Photo Credit: NeilMorrell via pixabay.com

Niagara Falls is on so many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. It is a beautiful waterfall and the surrounding area has so many things to do as well. As well as the falls, there’s the Canadian city of the same name which has so many fun things to do as well. If you’re looking to plan the perfect trip then you can read this guide to give you some ideas about what to do and where to go.

Travelling

There are a handful of international airports within a 2-hour drive (or closer) of Niagara falls. If you don’t want to rent a car then there are also many trains, shuttle buses, coaches, and taxis that can you get there.

The Falls

If you didn’t already know, Niagara Falls is a 12,000+-year-old set of waterfalls that were formed by glaciers. It’s arguably the most famous set of falls in the world, so the first thing you probably should do when you’re wondering what to do in Niagara Falls is to visit here. Niagara Falls is actually made up of three sets of waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, Bridal American Falls and Veil Falls. There’s a lovely promenade that allows you to look down on the falls and you can even book a boat tour that will give you a shower (take waterproof clothing!).

So the waterfalls actually run along the border of Canada (Ontario) and the USA (New York). The best panoramic views are actually on the Canadian side but you can easily cross to the states as well via a pedestrian bridge. However, please check whether you require a visa before you travel between the countries – citizens of the USA can travel into Canada without one, but others may need to pay for a tourist visa.

Niagara Gorge

Downstream from the falls, the landscape is just as spectacular. With dense forests and steep cliffs, the gorge is just that – gorgeous! There are numerous great viewpoints at various points along the river but there are some fun activities you can do to truly experience the scale of the gorge. For the adrenaline junkies, you could try ziplining above the waters, or if you want something a little less intense you can trundle across in the Whirlpool Aero Car.

Niagara Glen

Located along the side of Niagara Gorge is the Niagara Glen Nature Centre which is home to one of the last remaining Carolinian forests. This type of forest is characterized by the prevalence of deciduous trees, which can be explored by its many kilometres of trails. There are also many rock climbing and bouldering opportunities, which you can try by applying for a permit. If you want to learn more about this historic landscape then there are tours you can book with informed and knowledgeable guides.

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens

About 10 kilometres from the falls, there are some lovely botanical gardens with unique flowers and over 99 acres of beautiful scenery. There are various gardens including a parterre, herb, rose and vegetable gardens; you’ll often see the work of students of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture.

Butterfly Conservatory

You can’t miss out on the largest glass-enclose butterfly sanctuary in North America, which is located less than 10 kilometres from the falls. Enjoy the wildlife and look around in awe at over 2000 butterflies with over 40 different species. It’ll be a truly beautiful experience which you won’t quickly forget.

Clifton Hill

After you’ve admired all of the natural beauty that Niagara Falls offers, you can Clifton Hill, which is an amusement park right next to the falls. There are various activities and attractions here which you can enjoy including the following.

• Skywheel: this observation wheel can give you great views of the falls from over 175 feet up.
• Speedway: get competitive in the go-karts on the elevated track.
• Adventure golf: this dinosaur-themed adventure golf is truly a spectacle. The two 18-hole courses make this course one of the largest in Canada. If the dinosaurs are too scary for you then there’s another indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf course you can try as well.
• Wax museum: take some pictures with your favourite celebrities (in their wax form)

There’s so much more here for everyone and anyone to enjoy. They’ve also got bowling, arcade games and virtual roller coasters.

All in all, Niagara Falls is a beautiful place with so much more to offer than just the waterfalls. Check out the surrounding nature at the botanical gardens, the gorge, the forests and the butterfly conservatory. And then enjoy the fun attractions at Clifton Hill – it’ll be a great time for you and your fellow travellers!