10 Things to do in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has long been a major tourist attraction. While the falls themselves are the main feature, there are plenty of things to do and experience while you’re visiting. Here is a look at 10 things you might want to do while you’re there.

1. Maid of the Mist

Maid of the Mist boat tours get you up close to the mighty falls. Boats are available from both the U.S. and Canada.

2. Journey Behind the Falls

From the Canadian side, you can take the Journey Behind the Falls tour to experience the sights and sounds of the falls while standing in the mist.

3. Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower provides the best view of the falls from above (nearly 800 feet). Located right next to the falls, restaurants, hotels, and casino, the Skylon Tower has a restuarant at the top and an indoor/outdoor observation deck.

4. Bird Kingdom

Bird Kingdom, the Niagara Falls Aviary, is the world’s largest free flying aviary. Located next to the falls (Canadian side), Bird Kingdom includes nearly 400 birds.

5. Butterfly Conservatory

The Niagara Garden Trail Butterfly Conservatory (Canadian side) features over 2,000 tropical butterflies in a rain forest setting. The Conservatory is located 10 minutes north of Niagara Falls on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens & School of Horticulture.

6. Cave of the Winds Tour on Goat Island

Goat Island is a small island in the Niagara River located between the Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls (U.S. side). From Goat Island you have a spectaular view of the Canadian Horshoe Falls. From May through October you can take the Cave of the Winds Tour to go deep into the Niagara Gorge. The guided tour will lead you to within 20 feet of the falls, where winds can reach tropical storm-like levels.

7. IMAX Theatre

The IMAX Theatre in Niagara Falls (Canada) presents “The Falls Movie: Legends and Daredevils” that presents the story of those who have dared to go over the falls. The IMAX also includes the Daredevils Gallery, where you can learn more about the daredevils themselves and see the barrels and devices that were used in their stunts.

8. Sky Wheel

Sky Wheel is a 175 foot Ferris wheel located on the Canadian side. It offers riders with an excellent view of the falls from above. The ride lasts 10 minutes and all of the cars are covered to keep you dry even if it’s raining.

9. Whirlpool Aero Car

Just down the river from the falls, the currents form a great whirlpool. In the Whirlpool Aero Car you will journey out over the river to get a tremendous view of the might whirlpool.

10. Whirlpool Jetboat Tour

If you want to explore the whirlpool in a more adventurous way, the Jetboat Tour is for you. On the Wet Jet Tour your boat will experience the whirlpool and get you completely soaked. The Jet Dome Tour will keep you dry (Jet Dome only leaves from Canada).

Additional Niagara Falls Tourism Resources

• Niagara Falls Tourism
• Niagara Falls Live
• Info Niagara