Top things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada

Last Updated on September 10, 2024

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Niagara Falls needs no introduction. It’s one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world and one of the biggest attractions in Canada. Besides the Falls themselves, which are a magnificent sight to see and the main attraction, there are plenty of things to do in Niagara Falls, that can keep you busy for a couple of days. From boat tours, nature walks to observation points and various ways to take in the amazing views, the list of attractions is endless.

Niagara Falls is actually not a single waterfall, but consists of three separate falls: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. The first two are located on the American side, while the Horseshoe Falls sits on the Canadian side. So basically two countries share this incredible natural wonder. Niagara Falls is also the name of the city on both the Canadian side and the American side in New York.

Even though Niagara Falls is not the largest waterfall in the world, it is believed to be the fastest moving one. Every second, 700 gallons ( 28 liters ) of water go over the Falls. It really is an incredible sight to see, and if you have a travel bucket list, Niagara Falls should definitely be on it.

Many people visit Niagara Falls on a day trip from Toronto and while you can certainly see all the highlights in one day, I recommend spending a couple of days, if you can. This way, you get to experience some of the night time attractions like the illumination and fireworks.

American vs Canadian side

Niagara Falls are located 17 miles ( 24 km ) north of Buffalo, NY and 75 miles ( 121 km ) south of Toronto, Ontario. They are right on the Niagara River, which serves as a border between USA and Canada. Two of the Falls that make up Niagara Falls sit on the American side, while the third, biggest one is located on the Canadian side. You can visit the Falls from either side, but the experiences will be a bit different.

So which side of Niagara Falls is better to visit? Canadian side is much better, no question about it. That’s where you will get great views of all three waterfalls and plenty of ways to see them. It’s also where the Horseshoe Falls is located, which is the most impressive of all three Falls.

The advantage of being on the American side is, that you can get really close to American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, but you really don’t get a good view of the most impressive and powerful Horseshoe Falls. The only way to briefly experience is from the Maid of the Mist boat tour.

In terms of attractions, there’s also definitely more to do on the Canadian side. There are many more activities you can do to experience the Falls, as well as visit other beautiful spots like Niagara Gorge. Canadian side is definitely way more commercialized. Think casinos, wax museums, flashing lights and amusement park like attractions. Although that was my least favorite part of visiting Niagara Falls on the Canadian side, I don’t think it takes away from the beauty of the waterfalls. American side remans mostly undeveloped.

Best time to visit Niagara Falls

While you can visit Niagara Falls year round, visiting in the summer months is probably my recommendation. The weather is nice and all the attractions are open. But this is also peak season, so that comes with a whole different set of challenges like crowds, long lines and much higher accommodation prices.

Since Niagara Falls in the summer gets really busy, especially on the weekends, I recommend visiting mid week, if you have that option.

Early Fall is also a great time to visit. The weather is nice, most of the attractions are still open and while there are plenty of people visiting, it’s not as crowded as in the summer. However, don’t expect major drop in prices for accommodations just yet.

If you decide to visit in the winter, keep in mind, that the list of best things to do in Niagara Falls you see below, will be cut in half. A lot of the Niagara Falls attractions are seasonal, closing for the winter months. And most importantly, be prepared for cold temperatures. Canadian winters are no joke. Cool thing about visiting Niagara Falls in the winter is you might get a chance to see the Falls partially frozen.

How to get around Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls in Canada has a great bus system, WEGO, that connects accommodations and main tourist attractions within the city and Niagara Falls Park. It’s a great way to get around and you don’t have to worry about parking and traffic. WEGO buses have three lines, Green, Red and Blue, with the main tourist attractions located along the Green line.

When buying your pass, you can choose from a 24 hour pass ( 13 CAD ) or 48 hour one ( 17 CAD ) for unlimited rides. If you purchase any of the Adventure Passes for Niagara Falls attractions, WEGO pass is already included.

Niagara Falls Adventure Passes

While Niagara Falls Park is free to visit and so are the Falls views, all the fun activities built around it are not. They are actually quite pricey and will add up if you purchase tickets separately. If you plan on doing even a couple of them, it makes perfect sense to purchase one of the Adventure Passes. Not only will it save you money, but you’ll get to skip the line at each of them.

There are 3 Passes to choose from and which one you get will depend on how many activities you plan on doing. Think of what attractions you are interested in, add up the cost and see which pass is worth it. All Passes are valid for 2 days, so if you plan on spending more than one day in Niagara Falls, you can spread the activities across a couple of days.

Note that, neither of the three Passes include the Hornblower Boat Ride. In might have been included in the past, but that’s no longer the case. The boat ride requires a separate ticket, that you can purchase either online or at the ticket counter.

Below are the Pass prices for spring and summer 2024:

• Adventure Pass – $64 – this is the most popular pass and includes Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury, White Water Walk and 2-day WEGO Bus Pass. You can ask to substitute Niagara’s Fury for either Whirlpool Aero Car of Butterfly Conservatory.
• Falls Pass – $84 – includes Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk, Whirlpool Aero Car, Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Parks Power Station + The Tunnel, 2-day Falls Incline Railway and 2-day WEGO Bus Pass.
• Adventure Pass Plus – $104 – this Pass gives you access to Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury, White Water Walk, Whirlpool Aero Car, Niagara Parks Power Station + The Tunnel, Butterfly Conservatory, 2-day Falls Incline and 2-day WEGO Bus Pass. Also, as a bonus Floral Showhouse, 4 Historic Heritage Sites and a shuttle to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

* Prices are in CAD Canadian Dollars

Things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada

Enjoy the views from Table Rock

Table Rock is a Visitor Center and it’s a great first stop on your trip to Niagara Falls. There you can buy your Adventure Passes, get all kinds of information, pick up a souvenir from a gift shop or have a meal with the views at the restaurant. It’s also where several of the Niagara Falls attractions start i.e. Niagara’s Fury and Journey Behind the Falls.

But most importantly, Table Rocks sits right next to Horseshoe Falls, so that’s where you can get some of the best views of this massive and stunning waterfall. After you are done taking in the views, you can walk down the promenade, that hugs the River all the way to Rainbow Bridge. That 1 mile walk is one of the top places to get the best views of all three waterfalls and it’s completely free!

Journey Behind the Falls

Journey to the Falls is one of the most popular Niagara Falls attractions, and one that’s open year round. It gives you the opportunity to get real close to Horseshoe Falls, which is the biggest and most impressive of all three Falls.

The entrance to Journey Behind the Falls is located on the first floor of the Table Rock Visitors Center. First you take the elevator 125 feet ( 45 m ) down, then walk down a 130 year old tunnel. The tunnel is rather short, but when you reach the end, you have walked one third of the width of the Horseshoe Falls. The tunnel has two portals, that get you real close and right directly behind the Falls. You can really feel the power of the water, when you’re standing there. As you make your way down the tunnel, there are also several plaques on the walls with some interesting Falls facts.

But the best part about Journey Behind the Falls is the observation deck, which is at the base of the massive waterfall. You are literally standing right to the side of it.

Journey Behind the Falls is one of the most popular things to do in Niagara Falls, so it does get crowded in peak season. Try to be there right when it opens at 10 am, otherwise you might be waiting in line, for both the elevator and in the tunnel. Also, most people head down the tunnel first, so if you make a beeline for the observation deck, you might have it all to yourself for a bit.

Book your Journey Behind the Falls ticket here.

Take the Hornblower Cruise

No trip to Niagara Falls is complete without taking the boat ride up close to the Falls. After the iconic Maid of the Mist stopped operating on the Canadian side, the boat tour to take now is Hornblower Cruises. The experience is basically the same, as both boat rides last about 20 minutes, follow the same route and get close to all three Falls. You’ll be given a poncho, but you’ll still get pretty much soaked. I recommend getting a waterproof case for your phone.

The boats run very frequently, about every 15 minutes. The tour is no longer included in any of the Adventure Passes and you need to purchase a separate ticket at 32.75 CAD.

Niagara Parks Power Station + Tunnel

One of the newest Niagara Falls attractions in Canada is Niagara Parks Power Station. It’s an old Power Plant, renovated and turned into a tourist attraction.

Lots of displays along the way explaining the history and interactive exhibits, so easy to visit on your own. There are also guided tours if that’s your preference. You can book the Power Station and Tunnel under the Falls tour here.

After exploring the main floor, take the glass elevator 180 feet down to the tunnel. That 2,200 foot long tunnel leads to an observation deck, that offers amazing views of the Falls.

The views are similar to those from Journey Behind the Falls. You are a bit further away from the Falls though, so you don’t get as wet. If you are short on time and need to choose one over the other, I’d say visit the Power Station. It’s a much better and interesting experience. If you are into history and engineering, it should definitely be at the top of your list of things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada.

Niagara Parks Power Station is open year-round, so it’s one of great things to do in Niagara Falls in the winter, to escape the cold or even on a rainy day. If you purchase either Adventure Pass Plus or Niagara Falls Pass, both include access to the Power Plant and the Tunnel, but not the Currents show.

Parking at the Power Station costs $35, so take a WEGO bus instead! There is a stop not far from the Power Plant.

Zipline to the Falls

Wildplay Zipline to the Falls is a relatively new attraction in Niagara Falls. If you are feeling extra adventurous and want to see the Falls from a different perspective, this is something you might want to add to your Niagara Falls itinerary.

There are 4 parallel ziplines that are 2,200 feet long flying at 220 feet above the ground. In full disclosure, the zipline does NOT actually go over the Falls, but along the Canadian side. You start at Niagara Parks Grand View Marketplace and end near the base of the Horseshoe Fall.

The only requirements are you need to be 7 years or older and under 275 Ibs, and you’ll obviously be asked to sign a waiver.

This is one of the year round activities in Niagara Falls, so you can enjoy it even in the middle of winter.

Ziplining is definitely not one of the cheapest things to do in Niagara Falls, but without a doubt a great way to see the Falls from a different perspective. And if you absolutely love it and want to do it again, the 2nd ride is only $15! You can book your Zipline to Falls here.

Skylon Tower

Some of the best Niagara Falls views can be seeing from the observation deck at Skylon Tower. This unique building has two observation decks, both indoor and outdoor, from which you get fantastic views of the Falls and the surrounding area from 775 feet above.

If you’d like to savor the views for a bit longer, there are a couple of restaurants at the top. One of them rotates 360 degrees every hour. The reviews are mixed, but you’re really there for the views. For those who dine at the restaurant, the access to the observation deck is free. Otherwise you can book your Skylon Tower Observation Deck Ticket here.

White Water Walk

White Water Walk was definitely one of my favorite things to do in Niagara Falls. It’s a quarter mile boardwalk along Niagara River, that gives you a chance to get close to the white water rapids. Not only is the scenery amazing, but you can also see how powerful the rapids really are.

On the scale I to VI, Niagara’s white water rapids are classified VI, making them one of the most dangerous in the world.

The walk takes about 20 minutes, but of course you can spend as much time as you want and admire the beautiful views. There are plenty of informational plaques along the way, as well as viewing platforms.

White Water Walk is a 5 minute drive from the Falls and it’s one of the stops on the green line of WEGO bus. This is one of the Niagara Falls attractions, that’s included in the Adventure Pass, but you can also book a White Water Walk ticket here.

Whirlpool Aero Car

Operating since 1916, Whirlpool Aero Car is yet another one of Niagara Falls attractions. The antique, open air cable car goes over Niagara Rapids and takes you from the Canadian to the American side ( without disembarking ). While it’s not the most thrilling ride, Whirlpool Aero Car sure is all about the views.

The ride takes only 10 minutes, and once you reach the other side, you switch the side, to get a different view on the way back. Fun fact, during the short ride, you’ll be crossing the border between United States and Canada 4 times!

If you get the Adventure Pass, Whirlpool Aero Car is included, or you can book a separate ticket here.

Go on a Whirlpool Jet Boat

Now if you want to experience the rapids on a more thrilling ride and don’t mind getting soaked, you should book the Whirlpool Jet Boat ride. During the 45 minute ride, the boat takes you up the river, through Niagara Gorge, then into the famous Niagara Whirlpool and back through the Class V Rapids at Devil’s Hole. All that at 80 km/hr. You will get completely soaked! Bringing a change of clothes is probably a good idea.

For those who’d love to do it, but have no desire to get completely wet, they also offer a dry version of that same ride. Freedom Jet Dry Tour is the exact same ride, but the boat is enclosed, so you stay completely dry ( pictured below ).

Both tours last 45 minutes and follow the same route. You can book your Whirlpool Jet Boat here. Definitely one of the most adventurous things to do in Niagara Falls, although not for the faint of heart.

The boats depart from 55 River Frontage Road, Queenston, which is about 20 minutes north of downtown Niagara Falls.

Illumination of the Falls

Every night, starting at dusk, the Falls light up in variety of colors. All three waterfalls are illuminated by hundreds of spotlights, changing colors. This is another reason why visiting Niagara Falls on the Canadian side is much better. While you might get a tiny glimpse of it on the American side, it’s not even close to the stunning views you get from the Canadian side.

The illumination starts at dusk, so the actual timing will depend on the time of year you visit. If you come to Niagara Falls in the summer months, it will obviously be later than if you happen to visit in the late fall and winter. You can check the Niagara Falls Illumination schedule here.

Catch the Fireworks show

The Illumination of the Falls is not the only way to experience Niagara Falls at night. Every night in the summer, there is a fireworks display, starting at 10 pm. You can catch the show from a lot of places. Queen Victoria Park is a popular spot, or really anywhere along the promenade. It does get crowded though. You can also go up to the upper level of the Zipline, that’s where the pictures below were taken.

If you stay in one of the hotels with Falls view, you can watch the fireworks the from your hotel room or balcony.

You can catch the fireworks every night at 10 pm from May to October.

Clifton Hill

Known as the Street of Fun, Clifton Hill is a very touristy area of Niagara Falls, filled with restaurants, bars, haunted houses, rides and many other attractions, that are completely unrelated to the Falls. Personally, it was not my cup of tea, but it could be yours. Especially if you are visiting Niagara Falls with kids.

If that’s the case, consider getting Clifton Hill FUN PASS. It includes admission to 6 attractions and will save you money vs paying for them individually.

One attraction I do recommend in Clifton Hill is Niagara Skywheel. It’s a 8-12 minute ride on a ferris wheel, one of the largest in Canada. The aerial views are incredible, and since the pods are enclosed, it’s one of the things to do in Niagara Falls, that is open year round, even in the winter.

A cool thing about Niagara Skywheel is, that it runs very late ( until 1 am! ), so you can even ride it at night when the Falls are lit up with all the pretty colors. And if you time it right, you can even watch the firework display from it.

Walk across the Rainbow Bridge

There are 4 international bridges between US and Canada, that serve as a port of entry. The one most tourists use to get to Niagara Falls is Rainbow Bridge. It’s the most convenient and closest to the Falls. The bridge is open to car, bicycle and foot traffic.

A fun thing to do when you visit Niagara Falls on either side is to walk across it. Not only are the views of the Falls incredible, but it’s also a great experience crossing from one country to another on foot in just minutes. There is a small fee of $1 when you leave the Canadian side, but no fee to get back. Don’t forget your passport!

For those staying on the American side, walking across the Rainbow Bridge is a great way to get a great view of all three Falls, even without entering Canada. You can walk the length of the bridge, then turn around before going through immigration. However, since the border between the two countries is halfway on the bridge, you still need to bring your passport to get back to the American side.

Take a Helicopter ride

When you visit Niagara Falls in Canada, there are number of ways you can take in the amazing views of the Falls. None of them can’t compare though to the breathtaking views you can get from a helicopter ride. That’s when you will see just how massive and dramatic the Falls really are.

During the 12 minute scenic flight, you’ll get great bird’s-eye views of not only all three Falls, but also Niagara Gorge and some of the city’s biggest landmarks.

It’s definitely not one of the cheapest things to do in Niagara Falls, but if you don’t mind splurging, you are in for an epic experience. You can book your scenic helicopter flight here.

More things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada

• Butterfly Conservatory – this unique attraction in Niagara Falls is located on the grounds of Botanical Gardens, about 10 minute drive from the Falls. There you can walk through the tropical like setting and check out over 2,000 butterflies. It makes for a fun rainy day activity!
• Niagara’s Fury – 4D multi-sensory movie, that tells the story of Niagara Falls’ creation.
• Visit Niagara on the Lake – if you have an extra day, be sure to visit Niagara on the Lake. It’s a lovely town, just a 20 minutes away, known as the top wine growing region in Canada.

Tips for visiting Niagara Falls, Canada

Get the Adventure Pass – if you plan on doing any of the paid activities while visiting Niagara Falls, this one is a no brainer. No matter which Pass you choose, you save on average about 30% vs if you paid for each activity separately. It also saves you time, as you get to skip the line at each attraction as a Pass holder.

Book a Fallsview hotel room – there are several hotels in Niagara Falls, . I know these tend to be much pricier than other hotels, but if you can afford it, it’s definitely worth it. Seeing the stunning waterfall from your window is pretty amazing and will definitely add to your whole experience of visiting Niagara Falls. Look below for the hotels in Niagara Falls with best Falls views and don’t forget to request a room on the highest floor available. The earlier you book, the better chances you have for scoring a room on the highest floor!

Visit on a week day in high season – Niagara Falls is a very touristy place and gets really crowded in summer months, especially on the weekends. If you can, try to visit mid week, which means not only significantly less people, but also cheaper hotel rooms.

Get around by WEGO bus – even if you arrive by car, WEGO buses are a convenient way of getting around Niagara Falls. With three lines and many stops around the city, it’s very easy to get to all the attractions, without having to drive and deal with parking etc. If you get any of the Adventure Passes , which you should if you plan on doing even some of the activities, WEGO bus pass is included anyway. And it’s valid for 2 days.

Head to Queens Street for local restaurants – most restaurants near the Falls are geared towards tourists, meaning they are overpriced and mediocre at best. If you’d like to eat where locals eat, head to Queens Street. There are some great restaurants there ( Paris Crêpes Café ), as well as small shops. This is the downtown area of Niagara Falls, but it’s pretty quiet, so it’s also a great place to escape the crowds. Queens Street is a short drive North from the Falls, and you can also easily get there by WEGO bus ( get off at Downtown/Queen Street stop ).

Currency – even though the currency used in Niagara Falls is the Canadian Dollar, a lot of business will accept American Dollars. Be prepared to receive change in CAD though.

Where to stay in Niagara Falls

Niagara Hills Hotels with Fallsview

If you’d like to stay in a hotel and have a view of the Falls from your room, you have several places to choose from. Some of the hotels overlook primarily the Horseshoe Falls ( Marriott, Hilton ), while others have a better view of the American Falls ( Sheraton on the Falls ).

Keep in mind though, that staying in a Fallsview room comes with a price tag, and most of these hotels also charge quite a bit for parking ( if you arrive by car ). But if it’s in your budget and you don’t mind the expense, it’s well worth it. If you can stay during the week vs the weekend, especially in peak season, it will be cheaper.

Sheraton Fallsview Hotel– this centrally located hotel sits at the bottom of Cliffton Hill and has a direct view of the American Falls. When making reservation for a Fallsview room, request one on the highest floor available. The room from the photo below was Juliette Balcony, Deluxe Guest room on the 22nd floor ( room #2269 ). It had floor to ceiling windows and there was a small balcony from which we enjoyed the fireworks display, without even leaving our room.

You can also enjoy the Falls views from both the indoor and outdoor ( seasonal ) swimming pools.

Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls – beautiful hotel, with Fallsview rooms offering fantastic views of the Horseshoe Falls and American Falls in the distance.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview – another great hotel steps away from the Horseshoe Falls, offering amazing views.

Other accommodations

If you don’t care about views of the Falls from your room, you have plenty of hotels to choose from for less money. There are also a lot of historic and beautiful B&B’s and Inns, especially as you start heading north of the Falls.

Sterling Inn & Spa – this boutique hotel with 41 rooms is one of the top rated hotels in Niagara Falls.

Park Place B&B – upscale bed and breakfast in a great location, close to all the action, but away from all the hustle and bustle of the city.

Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark Resort – if you are visiting Niagara Falls with kids, this is a popular family resort with an indoor water park. It’s located 2 miles from Niagara Falls, near White Water Walk.

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