Niagara Falls: Top things to do in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is located at the border of Ontario in Canada and the state of New York, USA. It is comprised of three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls (also called Canadian Falls), American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. The biggest of these falls is Horseshoe Falls and is the most powerful waterfall in North America, as measured by flow rate. This is why Niagara Falls is recognized as a valuable source of hydroelectric power.
Many tourists go there every year to take pictures of this amazing natural wonder. This makes Niagara Falls one of the most famous touristic spot in Ontario and in New York.
The region of Niagara is also recognized as one of the best for wine and fruit picking because of the favorable microclimate. The wineries in Niagara Falls offer an impressive selection of traditional, native, late harvest, and ice wines.
There are also many activites to do in that region. From admiring the beauty of the falls to wine tasting, you are sure to find things to enjoy.
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Table of contents
Niagara Falls were created 10 000 years ago by the Wisconsin glaciation. The retreat of the ice sheet carved a path over and through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean and left a large amount of melfwater that filled up the basins that the glaciers had carved, thus creating the Great Lakes as we know them today. According to estimations, Niagara Falls will cease to exist in 50 000 years due to erosion (source). So we still have a bit of time to enjoy this natural wonder.
Historians have different theories from which the name Niagara comes from. Bruce Trigger, an Iroquoian scholar says it comes from the local native Neutral Confederacy which are describes as the Niagagarega peole in the 17th centure, George R. Stewart thinks it comes from the Iroquois town called Onguiaahra (point of land cut in two). Another Iroquois interpreter said the name came from Jaonniaka-re (noisy point or portage). This name is Mohawk. It means, according to Mrs. Kerr, the neck; the term being first applied to the portage or neck of land, between lakes Erie and Ontario. (source)
Many famous historic figures have described the Niagara Falls, from Samuel de Champlain in 1604 to Jean de Brébeuf. This site became popular with tourism in the 19th century and many people would travel for pleasure or honymoon visits.
Hugh Lee Pattinson's left-right inverted daguerreotype (circa 1840), the first known photograph of Niagara Falls
In the 20th century, the falls were much more popular with tourists as automobiles made it faster to reach the region. At that time, many efforts were made to use the energy of the falls for hygroelectric power and to control the development to limit its negative effect on the area’s natural beauty.
Nowadays, it is still a popular place for tourists to go on either sides: Canadian or American side and many resorts and businesses have bloomed in the area. Tourists can enjoy a multitude of activities that will fit their every need.
Here are some of the most famous attractions and things to do in Niagara:
Admiring Niagara Falls
The best thing to do in Niagara Falls is to admire the falls of course! There are many viewpoints to admire the falls to their full glory. Right by the visitor centre, you can see the top of Horseshoe Falls. Don’t forget to bring a raincoat because of the mist or you’ll get pretty wet.
If you walk further, you will soon arrive to Clifton Hill Street where all the restaurants and attractions are. There are many tourists every day because it is such a popular spot to visit. Many people will stop to take pictures of themselves in front of the falls. From there, there is a great view where you can see both the Canadian side and the American side falls.
Horseshoe Falls is right by the Table Rock Visitor Centre. You can find a lot of parking on that road but it will be expensive and cost around 30$ for the day. You can find parking for 5$/day further on Clifton Street, near the Go kart.
It is a great spot for photographers to capture the full beauty of the falls. The best thing: It’s free!
WildPlay Zipline to the Falls
A popular activity is to try the Zipline to the Falls. The prices for 2021 are 69.99$ CAD +tax, 49.99$+tax for the early bird special and 79.99$+tax for the nightime experience.
It will take from 60-90 mins for the whole experience because a shuttle will take you back to the starting point.
Get a closer look with a Boat Cruise
A ticket from the Niagara City Cruises will cost you 31.25$ per adult and 21.25$ for children. Click here to book now.
There are two cruises that can bring you near the waterfalls: the Maid of the Mist and the Niagara City Cruises. The Maid of the Mist operates exclusively in Niagara Falls, New York; and Niagara City Cruises operates from the Ontario, Canada side of the Falls.
The first Maid of the Mist was used to ferry people, cargo and mail across in 1846. Once the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge was completed in 1854, they turned the cruise into a tourist attraction.
A ticket for the Maid of the Mist is 25.25$ per adult and 14.75$ for children.
The Maid of the Mist is North America’s oldest tourist attraction. Ridden by dignitaries and celebrities such as Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbechev and Brad Pitt, a visit to the base of the falls is a priority for all who visit the region.
Journey Behind the Falls
To stand at the heart of Niagara, you’ll first need to descend 125 feet and explore 130-year-old tunnels through the bedrock, but you’ll feel the thunderous vibration of the Horseshoe Falls long before you see them. The observation deck at the foot of this 13-storey-tall wonder will leave you breathless (and maybe a little bit wet), but don’t forget the viewing portals cut straight through the rock, offering a once-in-a-lifetime view of one-fifth of the world’s fresh water crashing down in front of you.
A ticket will cost 23.50$ for adults and 15.50$ for children. Click here to book your tickets.
Enjoy Niagara Park
You can see statues of Nikola Tesla and George VI in the park.
You can enjoy a stroll in this beautiful park filled with many plants and flowers, right by the waterfall.
There are many different kind of flowers and trees. The perfect place to relax!
Clifton Hill Street
Clifton Hill offers attractions to every age and is a famous touristic place. There, you can find many activities like go-Karts, mazes, cinemas, restaurants, haunted houses or more…
Click here for a list of the prices of the famous attractions.
Here are some of the famous attractions on Clifton Hill:
It is open from 10am to 2am and the ride takes about 10 minutes. It’s one of the best place to see the illuminated waterfalls at night.
This golf course is open daily from 10am to 1:30am.
Niagara Speedway
Niagara Speedway is North-America’s largest elevated go-kart track facility. With it’s turns and ramps, you will find yourself like in a Mario Kart game.
Cost: 12$ for drivers and 4$ for passengers (per 5 min race).
It is open from 10am to 1:30am daily.
Visit a Haunted House
Get spooked with one of the many haunted houses. Go on a rollercoaster on top of Frankerstein’s head or go fight zombies in a virtual world, many options are available for you!
Bird Kingdom
Photo by James Cousins on Unsplash
My biggest regret was missing to visit Bird Kingdom during my stay in Niagara. Because of the covid restrictions, it was temporary closed. It should be open now.
With over a hundred different varieties of colorful birds, Bird Kingdom is the largest free-flying indoor aviary.
Cost: 17$ per adult and 13$ per children.
Whirlpool Aero Car
Hop on the historic Whirlpool Aero Car for an unforgettable ride over the vibrant, teal-coloured waters of the Niagara River. Witness spectacular views of the swirling Niagara Whirlpool and the river’s Class 6 rapids as you soar 3,500 feet above the Niagara Gorge.
Cost: 17$ per adult and 11.25$ per children.
Helicopter ride
What better way than a helicopter ride to see Niagara Falls from above? This thrilling 12 minutes ride will give you great aerial views.
Cost: 160$ per person.
With a good camera and telephoto lense, it’s possible to take great pictures from above with a steady hand.
The waterfalls look very impressive from the air.
Visit a famous Dam
This impressive dam is on the way to Niagara-on-the-lake up North. The Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant diverts water from the Niagara to power it’s generators. It was built and opened in 1961.
Botanical garden and Butterfly conservatory
Photo by Chris Abney on Unsplash
If you have free time, you might want to visit the Botanical Garden and the Butterfly Sanctuary. I haven’t had the chance to visit because of covid restrictions but I heard it’s great. With 99 acres of maintained gardens, it is a great place to admire flowers. It is free.
The Butterfly Conservatory is one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America. Admire the beauty of over 2,000 vibrantly coloured butterflies fluttering freely around you as you explore 180 metres of winding pathways adorned with lush vegetation and trickling waterfalls.
Cost: 17$ per adult and 11.25$ per children.
Flower clock
This beautiful display of flowers at the North of the Botanical Gardens is called the Floral Clock and is made of 16 000 carpet bedding plants.
Brock monument
The Brock monument is in Queenston Heights Park and is also the place where a famous battle took place. This battle took place in 1812 when Canada and the USA were in dispute of the border. If you are interested in history, it can be an fascinating place to visit. Click here for more.
Cross the border to the USA
There are other viewpoints from the USA side. It is easy to cross the border to view other interesting activities offered. However, I think the best view is from the Canadian side.
Visit Niagara-on-the-lake
There are lots of activities to do in Niagara-by-the-lake, from going wine tasting to riding bicycles. This region has a lot to offer. Check out this next article about Niagara-on-the-lake.
There are many options for food lovers out there. Here are a few:
Lundy’s Lane District
Fat Bastard Burrito co
American Space Restaurant
Afghan Food
Italian Food
Cliffton Hill
Budget option
Niagara KOA Holiday Campground
With access to water, electricity, restrooms and a pool, this is a good option if you have a camper or travel van for around 60$/night.
Best value option
Ramada by Wyndham
Located near Fallsview District, this hotel is very well located, has access to a bar, a fitness center and free wifi. It costs around 60$ per night. Click here to use my affiliate code and access a discount.
Luxury option
Sheraton Fallsview Hotel
With the best view of the falls, this hotel offers the best experience with restaurants, a spa, a fitness center and all the amenities you need to enjoy your stay to the max.
If you plan to do different activities during the day, I think you should expect to pay at least 100$ per day (without accomodation). It costs around 30$ for meals, 60$ for accommodation and 50$ for activities per day.
Conclusion
Niagara Falls is one of the most amazing touristic destination of Ontario for a good reason. While the falls aren’t Canada’s biggest, the whole experience is worth the trip. With many activities and many ways to admire the falls, it is a sight to behold and without a doubt worth a visit once in a lifetime.
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Keep on traveling!