CANADIAN SIDE

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls are some of the largest, most beautiful, and most famous waterfalls in the world. There are three parts to the falls, but the two main sections are the concave Horseshoe Falls, 640 meters across running from the Canadian shore to the American shore, and the American Falls, about 330 meters across, in the State of New York. There is also a small third section located between these two, known as Bridal Veil Falls. On the Canadian side of the falls, a walkway stretches from above the falls all the way along the edge of the gorge, providing spectacular views. At night, the falls are lit up in different colors.

Journey Behind the Falls

Journey Behind the Falls offers a close up view of the falls from the base of Horseshoe Falls. From the Table Rock Welcome Centre, an elevator takes visitors down 45 meters to tunnels with viewing portals behind the falls and an observation deck near the lower edge of the falls. From here, visitors can look up at the wall of water coming over Horseshoe Falls and feel the rush of mist on their faces. This view offers a unique perspective and a completely different experience than viewing the falls from above.

Skylon Tower

At a height of more than 235 meters above the falls, the Skylon Tower offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Escarpment, and the city. The tower features an indoor/outdoor observation area and two restaurants. The Revolving Dining Room is an upscale revolving restaurant, while the Summit Suite Buffet is a more mid-range family oriented establishment. Access to the observation decks is free for those who are dining at the tower.

Hornblower Cruises

Hornblower Cruises take visitors on close up tours to the base of all three falls in 700-passenger catamaran boats. There are different tour options, but cruises run all day and into the evening. This is a wet experience, and rain jackets are provided. Since the Maid of the Mist stopped operating out of Canada, this is the only boat tour option from the Canadian side that takes visitors to the base of the falls.

Whirlpool Aero Car

The Whirlpool Aero Car is an antique cable car in continuous operation since 1916 suspended above the roiling waters of the Whirlpool Rapids. Visitors can take a ten-minute trip over this portion of the Niagara River for a unique view of the powerful currents swirling around in a massive whirlpool below. The Niagara Aero Car travels approximately one kilometer from one side of the gorge to the other and can hold 35 standing people per trip.

Niagara Parkway

The Niagara Parkway is a scenic drive running from Niagara-on-the-Lake, past Niagara Falls to Fort Erie, following the gorge. The road, lined by parks and green space, has many interesting sights along the way where visitors can stop. Some of the most popular features along the parkway are the Floral Clock, Whirlpool Rapids, and the Butterfly Conservatory. A paved pathway for walking and biking runs alongside the Niagara Parkway.

Butterfly Conservatory

The Butterfly Conservatory, along the Niagara Parkway, is home to 2,000 free-flying butterflies. The glass-enclosed conservatory with waterfalls and tropical plants features more than 40 different species of butterflies. This attraction is open year round making it particularly popular during the winter months when the outside gardens are not in bloom.

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours operate out of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a short drive from Niagara Falls, and take visitors on thrilling jet boat rides through class 5 whitewater rapids. Tours are in open boats during the summer and dome covered boats in the spring and fall. Visitors should prepare to get wet! Tours are also educational, offering information on the geology and history of the area.

MarineLand

MarineLand is one of Southern Ontario’s biggest summertime family attractions. The facility is both a full scale amusement park with all kinds of rides and games, and an impressive marine park with shows featuring whales and dolphins. Located in Niagara Falls, Marineland is also a popular day trip from Toronto and the surrounding area.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a quaint little town on the shores of Lake Ontario just a 20-minute drive from Niagara Falls along the Niagara Parkway. The town has a strong mid-19th-century appearance owing largely to its history. During the war of 1812, part of the town was razed and as a result, much of the original architecture was built in the years following the war. Building by-laws have since ensured that newer architecture is built in similar style, resulting in this charming town where horse-drawn carriages pulling tourists through the streets blend beautifully with the old-style buildings. Some tours of Niagara Falls, particularly those from Toronto, include stops in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where visitors can wander through the shops or enjoy a meal. The area is particularly lovely in fall with the changing color of the leaves.

US SIDE

Niagara Falls State Park

Niagara Falls State Park is New York’s oldest state park, opened in 1885, and home to a trio of impressive waterfalls and five islands on the Niagara River. Overall, the park covers 400 acres that include nature and bike trails, picnic facilities, and scenic photo-ops. For those whose legs need a break, the park’s vintage-style trolley brings visitors to the park’s main attractions, like the Observation Tower, where there are panoramic views of all three falls. There are also sightseeing tours available, including boat tours like the Maid of the Mist and other close-up experiences. The park’s visitor center also has a lot to offer, including historical exhibits, a gift shop, multiple restaurants, and the Adventure Theater. Here, visitors can enjoy a 40-minute “4-D” presentation that combines film and sensory effects, like spray from the falls, to provide an immersive experience for the whole family. Maps, area information, and tickets for the park’s attractions can also be found at the visitor center. The falls are lit at night, and there are fireworks presentations throughout the year.

Maid of the Mist

The Maid of the Mist is the longest-running boat tour of the falls, in operation since 1846. It is also the most popular of attractions at Niagara Falls State Park, and for good reason. Tourists embark from the base of the Observation Tower, donning the blue ponchos and setting out in the river into Niagara Gorge on a double-decker boat. The 30-minute tour visits both American Falls and Horseshoe Falls, riding up close to the base where hundreds of thousands of gallons of water crash down each second. This unforgettable tour operates in season from April through November, and tickets are purchased in the state park’s visitor center.

Goat Island’s Cave of Winds

From Prospect Point, a path crosses a bridge on to little Green Island, in the middle of the rapids just above the American Falls, and then over another bridge on to Goat Island, between the American and the Horseshoe Falls. On Goat Island, at the foot of the American Falls, is the entrance to the Cave of the Winds from where boardwalks lead to just under the falls. Prior to descending the 175-feet into the gorge, visitors to the Cave of Winds are provided with ponchos and souvenir sandals – a must for anyone who doesn’t want to spend the rest of the day in soggy shoes. Named the “hurricane deck” for its constant state of stormy conditions, the wooden platform stands only 20 feet from the tumbling water of Bridal Veil Falls. Tourists can also access Luna Island by gangway from the northern tip of Goat Island, and a network of walkways provide additional chances to see both American Falls and Horseshoe Falls from a different perspective.

Whirlpool Rapids

Three miles below the American Falls, the river changes course again, forming a whirlpool in the great cauldron originally created by tectonic movements, then turning northeast over the Lower Rapids towards Lake Ontario. These rapids are some of the world’s most dangerous, with 100,000 cubic feet of water moving through the narrow Whirlpool Gorge each second. Form the New York side of the river, visitors can hike down a series of paths and stairs to an observation point that was once a stop on the Great Gorge Railway. A more navigable way to view the whirlpool and rapids is the Whitewater Walk, which is wheelchair accessible, but does require a visit to Canada’s Niagara Park in Ontario. Whirlpool Rapids Bridge is also a popular way to view the falls from above, spanning the Niagara River between the United States and Canada.

Aquarium of Niagara

The Aquarium of Niagara is a fun diversion for families and a great option for chilly or rainy days. Here, you will find more than 200 species of aquatic animals, as well as 30 educational exhibits. Aquarium presentations include a sea lion show, harbor seal presentations, and the penguin feeding. Visitors can also choose to have an animal encounter with a behind-the-scenes look at the care, training, and social lives of seals and Humboldt penguins. The aquarium also serves as an animal rescue center for injured wildlife.