With cruises, observation decks, rapid-side walking trails and helicopter flights, there’s a massive amount to do on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
What makes Niagara Falls unique?
Without the backstory, it’d be easy enough to just dismiss Niagara Falls as a waterfall. But it is a waterfall where the legend has snowballed, causing two cities to build up around it – one on the American side, one in Canada.
The Canadian city is generally accepted to be the better bet for visitors – and over decades of high tourist traffic it has mushroomed into an often garish high rise resort. Giant dinosaurs adorn mini golf courses, hilariously terrible waxwork museums fit into the gaps and Saturday nights turn into one giant party. There’s certainly no excuse for being bored, but the Falls that all this built up around stay long afterwards in the memory.
Why book a Niagara Falls boat and tunnel combo tour?
- Two classic experiences in one afternoon: Ride the famous Hornblower boat and explore the tunnels behind the falls.
- Ideal if you’re short on time: This compact tour gets you right to the highlights without wasting a full day.
- Includes all tickets and skip-the-line access: No queuing or hassle – just show up and enjoy.
A walk through the highlights of Niagara Falls
Almost everything of interest is lined up along the Niagara River, and the best starting point is the Journey Behind The Falls. You’ll not see an awful lot going through the tunnels carved into the cliff-face, but this is about the aural sensation, not the visual one. The sound of the Falls thundering down while you’re cowering behind is furious, deafening and frankly terrifying.
For a bird’s eye view, head to the top of the Skylon Tower, where the Observation Deck is 236m up, looking down on the Falls.
But the unquestioned highlight of a visit here is just further downstream. The Niagara City Cruises boat tours head down the Niagara River, and into the tumult at the bottom of the Falls. Everyone gets wet, and the sheer amount of water pouring over the rim is stupefying. It’s ferocious and coming down at a rate that the world’s best power showers could only dream of.
It’s not just about the Falls here – the rapids and whirlpool are just as impressive in their own way. There are parks strung across the Niagara River system, some of which are blissfully quiet for clued-up local walkers and fishermen.
There are plenty of trails and quiet spots around the whirlpool, while the White Water Walk passes by the most ferocious stretch of the rapids.
If you want to tackle numerous attractions, there are dozens of combo deals that will save you a few dollars.
Niagara Falls scenic flights
Niagara Helicopters runs heli trips over the falls with near-military precision – one chopper lands as another one takes off.
This is, of course, fabulous for seeing the falls themselves – but its true merit is showing off the system that Niagara is a part of.
On a clear day, the cities of Toronto and Buffalo can be seen, while Lakes Erie and Ontario sandwich the chunk of land the Niagara River runs through.
Also on view are the hydroelectric power stations and reservoirs on either side, plus the foaming rapids.
What to avoid in Niagara Falls
In the height of summer, queues for both tickets and boarding of the prime attractions – particularly the cruises – get long. Avoid the first lengthy wait in line by buying tickets online.
Niagara Falls hotel recommendations
Accommodation in Niagara Falls tends towards the big, chainy and high rise. Of these, the Embassy Suites isn’t the closest, but it does have the best views out over the falls and large suite-style rooms as standard.
In amongst the nightlife and a short walk from the key attractions, the Sheraton has several restaurants and its own indoor waterpark.
The exception to the rule, however is the Old Stone Inn. It makes a big play of being low-rise, welcoming dogs and keeping its exposed stone walls to slightly theatrical effect. It’s an old flour mill, and plumps for antique furnishings.
Disclosure: This guide has affiliate links in it. Book through them, and I earn a small commission.
More Ontario travel
Other Ontario travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Toronto neighbourhood guides: West Queen West.
- Why Kensington Market is Toronto’s best neighbourhood for food.
- How to get cheaper tickets for the Art Gallery of Ontario.
- How to get cheaper tickets for the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
- The way to get cheaper tickets for Casa Loma in Toronto.
- What you see on a helicopter tour over Toronto.
