Niagara falls area sits on the border between America and Canada. Niagara falls is actually the collective name of The 3 waterfalls in Niagara. The American falls and the bridal falls sit on the American side and the famous Horseshoe falls has the border running through the middle.
The views are best from the Canadian side and hence this is where most people visit.
My list of 10 things is from the couple of times I’ve stayed at Niagara on the Canadian side a couple of times.
Getting around the city is easy, most attractions are within walking distance and the others are easily accessible by the WEGO a hop on, hop off bus.
Niagaraparks.com is the best place to buy tickets, they sell different types of packages which work out much cheaper than buying individual tickets. Some also include 48 hours WEGO ticket.
1. Hornblower Niagara Cruises
A boat ride past the beautiful American falls and on to the base of the enormous horseshoe falls. The boat is on full power just to stay close to this impressive waterfall. A very fetching red disposable poncho is handed out, so be prepared to get very wet! The experience is my favourite there, you can really appreciate the power of the falls.
2. Journey behind the falls.
An elevator descends you 125 ft to 130 year old tunnels. Here you can walk behind the mighty Horseshoe falls and peak out behind the water. The thunder of the water echoing through the tunnels is immense. Interpretive boards tell you about the history of the tunnels and falls. There’s also a viewing platform next to the falls, another poncho is given out, this time yellow. So again you’re going to get wet.
3. Niagara’s fury.
A 4D show in a 360 degree theatre tells you about the formation of the falls during the ice age. This show is mainly aimed at kids but it’s also fun for adults too. And yes another poncho, blue to add to the collection. And yes you’ve guessed it. Wet.
4. White water walk.
This time go further north so the WEGO transport comes in handy. Once there an elevator drops you 70m down to the Niagara river. The boardwalk runs alongside the river for 1/4 mile.
These class 6 rapids speed along the rocks, tumbling the water into impressive plumes and spouts.
Interpretive boards along the way explain the wildlife and the river.
5. Whirlpool Aero car
This aero car takes you from one side of the river and back again. The car passes over the whirlpool, a formation made along the river by the strong flow of water. This car was actually first in service in 1916! which is amazing.
6. Fireworks
Fireworks are set off above the falls, the best place to view these are down by the falls themselves but if you’re lucky getting a good spot up on the hills or especially in one of the restaurants overlooking the falls. Times vary throughout the year. Nov – Jan every Friday night. Summer every night and the shoulder seasons every Fri & Sat night. usually about 10pm.
7. Butterfly Conservatory & Botanical gardens
Again further north, so jump on the WEGO. The 99 acres of gardens are free to walk around but the butterfly conservatory is extra. There are 2000 butterflies in the conservatory. So definitely worth a visit.
8. Floral Clock
This clock is at the end of the north WEGO route. The clock face is made up of flowers and is changed every year. At the back you can go inside to see the old workings of this clock and on the walls are pictures of the different faces of the clock from 1950.
9. Zipline to the falls.
The zipline is located near to the Hornblower cruises, this 2200ft zipline takes you past the American falls all the way down into the gorge. Take it if you dare.
10. Floral showhouse
This time travel south, a short walk will take you here. Its a nice walk along side the wide river to this small conservatory which contains a wide collection of flowers and plants. its only $5 entrance so a cheap way to spend some time.
Other suggestions
The Table Rock Center contains the Journey behind the falls, Niagara’s Fury. Information center and souvenir shops. Above it is Elements on the Falls a restaurant with good food and even better views of the Horseshoe falls.
Queen Victoria Place is another good place for a drink or dinner. With its outside terraces overlooking the American falls it’s also a good place to watch the fireworks.
Clifton hill is a colourful place to visit, slightly resembling Las Vegas with all its neon lights. Its a very different experience from the quiet nature around.
There’s loads of restaurants, shops and bars around. Also geared up for kids, so beware you may be spending a bit of money!!
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