and
Leisure
My travel to Toronto was not complete without seeing the majestic beauty of the Niagara Falls Canada Attractions.ย Anticipation set in when I stepped out of the car to the roar of water that greeted me.ย Sun is shining, weather is cool, and a smile is on my face.ย 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.ย Hello, Niagara Falls.
While exploring Niagara Falls, I learned some history on my visit to this State Park.ย Niagara Falls State Park sits on 400 acres of beautiful lush terrain, where wildlife is protected, with a variety of attractions.ย The Central Park area that surrounds the falls was designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead.ย This area includes 15 miles of hiking trails with stunning views and lush gardens.ย With my information from TripAdvisorย and the State Park, I am ready to start my adventure.
Walking I came across the State Park Visitor Center.ย Here is were to purchase the Niagara Falls Discovery Pass.ย Now, let us see what this includes plus how it saves on multiple park attractions.ย Will also take a look at what there is to do here at the Falls.
Start here at the Visitor Center.ย Take a peek around the interactive displays and exhibits.ย There are also authentic souvenirโs and merchandise.ย Visit the restaurant inside then buy your Niagara Falls Discovery Pass for you and or your family.ย Here is where you will also sign up for the timed attractions.ย Step outside to see the beautiful floral gardens.
Hours of Operation โ open year-round.ย Oct 10, 2017 โ 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.ย Check out the hands on interactive displays, multi-screen theater, rock climbing wall, along with geological and fossil formations.
Niagara Gorge Trailhead Center:ย Gateway where all the hiking and biking trails begin.ย Easy trails and challenging sections of trails available.ย Look for stairs to climb ad rocks to navigate.ย Tip:ย All hikers and bikers must stay on the trails and out of the water.
- Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Hike โ Easy 1 hour round trip.ย Great for beginners. No age requirements.
- Upper Great Gorge Hike โ Easy 2-hour round trip.ย Another great trail for beginners.ย No age requirements.
- Devilโs Hole Rapids and Giant Rock โ Moderate level 2.5 hr. roundtrip trail.ย Age limit 8 yrs. of age & older.
- Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Hike โ Challenging 3 hr. round trip trail.ย Look for boulder hopping on this trail.ย Age limit 8 yrs. and older.
Fireworks – Niagara Falls Canada Attractions
Here comes the magical Fireworks over Niagara Falls!ย On Fridays starting at 9:00pm.ย Check website for any changes.
Illuminations – Niagara Falls Canada Attractions
Check out this stunning unique nighttime Illuminations of the falls.ย Hundreds of LED Lights located in three locations across the Niagara Falls Gorge.ย Lights are illuminated for holidays and certain occasions.ย 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.ย 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.ย To see the American Falls for a multi-sensory view, go to the base of the gorge, climb stairs to the Crowโs Nest.
Like to Bird Watch, the Niagara Fall Observation Tower is a great place for bird enthusiasts.
Hours of Operation from Nov 27 โ Jan 31 10am โ 4:30pm no charge for the winter season.ย 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 Cafรฉ
- Prospect Point Grill
- Prospect Point Coffee and Ice Cream Shop
- Cave of the Winds Snack Bar
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.ย Surrounding you with a wall of water with a close-up view of the falls.ย ย 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.ย Stay on the main deck, move up to the bow of the boat and wait for the ride of your life!ย Hear the roar of the rolling waterfall and sea gulls then cover up because the mist and rain is falling.ย The boat navigates around the massive rock formations, so stand there and take as many pictures as you can.ย Tip:ย 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.ย 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.ย Next, take a poncho and step into the elevator for you adventure while descending 175 feet to the Niagara Gorge.ย (try not to scream)ย Exit the elevator onto walkways that will take you to the crazy unbelievable โHurricane Deckโ.ย There you will be standing within feet of the crashing Bridal Veil Falls to feel โmassive storm like conditions.
From Oct. this tour is abbreviated to keep the visitor a little drier.ย 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.ย 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.ย Make sure to see the California sea lions, penguins, seahorses and more.ย 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.ย 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.ย 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
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 โ 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.ย 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.ย Make sure to make your reservations at this Restaurant ahead of trip.ย Hope you enjoy Niagara Falls Canada Attractions as much as I did.ย Seeing it in October with the weather cool and the leaves starting to change was beautiful.ย 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:ย prices and information is subject to change.ย Please check the Niagara Falls Tourism website for the latest information. ย Attractions and information is seasonal.
* Part of the Discovery Travel Pass
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We were in Niagara Falls several years ago and it was really incredible. Wish we could have stayed longer to fully experience it beyond the Maid of the Mist tour. We’d love to return and do these other great other activities especially Illuminations. Stunning photos here.
Thanks Mary, Hope you do get a chance to go back to Niagara Falls to see the Illuminations. Just amazing and the last time I was there a hotel facing the falls is a great way to see the falls light up. Look for my photos on the partially hidden Niagara Falls soon.
I never realised there was so much to do here, how incredibly naive of me! Fireworks? Yes please? Illuminations? For sure! This is the top waterfall for me to visit and I know I will get there one day, pinned for when I do, thanks for these great tips! #feetdotravel
Thanks Angie, There is so much to do at Niagara Falls. Just seeing all that rushing water is just amazing. Okay the Fireworks and Illuminations help. ๐ Wait until you see my winter photos of Niagara Falls. Hope you make it there one day…
Love how you set the scene, right at the start! “Anticipation set in when I stepped out of the car to the roar of water that greeted me.”
This is a great guide! If I ever get chance to visit the falls I will be using this!
I feel like I was there! Thank you for sharing with #feerdotravel this week
Thanks Vicky, like how you enjoyed my description. That is truly how amazing are the Falls. Hope you get a chance to visit and look for my winter photos of the Falls! ๐
Your photos are lovely! Niagara Falls is where my parents honeymooned, and I’ve always wanted to go there. It’s still on my bucket list.. Thanks for all this great info on visiting!
Thanks Sharon, How sweet your parents Honeymooned there. Okay, yes you must take a visit… ๐
Great information. I definitely pinned this one for when we visit Niagara Falls. Not sure I realized there were so many activities to choose from. The Travel Pass really seems the way to go. Information on the restaurants is great too. #WeekendWanderlust
Thanks Obligatory Traveler, The Travel Pass was the way to go. Good thing I came across that information. I did not know there was so much to do. At first thought it was just a waterfall, but no can you image going zip-lining!
I pinned this to remember these tours and hikes if I ever go back to the falls! I went when I was pregnant with my son – who is almost 9!
Hi, Wow, that was a few years ago when you were there. Hope you make it back so your son would be amazed at this force of nature plus the activities there. ๐
I visited the falls many years ago but would love to go back and see them again. The illuminations must be pretty spectacular too. Great post!
Thanks Paul and Carole, The Falls are amazing. If you go back the Sheraton Hotel has rooms that over look the falls with a wall of windows and a door that opens up. There at night the illuminations are amazing to see and photography. ๐
The Canadian side looks so fun and there seems to be so much to do! I’ve only visited from the US side but I definitely want to come back and see it from a different perspective. Cave of the Winds looks like a blast too!
Hi Alexei, The Cave of Winds was just mind-blowing seeing the rage of the water flowing down. Lots of activities and some hikes on the Canadian side. Then once finished hope over to Niagara on the Lakes for wine tasting ๐ Look soon for my winter photos of Niagara Falls.
It is 28 years since I was last there!! Has such a special place in my heart as I was there with my late step- father.
Hi Tracy, Niagara Falls is such a great place to hold in your heart that brings wonderful memories. It was very majestic for me and I was happy to spend it with my husband. Hope you get a chance to visit again ๐
Aaaa, I would really like to visit Niagara Falls once. Thanks for sharing so many comprehensive information, the hike/bike trails looks especially appealing to me ๐ Will pin it for later.
Thanks Urska, hope you get a chance to see the amazing mighty falls and hike some of the trails.
I had no idea there was so much at Niagara Falls. Some fabulous photos, what an experience.
Thanks Shona, Niagara falls also surprised me with all the fun things to do while there. Hope you get a chance to visit. ๐
I have wanted to visit the Niagara Falls in a long time (Toronto too). After reading your post, I feel like I need at least two days to check out the attractions. I can see myself hiking for an entire day and then, taking the boat and checking out the area the next day. Also, I want to check a nearby town called Niagara on the Lake. #feetdotravel
Hi Ruth, Yes a visit to Toronto, Niagara Falls, & Niagara on the Lakes is a must. Good idea on your timing for activities at the falls. Look for my article soon on Niagara on the Lakes for wine tasting plus a visit for lunch in this quaint town. Plus I will be writing another article on my Toronto experience of activities and restaurants. Happy traveling! ๐
Wow. I didn’t know you could go birdwatching and hiking at Niagara Falls. That’s really interesting. We’re thinking of including it on our US trip in the summer and friends we are meeting love hiking. Thanks
Thanks Kate and Kris, I hope you make it to Niagara Falls this summer and the guide will help you find those awesome activities. It took us one whole day to squeeze in the activities minus the hiking due to the crowds. When you buy your pass they also help with timing the activities and then you can leave yourself room to do some nature hiking. I like that there are different trails for different levels. Enjoy! ๐
Great tips and beautiful pictures!! Would love to visit again! #FeetDoTravel
Thanks Lorelei, Hope you do get a chance to visit Niagara Falls again. My next trip would love to visit both Niagara on the Lakes and Niagara Falls. ๐
So glad to see this post! Shockingly, we still haven’t been to Niagara, but are aiming to fix that. This info is a big help in planning, so thanks for sharing, Stephanie!
Thanks Rob & Ann, Hope you do get a chance to visit Niagara Falls. There is a lot to do and a few days would be enjoyable. Don’t forget to also visit Niagara Falls on the Lakes close by where their are wineries. ๐