Niagara Falls Canada Travel Tourist and Vacation Guide

 Indicates Personal Recommendation

Seasonal - check website for schedule and hours of operation.

The most popular attraction in Niagara is "the falls". Without a doubt, the second most popular attraction is the Maid Of The Mist  boat ride. It travels a few kilometers from their dock at the intersection of Clifton Hill and River Road, on the lower part of the river, up to the base of "the falls". If you don't do anything else here, you must do this. I can't be sure but I believe it's the Law!

Please visit the Maid Of The Mist Website for more information.

Return to top of page

The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) manages many of the area attractions on, over and around the Niagara River. The NPC is a Province of Ontario agency operating since 1885. That's over 120 years! They should know their job by now! The major NPC visitor attractions and parks include:

• Queen Victoria Park, Free
• Journey Behind The Falls, Admission Charge
• White Water Walk, Admission Charge
• Whirlpool Aero Car, Admission Charge but you can peak over the wall and see the Whirlpool for free
• Niagara Glen, Free
• Butterfly Conservatory, Admission Charge
• Botanical Gardens, Free
• Floral Clock, Free
• Queenston Heights National Historic Park, Free

Please note, some of the NPC attractions and amenities are closed or have reduced hours during the off-season (winter), please check the individual sites for schedules and hours of operation.

To view all NPC attractions and amenities, visit their website.

Return to top of page

Open year-round - check website for schedule and hours of operation.

Bird Kingdom Niagara Falls is the worlds largest, indoor, free flying Aviary. Located on the scenic Niagara Gorge, a few minutes from the Falls, Bird Kingdom hosts a diverse collection of almost 500 birds representing nearly 80 species from around the world, many of them threatened or endangered in the wild. Bird Kingdom's authentic walk-thru environments create an intimate, up-close interaction between you and free-flying birds, including opportunities to personally interact with different species from around the world! The Main Atrium is truly a sight to behold and is a multi-level rainforest environment complete with 35 foot tall Palm Tree's, a 40 foot tall waterfall, ponds and streams! There is nothing else like it in North America!

Please visit the Bird Kingdom Website for more information.

Return to top of page

Seasonal - check website for schedule and hours of operation.

Enjoy a day of entertainment featuring amazing dolphins, walruses, sea lions, killer whales and beluga whales; land animals; thrilling amusement rides including the world's largest steel roller coaster, Dragon Mountain®; the world's highest triple ride, Sky ScreamerTM and other attractions that will appeal to the entire family.

Please visit the Marineland Website more for information

Return to top of page

Open year-round - check website for schedule and hours of operation.

The indoor/outdoor observation deck is 236 meters (775 feet) above the falls with visibility, on a clear day, up to 130 km (80 mi).offering the best view of Niagara Falls and the surrounding region. There is also a Revolving Restaurant overlooking "the falls" and a Dining Room.

The Lower Level & SkyQuest contains an interactive indoor entertainment center for dynamic family fun.

Please visit the Skylon Website for more information

Return to top of page

Seasonal - check website for schedule and hours of operation.

Ride a 48 passenger jet boat, capable of speeds up to 100 km/hour (60 mi/hour), that travels through the Niagara River gorge to the whitewater rapids of Devils Hole. In my opinion it's the best "thrill ride" in Niagara. Best time to do it is on a warm, sunny day. Can be a little costly if you're a family of six but if you can fit it into your budget ... go!

 Please visit the Whirlpool Jet Boat Website for more information

Return to top of page

Open year-round - check website for schedule and hours of operation.

The Niagara Falls Movie: The IMAX Theatre is the home of one of the most spectacular IMAX adventures of all time - The Niagara Falls Movie: “Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic.” IMAX’s ground breaking photographic techniques lets audience members discover the thundering power of Niagara Falls from a totally new and awesome perspective.

Daredevil Gallery: This exhibit is the only collection of original daredevil barrels found in Niagara Falls. Each historical artifact comes complete with the exciting story of those who have challenged the mighty Falls along with vintage photography of the actual events.

Please visit the IMAX Website for more information

Return to top of page

Niagara-on-the-Lake (N-O-T-L): Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, N-O-T-L is 30 km (20 mi) north of Niagara Falls. It is the home of the famous Shaw Festival featuring  plays written by George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. It's a Canadian history buffs dream: Upper Canada's First Capital (1792); during the war of 1812 it was the sight of critical battles in defense of Upper Canada; the first newspaper; the first lending library; the first parliament; the first historical museum; first governing body for the legal profession; and an important stop on the Underground Railroad. N-O-T-L is also home to may of Ontario's award wining estate wineries and was voted Prettiest Town in Canada in 1996 by Communities in Bloom, a nationwide beautification program.

Please visit the Niagara-on-the-Lake Website for more information.

Fort George: Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake. During the War of 1812, Fort George served as the headquarters for the Centre Division of the British Army. These forces included British regulars, local militia, aboriginal warriors, and Runchey’s corps of freed slaves. Major General Sir Isaac Brock, “the saviour of Upper Canada” served here until his death at the Battle of Queenston Heights in October, 1812.

Please visit the Fort George Website for more information.

Niagara Wineries: The Niagara Peninsula is recognized globally as an outstanding wine producing region. With complex glacial soils and a climate similar to that of Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Oregon and New Zealand, the region is ideal for growing grapes. There are about 20 award winning estate wineries in the Niagara area. Most offer free tours, wine tastings and restaurants.

Please visit the Wines of Ontario Website for more information.

Return to top of page

There are several tour operators in Niagara Falls offering bus tours ranging from a few hours in duration to 8 hour sightseeing marathons. Prices range from $20 for a 50 kilometer (30 mile) ride around the area to $200+ for escorted tours of the Niagara Region including admission to major attractions, wineries, the Welland Canal and meals. There are also private limo tours and aerial tours. In any event, you will find a tour that suites your tastes and schedule simply by asking at your hotel tour desk. My personal choices:

Niagara Helicopters Tours: 10 minute helicopter tour of "the falls" and surrounding area. Great photo opportunities. $100+ per person.

Double Deck Tours: Double Deck has two tours: a no-frills bus ride around the area for around $25; and a $60 guided bus tour which includes admission to the Maid Of The Mist boat ride and a few other attractions. I would go with the $60 tour.

Niagara Parks Great Gorge Adventure Pass  Best bang-for-you-buck! The Great Gorge Pass (summer pass) is a self-guided tour which includes admission to the Journey Behind The Falls, Maid Of The Mist boat ride, White Water Walk and the Butterfly Conservatory as well as all day use of the People Mover Bus. For $40 it's a great way to see the area. Niagara Parks also offers a Winter Pass for around $35 which includes some area attractions but the People Mover Bus doesn't move in the winter. You need a car for this one.

For other tours, follow this link.

Return to top of page

Contact Webmaster at Ropel Creative Design