Roaring Niagara Falls Canada Attractions…
 
January, 2018
Travel

and

Leisure

My travel to Toronto was not complete without seeing the majestic beauty of the Niagara Falls Canada Attractions.  Anticipation set in when I stepped out of the car to the roar of water that greeted me.  Sun is shining, weather is cool, and a smile is on my face.  Mist is floating in the air, the roar of the falls grows louder, rainbows above the mist, and my jaw dropped at this spectacular beauty of nature.  Hello, Niagara Falls.

While exploring Niagara Falls, I learned some history on my visit to this State Park.  Niagara Falls State Park sits on 400 acres of beautiful lush terrain, where wildlife is protected, with a variety of attractions.  The Central Park area that surrounds the falls was designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead.  This area includes 15 miles of hiking trails with stunning views and lush gardens.  With my information from TripAdvisor and the State Park, I am ready to start my adventure.

Walking I came across the State Park Visitor Center.  Here is were to purchase the Niagara Falls Discovery Pass.  Now, let us see what this includes plus how it saves on multiple park attractions.  Will also take a look at what there is to do here at the Falls.

Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls Canada.

Photograph by S.Griggs 1Adventure Traveler

Visitor Center –  Niagara Falls Canada Attractions

Start here at the Visitor Center.  Take a peek around the interactive displays and exhibits.  There are also authentic souvenir’s and merchandise.  Visit the restaurant inside then buy your Niagara Falls Discovery Pass for you and or your family.  Here is where you will also sign up for the timed attractions.  Step outside to see the beautiful floral gardens.

Hours of Operation – open year-round.  Oct 10, 2017 – April 1, 2018 8:00am – 6pm

Discovery Center & Hiking Trails – Niagara Falls Canada Attractions

Read to hike, make a stop here at the Discovery Center to learn the hiking trails also park history.  Check out the hands on interactive displays, multi-screen theater, rock climbing wall, along with geological and fossil formations.

Niagara Gorge Trailhead Center: Gateway where all the hiking and biking trails begin.  Easy trails and challenging sections of trails available.  Look for stairs to climb ad rocks to navigate.  Tip:  All hikers and bikers must stay on the trails and out of the water.

  • Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Hike – Easy 1 hour round trip.  Great for beginners. No age requirements.
  • Upper Great Gorge Hike – Easy 2-hour round trip.  Another great trail for beginners.  No age requirements.
  • Devil’s Hole Rapids and Giant Rock – Moderate level 2.5 hr. roundtrip trail.  Age limit 8 yrs. of age & older.
  • Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Hike – Challenging 3 hr. round trip trail.  Look for boulder hopping on this trail.  Age limit 8 yrs. and older.

Fireworks – Niagara Falls Canada Attractions

Here comes the magical Fireworks over Niagara Falls!  On Fridays starting at 9:00pm.  Check website for any changes.

Illuminations – Niagara Falls Canada Attractions

Check out this stunning unique nighttime Illuminations of the falls.  Hundreds of LED Lights located in three locations across the Niagara Falls Gorge.  Lights are illuminated for holidays and certain occasions.  Check website for upcoming dates to see the stunning illuminated colors.

Observation Tower USA (optional) – Niagara Falls Canada Attractions

The Observation Tower provides the only panoramic view of all three Niagara Falls which includes the American Falls.  How fun to view the cascades of water going over the falls and the raging water below.

Enter the elevators to access the base of the gorge, which is also the boarding site for the Maid of the Mist Boat.  To see the American Falls for a multi-sensory view, go to the base of the gorge, climb stairs to the Crow’s Nest.

Like to Bird Watch, the Niagara Fall Observation Tower is a great place for bird enthusiasts.

Hours of Operation from Nov 27 – Jan 31 10am – 4:30pm no charge for the winter season.  Check website for other times of observation.

In Park Dinning – Niagara Falls Canada Attractions

Visitors can try an array of cafes, treats and restaurants all within the Niagara State Park.

Visit:

  • Top of the Falls Restaurant
  • Prospect Point Café
  • Prospect Point Grill
  • Prospect Point Coffee and Ice Cream Shop
  • Cave of the Winds Snack Bar

“Check out 1AdventureTraveler Favorite Travel Things Store”

Hear of the roar of the water, feel the mist on your face, you know your at Niagara Falls.  Check out the Niagara Falls Canada Attractions with 1AdventureTraveler 

Day-Trip from Toronto to Niagara Falls with Falls Boat Ride
from: Viator

*Maid of the Mist – Niagara Falls Canada Attractions

Explore the roar with this Maid of the Mist Tour into the basin of the Horseshoe Falls on a boat.  Surrounding you with a wall of water with a close-up view of the falls.   Start at the Observation Tower where the rain ponchos are handed out then make your way to the double-deck Maid of the Mist tour boat.  Stay on the main deck, move up to the bow of the boat and wait for the ride of your life!  Hear the roar of the rolling waterfall and sea gulls then cover up because the mist and rain is falling.  The boat navigates around the massive rock formations, so stand there and take as many pictures as you can.  Tip:  Put your camera in a protective clear bag and shot away.

*Cave of the Winds – Niagara Falls Canada Attractions

Be adventurous, or you just want to be closer to the falls visit the Hurricane Deck on the Cave of the Winds Tour which is 175 feet down into the Gorge.  See the force of water that when you stand so close you can feel the wind and spray of the water.

First, you can learn about an adventurer who learned how to harness the power of the falls to create alternating current in the World Changed Here Pavilion.  Next, take a poncho and step into the elevator for you adventure while descending 175 feet to the Niagara Gorge.  (try not to scream)  Exit the elevator onto walkways that will take you to the crazy unbelievable “Hurricane Deck”.  There you will be standing within feet of the crashing Bridal Veil Falls to feel “massive storm like conditions.

From Oct. this tour is abbreviated to keep the visitor a little drier.  This is a timed scheduled tour.

*Aquarium of Niagara – Niagara Falls Canada Attractions

The Aquarium of Niagara for all ages is located a few blocks away with 30 exhibits, 200 aquatic animal species, and daily shark, penguin, shark and tidal pool feeds.  See the educational exhibits that encourage animal conservation with quality care.

The aquarium has exhibits that represents ecosystems ranging from the Great Lakes to coral reefs.  Make sure to see the California sea lions, penguins, seahorses and more.  Outside visitors please take a look at the national famed artist Wayland painting of the vibrant life-sized whale on the side.

*Niagara Adventure Theater – Niagara Falls Canada Attractions

The Niagara Adventure Theater is a way to experience the falls and witness the incredible stories all from the edge of your seat.  Just 30 minutes to experience the falls from the dare devils and learn some history.

*Niagara Scenic Bus – Niagara Falls Canada Attractions

Guided Niagara Scenic Bus feels cool with air condition in the summer and heat in the winter.  Those with limited mobility the park is ADA compliant and you will see all the incredible sights.

Purchase tickets individually or part of the Niagara Falls Discovery Pass

Discovery Station at  Niagara Falls Canada

Photograph by 1AdventureTraveler

My favorite Travel Pass for the best Adventure at the Falls

Discovery Pass 2017 prices were $18.25 Adults, $10.65 children 6-12, Free for Ages 5 and under.

  • Provides one admission to each attraction used on day of purchased
  • Maid of the Mist
  • Cave of the Winds
  • Aquarium of Niagara
  • Niagara Adventure Theater
  • Unlimited rides on the scenic Bus for the day
  • Bonus discount to other local attractions, Old Fort Niagara, The New York Power Authority Niagara Power Project, & Artpark
  • Purchased at Niagara Falls State Park Visitor Center

More – Niagara Falls Attraction

With so much to do here at Niagara Falls my 2 days 1 night for New Years was just not enough time to see and do everything.  I was able to see the highlights from the Discovery Pass but would love to try out the hiking trails and eat at the Top of the Falls Restaurant.  Make sure to make your reservations at this Restaurant ahead of trip.  Hope you enjoy Niagara Falls Canada Attractions as much as I did.  Seeing it in October with the weather cool and the leaves starting to change was beautiful.  Hope to take a stopover during winter and catch some photos of the partially frozen Niagara Falls.

Make sure to check out this 1AdventureTraveler other Canadian trips like Toronto, Banff, Travel Tips Niagara, and Winter at Niagara Falls for some great tips and information.

–>Note:  prices and information is subject to change.  Please check the Niagara Falls Tourism website for the latest information.  Attractions and information is seasonal.

* Part of the Discovery Travel Pass

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