Things to Do in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most visited destinations in Canada, and the falls themselves are only the beginning. From the roar of the Horseshoe Falls to the ne…
Niagara Falls is one of the most visited destinations in Canada, and the falls themselves are only the beginning. From the roar of the Horseshoe Falls to the neon of Clifton Hill, from the wine country of Niagara-on-the-Lake to the butterflies of the Butterfly Conservatory, there is more to do here than any single trip can hold. This guide covers the best things to do in Niagara Falls for every kind of traveller, from the must-see icons to the free walks, the family-friendly stops, the romantic corners, the outdoor fun, the rainy-day museums, the seasonal highlights and the best day trips beyond the falls.
What to do in Niagara Falls
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Top things to do in Niagara Falls
Start with the Hornblower Niagara Cruise (formerly Maid of the Mist) for a soak-side view of the Horseshoe Falls, then walk the Niagara Parkway to Table Rock for the closest land view. Visit Journey Behind the Falls for a behind-the-curtain perspective, and the Skylon Tower for a panoramic view. Walk Clifton Hill for the Niagara SkyWheel, wax museums and mini-golf, and visit the Butterfly Conservatory on the Niagara Parks Parkway. At night, see the falls illuminated and the seasonal fireworks.
Free things to do in Niagara Falls
The Fallsview area, the Niagara Parkway and the illuminated falls at night are all free to enjoy. Walk the Niagara Glen for a rugged hike down to the river, and visit the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and the Butterfly Conservitory grounds (the conservatory itself is paid, but the gardens are free). The Floral Showhouse is inexpensive, and the Table Rock welcome centre has a free viewing deck.
Things to do in Niagara Falls for families
Families love the Hornblower boat tour, the Niagara SkyWheel, the Butterfly Conservatory and the Clifton Hill entertainment district (mini-golf, wax museums and the Great Canadian Midway). The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is a hit with kids, and the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory and the Niagara Glen offer nature exploration. In winter, the Winter Festival of Lights is a family highlight.
Things to do in Niagara Falls for couples
Couples should book a sunset Hornblower cruise, a Skylon Tower dinner, and a walk along the Niagara Parkway to the Floral Clock. Visit Niagara-on-the-Lake for a wine-tour day, and book a table at a winery restaurant. At night, see the falls illuminated and the seasonal fireworks, and stay in a Fallsview hotel for a room with a view.
Outdoor activities in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a great outdoor base. Walk or bike the Niagara River Recreation Trail along the Niagara Parkway, hike the Niagara Glen for a rugged riverside trail, and cycle to Niagara-on-the-Lake (20 minutes) for wineries and the historic town. The Botanical Gardens and the Floral Clock are free outdoor stops, and the Whirlpool Aero Car offers a cable car ride over the Niagara Whirlpool.
Rainy-day activities in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls has plenty of indoor options. The Butterfly Conservatory is a tropical greenhouse, the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium and the Great Canadian Midway offer indoor games, and the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is a hit with kids. The IMAX Theatre Niagara falls shows the falls on the big screen, and the Skylon Tower and the Sheraton Fallsview restaurants offer indoor views of the falls.
Seasonal activities in Niagara Falls
Summer (June–August) is the high season for the boat tour, the SkyWheel and the Niagara Parkway. Fall (September–November) brings changing colours along the Niagara Escarpment and the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine harvest. Winter (December–February) is for the Winter Festival of Lights and the indoor waterparks. Spring (March–May) brings peak water flow and the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens blooms.
Day trips from Niagara Falls
Drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake (20 minutes) for wineries, the Shaw Festival theatre and the historic town, and to Toronto (90 minutes) for the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. The Niagara Wine Region (15–30 minutes) offers vineyard tours and tastings, and the Welland Canal (30 minutes) offers a view of the Great Lakes shipping traffic.
Day trips from Niagara Falls
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Bookable attractions & experiences in Niagara Falls
AttractionHornblower Niagara Cruise
Boat cruise to the misty base of the Horseshoe Falls.
Price: $$
Where to stay in Niagara Falls
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Niagara Falls?
Two days is enough to see the falls by day and illuminated at night, ride the Hornblower boat tour and explore Clifton Hill. Add a day if you want to include a wine-tour day in Niagara-on-the-Lake or a day trip to Toronto.
What is the best time of year to visit Niagara Falls?
Summer (June–August) is the high season for the boat tour and the Niagara Parkway. Fall (September–November) brings changing colours and the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine harvest. Winter (December–February) is for the Winter Festival of Lights, and spring (March–May) brings peak water flow and the botanical gardens blooms.
Do I need a car in Niagara Falls?
Not really. The WEGO bus connects Fallsview, Clifton Hill, Lundy's Lane and Niagara-on-the-Lake with the falls and the casino, and many hotels include a WEGO pass. A car is useful for a wine-tour day in Niagara-on-the-Lake or a day trip to Toronto, but parking near the falls is expensive in summer.
What are the best free things to do in Niagara Falls?
The Fallsview area, the Niagara Parkway and the illuminated falls at night are all free. Walk the Niagara Glen for a rugged riverside hike, visit the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens (the gardens are free, the conservatory is paid), and enjoy the Table Rock welcome centre's free viewing deck.
Is Niagara Falls good for families?
Yes. Families love the Hornblower boat tour, the Niagara SkyWheel, the Butterfly Conservatory and the Clifton Hill entertainment district. The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is a hit with kids, and in winter the Winter Festival of Lights is a family highlight.
Can I see the falls from both the Canadian and U.S. sides?
Yes. The Canadian side offers the best panoramic views of the Horseshoe Falls, while the U.S. side offers a closer view from Goat Island and the Cave of the Winds. You can cross the Rainbow Bridge with a passport and a small toll; check current border requirements before you go.
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