Here are the top things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada, from the excitement of Clifton Hill to the nature of the parks and gardens nearby. Show
We’ve spent more than 3 years and countless trips to check out all the top Canada attractions, and there’s no disputing that one of the main bucket-list destinations for most visitors is Niagara Falls in Ontario. Niagara Falls is best known as the collection of 3 waterfalls formed by the powerful Niagara River, but it also refers to the town which straddles the border of New York state and Canada’s Ontario province. Visiting the town and the famous falls is one of the top things to do in Canada. There are so many amazing activities in this charming town, including exploring Niagara Falls State Park, the nearby wine region, and other unique attractions and nature centres. Enjoy hiking trails, boat tours, lookout points, gardens, museums, and more. There is so much to see in addition to the falls, such as Clifton Hill, the entertainment centre of Niagara Falls, or the local botanical gardens and butterfly conservatory. There are also plenty of other natural sights to see in addition to the waterfalls, such as Niagara Gorge, River, and Whirlpool. You are sure to have an amazing experience in the Niagara Region while exploring the local nature, history, and culture. Our list of the 19 best things to do in Niagara Falls will outline some of the top attractions in the area so you know what to do when you arrive! Don’t forget to check out our ultimate Canada travel guide before your trip! Table of Contents
The Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls, CanadaEnjoy our list of the best things to do in Niagara Falls. Most of these activities and attractions will focus on the waterfalls, including the best tours and companies to go with for exploring the Canadian side of the area. We will include a few attractions other than the falls, such as Clifton Hill, Niagara Gorge and Whirlpool, and more. Niagara Falls State Park sits on the American side and consists of American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and part of Horseshoe Falls. You can easily head over to the American side while staying in Canada (assuming you have a valid passport and US visa), but the attractions we list will focus on the Canadian side. 1. Niagara Falls Boat TourOf course, the top thing to do when visiting Niagara Falls is seeing the world-famous waterfalls themselves. Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the three waterfalls and is located on the Canadian side. American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are located on the American side. There is a large variety of boat tours that take you up close to the falls, from both the American and Canadian sides. Maid of the Mist is the most popular boat tour from the American side. Maid of the Mist tours take you up to Horseshoe Falls and American Falls by boat, and most guided tours also take you on a walking tour of Niagara Falls State Park. On the Canadian Side, most boat tours also include entry to Journey Behind the Falls, which we’ll cover in the next point because it’s one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls. There are so many boat tours to choose from, including half-day sightseeing tours and pricey boat tours with helicopter rides. A Niagara Hornblower Cruise is a popular option on the Canada side. Hornblower cruises get you up close to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls so you can feel the mist on your face. 2. Journey Behind the FallsOne of the coolest experiences to have in Niagara Falls is going behind the waterfall itself. A Journey Behind the Falls Tour takes you behind Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the 3 waterfalls. Horseshoe Falls makes up the Canadian side and is located between Goat Island and Table Rock. The waterfall was named because it is curved like a Horseshoe. Approximately 90% of the Niagara River tumbles over Horseshoe Falls, so it is an extremely powerful and impressive sight to see. A Journey Behind The Falls entry ticket allows you to get right up close to the falls via the Observation Deck. You also get access to the massive tunnels that are carved into the rocks behind the falls. In the tunnels, there are posters detailing some of the history and facts about the falls, so it’s a cool learning experience.
3. Watch Niagara’s FuryHosted by Niagara Parks, this 4D motion theatre shows the entire history of Niagara Falls dating all the way back to the Ice Age. If the magnificent Niagara Gorge and waterfalls astonish you, watching this incredible show will show you exactly how the area was formed over time. Sport a poncho as you watch the film because the theatre changes temperatures and mist and snow will float around you. It’s an immersive experience that showcases the power of Mother Nature. Read more about Niagara’s Fury on the Niagara Parks website.
4. Visit Niagara Parks Power StationThe mighty Niagara Falls isn’t just a tourist attraction, it’s also a source of power! Visit the Niagara Parks Power Station to learn all about how water from the Canadian falls generates hydropower. The visionaries who came up with this idea changed the way Canadians look at power and energy. The Power Station uses mainly water from Canadian Horseshoe Falls to create power for large areas. Heading over to the Power Station allows you to tour the station and learn all about the history, science, and engineering behind the first major power plant on the Canadian side of the falls.
Read next: 21 Awesome Things To Do In Toronto, Canada 5. Visit the Niagara Falls History MuseumAnyone interested in learning about the history of Niagara Falls should definitely visit the Niagara Falls History Museum. One of the top attractions in the town, this museum is affordable and fun for families. There are multiple different galleries and plenty of exhibitions on offer if you want to learn more about the history of Niagara Falls. In addition to this museum, there are three other historical museums highlighting different significant events in the town’s past.
6. Zipline to the FallsAn epic way to experience Niagara Falls Canada is ziplining. With a guided ziplining tour, you can soar over the Niagara Gorge and get a new perspective of the sights. Get a boost of adrenaline as you sail through the air past American Falls. You’ll end at the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, where you will disembark and take a van back to the starting point. This is one of the top Niagara Falls attractions for those who love extreme sports and getting out of their comfort zone.
7. See Fireworks Over the Falls at NightOne of the most magical sights you’ll ever see is a colourful fireworks display right over Niagara Falls. During the busy summer season, from May until October, there are fireworks every night around 10pm. Though they are subject to weather conditions, you can see incredible fireworks displays every night during summer. The best viewpoints are Queen Victoria Park, Oakes Garden Theatre, and Table Rock Centre. Any up high such as the Observation Tower or the Skylon Tower are also great options. 8. Dine with a View of Niagara FallsOne of the best things to do in Niagara Falls is treat yourself to a luxurious dinner or lunch with a view of all the falls. There are some awesome restaurants in both Niagara Falls NY and Canada, so you have plenty of options. The Skylon Tower is one of the most popular. There is a restaurant and observation deck up here where you can enjoy an incredible view of the falls. Watermark Restaurant, Revolve Dining Room, and Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant are all great options. Top of the Falls Restaurant on Goat Island also has prime views, as does the Niagara Falls Observation Tower restaurant.
9. Visit the Niagara Parks Butterfly ConservatoryAnother one of the top things to do in Niagara Falls is the Butterfly Conservatory. Run by the Niagara Parks Conservatory, the Butterfly Conservatory is home to over 2,000 butterflies and 45 different species. It is also one of the largest butterfly conservatories in North America. In addition to admiring the colorful butterflies, you can stroll through the glass-enclosed space and enjoy the serenity of this green garden oasis. Visit the Niagara Parks website to read more about the space and the butterflies they protect there.
10. Stroll Through the Niagara Falls Botanical GardensAnother one of the major attractions in the area hosted by Niagara Parks is the Botanical Gardens. With 99 acres of landscaped gardens, walking trails, and relaxing picnic areas, the Botanical Gardens are a stunning place to spend a few hours. Visit one of North America’s largest rose gardens here, which has over 2,400 roses. Or just meander aimlessly through the walking paths and unique gardens full of gorgeous plants and flowers. This is easily one of the best Niagara Falls attractions, and it’s free!
11. See the Floral ClockA fun thing to do when you visit Niagara Falls is see the Floral Clock. Located on the Niagara Parkway on the drive up to Niagara on the Lake, there is a large clock made entirely out of flowers. It’s a colorful, beautiful sight that is 40 feet in diameter and full of thousands of flowers. The clock is well maintained by Niagara Parks and is a unique stop while you’re traveling around the Niagara Falls region.
Heading to Montreal next? Check out our 3 days in Montreal itinerary! 12. Hike the Niagara Glen Nature CentreNorth of downtown Niagara Falls is the Niagara Glen Nature Centre, operated by Niagara Parks. Located at the top of Niagara Gorge and overlooking the river, this is the best place to come before exploring the nature of the area. Get trail maps and guides for some of the Niagara region’s best hiking trails. You can also get permits and supplies for bouldering and rock climbing. For those who aren’t planning on hiking or climbing, still head to the Niagara Glen Nature Centre for educational programs and exhibits where you can learn more about the flora and fauna of Ontario’s forests.
13. White Water WalkAnother one of the best Niagara Falls attractions is the White Water Walk, a self-guided walking trail that covers the highlights of the Niagara River. This scenic boardwalk along the river brings you alongside the raging rapids of the Niagara River. For those who want to see the rapids without getting out on the water, this is a peaceful and safe alternative. There are lots of informational signs and stories along the way about the geology and history of the Niagara Gorge as well. You can also stop off at the many viewing platforms to get incredible photos of the rapids.
14. Niagara Whirlpool Aero CarJust downstream from Niagara Falls is the Niagara Whirlpool, a natural whirlpool in Niagara Gorge formed by the Niagara River. The Niagara Whirlpool is a fascinating natural sight to see, and the Whirlpool Aero Car takes you right over it. Ride in the Whirlpool Aero Car, a vintage cable car that provides the best views of the Niagara River rapids and the Whirlpool. This is one of the most fun things to do in Niagara Falls, and it allows you to see a different sight besides the famous waterfalls.
15. Enjoy the Clifton Hill AttractionsClifton Hill is one of the top Niagara Falls attractions. This bustling promenade near Rainbow Bridge and the Niagara River is home to restaurants, shops, theme parks, and lots of entertainment. It is the main tourist area of Niagara Falls, and there are so many fun things to do here. One of the top attractions in Clifton Hill is the Niagara Skywheel. This 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel allows you to soar up in the air and see an aerial view of the falls. Other than Niagara Skywheel, other attractions include the Speedway Go Kart track, a Movieland Wax Museum, Dinosaur Adventure Golf, and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum. There are plenty of other rides, roller coasters, and quirky museums and restaurants on Clifton Hill. If you’re visiting Niagara Falls with kids, Clifton Hill is a must. Book a package of 6 rides at Clifton Hill here!
16. Whirlpool Jet Boat TourOne of the more thrilling Niagara Falls attractions is going on a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour of the Niagara River. Head through the class 5 rapids of the Niagara Whirlpool and Devil’s Hole, both of which will definitely spike your adrenaline. This type of boat tour isn’t like white water rafting; it’s a more secure experience as you’re riding in a climate-controlled boat. This activity can be done year-round, and you won’t get soaking wet. It’s a safe and comfortable way to get out on the water and see the rapids of the Niagara River up close.
17. Visit the Fort George National Historic SiteThis military fortification in Canada is an interesting historic site to check out during your visit. Though Fort George was mostly damaged during the War of 1812, the spot served as an important military base for the British, US, and Canadian armies. Due to significant renovations after the War of 1812, Fort George has become a fun tourist attraction for visitors to this corner of Canada. Locals recreate the atmosphere of a Victorian Town, and there are often people dressed up in traditional clothing and uniforms from the 1800s. Check out the Parks Canada website for more info about the events, hours, and demonstrations at the National Historic Site.
For more ideas in the area, here is our list of the best day trips from Toronto. 18. Explore the Niagara Wine RegionSomething that often slips beneath the rader of tourists in Canada is the Niagara Wine Region. More specifically referred to as the Niagara On The Lake Region, this area just south of Toronto is full of some amazing wineries and vineyards. A day trip out here is a fun excursion from the town center of Niagara Falls, and it allows you to see more of the area and taste some of the local delicacies. On this guided half day tour, you’ll get to visit three local wineries and enjoy tastings: Pillitteri Estates, Inniskillin, and Konzelmann Estates. A guided tour is the perfect way to do this if you want to drink some wine without having to worry about driving. If you are driving yourself, consider hitting up some other top wineries as well, including Cave Spring Cellars and Vineland Estates Winery. Niagara On The Lake is just a stunning area as well, so just wander through the flower-filled streets after doing your wine tastings. Book your wine tasting tour here on Get Your Guide. 19. Walk Across Rainbow BridgeOne of the easiest and cheapest ways to enjoy the waterfalls is Rainbow Bridge. This international bridge crosses over Niagara Gorge and allows people to walk, drive, or cycle from the Canadian side to the American side of the falls. Don’t forget to bring your passport! You get a spectacular view of the falls from up here, and it’s an easy, stress-free way to get a good vantage point. Niagara Falls Attraction PassGetting a Niagara Falls Attraction Pass is a great way to see as many tourist sights at a great price. On our recent visit to Niagara Falls, we purchased the Niagara Falls Attractions Pass. We felt the pass had amazing value, with no waiting in lines to purchase tickets for attractions, less waiting time, and unlimited use of the WEGO bus which was perfect for where we wanted to visit. We highly recommend this pass to make your time in Niagara Falls fuss-free. These are the passes available and the attractions included with each one:
If you purchase a Niagara Falls Attraction Pass, every one includes a 2-day WEGO bus systems. The Adventure Pass Plus and Falls Pass include a 2 day pass for the Falls Incline Railway also. Where to Stay in Niagara FallsNow that you know the best things to do in Niagara Falls, here are some recommendations on where to stay. Best Hostel in Niagara Falls: Gorge ViewThe only hostel in Niagara Falls is Gorge View on the New York side. It’s very well priced and has a fun, social environment. There are over 600 positive reviews on Hostelworld and it gets an 8.9 out of 10. So it’s a favorite among travelers, and an amazing place to stay on a budget. Best Budget Accommodation for Couples: Glengate HotelAnother budget option for travelers is the Glengate Hotel. Here you can get your own room for similar prices to the hostel. This hotel is located on the Canada side so if you’re coming from Canada, you don’t need to worry about border crossings. Enjoy free breakfast and wifi, and cozy room with a tv, and all the best attractions within walking distance. Best Mid-Range Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites by RadissonFor a slightly more upscale option, consider staying at Radisson’s Country Inn & Suites. This moderately priced hotel has a fitness center, swimming pool, free breakfast and wifi, and is also within walking distance to all the top attractions in Niagara Falls. Best Luxury Accommodation: Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & SuitesEasily the best accommodation in Niagara Falls is the Hilton and Fallsview Hotel. This stunning hotel is located right in front of the falls and has all the amenities you may want. There are also plenty of restaurants on site if you’re looking for an elegant dining experience. Fallsview Casino Resort is connected to the Hitlon and the Fallsview Hotel via a covered walkway, so you can reach all the best parts of the hotel without even having to step outside. Getting Around Niagara FallsGetting around Niagara Falls is very easy. There are taxis available but they have a great bus system that will get you to the attractions you want. Like we said above, if you purchase the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass, it includes a 2-day pass for the Falls Incline Railway and the WEGO bus systems. It is a great value! WEGO Bus SystemThe bus is the easiest and cheapest way to get around Niagara Falls. Visit the official website to check fares and routes. If you aren’t purchasing the Adventure Pass which includes your bus pass, you can also get passes that cover the follow time frames and prices:
Falls Incline RailwayThe Falls Incline Railway is a scenic and easy way to get to various tourist hotspots around the town. It runs from 9am – 11pm every day. It doesn’t reach as many places as the bus, but if you’re staying in the main town center you can reach everything here. Railway Costs for all ages:
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend! What is there to do in Niagara from Toronto?Research this list to see what would make your family the happiest to check out.. Fallsview Indoor Waterpark.. Adventure City.. Hershey's Chocolate World Niagara Falls.. The Fun Factory Niagara Falls.. The Great Canadian Midway.. What can you do on a day trip to Niagara Falls?7 Must-Do Niagara Falls Activities and Experiences. Niagara Falls State Park. ... . Maid of the Mist Boat Tour. ... . Old Fort Niagara. ... . Cave of the Winds. ... . Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruise. ... . Niagara Gorge Hiking Trails. ... . Niagara Jet City Cruises & Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours.. Can you do a day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto?Niagara makes for an ideal day trip from Toronto, combining the majestic falls, wineries and lots of fun and entertainment. The distance from Toronto to Niagara is 82 miles one way (131.95 kilometers). You can reach Niagara via road, bus, train or take a day tour.
Is 2 days enough in Niagara Falls?With so much to see and do, one day is never enough. Plan to stay 2-3 nights to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Falls, exciting attractions, nature, parks and hiking trails. Visit local wineries, breweries, distilleries, and eat and drink like a local.
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