Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps the most visited destination in Canada. There is something for everyone here, but there are some attractions that receive more attention than others. This article will list the more noteworthy attractions, but this is not to say that those that don’t make the top ten list are not worthy of any attention at all. The best attractions for one visitor may not be the best for another because it is basically a matter of individual taste.
- The Falls
The most popular attraction in Niagara Falls has to be the Horseshoe Falls. The thundering sounds of the waterfalls as it cascades down over the sheer cliff face sends the spray high into the air so that you may even get a little wet if you are standing across the river from the falls.
- The Maid of the Mist
There are two boats named the Maid of the Mist that takes tourists up under the falls during the spring and summer. Dressed in a rain cape that you can keep, this is one 30 minutes that will be a thrill of a lifetime. The departure point is located at the north end of Queen Victoria Park, and you depart at the Maid of the Mist Park, a two-level shopping center with restaurants and souvenir shops.
- Fallsview Water Park
This is the newest tourist attraction in Niagara Falls, where young and old alike can have a fulfilling day. It is located directly across the street from the falls so that you have a wondrous view as you enjoy yourself one or more of the sixteen water slides. The park spans an area of three acres and is adjacent to the major hotels in the Falls area. In addition to the water slides, there is an indoor wave pool, an outdoor sundeck that is open year-round, an activity area, and a huge Beach Play House for the children.
- Bird Kingdom
With the huge numbers of free-flying birds, this venue is sure to be a hit with all visitors. You will see amazing birds and other creatures from different parts of the world. A typical visit takes about an hour in which you have a chance to feed the Lorikeets, see the many displays and gain valuable information about all the birds from the keepers of the aviary.
- Go Behind the Falls
Have you ever wondered what it is like behind the sheet of water that tumbles down a giant waterfall? At Niagara Falls, you have this opportunity with the Beyond the Falls experience. The journey takes between 30 and 45 minutes, and due to the spray of the water during spring and summer, you will have to wear a giant rain poncho, which is yours to keep as a souvenir. On this exciting trip, you take an elevator down 150 feet to the tunnels that lead behind the sheets of water. The elevator then starts upwards to the observation decks at the upper and lower portions of the Falls.
- Clifton Hill
Located only a block away from the Falls, you will find Clifton Hill in the midst of the beautiful Queen Victoria Park. This is a playground extraordinaire. Tee off at Dinosaur Mini-Golf, where all the characters are famous dinosaurs. Nightmare’s Fear Factory is designed to be the scariest experience of your life, and many visitors do chicken out before they can get to the end of the trail. Adult visitors delight in the opportunity to take in their favorite sporting action at the Sports Zone Bar and Games in the interactive games and outdoor patio. At Movieland Wax Museum, you will see all your favorite movie characters preserved for posterity in colorful wax creations. This is just a sampling of what awaits you at this venue where you can literally spend days.
- Oakes Garden Park
Take a stroll after dinner in Oakes Garden Park, which is located in Niagara Falls directly across from the American Falls. Here the beautifully landscaped grounds will delight you in the changing colors during every season of the year. There is no admission fee for these gardens, allowing you the chance to simply relax and savor the view. There is a restaurant adjacent to the park where you will enjoy the delectable delights on the menu.
- Skylon Tower
You can’t visit Niagara Falls and not have a meal or a snack in the Skylon Tower. This structure is a landmark in the city just steps away from the Falls. The revolving restaurant close to the top of the tower will provide you with a 360 view without having to even turn your head.
- Queen Victoria Park
Queen Victoria Park is another venue that is popular with visitors because of the spectacular views of the falls that it affords. It is located along the side of the Niagara Gorge and extends to Oakes Garden Park. By choosing to start at this park and make your way to Oakes Garden Park, you can get in your walking exercise for the day in a breathtaking setting.
- IMAX Theatre
Learn the story of the Great Lakes and Niagara Falls with the multimedia presentations of the Imax Theatre. Here you will also learn stories of those who have gone over the falls in the past, both deliberately and accidentally, at the Daredevil Gallery.
