Explore Niagara Falls Like a Local: Top 20 Activities to Add to Your Itinerary

Niagara Falls is known for its impressive waterfalls, but there is more to this area than just the views. This is Katie from Creative Travel Guide, and today we share 20 best travel things to do in Niagara Falls. Looking for more travel tips? Make sure to hit subscribe and ring that notification bell. So firstly, we have Maid of the Mist or the Niagara City Cruises. Whether you are staying on the US or the Canadian side of the falls, you will be able to take a boat journey into the mist of the falls. This is one of the most exciting things to do in the area and one of the most popular. Although you don't go under the falls themselves, don't underestimate how wet you will get. Avoid bringing anything valuable that breaks when wet and make sure to use the raincoats provided. Both the U.S. and Canadian side offer various attraction passes that include these boat journeys.

Discover the Best Activities in Niagara Falls: From Cave of the Winds to Whirlpool Jet Rides

We will leave all the links to the activities mentioned in this video in the description below. Next, we have Cave of the Winds. Over on the U.S side is the Cave of the Winds experience. This is a series of wooden walkways that take you just feet away from the Bridal Veil Falls. You will get soaked, but nothing beats this up-close experience in Niagara Falls. Then we have the Journey Behind the Falls. Descend 125 feet and explore the 130-year-old tunnels located in the bedrock of the falls themselves. You can feel the vibration of the Horseshoe Falls around you. Then step out onto the observation deck to get up close to the incredible falls. Again, expect to get wet. Next, we have the Niagara Falls Power Station. This is the latest attraction to open in the Niagara Falls area. Learn about the historic power plant station, see the restored artifacts, and then head 180 feet underground to the long tunnel.

Leading you to the observation deck at The River's Edge for an enjoyable ride over the Rapids of Niagara River, jump on the Whirlpool Aero Car. This experience offers you incredible views of Niagara Whirlpool and the Rapids as you soar 3500 feet across the Niagara Gorge. Originally built in the 1600s, Old Fort Niagara played a part in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the French and Indian War. This is one of the oldest buildings in the Great Lakes region and worth visiting whilst in the area. Looking for a thrill during your time in Niagara? We have got a few options for you. First, we have the zip line to the Falls. Located on the Canadian side at the Grand View Marketplace is the Zip Line to the Falls experience. This is an exhilarating zipline ride which sees you soaring past the American Falls and finishes at the base of the Horseshoe Falls. Continue the thrill rides with a Whirlpool Jet.

Butterfly Conservatory, White Water Walk, and More

Boat tour running through warmer months of the year. The Whirlpool Jet Boat whizzes you along the Niagara River, through and over the rapids. This is one of our favorite experiences in the area and a must-do attraction for those looking for a thrill. The company also offers encased boats if you'd rather avoid getting too wet. For a Karma experience along the Niagara River, why not take a stroll along the White Water Walk? This is a series of platforms along the edge of the river offering viewing points and photo opportunities. Included in some of the attraction passes in the area is the Niagara's Fury 4D movie. This 360-degree cinema experience takes you through some of the history of the falls, gives you an opportunity to learn more, and experience the wind and midst of the falls through special effects. This is ideal for those traveling with younger children. Then we have the Butterfly Conservatory.

Featuring over 2,000 beautiful butterflies, this Conservatory is a garden oasis and the perfect way to escape the crowds and heat. If you are visiting during the summer months, take a stroll through the glass-enclosed Butterfly Conservatory, appreciate the beautiful creatures whilst admiring the tropical plants, delicate flowers, and picturesque waterfall. You can also visit the botanical gardens - there are some picturesque areas here perfect for Instagram shots, and the Butterfly Conservatory can be found here as well so you compare the two. Up for a calm morning or afternoon in the area? Over on the U.S. side of the falls is the Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the USA established in 1885. This is a huge contrast to the busy Clifton Hill area on the Canadian side and makes for a lovely stroll ideal if you are looking to dry off.

From Hiking Trails to Romantic SkyWheel Rides and Winery Tours

After one of the wet attractions, you can find some great hiking trails from here, offering amazing views of the falls and the Niagara River. After a busy day seeing the sights around the Falls themselves, the fun doesn't have to stop at night. Clifton Hill is located on the Canadian side of the falls and has everything you could want. Yes, you could expect bars, restaurants, and casinos here, but you could also visit the arcades, mini golf, Ferris wheel, Ripley's Believe It or Not museum, a haunted house, and a slightly terrible wax museum. You can get the Clifton Hill Farm pass to save money on some of the popular attractions in the area. We will leave the link in the description below, which leads us on to our next thing to do in Niagara Falls: the Niagara SkyWheel. The wheel offers fabulous views of the falls and the surrounding areas with small gondolas that hold up to six passengers. This is the perfect romantic experience in Niagara Falls and can be enjoyed year-round.

During the summer months, nothing beats the fireworks and Falls light show, which can be enjoyed in the day and at night. You could choose to take a night cruise to be closer to the firework display, or save money by heading to the nearby walkways and viewpoints in the evenings to watch The Falls lit up and firework display above. Looking for a romantic meal near the falls? The Skyline Tower is a must-visit location during your time in Niagara Falls. Firstly, the tower features an impressive observation deck that offers 360-degree views. But you can also enjoy the revolving dining room which, of course, offers amazing views along with excellent food in a modern, elegant environment. If you would rather something a little more casual, there are plenty of restaurants in the area that offer views of the falls whilst you eat, such as The Keg Falls View.

And the watermark Fallsview are both great options. Then, we have Niagara on the Lake - the little town of Lake were on the lake is a gorgeous place to explore and spend an afternoon with local restaurants, historic Heritage buildings, and fun stores to discover. This is a great place for families and couples. You could choose to take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the historic sites, then take a stroll down Queen Street for shopping and dining options. Niagara is also known for its wineries. You could take a tour or use taxis to hop between them, but spend time visiting at least one of the wineries in the area, sampling the flavors on offer and learning more about this wine region. A helicopter tour anywhere in the world is an exciting experience, but imagine taking a tour over the falls themselves.

There are various companies that offer helicopter tours throughout the year, offering short rides above the Niagara River and over the falls. A truly breathtaking way to see the Niagara Falls. Watch this video to find out the things to know before you go to Niagara Falls. Then, to learn how to save money in Niagara Falls, watch this video. We hope you have an incredible time and stay creative.

Conclusion

Niagara Falls is more than just a breathtaking natural wonder. Visitors can enjoy a variety of exciting activities, including the popular Maid of the Mist boat journey, Cave of the Winds, Journey Behind the Falls, and the newly opened Niagara Falls Power Station. Both the U.S. and Canadian sides offer attraction passes for convenience and savings. It's important to be prepared to get wet on many of these experiences and to take precautions with valuable items. Overall, Niagara Falls offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.