We receive many inquiries regarding what “not to miss” while visiting our area so we’ve compiled this list for you.
1. A walking tour of Niagara Falls whether it be in the US or Canada is something everyone will want to do. Along the way you can view both the American & Canadian Falls while enjoying the beautifully landscaped Queen Victoria Park and Oakes Gardens. If you are only visiting on the US side of Niagara Falls you will want to visit Prospect Point & Goat Island.
2. A boat ride at Niagara Falls into the mist is usually at the top of everybody’s “to do” list. You can board from either the USA or Canada. In the USA board from Prospect Point Park and in Canada you board from Queen Victoria Park near the base of Clifton Hill. If you do board from NY you will have the opportunity to ride on the observation tower elevator and walk up the foot path towards the brink of the American Falls.
3. The Cave of the Winds on Goat Island in Niagara Falls NY is the closest you can get to the Falls. While you are on Goat Island stroll out to the “Three Sisters Islands” for a beautiful view of the upper Niagara River.
4. Journey Behind the Falls at the Table Rock Visitor Center in Queen Victoria Park. This attraction gives you a beautiful perspective of the Horseshoe Falls. If you don’t have the time to try Cave of the Winds, this is the next best thing.
5. The Whirlpool Jetboat is an amazing experience which rivals the Maid of the Mist boat ride. The views are just phenomenal and the rush of riding through the rapids will leave you grinning from ear to ear! For the not so adventurous the Whirlpool Jet offers rides on their enclosed jet boats to keep you and your gear dry.
6. White Water Walk in Niagara Falls Canada offers an amazing boardwalk along the largest set of rapids in North America. For the quick in and out you can take an elevator to the bottom of the Niagara Gorge in Niagara Falls Canada. If you are somewhat athletic you can hike down into the gorge from Whirlpool State Park in the USA.
7. Fallsview dining. Think you have seen and done everything so far? Nothing is more satisfying than fine dining with a view of the Falls. All the major Fallsview hotels have restaurants with a view but two in particular are at the top of the list. The Watermark restaurant at the Hilton Fallsview is spectacular with an equal view of both the American and Canadian Falls. The STK Steakhouse Fallsview restaurant at the Embassy Suites is much closer to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and is very impressive as well. The STK Steakhouse Fallsview’s atmosphere tends to be a bit more lively (and louder) but the food and service is equally good. Final word, It’s not cheap! Plan on spending $150.00 plus per person.
8. Stay in a Fallsview Hotel. Think about a living room with a view of Niagara Falls. What a concept! There are eleven Fallsview hotels each with their own unique qualities. The hotel which we think has the best view is the Embassy Suites Fallsview hotel. Their Junior Presidential Suites offer a jaw dropping view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. It’s a three way tie on second best. In no particular order the Marriott Fallsview is more upscale. The Hilton offers the best view of both Falls. The Sheraton Fallsview is in a great location for getting around to see all the sights and the best location for viewing the fireworks over the Falls at night.
9. Now that your wallet is almost empty a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car is an interesting way to spend a half hour without breaking the bank. A suspended cable car crosses the gorge directly over the giant whirlpool on the Niagara River. Access is only from Canada and is about a five minute drive from the Falls.
10. If you have any money left and want to try something unique go for a helicopter tour over the Falls. There are two really great things about doing this. First is if you have never taken a helicopter ride they are really cool! Secondly if you are going to take a helicopter ride what better place than Niagara Falls.
And that’s our take on the top ten things to do in Niagara Falls!
