For those who want to travel and get to know one of the most talked about places in the world, we've put together a complete guide on what to do in Niagara Falls, the site of the well-known Niagara Falls. In addition to all the beauty that the tourist attraction offers, there are many places to visit and get to know in the surrounding area.
They add to the experience and present more of the incredible place, which generates impressive memories that will enrich your trip. Pack your schedule and set aside some time to wander around all these Canadian sights that will undoubtedly make this trip to Niagara, Canada, unforgettable for you and your family!
1. Niagara Falls
The falls are the protagonists of the whole of Niagara Falls! So it's only fair to start our guide with them. Considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World, these falls are located between Lake Erie and Ontario and are the largest waterfall in all of North America.
Not surprisingly, there are 3 different waterfalls grouped together in Niagara Falls: the American, Bridal Veil and Canadian. Combined, these three large waterfalls form this incredible tourist spot.
- Price: no entrance fee;
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Without a doubt, summer is the best time to visit the falls, but it's a wonderful tourist attraction at any time of year, including winter, when the waterfalls are completely frozen over.
2. Journey Behind the Falls
Journey Behind the Falls is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Niagara Falls. It's an incredible elevator that takes visitors up close to the waterfalls, to feel close to the falls and to see the power of nature up close.
Without a doubt, this is one of the must-do things to do in Niagara Falls! You can pass through water tunnels and see beyond the falls. The water, its noise, the splashing: you can feel it all up close.
- Price: $ 11.50 for adults, $ 7.50 for children;
- Hours: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
3. Hornblower boat trip
A ride on the Hornblower boat is one of the things to do in Niagara Falls, an unforgettable and exciting tour of the falls. It comes very close to the falls, and you can experience this marvel of nature in an intense 20-minute ride.
Here's a recommendation when looking for this tour, as the search is very long! It's common to find huge queues for boat trips, so be prepared to wait a while for your trip.
- Price: $ 25;
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Unlike other places on our list, the boat trip is not available at certain times of the year, especially in winter. But don't worry about getting wet: when you get on the boat, the drivers offer you a protective cover so you don't get wet.
4. Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill is a famous street in Niagara Falls that is sure to complement your trip with restaurants, street attractions, a beautiful Ferris wheel, stores, establishments and much more! In fact, it's common for tourists to have lunch on Clifton Hill after experiencing the falls in the morning.
The complex is full of fun buildings, stores and activities. There, you can buy souvenirs, toys, souvenirs, gifts and delicious treats, as well as sample Canadian cuisine.
- Price: free, it's a street full of establishments;
- Hours: free, but many establishments close at night.
Clifton Hill is an incredible place and definitely worth a visit, as are its many establishments, especially the Ferris wheel, the highlight of the whole street and complex.
5. Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a small town located 20 minutes by car - rented in Canada - from Niagara Falls, a bucolic town with beautiful traditional architecture. Of course, it's not exactly a must-do in Niagara Falls, but it's so close that it's worth a short visit.
In Niagara-On-The-Lake, take a simple stroll through the streets, take some photos of the traditional architecture and visit the immense lake. There are also several stores with souvenirs and gifts to buy.
- Price: it's a small town;
- Schedule: free.
In fact, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a town known for its food and wine. It's definitely worth a visit. It is also home to grand Victorian hotels and wonderful architecture.
6. Skylon Tower
To get a privileged view of the whole of Niagara Falls, you have to go to the Skylon Tower, an immense observatory from which you can see the whole city, including most of the falls.
Inaugurated almost 60 years ago, the Skylon Tower is a 160-meter-high colossus. This postcard is one of the most traditional, making it one of the must-see things to do in Niagara Falls.
- Price: $16 for adults and $21 for day and night visitors;
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Inside the Skylon Tower, there is a traditional restaurant - one of the most famous in all of Niagara Falls. It is a revolving restaurant with a great view of the whole city, and it's very affordable for an international trip!
7. Hornblower Niagara Cruises
For those who want a luxury trip, we recommend the Hornblower Niagara Cruises, a cruise that passes over Niagara Falls by day or night. The tour can last around 40 minutes or an hour and visitors can choose between the inside and outside decks.
It's a luxurious tour, full of lights and excitement, which takes you along the length of the falls' lakes. Depending on the season and the time of day, it is possible to see an immense fireworks display that is well worth the trip!
- Price: from approximately R$ 1000;
- Hours: from 8:30 a.m. until the evening.
This tour is an incredible and very luxurious experience, certainly one of the most dazzling things to do in Niagara Falls, especially when accompanied by the traditional fireworks display.
8. Whirlpool Aero Car
The Whirlpool Aero Car is a wonderful cable car that passes over the rivers that form the Niagara Falls. The cable car even passes over American rivers, which is why tourists can't get off to visit the ground, only when the Aero Car has finished its tour.
As you'd expect from any view from above in such a beautiful place, the Aero Car offers a wonderful perspective of the whole of Niagara Falls and its lakes. Both the American and Canadian lakes are seen on the tour.
- Price: $16;
- Hours: open in the morning.
This entertainment on the cable car is not very popular, but it is extremely rewarding!
9. Niagara Skywheel
On Clifton Hill Street in Niagara Falls, there is a Ferris wheel that is one of the city's hallmarks, the Niagara Skywheel. It is over 50 meters long and is one of the most popular spots for tourists and also one of the city's most traditional postcards.
- Price: $ 14;
- Hours: from 10 a.m. to midnight, sometimes the wheel runs until 1 a.m.
We recommend a visit to the Ferris wheel at night, which looks beautiful with its many colored lights.
10. Casinos
There are several casinos present in Niagara Falls, and the city is full of these establishments that are worth having fun in. Especially for Brazilians, this can be an interesting diversion, as casinos are not allowed and do not exist in the country.
In Niagara Falls, you'll find several casinos scattered throughout the city and the surrounding area. Some casinos are more famous than others and are excellent destinations for those wishing to visit casinos.
- Fallsview Casino: 6380 Fallsview Blvd;
- Casino Niagara: 5705 Falls Ave.
Here's a recommendation and a warning: it's essential to be very responsible when dealing with and entertaining yourself in casinos, after all, they are entertainment centers, not a viable means of investment.
11. Bird Kingdom
For nature lovers, especially wildlife lovers, the Bird Kingdom is one of the best places to visit in Niagara Falls. It's a huge aviary, a building with more than 400 birds that live very well there.
At Bird Kingdom, the birds are cared for and kept safe in the best possible conditions. It's a real sanctuary, worth a visit for anyone who loves wildlife.
- Price: $ 18;
- Time: from 09:30 to 16:15.
It's worth mentioning that the Bird Kingdom isn't usually open during the winter, so if you're interested in this tourist attraction and several others on the list, travel in the summer. During the warm season, absolutely all the options on our list are available.
12. White Water Walk
One of the best opportunities to see Niagara Falls up close is the White Water Walk, which is a wooden walkway accessible by elevator. The elevator is inside a local establishment, and it's worth a visit to get this beautiful view.
The wooden bridge is very large, with a footbridge that circles much of the waterfall. This way, you can see the entire length of the falls with your family and friends, along with other tourists.
- Price: $ 14;
- Hours: from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For those who love taking photos, this is a must-see, with plenty of opportunities to get some great shots. You'll need to take your time, as it's a popular spot and there are usually a few queues before you can access the elevator.
13. Helicopter flight
Next on the list of things to do in Niagara Falls for a luxury experience is a helicopter ride! A complete tour of the entire city that shows you more about all the natural beauty and establishments. Here, you can take the whole family. In the front, there is room for around 5 passengers, and the seats in the back can hold even more people.
- Price: $ 149;
- Schedule: must be booked in advance.
On average, the trip takes about 12 minutes, which is enough time to enjoy the view. It's a unique experience throughout your stay in Niagara Falls, so here's a recommendation to enjoy a good trip to the heights.
Now that you've seen Niagara Falls, it's time to take advantage of our list and visit the other tourist attractions nearby. Take the opportunity to rent a car with Happy Tours so you don't have to worry about getting around Canada!