The 5 Best Things to do in Niagara Falls
Once upon a time, some people believed Niagara Falls was only for honeymooners and daredevils who wanted to take a barrel over the vertical water drops. Today, the Canadian side of the Falls is much more. Beyond the views of natural beauty and roars of rushing water are restaurants, casinos, museums, wineries, and much more.
There is so much to do it can be hard to decide. To help you out, here are five of the best things to do in Niagara Falls.
1. Maid of the Mist & Journey Behind the Falls
Observing the Falls from one of the many surrounding walkways is truly impressive. Getting close and personal to its raw power is phenomenal. Both Maid of the Mist and Journey Behind the Falls help visitors see and feel that energy.
There aren’t too many boat tours where you are given rain ponchos when you board, but Maid of the Mist is one of them. As their boat gets feet away from the rushing waters you will get wet with the amount of mist and spray the falls emit. It amazes passengers of all ages.
Journey Behind the Falls also astounds. Instead of a boat ride, guests descend 125 feet into 130-year-old tunnels to come out behind the falls. From there, you can view one-fifth of the world’s fresh water through portals cut out of the rock. Or, you can visit the outside observation deck to be awed.
2. Cave of the Winds
Do you want to get even closer to the Falls? How about 20 feet. This is the distance between you and Bridal Veil Falls when you visit Cave of the Winds. Once you take the elevator 175 feet down to Niagara Gorge you step on the Hurricane Deck. Here you feel the wind and spray the falls emit.
3. Skylon Tower
Now over a half-century old, the Skylon Tower is the best place to see the entire falls without wearing a rain poncho. Its observation deck, which rises approximately 500 feet above the ground, features a 360-degree view of the American and Canadian Falls as well as the city that has built up around it since its opening.
In addition to the observation platform, the tower also contains a revolving dining room that displays a different view every time you look up from your meal. Skylon is also where you want to be to take in the Falls’ nightly illumination.
4. Clifton Hill
The area of Clifton Hill is somewhere between a boardwalk along the Jersey Shore and the Las Vegas Strip. It’s here that you can ride the Niagara Skywheel, visit the Movieland Wax Museum, play games at the Great Canadian Midway, or shoot the undead at Zombie Attack. At night, Clifton Hill is colorfully lit for everyone to enjoy some down time.
5. Niagara on the Lake
When the roar of the Falls and the crowds get too much, you may need to decompress. And this can be done in quiet style in Niagara on the Lake. Approximately 30 minutes from the Falls, the town lies between Lake Ontario and the foot of the Niagara River.
The area is filled with the old and new. It is the home to the historic Fort George as well as contemporary golf courses and wineries. You may even decide to stay at one of the Niagara on the Lake hotels or bed & breakfasts and travel to and from the Falls to avoid all the activity.
But wait … there’s more
The five attractions listed above are just the tip of the falls, so to speak. In addition, you may want to try some of these other things to do.
- Take a drive on the Niagara Scenic Parkway
- Stroll in Queen Victoria Park
- Cross the Rainbow Bridge between the U.S. and Canada
- View the Falls from Goat Island
- Try your luck at the Seneca Casino
- Visit the Butterfly Conservatory
Needless to say, Niagara Falls should not be a one-day visit. Use this guide to plan for a trip filled with wonder and water.
