Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet, and for good reason. It’s a place where you can enjoy natural wonders, world-class attractions, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. Not to mention, the stunning views of the Falls are simply breathtaking. Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious about what there is to see and do in Niagara Falls, this guide will give you an overview of some of the top attractions in the area.
Before you dive into the list of top attractions, it’s important to note that Niagara Falls is a huge area. It is divided into two sections: The Canadian side and the American side. Each side has its own unique attractions, so it’s worth visiting both if you have time. Depending on which side you decide to explore first, here are some of the top attractions you won’t want to miss:
Journey Behind the Falls
If you’re searching for an unforgettable experience, Journey Behind the Falls is a must-see attraction in Niagara Falls. This guided tour takes you behind the scenes of one of the most famous natural wonders on Earth. You’ll descend into the rocks to explore tunnels and walkways that offer stunning views of the Falls from below. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. The Journey Behind the Falls tour begins with a short ride on an elevator down to the bottom of the gorge. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll enter a series of dark, winding tunnels that take you behind Horseshoe Falls. As you walk along the catwalks, you’ll be treated to amazing views of both Horseshoe and American Falls. The tour concludes with a climb back up to street level, so be prepared for some stairs! In case you’re worried about getting too close to the Falls, don’t be! You will be a safe distance away and you won’t get wet (unless it’s raining). However, be sure to bring a light jacket, as temperatures in the gorge can be much cooler than at street level.
Journey Behind The falls is open every day from 9 am to 10 pm (9:30 pm during Daylight Savings Time). Depending on which guided tour of Niagara Falls you choose, this top attraction may already be included. Just make sure to book tickets in advance, as they can sell out quickly.
Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers. This state-of-the-art facility offers the perfect opportunity to observe and learn about butterflies up close, in a beautiful rainforest setting. It’s home to over 2,000 colorful tropical butterflies from around the world, fluttering freely in an enclosed area. Visitors can even purchase food at the entrance and feed them right out of their hands!
In addition to its butterfly residents, the conservatory also houses a variety of other species such as birds, turtles, frogs, and fish. There are also plenty of interactive exhibits that provide educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. For instance, the “Life Cycle Lab” lets you watch metamorphosis up close, while the “Butterfly Garden” allows visitors to learn about pollination and other important processes. It can also be a great spot for photography and picnicking.
The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and admission is free with a valid passport or visa. It’s also just minutes away from the Falls, so it’s easy to make this top attraction part of your day trip!
Skylon Tower
For a birds-eye view of Niagara Falls, head to the top of Skylon Tower. This 775-foot-high observation deck offers an incredible panoramic view of the city and the falls below. You can even see as far as Toronto on a clear day.
The ride up the tower is just as exciting with its revolutionary revolving dining room that rotates 360 degrees every hour! Stop in for lunch, dinner, or a snack before taking in the views from atop this iconic structure. There’s also an outdoor observation platform at the summit, complete with a glass floor where you can look straight down to the ground below. This is the perfect spot to capture some amazing photos of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area if you’re feeling brave enough!
If you are looking for souvenirs, the Skylon Tower also has a shopping area on the ground level with exclusive Niagara Falls-themed merchandise. Just keep in mind that Skylon Tower is only open seasonally and closes in winter months due to weather conditions.
Clifton Hill
For a more adventurous experience, head over to Clifton Hill – Niagara Falls’ lively entertainment district. The street is lined with thrilling attractions such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, 4-D Moving Theater, and Zombie Attack Laser Tag. You can also explore the area’s wax museums and check out live shows like the Great Canadian Midway.
Clifton Hill is one of the top places for souvenir shopping in Niagara Falls, too! From T-shirts to mugs and even glow-in-the-dark rocks, this district has everything you need to remember your trip long after you’ve returned home. There are also lots of food options here ranging from casual quick bites to family-friendly restaurants. You will even find a few local favorites like The Keg and Boston Pizza.
No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, Clifton Hill has something for everyone. It is open year-round and also offers its attractions at discounted rates during the off-season. It’s a great place to visit before or after seeing Niagara Falls, whether you want to make the most of your day trip or extend it into an overnight stay!Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens are a great place to visit if you’re looking for a more tranquil experience. These lush gardens encompass over 100 acres of cultivated grounds including seasonal flower beds, ponds, and rock gardens. This is the perfect spot to take an afternoon stroll or have a picnic lunch in nature’s beauty.
If you’re visiting during the summer months, be sure to check out the Butterfly Conservatory. Here, you can observe thousands of colorful butterflies fluttering around their tropical habitat. This attraction is open year-round, but it’s especially beautiful during the warmer seasons when flowers are in full bloom and vibrant colors fill the air!
The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens are also home to the Floral Show house, where you can find exotic plants and cacti from around the world. There are also many educational exhibits that explain how plants and flowers evolved in this part of Canada, so this may be a great place to take the kids if they’re interested in nature and science. Not only that, but the gardens are free to explore, so it’s an inexpensive activity for the whole family.
The grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens make a great backdrop for photos and videos if you’re looking to capture some memories during your trip. It’s open year-round, so it’s easy to fit into your itinerary no matter when you visit Niagara Falls!