Are you interested in experiencing Niagara Falls, one of the world’s great natural wonders? With over 15 million visitors a year, Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s top leisure tourism attractions—and for good reason! We’re going to uncover some not-to-miss, fantastic attractions that showcase the falls from an entirely new perspective.
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Niagara Falls Experiences
You don’t need us to tell you that most visitors to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls walk up to the guardrail in Queen Victoria Park to witness the world’s largest waterfall in terms of volume. And you certainly don’t need to be reminded that a boat tour will take you into the basin where you can get absolutely drenched by the mist. (This is my least favourite option, as my eyelashes are constantly dripping water into my eyes, preventing me from seeing anything.)
Besides those two obvious ways to view the falls, there are several other, more intriguing ways visitors can experience Niagara Falls. Here are a few of our favourites.
White Water Walk
After Horseshoe Falls, all that water rushes down the Niagara River. These powerful rapids can be viewed up close and personal along the White Water Walk.
On this self-guided experience, you’ll begin by taking an elevator down to the Niagara Gorge before strolling along a quarter-mile boardwalk that runs along the Niagara River. Mature trees canopy the boardwalk and provide shade on sweltering summer days, making this one of the most refreshing ways to experience the falls.
Plenty of platforms along the way allow you to stop and take in the raw power of these Class 6 rapids. Get this; standing waves can reach 5 metres tall along this stretch of white water. These are North America’s largest series of standing waves.
While the surf is definitely white, the river is a pretty teal colour. The hue comes from dissolved salts and ground rock picked up from the limestone bed and also from under the limestone cap at the falls.
This region is part of the Carolinian forest zone. While it makes up only one percent of Canada’s land area, it contains more plant and animal species than any other ecosystem in Canada. If you’re lucky, you might spot beavers, river otters, minx, and muskrats along the Niagara River.
Fun fact: The Niagara region has 94 freshwater fish species, making it the most diverse fish population in Canada.
More fun: It’s estimated that 90% of fish that barrel over Horseshoe Falls survive the journey. Humans don’t have those high stats.
Good to Know
If you need a break from other tourists, the 1 km return White Water Walk is a fantastic spot to refresh the senses. The round trip will take 20 to 30 minutes – longer if you want to linger. The boardwalk is fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Whirlpool Aero Car
Another awe-inspiring way to take in the Niagara River’s jaw-dropping rapids and the churning Niagara Whirlpool is via an antique cable car.
The Whirlpool Aero Car is steeped in history. It’s been in operation since 1916 (don’t worry, it’s been refurbished a few times since), offering intrepid visitors a fresh perspective of the jade-coloured waters. You’ll be privy to unobstructed views and plenty of photo ops during the 10 to 15-minute crossing.
Gliding 3,500 feet above the Niagara Gorge, travelling at 7 km an hour is a peaceful experience and can be a popular one. It’s best to purchase a timed ticket or visit first thing in the morning.
Fun fact: While the cable car takes you across the river and whirlpool between two points on the Canadian shore, you’ll also cross the international border between Canada and the United States. Fortunately, Border Security doesn’t make an appearance.
Niagara Parks Power Station
Over 100 years old, the Niagara Parks Power Station once provided power for the Niagara region and some parts of Ontario. Decommissioned in 2006 but reopened in 2021, it’s now a major visitor attraction.
The Power Station itself is an architectural beauty, but you’ll want to head inside to explore the interactive exhibits and informative displays. These delve into the science of hydroelectric power, the technology used, and the role the station played in the growth of the area.
Fret not, kids! It’s a family-friendly attraction that can spark curiosity and an interest in science and history.
Niagara Parks Power Station Tunnel
Don’t miss venturing deep underground into its 115-year-old tunnel, which once transported water in and out of the power station. You’ll take an elevator down 180 feet to enter the tunnel.
The tunnel is paved and 2,200 ft long. Depending on your speed, it takes about 8-15 minutes to walk through it.
It’s chilly down there (about 15°C/ 59°F), so you’ll appreciate having a sweater and a jacket. When you pop out onto the viewing platform of Horseshoe Falls, you’re sure to get sprayed with mist.
The tunnel isn’t scary. It’s well-lit, with lots of interactive signage explaining its workings. At night, it’s decked out with a kaleidoscope of lights, making it very Instagramable.
Tesla Coil
One of the highlights of the Power Station is the Tesla Coil. You’ll learn firsthand how Nicola Tesla’s idea paved the way for hydroelectricity. Kids love exploring this by putting on a metal glove and orchestrating electric currents as the coil responds to their touch.
At quarter to the hour (the last showing is at 3:45 p.m.), make your way to the back of the Power Station to witness the Tesla Coil come to life. It works because the Tesla coil suspended from the ceiling releases electricity in higher and lower frequencies to create sound. A computer sends a MIDI file to the computer within the Tesla Coil, telling it what voltage to put out.
Power Station at Night
Aside from the Tesla Coil, it may be even better to experience the Power Station at night – especially for young families.
The main lights go off, and immersive light shows and digital projections are displayed throughout the building – on the station’s walls, floors, and even on the massive generators themselves.
An interactive story reveals how Niagara Falls was formed and how its incredible power was harnessed for electricity. Best is watching kids dance atop the projections.
Niagara Butterfly Conservatory
If visiting during prime tourist season, consider escaping the crowds into a world of vibrant colour and natural beauty at the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory. Set within the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, it houses over 2,000 free-flying butterflies from more than 45 different species.
This is one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America. As you wander the winding pathways through the lush, climate-controlled environment (read: it’s humid, don’t so bother straightening your hair), you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a faraway rainforest.
Getting so close and personal with these delicate creatures is rare. Be sure to stop by the Emergence Chamber to view metamorphosis in action.
Before entering the conservatory, signage reveals which species are flying today. Typically, about 40 different kinds of butterflies, including Blue Morphos and striking Swallowtails, glide gracefully around you and sometimes land on visitors.
The conservatory is fully accessible, so those in wheelchairs and strollers can experience an unforgettable encounter.
Niagara Falls Spa
Sometimes, you just need a break from the crowds, and that’s OK. While it’s possible to get away from people, you may not want to get away from the water.
Burning Springs Spa and Thermal Pools offer a tranquil environment to destress. We felt the grime and heat of the day melt away from us as we soaked in its outdoor pools.
There’s a hot pool, a warm pool, and a cold plunge pool outdoors, plus a Finnish-inspired sauna cabin. The indoor pool is deliciously warm, with jets and plenty of seating. Also indoors, there is a Himalayan Salt Sauna and loungers to decompress upon.
Spa treatments include massages, facials, mani-pedis and all the usual wellness therapies – including men’s and couples’ treatments. On the spa menu, you’ll find light bites and even alcohol – should you need some extra oomph after sightseeing all day.
The spa is located inside the Marriott Fallsview Hotel.
Top Restaurants in Niagara Falls
Iconic Canadian dining experiences can be found at a few top restaurants in Niagara Falls. For views of the American, Bridal and Horseshoe Falls, look to Queen Victoria Place Restaurant.
This lovely restaurant sports a large patio and usually accommodates walk-ins. Tuck into local specialties, like an all-Ontario charcuterie board and the most Canadian thing ever—deep-fried pickles with a side of Niagara Falls.
Portions are large, as in American size, and plenty of fresh local produce is on the menu.
Two other great options for feasting on Canadian cuisine while viewing the falls are Table Rock House Restaurant and Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar. I’ll be delving into our experiences at both those eateries in another post. Be sure to circle back here, and I’ll place the link once it’s published.
Watch Fireworks from This Hotel
It’s easy to get confused about where you’re staying in Niagara Falls, as so many hotels include Fallsview in their title. We stayed at Hilton Niagara Falls/ Fallsview Hotel & Suites.
The rooms are large and have all the amenities, including a mini fridge. It’s definitely worth asking for a room that faces the falls. Walking into our room after multiple travel delays was such a tonic. As a bonus, you can watch the nightly fireworks over Niagara Falls each night at 10 p.m. from your room if you’re facing the right direction.
Watermark Fallsview Dining, one of the restaurants within this Hilton, offers stunning views of the falls from almost every table.
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