15 Top Attractions at Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is the second-largest waterfall in the world. It is located on the North American continent, specifically on the common border between New York City in the United States of America and Toronto in Canada. 

Niagara Falls is divided into three main waterfalls:

• Horseshoe Falls: The largest of the three waterfalls, Horseshoe Falls, is located between Goat Island and Table Rock. Its width is 792 metres, and its height is 48 metres. The waterfall receives the largest share of the water from the Great Lakes that feed it. It was named after the arched shape of its top.
• American Falls is located between Prospect and Luna Island. It is 51 metres high and 323 metres wide.
• Bridal Veil Falls: This waterfall is between Goat Island and Luna Island. It is on the American side and is also called the Luna Waterfall. It is the smallest waterfall there and reaches 55 metres in height.

The falls were first discovered by the Native Americans who inhabited the area. A Belgian priest named Father Louis Heinen documented the area’s distinctive characteristics when he visited it. He then mentioned all this in his book A New Discovery, which has inspired many people to visit the place.

Since the 19th century, the falls have become a tourist destination, and a railway system was developed there. The name Niagara is believed to be derived from the indigenous people of the area.

Niagara Falls was formed during the era of glacial immersion in Wisconsin. The passage of glaciers over the region created holes in the rocks and formed new terrain. The Niagara River is the most essential thing in this area. After the formation of the Niagara River, its water became subject to freezing and melting annually. This revealed the erosion of the rocks as they began to fall against the direction of the river, forming Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls was exploited to generate hydroelectric power due to the strength of its waters. The first station to generate electrochemical power was built there and became the first source of hydroelectric power in North America in 1895. 

The construction of this station supplied entire cities with electricity for the first time. Heavy industries appeared and needed great energy, so Niagara Falls became an important industrial and scientific centre.

There are many general facts that you can know about Niagara Falls, such as:

• In the area is the oldest park in the United States of America, Niagara Falls State Park, which opened in 1885.
• The waterfalls are exposed to continuous erosion, so scientists expect them to disappear after 50,000 years. Still, the presence of electrochemical energy has contributed significantly to reducing the rate of erosion.
• During the summer, a large number of tourists visit the waterfalls. The hydroelectric power stations located in the area convert less water to preserve the view of the strong, flowing water from the waterfalls.

Weather in Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls region’s climate is mild in summer and cold in winter. The summer season is three months, from May to September, and the temperature reaches 21 degrees and may rise more than that.

In the winter, the weather is freezing and dry and lasts for three months, from December to March, and the temperature reaches 5 degrees and can drop more than that.

Things to do in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is an annual tourist attraction with many tourist services that any tourist needs, including hotels, restaurants, and parks. Many consider it one of the world’s natural wonders because of its beautiful landscapes and a great place to spend quality time with the family. You can enjoy many things there, such as cycling, fishing, and golf.

In the coming part, we will learn more about Niagara Falls, things to do, and places to stay. So, sit back and enjoy!

Niagara Falls State Park

As we mentioned before, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in New York. It was opened in 1885 and has some lovely waterfalls and five islands on the Niagara River. The park has 400 acres of bike trails, picnic facilities, and more.

The park also has many attractions, such as the Observation Tower, which offers a magnificent view of the three waterfalls from the top. There is also the Adventure Theatre, where you can see a 4D presentation that displays films and beautiful effects, such as fall spray. Besides that, there are restaurants, gift shops, and exhibits. The waterfalls are lit at night, and fireworks presentations are held throughout the year.

Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower is located at 235 metres above the falls in Canada. You will see a beautiful view of Niagara Falls and the city from the top. The tower also includes indoor and outdoor observation and two restaurants. The first restaurant is the Revolving Dining Room, an upscale revolving restaurant. The other one is the Summit Suite Buffet, a mid-range family-oriented establishment. 

Niagara Skywheel

The Niagara Skywheel is considered the most giant observation wheel in Canada. It is a new attraction built at Niagara Falls and is 175 feet tall. The ride in the sky wheel can last from 8 to 12 minutes. You can ride it during the day or at night. If you ride it at night, you can see a spectacular view of the city and Niagara Falls lights.

Goat Island’s Cave of Winds

Cave of Winds can be visited from Prospect Point, where a path crosses a bridge on Green Island above the American Falls and another bridge on Goat Island between the American and the Horseshoe Falls. On Goat Island at the American Falls, you will find the Cave of Winds leading you to the under part of the falls. It is located in the New York part.

Visitors will be provided with sandals and ponchos before entering the 175-foot cave. The cave also has a hurricane deck, named after its constant state of stormy conditions. It is a wooden platform that stands 20 feet from the tumbling water of Bridal Veil Falls.

Aquarium of Niagara

The Aquarium of Niagara is one of the perfect places for families to visit. You will find it in Niagara Falls in the New York part. There, you can find more than 200 species of marine animals and also about 30 educational exhibits. 

You can enjoy seeing the sea lion show and feeding the penguins. You can also look closely at the animals, especially their care and training.

Whirlpool Aero Car

The Whirlpool Aero Car is one of the oldest things you can try in Niagara Falls, Canada. It is an antique cable car that has been working since 1916 above the rolling waters of Whirlpool Rapids. The trip over the Niagara River is about a 10-minute, with a lovely view beneath you. The cable car is about 1 km from one side to the other and takes about 35 people per trip.

Niagara-on-the-lake

Niagara-on-the-lake is a beautiful town located on Lake Ontario. It is just about 20 minutes away from Niagara Falls. The town was built with a magnificent design in the 19th century. 

Most of the town was ruined in the War of 1812, but the original architecture was rebuilt. When you are there, you can take a tour in horse-drawn carriages through the town streets to see the spectacular buildings.

Old Fort Niagara

Old Fort Niagara is one of the most important forts of the 18th century and is located in the Canadian part. It is an excellent place for history enthusiasts to explore. It was used to control access to the Great Lakes during the colonial wars. While there, visit the visitor centre, which includes exhibits and artefacts.

The fort also hosts many events all year long, and tour guides are available in-season and off-season as well. We are confident that you are going to enjoy the orientation videos!

Niagara Parkway

The Niagara Parkway is a beautiful place for nature lovers. It is located where it passes through Niagara Falls to Fort Erie, following the gorge. While walking, you will see many green spaces with beautiful sights to stop and immerse yourself in. Don’t forget to take as many pictures as you can!

Other attractions, such as the Floral Clock, Whirlpool Rapids, and the Butterfly Conservatory, can be seen while walking on the parkway.

Clifton Hill

Clifton Hill is a famous attraction in Niagara Falls. It is also part of the town’s street known as Niagara’s Street of Fun. There, you can see the Niagara Sky Wheel, Niagara Speedway, family attractions, and restaurants. Kids will love ice cream shops and cotton candy stalls, too.

Butterfly Conservatory 

The Butterfly Conservatory is located on the Niagara Parkway in the Canadian part and contains about 2,000 butterflies. It is a beautiful closed-glass conservatory with waterfalls and tropical plants and contains more than 40 species of butterflies. 

Bird Kingdom

It is one of the perfect places for bird lovers. The Bird Kingdom is considered the largest free-flying indoor aviary in the world. It is also a great place to visit in winter. There, you will see many colourful tropical birds that you will love, and you will be able to take beautiful pictures of them.

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour

It is a short drive from Niagara Falls. The tour starts from Niagara-o-the-lake, and you will go on a beautiful ride through class 5 whitewater rapids. The tour will give you some information about the history and geology of the area. During summer, the tours on the boat are open, while in the fall, the tours are in dome-covered boats.

Maid of the Mist

The Maid of the Mist is the longest-running boat tour in Niagara Falls. It started in 1846 and is one of the famous attractions at Niagara Falls State Park. 

The tour takes about 30 minutes to see both American Falls and Horseshoe Falls. You will ride close to the base, where hundreds of thousands of gallons of water crash each second. The tour starts from April till November every year.

Hornblower Niagara Cruises

The Hornblower Niagara Cruises gives you a closer tour of the base of the three falls. The cruise takes about 700 passengers and runs all day. It is an excellent experience as it is considered the only boat that tours from the Canadian side and takes visitors to the fall base.

Places to Stay in Niagara Falls

Most people who visit Niagara Falls might not know that there are many hotels where you can stay and rest from the activities you do and the tours you take all day in the falls. So, let us explore some of these hotels.

• Sheraton, Niagara Falls: It is one of the best hotels near Niagara Falls, with a beautiful view of the falls. The hotel includes a giant indoor water park that you can enjoy, a spa, and many restaurants. Most rooms there give you a view of the falls, gardens, and parks. 
• Hilton Niagara Falls: This 52-story hotel is in the middle of the Niagara Falls tourist area near the Skylon Tower. The hotel has top-floor lounges with a beautiful American and Horseshoe Falls view. It also has a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and many restaurants.
• Holiday Inn Niagara Falls is a famous mid-range hotel for families. It is located near the falls and is surrounded by green space. The hotel includes large suites for families with private bathrooms and mini-fridges. 
• Americana Resort: The hotel is located on Lundy’s Lane. It is also a perfect hotel for families near Niagara Falls. It includes a water park, a spa, and many restaurants.
• Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls is about 15 minutes away from Horseshoe Falls. It has suitable rooms and suites for families and a lovely view of Niagara Falls.