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26 of the Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls, Canada

Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls.
Taking a cruise to the base of the falls is the best way to see Horseshoe Falls up close.

Niagara Falls doesn’t really ease you into anything—it hits you with a thundering wall of water, a whole lot of mist, and the kind of wide-eyed “wow” moment that makes you briefly forget how to blink. It’s one of those places where even the most seasoned travellers turn into excited kids pointing at rainbows. And honestly? Fair. The place is an absolute show-off. Seriously, though. We’ve been there half a dozen times and still find it hard to take our eyes off the waterfalls.

But beyond the iconic roar of the Horseshoe Falls, this destination packs in enough experiences to keep you busy long after your camera roll gives up. From adrenaline-pumping boat rides to quiet vineyard afternoons, quirky attractions, and jaw-dropping viewpoints, Canada’s side of the falls knows exactly how to keep the adventure flowing. Let’s dive into the very best things to do—ponchos optional, enthusiasm required.

How to Get the Best Views of Niagara Falls Canada

Must-Do Niagara Falls Quick Guide

If you’re really short on time, here are some very quick recommendations.

Top Experiences: Hornblower Cruise, Helicopter Tour, and the Journey-Behind-the-Falls tour. In fact, we made an article all about the best Niagara Falls tours.

Getting around: Walking to most areas is a great way to explore, but there’s also the WEGO bus.

The best time to visit is the warmer months, when the weather is great for walking around, and more attractions are open. However, July and August are the busiest times to visit. So, we recommend spring or fall.

Accommodation: There are numerous hotels available, but if you want to enjoy views of the falls from your bedroom, some of the best options include the Hilton Fallsview, Marriott Fallsview and The Oakes Hotel Fallsview.

Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, Canada.
Admiring the power of Niagara Falls, Canada during sunset.

Quick Facts about Niagara Falls

  • The three waterfalls (Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil) are collectively known as Niagara Falls and combine to produce the highest flow rate of any waterfall on earth.
  • Niagara Falls occurs as water drains from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario.
  • Roughly 30 million people visit Niagara Falls each year. Yes, it’s very popular.
  • The largest vertical drop is over 50 metres (165 feet). Can you believe that some people have gone over and lived?
  • The rapids above the Falls reach a maximum speed of 40 km/hr or 25 mph. The fastest speeds occur at the Falls with a record of 68 mph.
  • The water through the Whirlpool Rapids below the falls reaches 48 km/hr or 30 mph, and the Niagara River is a connecting channel between two Great Lakes, Erie and Ontario.
  • The brown foam below Niagara Falls is a natural result of tons of water plummeting into the depths below. It is not dangerous. The brown colour is clay, which contains suspended particles of decayed vegetative matter. It is mostly from the shallow eastern basin of Lake Erie.
  • The startling green colour of the Niagara River is a visible tribute to the erosive power of water. An estimated 60 tons of dissolved minerals are swept over Niagara Falls every minute. The colour comes from the dissolved salts and “rock flour”, which is very finely ground rock, picked up primarily from the limestone bed but probably also from the shales and sandstones under the limestone cap at the Falls.

For more fun facts, check out our article about Ontario Facts!

things to do in niagara falls
Views of Niagara Falls from a helicopter tour.

Now for the Best 26 Things to Do in Niagara Falls (In No Order)

Okay, now for the fun part. Niagara Falls is one of the most popular attractions in Canada, which means it is highly touristic. Therefore, there are loads of attractions, both indoors and outdoors. Think of it as a mini Las Vegas, but with a beautiful waterfall instead of a desert. In addition, if you’re looking to book your Niagara Falls tours and attractions now, please use our links and help us support this site. There’s no additional charge for you, but we receive a very small percentage as affiliates.

Niagara Falls boardwalk views of the falls with a rainbow.
Admiring Niagara Falls from the boardwalk.

1. Admire the Falls from the Boardwalk

To kick things off, one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls is actually free. Walk along the boardwalk near the falls and admire them for as long as you want. If you walk towards the Table Rock Welcome Centre, you’ll be able to stand right next to the crest, imagining what it would be like to fall off. I mean, people have gone off in barrels before. Although we’re focused on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, that’s actually where most of the beauty lies.

Before we continue, it’s worth noting that Niagara Falls is not only the name of the famous waterfall but also the name given to the entire area, including the city. There are actually three waterfalls, with just one being responsible as the star attraction.

The three waterfalls are as follows:

Horseshoe Falls (aka Canadian Falls) is the one you’re probably thinking of when you think of “Niagara Falls”. This is the waterfall that clings to the Canadian side, has a distinct “U” shape, and delivers most of the water flow over a 50-metre drop. It is truly one of the most impressive waterfalls on the planet.

The American Falls is the waterfall that falls from the US side of the river. It’s very flat in profile with many rocks at the base. It’s quite small in comparison to Horseshoe Falls, but it is still beautiful to look at.

Lastly, there is the Bridal Veil Falls, which is the smallest waterfall to the right of the larger American Falls. All three can be captured in one photo from the Canadian side.

Niagara Falls Boat Cruise Canada.
Crusing by American Falls on the Niagara City Boat Cruise.

2. Niagara City Boat Cruise

The Niagara City Cruise is easily the most popular attraction in the area. The boats run like clockwork, leaving every 20 minutes, each packed with people. The tour only takes 15-20 minutes and costs approximately $40. This is such a great way to get up close and personal with Horseshoe Falls and truly feel the power of all that water, which includes getting wet with all the mist. In fact, everyone gets a plastic poncho to wear before they board the boat. You will get soaked!

If you’re interested in experiencing the Hornblower Cruise, we definitely recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. You can also buy tickets onsite through the self-serve kiosks, but if you’re visiting during the busy summer months, this is something you might want to avoid.

Showing our kid the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada.
Pointing out the beauty of Niagara Falls to our child.

3. Niagara Falls Night Cruise with Dinner

Looking for a romantic evening? We can’t imagine something more romantic than the Niagara Falls Night Cruise with dinner. When the sun goes down, Niagara Falls is transformed into an illuminated wonderland, and this 4-hour experience will give you a unique look at this world wonder. First, you’ll dine at Table Rock Restaurant with amazing views of Horseshoe Falls. Then, you’ll get to visit the Illumination Tower, where you control the lights that appear on the falls. And then, you’ll jump on the boat for an evening cruise to the falls.

Things to do in niagara falls
Standing beside the falls. Photo by Matthew G. Bailey.

4. Take a Journey Behind the Falls

Another popular attraction is taking the Journey Behind the Falls tour, which, as you may have guessed, takes you behind the falls through a series of underground tunnels. Visitors take an elevator down 125 feet, where you’ll find tunnels that lead to some lookout points behind Horseshoe Falls. However, as cool as it is to peer out from behind the falls, the best part of the tour, in our opinion, is standing next to the falls on their viewing platform. This way, you get to take your time and get a unique look at the falls from the side. This is also where many of the famous pictures are taken. This is as close as you can possibly get to Horseshoe Falls.

Pro tip: If you plan to do a variety of tours, you’ll want to look into the Niagara Adventure Pass, which will save you money on some of the top attractions.

Things to do in niagara falls. Best Views of Niagara Falls is a helicopter ride.
Niagara Falls from a Helicopter. Photo by Matthew G. Bailey.

5. Niagara Helicopter Tour

One of our favourite activities during our visit to Niagara Falls was taking a helicopter flight. If you have the budget, it’s truly incredible to see the falls from above. It just adds an entirely different dimension as you see the mist rise high into the sky.

Flights depart from the heliport north of downtown and take you on a short 12-minute flight over Niagara Gorge/River and the mighty falls.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking to do a variety of fun things in Niagara Falls and want to save money, consider combining them with one of these tours.

Niagara Falls White Water Walk.
Standing next to some of the world’s largest rapids on the White Water Walk.

6. The White Water Walk

While witnessing Horseshoe Falls is the star attraction, it’s also a really cool experience to see how fast all of that water moves down the Niagara River. To do that, you’ll want to go on the White Water Walk, a beautifully scenic walk that takes you along the Niagara River, offering you the chance to see of the most ferocious rapids in the world.

It starts by taking an elevator 70 metres down to the Niagara Gorge, where you’ll be able to do a self-guided tour along a 400-metre boardwalk. Almost anyone can do this, and it’s also a great way to learn about the 410-million-year-old rock layers that make up the geology of the area.

The boardwalk also includes a variety of viewing platforms that allow you to safely get as close as you can to the famous Whirlpool rapids.

7. Zipline to the Falls

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to soar like a superhero toward one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth, the Zipline to the Falls is your chance to find out—cape not included. You strap in, lean back, and suddenly you’re gliding high above the gorge like a bird with the Horseshoe Falls straight ahead. It’s very smooth and peaceful, focusing more on the views ahead than on pure adrenaline. However, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just someone who occasionally makes bold choices on vacation, this is a cool way to see the falls, albeit very quick in duration.

Soaring over Niagara Falls in the new Niagara Takes Flight 4D experience.

8. Niagara Takes Flight 4D Adventure

The Niagara Takes Flight 4D Adventure is the latest attraction to hit Niagara Falls. This new immersive ride sweeps you across Niagara Falls and throughout its history with massive wraparound screens, wind effects, mist, scents, and motion that makes you feel like you’ve sprouted wings.

You’ll soar across 56 kilometres of parkland, from the shores of Lake Ontario to the edge of Lake Erie, as breathtaking landscapes unfold beneath you. Gliding over swirling rapids and steep rock faces, past lush forests and through dramatic battles that changed the course of history, all before getting closer than ever to the thundering Horseshoe Falls.

It’s thrilling without being terrifying, family-friendly without being boring, and cinematic without making you wear those awkward 3D glasses from 2009. If you’re looking for a big “wow” during your visit, this is absolutely one of the top things to do in Niagara Falls.

9. Niagara Parks Power Station

If there’s one attraction we missed that I really wanted to see, it’s the Niagara Parks Power Station. While it may not sound exciting at first, the reviews say otherwise. This is where history, engineering, and just a little bit of “whoa, humans really built this?” all collide. By day, you wander through a century-old hydro plant packed with massive generators, towering turbines, and enough industrial charm to make any history buff weak in the knees. The exhibits make it easy to grasp how this behemoth once powered entire cities—no engineering degree required. But come nightfall, things level up fast. The Currents night show transforms the whole station into a living, glowing art piece with lights, music, and projections that dance across the old machinery. It’s like the power plant had a few espressos and decided to throw a party. Plus, an added benefit of a night tour is walking outside onto the viewing platform for unrivalled views of the fireworks.

Get amazing views of Niagara Falls from the Niagara Skywheel.
Photo from Niagara Skywheel website.

10. Clifton Hill and the Niagara SkyWheel

Clifton Hill is Niagara Falls’ neon-soaked playground, the kind of place where you can bounce from zombie shootouts to giant Ferris wheel views to glow-in-the-dark mini golf without ever losing your cotton candy. It’s loud, it’s delightfully chaotic, and it absolutely refuses to be boring. Think Vegas energy, but with more dinosaurs and fewer questionable life choices. Whether you’re travelling with kids, friends, or your inner child who refuses to act their age, Clifton Hill is the spot to let loose and say yes to the fun, cheesy, over-the-top side of Niagara.

Clifton Hill is basically a greatest-hits playlist of chaotic fun, and some attractions rise right to the top. Here are the big ones people flock to:

Niagara SkyWheel: The star of the strip. A smooth, 175-foot-high Ferris wheel ride with killer views of the falls—day or night, it’s a beauty, and for us with two toddlers in tow, it’s the only attraction we managed to do during our time in Niagara Falls.

Zombie Attack: A 6D motion ride that lets you blast your way through a zombie apocalypse. It’s intense, ridiculous, and absolutely worth the bragging rights.

Dinosaur Adventure Golf: Glow-in-the-dark mini golf surrounded by giant dinos. It’s somehow both epic and mildly terrifying when a T. rex is looming over your putt.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: Weird, quirky, and full of “wait… what?” moments. Great for killing an hour and leaving with a head full of trivia no one asked for.

Great Canadian Midway: Two floors of arcade chaos with everything from retro classics to flashy modern games. Tickets, prizes, nostalgia—you know the drill.

Movieland Wax Museum: A walk-through of celebrity wax figures that range from impressively lifelike to delightfully questionable. A perfect photo-op goldmine.

The Haunted House / Nightmares Fear Factory: If you enjoy screaming, laughing, or reconsidering your life choices in the dark, these classic Clifton Hill haunts have you covered.

It’s over-the-top fun stacked on top of more over-the-top fun—basically the whole point of Clifton Hill. If this type of area is your thing, you may want to look into the Clifton Hill Fun Pass, which includes admission to a variety of attractions at a discounted rate.

11. Skylon Tower

No major tourist destination would be complete without a view tower that offers dinner. If you’re into heights and grand views, you might want to head up to the Skylon Tower. Dating back to 1965, you can take the iconic yellow elevators up to the viewing platform for 360-degree views!

The tower offers views from approximately 236 metres above the falls and, as previously mentioned, also offers the chance for some fine dining.

Admiring the fireworks in Niagara Falls from our fallsview hotel
Admiring the nightly fireworks show from our Hilton Fallsview Hotel room.

12. Niagara Falls Nightly Fireworks & Illumination of the Falls

Those of you into fireworks (who isn’t?) will really enjoy Niagara Falls because, during the busy summer months, fireworks are held daily at 10 PM and are displayed above the magnificent falls.

That’s right. Each summer from June to September (as well as some weekends after), there are fireworks every night. The fireworks can be seen from many locations, so you don’t really have to be concerned with finding a good spot. During our visit, we went right down to the main boardwalk and enjoyed them right in front of the falls, but any of the viewpoints mentioned in this article would be great. Plus, if your location isn’t ideal, there’s always the next day!

Even the falls themselves are lit up each evening, year-round, illuminating Horseshoe Falls for a really beautiful scene at night. For those who really want to indulge in the experience, you may even want to opt for a Firework Night Cruise to the Falls to see the fireworks and Illumination up close.

Bird Kingdom, Niagara Falls.
Admiring one of the many birds within the Bird Kingdom of Niagara Falls, Canada.

13. Bird Kingdom

After many visits to Niagara Falls, we finally took the time to visit the Bird Kingdom, and we were impressed!

Stroll through the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary where hundreds of colourful birds swoop, chatter, and strut all around you, from tiny feathered speedsters to parrots with bigger personalities than most houseguests. Add in winding pathways, waterfalls, and a few surprise critters, and it’s basically the closest thing to an exotic vacation you can get without renewing your passport. Whether you’re travelling with family or friends, you’re bound to have a great time here. Our twin toddlers absolutely loved it and were mesmerized by all the sounds the birds were making.

Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory.
Admiring one of the Monarch butterflies, which actually migrate from Canada to Mexico every year.

14. Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory & Botanical Garden

The Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory is pure magic—like stepping into a rainforest where someone hit the “release all butterflies” button. Inside this warm, tropical haven, more than 2,000 butterflies swirl around you in a colourful cloud, landing on flowers, leaves, and occasionally your shoulder if you’re lucky. With winding pathways, lush greenery, and little pockets of stillness, it’s one of the most peaceful spots in Niagara Falls—despite being absolutely alive with fluttering wings.

However, it doesn’t stop there. Outside, you’ll find the incredible Niagara Parks’ Botanical Gardens, which have been wowing visitors since 1936, with 40 hectares (99 acres) of beautifully maintained gardens. Enjoy perennials, rhododendrons, azaleas, a formal parterre garden, shade, herb and vegetable plantings, as well as a world-famous rose garden featuring over 2,400 roses.

15. Niagara Glen + Nature Centre

Want even more nature? I mean, it is Canada after all.

For more nature north of downtown, take a trip to Niagara Glen and Nature Centre. It all starts at a stairway that takes you along 4 kilometres of pathways leading into and within the Niagara Gorge. It’s known for its unique Carolinian Forest, rock formations, fossils, and more.

This area also offers views of the Niagara River Whirlpool, which is pretty cool to see as well. There are even guided hikes you can do, as well as the nature centre itself, which also offers views, snacks, and beverages.

Whirlpool Aero Car Niagara Falls Canada
The Whirlpool Aero Car. Photo by Matthew G. Bailey.

16. Whirlpool Aero Car

The Whirlpool Aero Car is Niagara’s version of a flying carpet—if the carpet dangled 70 metres above a raging, spinning whirlpool that looks like it’s auditioning for an action movie. This century-old cable car carries you over the Niagara Gorge, offering jaw-dropping views of the swirling rapids below and the rugged cliffs around you. It’s not a thrill ride in the “scream-your-face-off” sense, but your heart definitely perks up when you’re suspended mid-air watching the river churn like it’s plotting something. It’s quick, it’s unique, it’s historic, and the views are unbeatable. If you want a perspective on Niagara Falls that you simply can’t get from dry land, the Whirlpool Aero Car is absolutely one of the must-do experiences.

Niagara Whirlpool Aero Car.
Soaring over the Whirlpool Rapids in a historic aerocar.

Niagara Falls Fun Fact!

You might be wondering how the Niagara Whirlpool was created.

The Niagara whirlpool wasn’t created by some angry river god—though it definitely looks like it could’ve been. It’s actually the result of some seriously wild geology mixed with the raw power of the Niagara River. Thousands of years ago, as the Falls eroded their way upstream, the river eventually punched into an ancient riverbed that had carved a sharp right-angle turn. When all that fast-moving water slammed into the bend, it basically had a mini meltdown—spinning, carving, and deepening the basin into the massive whirlpool we see today.

The river still hits that corner at high speed, so the water keeps swirling counterclockwise like a giant natural washing machine. It’s one of those spots where you can practically see the raw force that shaped the entire gorge… and also understand why nobody is volunteering to take a kayak through it.

However, there is an exciting way to experience them…

Niagara Whirlpool Jet Tours.
Before the rapids…
This is one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls.
After the rapids…

17. Niagara Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

If you want to see the whirlpools while enjoying some exhilarating entertainment, you’ll definitely want to check out the Niagara Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. As cool as it is to see the whirlpools from above, it certainly doesn’t compare to soaring through them in a high-power jet boat!

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours is where Niagara decides to test your commitment to staying dry—and spoiler, you will lose. These high-powered boats rocket straight into the Niagara Gorge, smashing through Class V rapids with full force. One second you’re cruising along, feeling brave, and the next you’re swallowed by a wall of water while the whole boat erupts in laughter. It’s fast, it’s wild, and it’s the closest you can get to the raw power of the river without actually becoming part of it.

Whether you choose the open-top “soak me” adventure or the domed jet boat for a slightly less soggy ride (we recommend getting wet), it’s pure adrenaline backed by world-class safety and some seriously epic scenery. If you want a story you’ll be telling for years—and photos where you look equal parts terrified and thrilled—this is one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls, period.

If this sounds exciting, you can book your spot on the whirlpool jet boat tour here.

18. Fallsview Casino Resort

As mentioned earlier in this Niagara Falls travel guide, Niagara Falls has a touch of Las Vegas, including big casinos and resort-style hotels. So, if you’re looking to toss some dice, test your luck at the VLT, or go all-in on a poker hand, Fallsview Casino Resort is the place to do it.

Located downtown on Fallsview Boulevard, this large complex is a hotel and casino with restaurants and a live entertainment venue for shows, musical performances, and more.

19. Niagara Falls History Museum

If you’re into history, Niagara Falls has a lot to offer. It might be known for the mighty falls that have made the area world-famous, but it’s also home to some pretty big wars, including the War of 1812 between Britain and the USA. If the falls are all you came for, the Niagara Falls History Museum might inspire you to head towards Niagara-on-the-Lake as well, which is also home to some of Canada’s top wineries.

Dedicated to telling the rich history of the region, the museum is close to downtown and accessible via the WEGO bus. The area itself is also home to loads of military history, including the Drummond Hill Cemetery and the Battle of Lundy’s Lane.

20. Whirlpool Golf Course

For those into golf, you’ll want to check out the top-rated public Whirlpool Golf Course, which, as you may have guessed, is located right next to the famous Niagara River Whirlpool.

In addition to the beautiful course, you’ll also find a popular clubhouse where you can enjoy a nice meal or a drink.

21. Floral Clock

Where else can you find a colourful clock made with flowers?

At first, it might not seem like a worthy attraction, but once you see it, you’ll realize how big it really is and the amount of work it takes to create and maintain.

Located north of the Botanical Gardens, this floral clock actually works! The clock’s face is made up of approximately 16,000 small flowers and is very colourful and beautiful. It chimes every 15 minutes, and the back door to the clock might be open for you to see the clock mechanisms and old photos from previous clocks (if you’re lucky!).

22. Queenston Heights Park

If you’re already visiting the Floral Clock, you may as well pay a visit to Queenston Heights Park, which is home to a beautiful green space, monuments, and more. Two of the popular monuments are the Brock monument and the Laura Secord monument.

This place offers very nice views, picnic areas, and a lovely dining experience at Queenston Heights Restaurant.

23. Queen Victoria Park

Located along the upper walkway of the Niagara Parkway is the beautiful and popular Queen Victoria Park. The park is quite big and can be a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of one of Canada’s most iconic destinations. For those of you into flowers, this is one park you should not miss. Niagara Parks takes incredible care of the place, and it really is a beautiful place to stroll around. You’ll also find a variety of statues and historical sites scattered throughout the park.

24. Rainbow Bridge

Where else can you stand on a bridge that separates two of the world’s top countries? Separating Niagara Falls, New York, from Niagara Falls, Ontario is the Rainbow Bridge, which also offers impressive views of the falls.

Dating back to the 1940s, this famous arch bridge has custom checkpoints at each end because the “border” is literally in the middle! If you want to explore the American side of Niagara Falls, this is the bridge you want to cross. The bridge is for cars but also has a pedestrian-friendly walkway.

If you’re coming from Canada, you can walk on the bridge to take photos without going through US customs, but you will need to return through Canadian customs. However, there is a small fee of four Canadian or American quarters to do the crossing. It seems odd, but yes, you do need QUARTERS. You can get them there, but be prepared for a line. It’s much better to have them ready.

25. Take a Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tour

If you have the time, we highly recommend driving out to Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is famous for its wineries and its history. Since this region is one of the top regions in Canada for wine, enjoying a wine tour is an absolute must-do. Many organized tours take you around, or you can drive yourself to the wineries you wish to visit. The town itself is also incredibly charming, making it the perfect place for a summer stroll.

Some of the popular wineries include Inniskillin, Reif Estates, Ravine, and Chateau des Charmes, just to name a few. The drive is only 20-30 minutes from Niagara Falls, so it really does make sense to go if you have an extra day or two.

26. The Falls Incline Railway

The Falls Incline Railway is a fanicular that improves the link between the Niagara Parks attractions at Table Rock and the Fallsview Tourist Area, including hotels and the Fallsview Casino Resort. The Railway allows riders to easily reach the “Bridge of Flowers” pedestrian crossing over the Niagara Parkway. It is open year-round, is fully accessible and climate-controlled, and offers views as well.

Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, Canada.
Watching the water flow over the crest of Horseshoe Falls.

Niagara Falls Travel Tips

  • It is not a day trip from Toronto. While you could go just to see the falls, there are just too many other awesome things to do that you’ll probably want to spend at least two nights here.
  • Visiting in the Spring and Fall is a great way to enjoy warm weather without the summer crowds.
  • However, winter is also a great time to visit if you want to see the city and the falls surrounded by snow. Plus, you can enjoy the Winter Festival of Lights that takes place on select dates from November to January.
  • The Adventure Pass is a great way to save some money, get around the destination with WeGo and enjoy all that Niagara Parks has to offer.
  • When it comes to WeGo, which is the tourist public transportation, we highly recommend using it to save on the parking fees at each attraction.
  • The Fallsview rooms are worth the splurge, as you can enjoy beautiful views from your bedroom!
  • If you have 2-3 days, explore the Niagara region even further, from food and wine adventures, to amazing spots to connect with nature, even stunning beaches, all within a half-hour drive.

Getting Around Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is relatively small and easy to get around. The main area, including the falls themselves, many of the attractions, the Clifton Hill area, and downtown, are basically within walking distance. For many of the other attractions slightly further away, such as the Whirlpool Aero Car, there are WEGO buses everywhere, which are buses created to help tourists get around.

Most people visiting Niagara Falls stay downtown or next to the falls, so walking to most attractions is totally feasible.

WEGO runs three coloured lines with routes that cover downtown Niagara Falls, the attractions that run along the river north towards the Floral Clock, Lundy’s Lane, and an extension shuttle service from April to October that takes you to Niagara on the Lake.

The three lines conveniently meet around the Table Rock Visitor Centre at Horseshoe Falls. You can learn more about the routes and prices here. In addition, you can always snag a taxi or an Uber as well.

If you want maximum convenience or plan to travel further, we can certainly recommend a rental car as well. We’re almost always on some sort of Canada road trip, so we love to travel with our own vehicle.

TIP: For those travelling between downtown and the falls, it can be quite hilly. Those looking for a workout will be pleased, but if you have mobility issues or just don’t feel up to it, there’s an Incline Railway that goes from the Fallsview downtown area to the Table Rock Welcome Centre (more or less).

The best places to eat in Niagara Falls, Canada.
Getting ready to enjoy dinner with stunning views in Niagara Falls, Canada.

Where to Eat in Niagara Falls

There are hundreds of restaurants in Niagara Falls to choose from. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or casual food, there’s something for everyone. We’ll simply list a few options below to give you some ideas.

Corso: Corso, tucked inside the Hilton Fallsview Hotel, is Italian dining done right—no frills, no fuss, just seriously good food. This is where handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and rich, rustic flavours steal the spotlight, all wrapped in a warm, modern setting that feels miles away from the tourist buzz outside. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and class: hearty plates that taste like nonna’s recipes met a world-travelled chef, plus a killer wine list to seal the deal. Whether you’re staying at the Hilton or just hungry for one of the best Italian meals in Niagara Falls, Corso is an easy win.

Table Rock House Restaurant: If you’re heading to Niagara Falls and want dinner with a side of absolutely jaw-dropping scenery, Table Rock House Restaurant is about as close to the falls as you can get without turning into mist. The restaurant sits at the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, with floor-to-ceiling windows that give you gorgeous views while dining on locally sourced cuisine, ranging from trout to steak, and everything in between. Whether it’s a romantic dinner watching the falls swirl by under moonlight and nightly illumination, or a relaxed meal after sightseeing, Table Rock House is a great restaurant to add to your experience.

Queen Victoria Place Restaurant: This historic gem is nestled in Queen Victoria Park, serving up relaxed, pub-style fare with one heck of a backdrop. Set inside a building from 1904, complete with a distinctive green copper roof and stone walls quarried from the Niagara Riverbed, it makes for a decent place to enjoy a meal next to the world-famous waterfalls.

Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar: If you’re in Niagara Falls and looking for a lunch spot that brings together real-local flavour, killer Falls views, and surprisingly chill vibes, this is a good spot. Situated on the upper level of the historic Table Rock Centre, this place boasts the closest open-air rooftop patio to the brink of the Horseshoe Falls, along with tasty bites and refreshing drinks.

Niagara Distillery: Niagara Distillery on Clifton Hill is the perfect combo of craft spirits and finger-licking BBQ, making it a top spot when you want big flavour without the fuss. They whip up their own spirits right on-site, then pair it all with smoky, slow-cooked ribs, brisket, burgers, and all the messy goodness you secretly crave. With two patios, a lively two-storey layout, and cocktails mixed with their house-made spirits, it’s as fun as Clifton Hill itself—just with better food.

Admiring the sunrise over Niagara Falls from the Hilton Fallsview hotel.
Admiring the beautiful sunrise over Niagara Falls from our bedroom in the Hilton Fallsview Hotel.

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls

As one of Canada’s prime tourist destinations, there’s no shortage of hotels and accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury.

However, if the budget is no issue or if you’re willing to splurge for the experience, we highly recommend a fallsview room. We stayed at the Hilton Fallsview, and it was a huge bonus to look out our window on the 37th floor and see American Falls, the Skylon Tower, and the fireworks every night. Horseshoe Falls was also visible, and some rooms almost look right down on it. In addition, the Hilton Fallsview offered a delicious breakfast with equally impressive views.

If budget is no issue and you’re looking for beautiful views of the falls right from your bedroom, there are a few options, such as:

If you don’t care about the view, don’t like the prices, or there’s simply no availability, the next best option is to stay somewhere downtown. As mentioned earlier in this travel guide, most hotels, motels, and B&Bs are within walking distance of many attractions.

For more things to do in Ontario, check out our other travel guides below:

3 Comments

  1. I love Niagara <3 I've never been to the Bird Kingdom, but it sounds like it's a lot of fun!

  2. We have been so many times and there is always something new to do or try! My kids love going and I love seeing their faces light up! We are already discussing our next visit!

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