Niagara Falls is one of the most recognizable waterfalls in the world.Millions from around the world come to see this unique horseshoe-shaped waterfall.
Niagara Falls is located on the Niagara River which flows along a part of the US-Canada border. It is located in New York State on the US side and in Ontario province on the Canadian side.
The spectacular Niagara Falls is just over 12,000 years old. It can be viewed from the US side as well as the Canadian side. It is located in the namesake cities of Niagara Falls located on either side of the Niagara River.
This natural wonder is one of the most accessible waterfalls in the world. Niagara Falls is the collective name for 3 waterfalls – American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
The view from the Canadian side is better. So, if you are planning a trip to Niagara Falls, consider visiting the Canadian side. The city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is close to Toronto (a 1.5-hour drive), one of the biggest cities in Canada and having an international airport receiving flights from all over the world.
Planning a trip to Niagara Falls is relatively easy.
Welcome to Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada –A Vacation Destination for Everyone
Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada is a tourist city located next to the famous Niagara Falls and Niagara River. The city is across the Niagara River from its American counterpart – the city of Niagara Falls, NY, USA.
You can drive, take a train or bus, or fly into Niagara Falls, Canada.
By car: Niagara Falls is well connected by road to different cities. Most Americans and Canadians drive down with their families for a weekend or week’s stay at Niagara Falls.
By air: Toronto and Niagara Falls both have airports. Toronto has a large international airport with airlines from all over the world making stops here.There are air taxis and charter planes too that fly into Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls is open for viewing throughout the year. Visitors are welcome to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada anytime of the year.
The city has introduced many activities in order to attract the maximum number of tourists.
Things to See and Do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Niagara Falls is undoubtedly the main attraction in the city of Niagara Falls, but the city itself has many attractions for tourists who arrive from all over the world to enjoy this amazing sight.
Most of the tourist activity is focused around the location of Niagara Falls. With the Niagara River and Niagara Falls on one side and the cityon the other, Niagara Parkway which winds along the Niagara River is one of the most scenic boulevards.
All along Niagara Parkway, a 55-km (34 miles) stretch, are many tourist attractions.
Attractions along Niagara Parkway
- Dufferin Islands
- Floral Showhouse
- Journey behind the Falls
- Niagara Falls
- Queen Victoria Park
- Oakes Garden Theatre
- Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory
- Hornblower Niagara Cruise
- White Water Walk
- Niagara Whirlpool
- Spanish Aero Car
- Niagara Helicopters
- Niagara Glen
- Floral Clock
- Queenston Heights Park
The location of Niagara Falls is close to the hotels in Falls Avenue and Clifton Hill. After viewing Niagara Falls, you can see the attractions along Niagara Parkway that are close to the Falls.
Getting around in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is fairly easy. The WEGO buses that run through various tourist districts and hotel locations are available frequently. WEGO bus passes can be bought online, from retailers, as well as from some hotels.
The Niagara Falls Adventure Pass is a package of popular Niagara Parks attractions. The pass holder gets a one-time admission to attractions listed in the pass as well as two consecutive days of free rides on the WEGO transportation system. The pass is valid for the whole tourist season. There is a separate pass for winter.
Niagara Falls Illumination and Fireworks
You can view Niagara Falls at night too! Every evening, Niagara Falls are illuminated in beautiful colours. Walk down Niagara Parkway to enjoy the view. In summer, there is a fireworks display on some days at 10:00 p.m.
Check out the fireworks schedule to see if you can plan your visit around those dates.
There are special fireworks scheduled in winter during the Winter Festival of Lights event and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Niagara Wineries
The city of Niagara Falls is as famous for its iconic waterfall as it is for the wineries on its outskirts.
The unique climate of the Niagara Escarpment is ideal for viticulture (cultivation and harvesting of grapes). Wines produced in the Ontario region are quite famous. There are many wine festivals held throughout the year to promote Niagara wines, and many wineries even offer tours and wine tasting for a small fee.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, just outside Niagara Falls, is home to many wineries. You can spend a few hours or a whole day in Niagara-on-the-Lake, take a tour of the town and then visit a few wineries.
Winery tours are also offered by many tour operators. Some of the winery tours include lunch at a winery restaurant.
A Helicopter Tour of Niagara Falls
If you have time, take the 10-minute helicopter ride over Niagara Falls. The ride is costly but is worth it. Get ready to be astounded by the beauty and sheer power of Niagara Falls when you see it from the sky.
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Niagara Falls and the surrounding region.It is the best way to appreciate the beauty and greenery of the region.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises
The Hornblower Niagara Cruise is one of the most popular attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada. This boat ride (formerly called Maid of the Mist) sails upstream on the Niagara River, taking passengers as close as possible to the Niagara Falls.
Other Major Attractions in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
From children’s attractions to casinos, the city of Niagara Falls, Canada has all sorts of entertainment activities.
From casinos and spas to nature reserves and adventure activities, the city has something to offer for everyone.
Niagara Falls Canada has two casinos– Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara. The casinos are open 24×7, so visitors can walk in whenever they are tired of the outdoor sightseeing. The casinos have slot machines, table games, restaurants, and live entertainment.
Apart from the tourist attractions on Niagara Parkway, the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, offers visitors a wide range of activities and entertainment – both outdoor and indoor.
The Hornblower Niagara Cruise is not the only boat ride in town. Whirpool Jetboat Tours is a company offering open and closed jet boat rides through Niagara River’s white water rapids. The adrenaline rush you feel in this high speed boat tour is a thrilling experience.
Some other attractions you could visit are:
- Bird Kingdom
- Lundy’s Lane Battlefield
- Niagara Falls History Museum
- Queenston Heights Park
- Greg Frewin Magic Show
Clifton Hill is one of the best places for family and group activities. It has museums, gaming arcades, shops, and other entertainment activities. Some of the attractions in Clifton Hill are:
- Niagara SkyWheel
- Niagara Speedway
- Dinosaur Adventure Golf
- Wizard’s Golf Mini Putt
- Great Canadian Midway
- Movieland Wax Museum
- Upside Down House
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
Check out more Niagara Falls attractions and plan your itinerary accordingly.
Clifton Hill is close to Niagara Falls and hotels in the Falls area. Tourists can walk down to Clifton Hill from Niagara Falls. The area also has affordable restaurants and diners – BostonPizza, Tim Hortons, and Kelsey’sOriginal Roadhouse are a few examples.
Shopping on Clifton Hill can be an adventure. In addition to the usual shops, you will find specialty shops in Clifton Hill. Visit
- Fun Factory
- Canada Trading Company
- Fudge Factory
Exploring Niagara Falls with a Niagara Falls Tour
Exploring Niagara Falls on your own can be a logistical nightmare. Planning your itinerary and then getting from one place to the next even if you have your own vehicle can be a daunting task.
You can eliminate all the hassle by booking a tour with a Niagara Falls tour operator. Niagara Falls tours are available from Toronto, Niagara Falls Ontario, and the Greater Toronto Area.
Most of these tours are one-day bus tours: one can choose between a day tour andan evening tour.Private tours are also offered where a vehicle and driver/guide are provided just for your family/group.
With a Niagara Falls tour, you get to see and know about the different aspects of Niagara Falls the city in the space of a few hours –its history right from the formationof the Falls to the present day, the settlers throughout its history, and its development over the centuries. From a trading post to a tourist destination, Niagara Falls has had an interesting past and has witnessed a lot of bloodshed.
When to Visit Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls is open throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the place is during summer.
The weather in Niagara Falls is warmbetween May and September. During these months, the parks and gardens are in full bloom, there is greenery everywhere, all attractions are open, and the Niagara Falls is in full flow.
Niagara Falls in winter looks completely different. If you visit in winter, be prepared for sub-zero temperatures, a snow-covered landscape, and a partially frozen Niagara Falls. A few attractions like the Hornblower Niagara Cruise remain closed in winter.
Niagara Falls looks majestic whatever time of year you visit.
Niagara Falls is a place that can be visited more than once. There is so much to see that you cannot do it all on one visit.
For most people, visiting Niagara Falls is a once in a lifetime opportunity. However, if you ever have the chance, you must see it in winter too. Thesnow-laden landscape and the near frozen Falls is a magical sight.
