There are so many things to do in Niagara Falls. Many people only make a quick day trip to Niagara from Toronto, and while you can see a lot in one day, it is worth spending two or three days exploring the World. There are always new attractions opening every year, whether it’s your first time visiting Niagara Falls visit or your 20th you will always have a great time at this sensational natural wonder of the world.
Things To Do In Niagara Falls
Dave and I have been visiting the falls year after year since 1996 and it is our “go-to” getaway from Toronto. Whether you’re traveling with family, and friends, Niagara has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best things to do in Niagara Falls from Clifton Hill to Niagara on the Lake and even Niagara Falls State Park in the United States.
Niagara Falls Tours
When you visit Niagara Falls, we highly recommend getting the Adventure Pass to see all the top attractions with one ticket. Sold through Niagara Parks you can book the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass to gain discounted access to Journey Behind the Falls, Hornblower, Whitewater Walk, Niagara’s Fury, and the Butterfly Conservatory with transportation on the WeGo People Mover to each activity.
You don’t need to do a guided tour to experience all of the best things to do, it’s easy to travel independently. The WeGo People mover is a great way to get around from attraction to attractions. The WeGoBus goes to all the top Niagara Attractions and stops along the Fallsview area so you can easily catch it from your hotel. The Wonder Pass Plus includes Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara Fury, The Butterfly Conservatory and the Power Station.
1. Hornblower
Formerly the Maid of the Mist, The Hor nblower is an oldie but a goody. When you visit Niagara Falls you must get on this boat to journey to the center of Horseshoe Falls. The Hornblower has been operating since 1846 shuttling people across to the United States. In 1885 they started running as tourist attractions to take passengers to an up-close and personal view of the falls.
It is another thrilling experience being so close to the falling water. The boat goes right inside the horseshoe and thundering water surrounds you. You will get very wet as you go directly into the mist of Horseshoe Falls, but rain ponchos are provided and this is an experience you must not miss. Skip the ticket booth and take the funicular straight to the dock with easy cancellation within 24 hours of activity.
2. Journey Behind The Falls
The Hornblower may be the Fall’s most famous attraction but we love the Journey Behind the Falls even more! When visiting Niagara Falls, make sure to add this to your bucket list. Located at the Table Rock Welcome Center, You descend 125 feet from above the falls to the heart of the cascade. You then get to explore 130-year-old tunnels that weave behind the waterfalls.Feel the power of the Niagara River and hear the thunder of the water crashing. After you explore behind the scenes, you come out to an observation deck right beside the falls where you’ll get to see them firsthand. It’s another attraction in Niagara Falls that’s sure to get your clothes very wet but don’t worry, rain ponchos are provided.
3. Wildplay Zipline To the falls
If you want to have one of the most epic ziplining experiences, hop on the WildPlay Zipline to the Falls. This thrilling ride takes you high above the Niagara Gorge offering a bird’s eye view of Horseshoe Falls, The American, and Bridal Veil Falls.
4. Niagara Fury
While you are at Journey Behind the Falls, pop in to see the 4D movie, Niagara Fury. After several years of visiting Niagara, I finally went inside Niagara Fury this past summer. It is a lot of fun for the whole family. Niagara Fury is an immersive 360-degree cinema experience recreating the history of the falls. There are special effects taking you into the experience as wind, mist and vibrations make you feel as if you are right beside the mighty waterfall.
Ponchos are handed out beforehand and if you want to get wet, stand at the very front. It’s included in your Niagara Pass, so if you want a break from the heat in the summer or cold in the winter, go inside for a bit of a break. It is located at the Table Rock Welcome Center and you can grab a bite to eat here as well.
5. Whirlpool Jet boat
It may not be located directly in the Fallsview area, but you must make a short trip to Niagara on the Lake when visiting Niagara Falls. The Whirlpool Jet boat is located at Niagara on the Lake where Lake Ontario meets the Niagara Gorge. It’s just a short 10-minute drive up the Niagara Parkway from the city center and this exhilarating jet boat tour is pure adrenaline.
