the Niagara Gorge to a picket platform built right beside the most important series of standing waves in North America
The Whitewater Walk is open from mid-April to mid-November and might be accessed from the Niagara Parkway or the WeGo People mover, which is included in your adventure pass. It is a straightforward and accessible outdoor adventure.
14. Niagara Glen
Residents won’t be too thrilled with me sharing the Niagara Glen area of Niagara Falls. There are a bunch of trails covering an area of 42 acres with old-growth trees, massive boulders, and delightful scenery. If you’re on the lookout for an out of doors adventure, you’ll be able to go hiking anytime between sunrise and sunset. Admission to Niagara Glen Nature Reserve is free.
You may even see people bouldering within the Glen. If you choose to provide it a try, bouldering permits might be purchased on the Niagara Glen Nature Centre. Check out: Niagara Falls Road Trip – The Best of the Niagara Parkway
15. Nightmares Fear Factory
Want to get your blood pumping again? This is one scary haunted house. Located at the highest of Clifton Hill across from Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Nightmares is a must for anyone who loves a great scare.
It is horrifying, alright; legend has it that it was built on the positioning of an old coffin factory. The proprietor was killed in a prank gone bad and has haunted the halls ever since. If you turn out to be too scared contained in the maze of nightmares, you’ll be able to chicken out. Don’t feel bad for those who do, over 100,000 people have chickened out through the years. We went in pondering we’d be tremendous, but let me inform you, I held on to Dave for dear life!
16. Clifton Hill Fun Pass
A visit to Niagara Falls wouldn’t be complete without visiting Clifton Hill, the Street of Fun on the Falls. Kids and adults alike will love Dracula’s Castle, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Wax Museums, Midways, and haunted houses. Read all about Clifton Hill here.
This area also has Casino Niagara and the Fallsview Indoor Water Park, making it a fantastic destination for all ages. There are loads of restaurants, bars, cafes, and attractions along Clifton Hill, and it’s price walking up from the Oakes Garden Theater, which has great views of the falls.
An excellent option is to purchase the Clifton Hill Fun Pass, which supplies you access to 6 Niagara Falls attractions. It gives you access to most of the attractions within the Midway and on Clifton Hill, just like the Niagara SkyWheel, Movieland Wax Museum, and the 6D Interactive adventure rides Cosmic Coaster and Zombie Attack! Clifton Hill can also be a fantastic place to go when on the lookout for things to do in Niagara Falls at night.
Some other not-to-miss attractions on Clifton Hill include 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 area is fun for the entire family.
17. Butterfly Conservatory
Enter the climate-controlled rainforest and be surrounded by 1000’s of butterflies flying through the air as you walk along the trail. As you enter, the humidity hits your face, making you are feeling as for those who’ve entered a rainforest. Created to mimic the natural habitat of butterflies, this beautiful environment has waterfalls, pools, and luxurious vegetation.
There can also be an academic element, as you learn in regards to the life cycle of butterflies and may study their behavior. The Butterfly Conservator is included in Niagara Pass, and it truly is a must-visit destination. The conservatory is wheelchair accessible and suitable for visitors of all ages.
18. Fallsview Casino Resort
Fallsview Casino Resort has turn out to be an enormous draw to Niagara Falls. There are two casinos in Niagara: Casino Niagara near Clifton Hill and the more extravagant Fallsview Casino entertainment complex.
We’re not big on gambling, however the Fallsview Casino Resort is a wonderful place to go to. Besides the casino, it has a world-class music venue that pulls a number of the top artists within the business. Billy Joel played Fallsview just last week! Fallsviews isn’t only a casino; it’s a resort complete with international music acts and 5-star dining. There’s shopping, five different restaurants, and two nightclubs.
19. Niagara’s Fury
While you’re at Journey Behind the Falls, pop in to see the 4D movie that’s included along with your Adventure Pass. Niagara Fury is plenty of fun for the entire family, especially the youngsters. This immersive 360-degree cinema recreates the history of the falls complete with wind, mist, and vibrations make you are feeling as for those who are right beside the mighty waterfall.
Ponchos are handed out beforehand and if you ought to get wet, stand on the very front. It is situated on the Table Rock Welcome Center, and you’ll be able to grab a bite to eat here.
20. Botanical Gardens
Dave and I even have visited Niagara Falls countless times and it wasn’t until two years ago that we finally stopped on the Botanical Gardens. It’s a quiet retreat and it’s the proper spot to capture some Instagram photographs.
It’s funny that we’d never walked through the gardens since the Butterfly Conservatory is situated in the identical spot. But up to now, we skipped the gardens and went straight to the butterflies. But it’s price walking through the Botanical Gardens because it is gorgeous and is a quiet retreat from the chaos of the opposite attractions. The Butterfly Conservatory is included within the Niagara Adventure Pass.
21. Floral Clock
I never cared for the Floral Clock as a child, but every time we return to Niagara, we at all times take a fast trip to the clock. It is a must-see attraction if you visit Niagara Falls just because it’s been around for thus long. The WEGO bus stops here, so that you don’t even have to make a special trip.
It is powered by Ontario Hydro, which is fitting since these mighty waterfalls power much of the Eastern Seaboard. It can also be the most important floral clock on this planet.
22. Niagara on the Lake
The only reason Niagara on the Lake is situated to date down is since it is a bit off the beaten path and is its own destination in its own right. Located on Lake Ontario on the mouth of the Niagara River, that is one among the highest tourist destinations in Ontario.
The Shaw Festival attracts theatre lovers, and for those who love browsing shops and native artisans at work, that is the place for you. If you’re feeling romantic, take a horse-drawn carriage ride across the historic sites of Niagara on the Lake. We have a full article dedicated to this town at 15 Amazing Things to do in Niagara on the Lake – Canada
23. Tour the Niagara Wine Route
After all that excitement from the more adventurous attractions, hop on the Niagara wine route in the fantastic Niagara wine region. Only quarter-hour from downtown Niagara there are award-winning wineries spanning from the Niagara Escarpment and along Lake Ontario just waiting to be explored.
If you choose to remain in Niagara on the Lake, you’ll be able to rent a bicycle and go on your personal or join a bicycle tour. There are limo tours, funky bus tours, horse tours, and more to drink wine without having to drive. Popular Niagara Wineries include Peller Estates, Trius, Inniskillin, Two Sisters, Wayne Gretzky, and Vineland Estates.
24. Fort George National Historic Site
The Fort George National Historic Site is situated just outside of Niagara on the Lake. During the War of 1812, it was a strategic fort protecting the then-British Colony from the United States. Visit the fort to see re-enactments of The Red Coats firing their muskets and experience life two centuries ago.
It is a must-visit for history buffs to see this outpost, which was the positioning of the Battle of Fort George in 1813. There are several exhibits with actors wearing historic clothing putting on musket demonstrations, military reenactments, and learning about what life was like throughout the War of 1812.
25. Water Parks
Niagara Falls has two water parks. The Skylon Hotel & Waterpark is situated at Clifton Hill, but for those who actually need to spend a while at a Water Park, Great Wolf Lodge in our alternative. I’ll always remember spending a couple of days while working at YTV and having a blast in its 100,000-square-foot indoor water park, complete with wave pools, water slides, and a lazy river. Check prices here.
Staying on the hotel is a fun getaway for the family. While we wouldn’t do that anymore, I do know that our neighbors love booking a stay at Great Wolf Lodge with the youngsters.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
We have an entire guide to one of the best places to remain in Niagara Falls here. But for those who are on the lookout for some suggestions without delay, we recommend the Fallsview Casino area for one of the best views of the falls out of your hotel room and dining. Read our complete guide: Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
Our favorite place is Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel and Spa. We just stayed there last week and had an impressive room with a view of Horseshoe Falls, and enjoyed its Scandinavian style Spa experience. Marriott on the Falls across the road is great too with views of Horseshoe Falls.
If you ought to stay near Clifton Hill, we just like the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel it has great views of the Niagara River American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Getting Around Niagara Falls
When you visit Niagara Falls, traveling by automobile is good, but for those who are visiting from in a foreign country or taking a side trip from Toronto, you don’t need a automobile. If you purchase an attraction pass, it gives you access to the WEGO Bus that visits the key attractions.
Bicycle rentals can be found and are a wonderful approach to see the realm. Dave and I once rode bikes all of the approach to Niagara on the Lake from downtown Niagara to tour some wineries. You may book tours out to Niagara from Toronto.
There are loads of parking lots around Niagara Falls, and hotels have parking, including valet.
Getting to Niagara Falls
Buses operate from downtown Toronto and Buffalo, New York. We normally drive to Niagara Falls since we live an hour away, but we now have taken the bus from Toronto by booking through Busbud, and it was quick and simple. The only downfall is that it’s a few 30-minute walk from the bus terminal to the attractions.
Trains travel from New York City to Toronto and Cleveland. Once you get to Niagara Falls, it is simple to get around, as most attractions are inside walking distance. Alternatively, you’ll be able to hop on the WeGo People mover to get to the attractions outside town center.
You can drive to Niagara Falls from the United States by crossing the Rainbow Bridge. Pedestrians may walk across Rainbow Bridge to go to either side of the border. Read: How to Get From Toronto to Niagara Falls – Bus, Train, Transit, And Car
Tours can easily be booked to Niagara on the Lake and on the Wine Trail, where they are going to pick you up out of your hotel.
How much time do you wish for Niagara Falls?
Two days is a great period of time in Niagara Falls to see most of its attractions. Read our complete guide: 48 Hours in Niagara Falls Canada
How long does Journey Behind the Falls take?
The Journey Behind the Falls takes about an hour. You can be standing in line for the elevator and looking out out the portals and having fun with the view from the surface viewing platform directly beside the falls. So plan on an hour.
Is someday enough for Niagara Falls?
One day in Niagara Falls is sufficient to see the falls and luxuriate in a couple of of its top attractions, corresponding to Journey Behind the Falls, Hornblower, White Water Walk, and a few of Clifton Hill. Read our complete guide: The Perfect One Day in Niagara Falls Itinerary
What is one of the best time of day to see Niagara Falls?
The best time of day to see Niagara Falls is early within the morning. Crowds are less, and the sunshine is gorgeous. Niagara Falls can also be beautiful at night because the falls are lit up with colours throughout the illumination of the falls and nightly fireworks throughout the summer months.
Is 2 hours enough for Niagara Falls?
2 hours isn’t enough time to see Niagara Falls unless all you ought to do is take a take a look at it. If that’s the case, you’ll be able to see Niagara Falls in two hours.
Can you see Niagara Falls without paying?
Yes, you’ll be able to see Niagara Falls without paying. The promenade is free to walk and offers beautiful views of the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. You may even go right as much as the highest of Niagara Falls from the Table Rock Center.
We have visited Niagara Falls countless times and don’t need Niagara Falls tourism photos or help to share one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada. We haven’t worked with Niagara Falls tourism, and all opinions are our own.
And these are our greatest Niagara Falls Travel Tips! Did we miss anything? Have any questions? Leave them within the comments below.
