The horseshoe falls at Niagara Falls are some of the most iconic waterfalls in the world. They’ve been featured in movies like Niagara with Marilyn Monroe and Superman II with Christopher Reeve. They’ve even made it into cartoons like the animated short Niagara Fools, which featured Woody Woodpecker trying to go over the falls in a barrel.
While real-life daredevils have gone over the falls in barrels, crossed them on tightropes, and even jumped into the gorge below, there are plenty of things to do in Niagara Falls that don’t require you to risk your life.
In this video, we’re going to look at some of the most popular things to do in Niagara Falls on your next trip. Be sure to watch until the end of the video to learn the best way to get up close and personal with the waterfall. And remember to click the like button below and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any of our upcoming videos.
Maid of the Mist
Niagara Falls is impressive to see from the surrounding viewpoints, but nothing compares to sporting a poncho and hopping aboard the famed Maid of the Mist boat. This boat, and others like it, have been operating since the 1840s, shuttling visitors to the base of the falls and back.
Expect to get wet when you take this trip. The Maid of the Mist comes close to the base of the falls so you’re going to be in the splash zone. Rain protection is a must. Fortunately, they do offer you a complimentary poncho. Make sure you wear appropriate footwear if you don’t want your feet to be sloshing around for the next few hours.
The tour lasts for about 20 minutes and ticket prices are reasonable for this type of attraction. Most people who’ve visited say this is the best way to see the falls.
Old Fort Niagara
Old Fort Niagara is a must-visit destination for history buffs. Located on the U.S. side of Niagra falls, this 17th-century fort was controlled at various times by the French, British, and American troops. The site was active in the American Revolution and the French and Indian War, which makes it the longest still-operational fort in North America.
The fort overlooks both Lake Ontario and the Niagara River from one of the most scenic spots in western New York. Inside the fort, you can see old army barracks, underground gunpowder rooms, and antiquated cannons. The visitor center offers plenty of in-depth history to learn more about the fort.
Visitors are often surprised at how well-preserved the buildings are and how clean the grounds are kept. There are also re-enactors that put on demonstrations throughout the day. Many visitors expect to spend an hour or two exploring the fort and wind up spending half the day.
Cave of the Winds
Cave of the Winds is another attraction that’s on many people’s “must do” list for Niagara Falls. You’ll take an elevator 175 feet down into Niagara Gorge, where you can wander a series of wooden walkways that are just a few feet from Bridal Veil Falls. Just keep in mind that you’re probably going to get wet. The tropical storm-like conditions have earned it the nickname “The Hurricane Deck.”
The attraction is open year-round, but the walkways are only accessible from April to October. They remove the walkways and decks in the winter to protect them from ice build-up. You can still take the elevator down and access certain parts of the Cave of the Winds in the winter. You just can’t get as close to the falls.
White Water Walk
If you’d rather view the falls from a more natural setting instead of a boat, the White Water Talk is a good alternative. You’ll start with an elevator ride 230 feet down to the base of the gorge, where you’ll find a quarter-mile boardwalk. The boardwalk overlooks the Great Gorge Rapids from the Canadian side of the Niagara River.
There are several observation points along the walk where you can get an amazing view of the falls and the rushing whirlpool below. The boardwalk is relatively short, but it’s a great way to see the rapids up close. There are also several informational plaques that offer some interesting tidbits about the various daredevils who have attempted to cross the river over the years — some more successfully than others!
Niagara Skywheel
If you visit Niagara Falls on the Canadian side of the border, be sure to visit Clifton Hill, a tourist district that’s filled with family-friendly attractions like the Niagara Skywheel. The observation wheel is the largest in Canada, and it offers climate-controlled gondolas that rotate 175 feet above the falls.
From a Skywheel gondola, you’ll get amazing views of the Horseshoe and American Falls, the Niagara River, and other landmarks. Each ride lasts between 8 and 12 minutes. Try riding at night to get a different view, with the illuminated falls offering a spectacular sight.
Niagara Fallsview Casino
After the sun goes down, the Niagara Fallsview Casino offers plenty of entertainment options for adults. Located on the Ontario side of the falls, the casino offers 150 table games and several thousand slot machines to put your luck to the test.
But even non-gamblers will find plenty to keep them busy with 225,000 feet of shopping space and the Avalon Theatre. The theatre hosts concerts and other performances throughout the year to keep you entertained whenever you’re visiting. You’ll also find a golf course, a spa, and many world-class dining options.
Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
Still on the Canadian side of the falls, another option for nature lovers is the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve. The reserve overlooks the Niagara River and offers over 2 miles of trails through the Carolinian Forest.
The hike is even more special in the fall, when the leaves start changing color. At the on-site nature center, you’ll find knowledgable staff who can answer your questions and provide plenty of interesting information about the area. Spending some time at Niagara Glen Nature Reserve is also a great way to get away from the crowds at the falls for a while.
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory
Another great option for getting away from the crowds for a while is the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory. Also located on the Ontario side of the falls, the conservatory offers more than 100 acres of carefully-maintained gardens. These gardens are cared for by students at the on-site horticultural school and feature thousands of plant species.
In the summer, you can take a guided horse-and-carriage tour to explore the gardens in style. They’re also home to the Butterfly Conservatory where you’ll find several thousand butterflies fluttering around the brightly colored flowers. The butterfly conservatory can get crowded in the peak tourist season, but the surrounding gardens are generally pretty quiet.
Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises
The Erie Locks were an engineering marvel in the 19th century, opening up the American Frontier. The Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruise takes you on an informative 2-hour ride under lift bridges and through the locks. Along the way, you’ll be raised and lowered 50 feet in Locks 34 and 35.
Niagara Gorge Hiking Trails
If you’re a more serious hiker, the walking attractions we’ve covered so far might be a bit too tame. If you want to get off the beaten path and descend into the heart of the Niagara Gorge, check out Devil’s Hole State Park. In the park, you’ll find miles of trails that take you down to the Niagara Whirlpool rapids. The rapids are edged by rock formations and canyon walls, making it feel like you’re far from the tourist areas just around the corner.
Niagara Parks Power Station
If you want to see the power station up close while learning about its history, the Currents night show at the Niagara Parks Power Station is the perfect way to end your day. The show features an immersive, interactive media experience with projected effects that react to your presence.
You’ll learn how the Niagara River began to wear away at the surrounding land tens of thousands of years ago to create the falls we know today. You’ll see how the fall-inspired engineers and inventors to harness its power and how the area began to be industrialized.
WildPlay Zipline to the Falls
Daredevils have been finding ways to cross the falls — to varying degrees of success — for nearly two hundred years. If you’d like to experience the rush of being above the falls without the danger, the WildPlay Zipline is the perfect choice. It takes you on a truly breathtaking ride into the gorge, gliding 2200 feet down toward the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls where you’ll land on the observation deck at the bottom.
Journey Behind the Falls
If you want to get up close and personal with the falls, Journey Behind the Falls is a must-see attraction. You’ll be able to stand directly behind the roaring waterfall to get an actual behind-the-scenes look at the wonder of nature.
You’ll start with an elevator ride to an observation deck at the bottom, then you’ll follow the caverns to enjoy the roaring water from the back side. Just be prepared for some crowds — Journey Behind the Falls is one of the most popular ways to experience the falls, so you may find the tunnels a little cramped.
Even if you’ve taken a ride on Maid of the Mist, this attraction is worth checking out. You’ll see the falls up close on both, but this one gives you a unique perspective.
Which of these things to do in Niagara Falls is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to show us a little support by giving this video a like and by subscribing to the Viewcation channel. Tap the bell to turn on notifications. That way, you can keep up with all of our latest and upcoming videos as soon as they drop.