Why Niagra Falls is so much more than a waterfall

Fall for the magic of Niagara

Thought the city of Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada was all about the three breathtaking waterfalls that collectively make up its namesake natural wonder? Well, you’re not wrong – the falls are the star of the show – but there are plenty of other fantastic attractions, places to visit and adventures to experience in and around the world-famous landmark.

With the new Tunnel at Niagara Parks Power Station offering a never-before-seen view of the falls, we delve into the appeal and magic of this bucket-list beauty and the spectacular surrounding region.

Click through the gallery to discover the highlights of Niagara Falls and its surroundings...

See the falls up close and for free

On the approach to Niagara River Parkway – the road that sits to the left of Horseshoe Falls, where the bright lights of the hotels and casinos blur opposite – you can hear the mighty roar of the water and feel its presence (quite literally on your skin) before you’ve even seen it. But once you’re in front of this vast curtain of gushing water, it’ll blow your mind.

As much as 700,000 gallons of water flows over Horseshoe Falls every minute. Take advantage of the many viewpoints to just stand and stare. It’s mesmerising no matter what angle you’re at – your camera roll will prove that.

See the falls up close and for free

Immersing yourself in the mesmerising wonder is easy – and completely free. The hedge separating you from the huge drop is sufficient enough to make you feel safe yet able to capture the ultimate shot of Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three falls, which straddles the international border of Canada and the US.

Across the Niagara River, you can also see the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls – separated by Luna Island (seen on the right of this image) – they’re much smaller but nevertheless impressive. At night, you’ll see all the falls lit up, offering more spectacular shots.

You can cross the Rainbow Bridge, which connects the Canadian Niagara Falls with its namesake US city, for a small fee.

Visit Niagara Parks Power Station

The Niagara Parks Power Station, which faces Horseshoe Falls, was established in 1905 as the first major power plant on the Canadian side of the Niagara River. Back then, the towering turbines used here were the largest in the world. Each weighing 90 tonnes, all 11 harnessed the energy of Niagara Falls into a great source of electricity for the area for 100 years.

Now, having lain dormant since 2006 when operations ceased, the history of this hydropower pioneer comes alive once again as an immersive, must-see attraction, which opened in 2021.

Visit Niagara Parks Power Station

Expect incredible storytelling through life-like exhibits and artefacts revealing the remarkable history of the power station and its workers (a guided tour is advisable so you won’t miss a thing). Situated 180 feet (55m) below the stunning building, the 2,200-foot-long (671m) tunnel gifts you a closer look at the falls.

Excavated only by lanterns, dynamite, pickaxes and shovels, you can stroll to a brand-new observation deck buried deep below the cascade at the river’s edge. A word of advice: take the complimentary poncho as you step out onto the viewing platform for that all-important first glance. You won’t be able to take your eyes off the view. 

Take a helicopter ride over the falls

Tick off two bucket-list experiences in one with a helicopter flight over the falls. This ride of a lifetime follows the Niagara River at 2,500 feet (800m) soaring high above the Niagara Whirlpool (look out for the historic Whirlpool Aero Car attraction crossing the Niagara Gorge), white water rapids and the Rainbow Bridge.

You'll also witness the sheer magnitude of the Fallsview area featuring the American, Bridal Veil and majestic Horseshoe Falls. The helicopter changes course to follow the curve of Horseshoe Falls and it’s at this point where you should watch for rainbows appearing and disappearing from all directions.

You'll then fly above the Skylon Tower and the beauty of Queen Victoria Park before heading back to base.

Take a helicopter ride over the falls

The helicopter fits a maximum of seven passengers for the epic nine-minute journey (12 including boarding time). Let the pilot do their thing as you listen to recorded commentary (available in 12 languages) and get your cameras ready.

Before you board, you’ll get your photo taken outside the Airbus H130, which you can buy for a small fee afterwards, and don’t forget to pick up your ‘high flyer’ certificate. Run by Niagara Helicopters for more than 50 years, flights take off daily from 9am, weather permitting, and there is no need for reservations.

Take a boat ride to the falls

Get up close and personal with the falls on board a boat tour by Niagara City Cruises. Yet another journey of a lifetime, this 20-minute cruise allows you to enjoy amazing views of the Niagara Gorge, American and Bridal Veil Falls, before coming face-to-face with Horseshoe Falls.

You’re given a complimentary poncho, which you absolutely need if you’re at the front, then you can sit back (or stand) and let the audio commentary tell you all about this incredible natural marvel. 

Take a boat ride to the falls

You can physically feel the immense power of the falls even before the water ‘rains’ down on the Hornblower. Listening to the commentary (assuming you can hear it over the thundering roar), you’ll discover the 12,300-year history and secrets of the falls.

Formed when large torrents of water were released from melting ice and drained into the Niagara River, it’s become the second most visited attraction in North America, after the Grand Canyon.

Do the White Water Walk

This is not just any old walk. This underrated wander right next to the Class 6 rapids, downstream from the falls, is another must-do. Take the elevator 230 feet (70m) down to the water’s edge but before you drink in the sheer beauty and relentless power of some of the world’s wildest stretches of whitewater, take a moment to read up on the many stories of the area.

These include the daredevils who went over the falls or down the rapids in the name of notoriety more than a century ago.

Do the White Water Walk

Once you’re face-to-face with the Niagara River, take full advantage of the lookout points scattered throughout the quarter-mile (0.40km) boardwalk. When you get to the first platform, looking up river, get your camera out. The Whirlpool Rapids Railroad Bridge will frame your shot perfectly.

The self-guided tour allows you to stop and read the stories and facts about the geology of the Great Gorge, as well as the plant and animal life surrounding it. Give the American tourists across the river a wave; you’ll spot a few doing a similar walk on the US side. 

Take in the views from an aero car

If you don’t like heights from an open-air vehicle, look away now. The historic Whirlpool Aero Car takes you across the Niagara Gorge at a dizzying 3,500 feet (1,067m) in the air.

The brainchild of renowned Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo, the aero car has been in operation since 1916. Although it’s been restored several times since, it still maintains its unique original design.

Take in the views from an aero car

Once on board, you’ll witness the whitewater rapids and swirling Niagara Whirlpool as the car crosses the international border between Canada and the US; don’t worry, you won’t need your passport. The whirlpool is created at the end of the rapids where the gorge forces the river to suddenly turn counterclockwise. Your camera won’t do this mesmerising natural phenomenon justice.

Take the kids to Clifton Hill

If you’re travelling with children, Clifton Hill is the perfect place to tire them out if the fresh air doesn’t. It's walking distance from Fallsview Boulevard and this lively area, dubbed the ‘street of fun,’ is reminiscent of a British seaside resort; arcades, slot machines, mini golf, go-karts, fast food… you name it, CH has got it.

Take time to ride the Niagara SkyWheel and play the Zombie Attack next door. There are plenty of restaurants too, so refuelling is easy.

Dine at Table Rock House

One thing’s for certain, you won’t go hungry in Niagara Falls, and arguably the best seats in town go to Table Rock House. Directly over the road from Horseshoe Falls, you’re practically perched on the edge of the natural wonder.

For starters, you can’t go wrong with the Ontario burrata, served with pickled aubergine, toasted pine nuts and heirloom tomatoes. The fried vegetable dumplings with kimchi, spring onions and gochujang (red chilli paste) are extremely moreish too.

Burger and sandwich offerings include a chicken schnitzel BLT, Atlantic lobster roll and Canadian prime rib burger. This is a lunch to remember, no matter what you choose.

Visit Niagara on the Lake

If you can tear yourself away from the bright lights of Fallsview Boulevard, head to nearby Niagara-On-The-Lake, southern Ontario’s premier wine country. The climate is generally a couple of degrees warmer here, which helps produce incredible wines in its 30 wineries.

Wander down quaint Queen Street, the area’s main thoroughfare, and you might pass a horse-drawn carriage as you peruse the independent shops and colourful cafes in beautifully preserved colonial-style buildings. The boutique inns here come in handy after a few vineyard visits and provide a nice contrast to the bright lights of Niagara Falls’ big chain hotels.

Stop by the wineries

Wine fans will relish the prospect of visiting top-class vineyards in Niagara-On-The-Lake, particularly Peller Estate and Two Sisters. The Peller brand can be spotted all over Ontario and is worth the hype.

Tours include tastings from the 44-acre estate’s wine portfolio, with a stop off in the 10Below Icewine Lounge – an igloo-esque room that’s kept at -10°C (14°F), where you can sample the painstakingly delicious icewine; just 1mm is produced from 10 grapes. Two Sisters’ John Street Vineyard spans 68 acres, where merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and chardonnay varietals thrive.

The award-winning winery offers a tasting flight of four premium wines; our advice is to choose the cabernet franc – a fruity ruby red that’s been crafted in French oak for 30 months. Cheers!

Wander through Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens

Just five miles (8km) from Fallsview Boulevard lies this tranquil sanctuary. The beautifully maintained gardens are packed with fragrant, seasonal blooms across 99 acres. Take in the vegetable, rose, herb, parterre and Indigenous gardens, appreciating the work done by students from Niagara Parks’ School of Horticulture, who grow over 80,000 plants annually in the onsite greenhouse.

The rose garden is one of the most extensive in North America, featuring 2,400 in 54 rose beds. Among them is the 1941 Sutter’s Gold Rose (a hybrid tea rose), a highlight for many visitors. “We don’t use any pesticides; roses are princesses, we care for them dearly," explains Charles Hunter, the gardens' director of horticulture and education.

Wander through Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens

Another part of this horticultural hub is the Legacy Prairie Garden, which represents five different meadows. The mismatch of colours and plants attracts birds and bees, while native plants thrive here too.

You can’t miss the beautifully decked School of Horticulture (pictured) as you walk past the rose gardens. Housed in a former train station, the school has been growing world leaders in its field (all puns intended) since 1936, when skilled gardeners were needed to tend to the parkland along the Niagara River Parkway.

Children are encouraged to visit and can take part in a nature exchange. They earn learning points if they can talk about something they’ve seen in the grounds and can swap the points for a rock or a fossil to take home. 

Head to the Butterfly Conservatory

Within the botanical gardens is the Butterfly Conservatory, the largest facility of its kind in North America. Built in 1996, the tropical oasis features 590 feet (180m) of pathways surrounded by tropical plants and flowers, but watch your step (and your back), as it’s likely there are several of the 2,000 vibrantly coloured butterflies fluttering around at your feet or hitching a ride on your shoulder.

Don’t forget to take a peek at the Emergence Chamber; you’ll see various species of butterfly in their pupae stage as part of the centre’s breeding programme, and if you’re lucky, you might see one hanging to dry its wings before taking its first flight.

Sample some maple syrup

Maple syrup tasting will give you a sweetness craving you didn’t know you had. Head to Maple Leaf Place on River Road for a free tasting. Flights of three different varieties of maple syrup allow you to decide on your favourite – then you can buy some to take home. Taste golden, which is from the first harvest; amber, which represents mid harvest; and dark, from the final harvest.

A word of warning: they’re all delicious. Before you leave, pick up a souvenir in the gift shop and pose with the giant toy moose.

Take in the nightly fireworks show and illuminated falls

If you’re back at base by 10pm, you can watch the nightly fireworks display over the falls from the comfort of your hotel suite, or even if you’re just in the vicinity, you’ll know they’ve started. Look up, get your camera ready and marvel at the night sky as it lights up with colourful pops and patterns.

Earlier, from dusk, see the falls illuminated in all their glory each evening. We’ll let you into a secret: the lights are there to distract you from the fact the water flowing over all three falls is greatly reduced for power generation purposes at night.

Enjoy a farm-to-table experience

If you’re after dinner with a difference, head to AG Inspired Cuisine, a stylish restaurant located inside the Sterling Inn & Spa, minutes from Fallsview Boulevard. Chef Cory Linkson prides himself on the restaurant’s unique farm-to-table experience; planting, farming and picking all his own produce on a seasonal basis, with a menu that can change weekly.

The porcini and red wine braised shank of Canadian lamb (pictured) is sublime, while the chocolate tart served with malt cream, candied chestnut, Champagne-poached pear, white chocolate crumb and lavender from the garden will more than satisfy your sweet tooth.

The wine pairings are equally well thought out, featuring local wineries such as Reif and Two Sisters that complement your courses perfectly.

Choose the perfect hotel

If you want to stay close to the action, there are plenty of hotels right next to Horseshoe Falls to suit all budgets. Request a high floor with a falls view to make the most of your stay, whether you want luxury at the Hilton, Sheraton, DoubleTree or one of two Marriotts (we can highly recommend the spa at Marriott Fallsview, pictured), or the reasonably priced Quality Hotel and Wyndham.

If you want boutique-style slumber, the 110-room Old Stone Inn is an excellent spot that’s full of history and character (it was built in 1904 as a flour mill) and peppered with elegant decor throughout. The dining options here are exquisite too.

Drink in the views at Embassy Suites by Hilton

For arguably the best views, stay at the 42-floor Embassy Suites by Hilton, located just 100 yards from the natural wonder. The high floor, two-room suites are super spacious, with two double beds, a living room area complete with sofa bed and flatscreen TV, bath and shower room, desk, fridge, coffee machine, microwave, wet bar and the most incredible view you’ve probably ever experienced from a hotel room.

Breakfast is served with a view at the Keg Steakhouse and Bar, located on the ninth floor. Enjoy your eggs while you watch the sunrise over the falls. It’s spectacular.

Getting there

Air Canada offers several direct flights a day from London Heathrow to Toronto-Pearson International. From the airport, you can board a Niagara Airbus shuttle to the Niagara region. Alternatively, it's a 90-minute drive in a hire car or booked taxi.

For more information, visit niagaraparks.com and travel.destinationcanada.com/en-ca

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