Most visitors' first view of the Falls, from the Canadian side of the river, is at Queen Victoria Park, along the Niagara Falls Parkway. This grand, royal garden provides the perfect vantage point for experiencing both the nightly illumination of the Falls and the summer fireworks displays. The Falls are illuminated, , every evening until approximately midnight (see website for exact times) and there are Fireworks over the Falls, , Friday and Sunday nights in the summer months.
Niagara ParksGreat Gorge Adventure Pass
Skylon Tower
Maid of the Mist, 5920 Niagara Pkwy (near the foot of Clifton Hill), . A boat that takes tourists to the foot of the falls, where you can better appreciate their thunder and spray. Runs April-October. Boats depart every 15 minutes and the ride is 30 minutes. See website for hours, they vary. Line-ups for this attraction can be quite long, try later in the day (1 hour or so before the last boat leaves) for a shorter wait. Many people use their digital cameras to take pictures, but they will get wet. Waterproof disposable cameras are offered for sale before boarding. Adults (13+ years): $14.50 (March 2008), children (6 to 12 years): $8.60, children 5 and under: free.
Journey Behind the Falls, 6650 Niagara Pkwy (Table Rock Center, beside the Falls), . This is an interesting attraction to consider in lieu of Maid of the Mist (or when Maid of the Mist isn't operating). Although popular, the lines aren't nearly as long for "Journey" as they are for Maid of the Mist, and therefore may be a better option on crowded days, or for those traveling with small children. Ponchos are provided, as the Journey still offers participants the chance to feel the "spray" of the Falls, from portholes opening behind the Falls themselves. An informative guided tour that still provides some--but not all--of the thrills of the other attractions. Open year-round except 25 December. Whilst this attraction remains open during winter, often some of the viewing points are in-accessable due to snow build up. Adults (13+ years): $12, children (6 to 12 years): $7.20, children 5 and under: free.
White Water Walk, 4330 Niagara Pkwy, . A 1,000-ft (305 m) boardwalk beside the rapids. Open seasonally. Adults (13+ years): $8.50, children (6 to 12 years): $5, children 5 and under: free.
Whirlpool Aero Car, 3850 Niagara River Pkwy (4.5 km/3 mi north of the Falls), . Cable car ride over the Niagara Whirlpool. Open March - November. Adults (13+ years): $11, children (6 to 12 years): $6.50, children 5 and under: free.
Marineland Theme Park, 7657 Portage Rd (about 1.5 km/1 mi from the Falls), . Dolphin, sea lion and walrus shows, and numerous exhibits of interesting and unique marine animals, including killer whales, beluga whales, and black bears. For an additional fee, you can feed some of the animals, including the beluga whales. Also offers a variety of amusement park rides, such as Sky Screamer, billed as the world's tallest three-tower ride, which elevates riders high enough to see Niagara Falls. Age 10+ $39.95, child (5-9): $32.95, child (age 4 and under): free. Note: Marineland is currently offering a season pass for $5 per person.
Skylon Tower, 5200 Robinson St, +1 905 356-2651, , . 520-ft (160 m) tower that has an observation deck and revolving restaurant with a great view of the falls. There are arcade games in the base. Summer hours 8AM-midnight, winter 11AM-9PM. $12.95, child: $7.55, some online discounts.
Partial View of Clifton Hill.
Niagara Skywheel, 4946 Clifton Hill, +1 905 358-4793, . Ferris-wheel-like, with air-conditioned/heated pods and views of the Falls and surrounding skyline. 10-minute ride. Year round. $9.99, child $5.99.
Clifton Hill Amusement Area, . A hill, and a street, full of exciting and fun tourist attractions such as wax museums, Ripley's Believe it or Not , haunted houses, and gift shops.
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, 2565 Niagara Pkwy (9 km/6 mi north of the Falls), . Open daily year-round, dawn until dusk. 100 acres of 20th century themed gardens, a magnificent arboretum, as well as North America's largest butterfly conservatory. At their best in the summer. Free admission.
Blue Morpho butterfly at the Butterfly Conservatory
Butterfly Conservatory, 2405 Niagara Pkwy (9 km/6 mi north of the Falls, within the Botanical Gardens), . Over 2,000 butterflies in an enclosed garden - great photo ops. Open year-round except 25 December. Check website for times, they vary. Aged 13+ years $11, children (6 to 12 years): $6.50, children 5 and under: free.
Bird Kingdom, 5651 River Rd, +1 866-994-0090, , . Open daily. Sept-Jun 10AM-5PM, Jul-Aug 9:30AM-7PM.
Brick City, 4943 Clifton Hill, . Tremendous Lego city built entirely by one man.
Floral clock, 14004 Niagara Pkwy (near the Lewiston-Queenston International Bridge), . A clock made entirely of flowers.
Queenston Heights Park, 14184 Niagara Pkwy (near the Lewiston-Queenston International Bridge), . This park includes the Brock and Laura Secord Monuments. It is also an end point of the Bruce Trail, which winds it way northward over 800 km (497 mi) to Tobermory.
IMAX theatre, 6170 Fallsview Blvd, +1 905 358-3611 or +1 866-405-4629, , . Has an older 45 minute movie about the history of the Falls that's not quite worth the price of admission. Theater houses original barrels used by falls and whirlpool daredevils on display at no cost. $13.92, some online discounts.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Niagara Falls (Ontario)
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Niagara Falls (Ontario) - updated May 2024
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Niagara Falls (Ontario) Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
