10 Best Attractions in Niagara Falls

This incredible waterfall attracts over 10 million visitors annually and they all want to know what the best Niagara Falls attractions are. Niagara Falls is a wonderful backdrop for an adventure or even an action-packed getaway.

Whatever the reason for your trip, you're sure to find the perfect one for you among the activities I'll talk about below. Your experience of visiting this spectacular and famous place doesn't just have to be formed by an overview of the falls, go beyond that.

Once you've seen them, don't hesitate to check out sites ranging from gardens to aquariums. If you need to, don't hesitate to read my tips for visiting Niagara Falls.

This attraction is located on the American side of the Falls and is one of the most popular. I especially recommend it to those who love thrills and therefore being close to anything that screams "Adventure". It is also perfect for those who want to see the power of nature up close.

This tour begins when you take a lift down to an area where you will find yourself approximately 6 metres from the falls. You will be placed on a red platform that complies with all safety measures and features that withstand the conditions of the waterfall.

In the Cave of the Winds you will have the opportunity to listen closely to the roar of the falling water and the cool wind it generates. The platform on which the attraction is located has a special place for children and people with disabilities.

The right attire

You certainly don't want to end up completely soaked after this great experience. For this reason, when you go to the Cueva de los Vientos you will be provided with the appropriate attire. The items you are given are: a waterproof garment and shoes that will allow you to walk safely.

Cave of the Winds in winter

You may also be wondering: Is this attraction available in the cold months? Although the Cave of the Winds remains open during the winter, the tour has changes. From October until temperatures rise, the tour is shorter and tourists stay further away from the falls to avoid getting wet. What I recommend if you visit this attraction during the cold months is to follow the safety precautions. This will help you avoid getting too wet.

I encourage you to visit an article on this page where you can read more about Niagara Falls in winter.

This is a multidisciplinary museum located on US soil, not far from the Falls, as it is inside the park. It focuses on local history, industry and geology, and there are plenty of things to do inside it as it is connected to other places in the park.

First, let me tell you what you can do at the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center. Do you like to learn interesting facts about the places you visit? Then this option is perfect for you.

What you will find in this museum

• 180° theatre screen on which you see the natural history of the area.
• Displays of ancient rock layers.
• Climbing wall made up of natural features such as minerals and fossils unique to the Niagara Falls area.
• The Centre is connected to several cycling and hiking trails that thousands of people visit each year. Depending on your fitness level, the Upper Great Gorge Hike (two hours) and the Great Gorge Scenic Walk (all ages) are recommended.
• Devil's Hole Rapids and Giant Rock: moderate level out-and-back hike (approximately two and a half hours).
• Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Hike: suitable for experienced hikers, involves rock hopping and lasts about 3 hours.

Why is the Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist cruise ship one of the best attractions in Niagara Falls? There are many, many reasons. It is one of the oldest attractions in Niagara Falls State Park, operating since 1846.

American side and Canadian side

Boarding is at the Observation Tower and departures are available on both the Canadian and American sides of the falls. The experience is a thrilling one, starting in the calm waters near the Rainbow Bridge.

The first part of the ride is on the American side, then approaches the main waterfall on the Canadian side. Passengers on the Maid of the Mist are surrounded by the large bodies of water that are constantly falling and spraying. It is certainly a sight to behold.

As mentioned before, the boats depart from both sides of the border, there are not many differences between them. The main difference is that the Canadian boats are larger than those on the US side: they can hold up to 600 people. Departures are every 15 minutes and children under the age of 6 are free of charge. Oh, and there is wheelchair access.

Where is the best place to sit on the Maid of the Mist?

We recommend you choose one of the side seats, why? The cruise takes place in a circular shape, and in one of these seats you will see all the views that the area has to offer. The boats have two floors, so keep in mind that if you choose the top, you will have more exposure to the water, of course, this is part of the experience.

Regardless of where you sit, bear in mind that it is safe to stand on the boat as long as you respect the safety measures. So you'll have the opportunity to make some great photo or video recordings. Just take care of your electronic devices from the humidity of the ride.

Want to see the route of the Maid of the Mist? You can do it virtually on Google Maps, just click on the link.

The attraction I'm talking about now is ideal if it's freezing or raining, you can have a great time here. The Niagara Adventure Theater is a cinema that shows a movie that lasts about 30 minutes.

The film is shown every 45 minutes and the title is "Niagara Legends of Adventures". You will learn more about the history of the Falls, many of the details are sure to be of interest to you. Because it is a recreational and informative attraction, it is ideal for all audiences.

Is it possible to see the film in English?

Although the audio is in English, you can request headphones with which you can listen to the Spanish dubbing. Of course, bear in mind that due to expressions or changes from one language to another, there are times when the dubbing lags behind. This does not prevent you from enjoying the film.

Those who have visited this attraction say that the opening hours are long, so you can go in the afternoon. During those hours there is not much crowding inside the Niagara Adventure Theater.

I found a video showing a preview of Niagara Legends of Adventure. I encourage you to watch it if you are thinking of visiting this cinema, which is one of the best attractions in Niagara Falls.

The Aquarium of Niagara is home to more than 200 aquatic species and a total of more than 1,500 animals. This is one of the best attractions in Niagara Falls because you have the opportunity to take a tour that is ideal for the whole family, it's peaceful, but fun at the same time.

Inside the Aquarium there are educational exhibits that both children and adults enjoy. In addition, there are presentations with sea lions, penguins and seals.

Additional information about the attraction

Visitors have the opportunity to request animal encounters which take place backstage at the facility. Of course, to make it safe for both animal and people, trained staff will accompany you at all times.
With this encounter you learn more about the following points:

• The care given to the animals at the Aquarium of Niagara.
• The training they receive.
• Their social life.

The funicular railway that crosses the river from above was built by Spaniards and gives you an excellent view of the falls. When you look down you'll see the rapids that form as the waters change direction. The maximum height of the attraction is approximately 60 metres and the distance travelled is less than 1 kilometre.

Although the funicular began to be built more than 100 years ago, it has been renovated several times to make it safe to operate. For this reason it deserves to be one of the best attractions in Niagara Falls, ideal to go alone, with family or friends.

Did you know that near Niagara Falls there are beautiful botanical gardens? The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens is located 9 kilometres from the park and features unique gardens with flowers native to the area. The attraction has 40 hectares with about 2,400 plants.

In the botanical gardens there are squares, meadows, ponds and trails, all ideal for spending some quality time close to nature. Within the site you will also find the following:

• Butterfly Conservatory
• Arboretum
• Rock Garden
• Herbalist
• Aviary
• Nursery

Although it is a city, many people who visit Niagara Falls want to go to Niagara on the Lake, and why? Its charm. The citizens take great pride in where they live, so they strive to keep it in tip-top shape.

Just walking around the city will be a great experience, there are so many things to do in the city. There are nationally known restaurants, squares, theatres and much more. The city is approximately 25 kilometres from Niagara Falls and can be reached in the following ways:

• Taxi or car (journey time about 23 minutes).
• Bus (the route takes about 35 minutes).

If you've searched the internet for pictures of Niagara Falls, chances are you've seen this amazing tower. Located on the Canadian side, the Skylon Tower is 236 metres high- what do you find here? Nothing but wonders! This attraction will not disappoint you.

From the Tower there are panoramic views of the Falls, the rivers and, if the day is clear, the buildings of the nearby cities. The lifts will take you from the ground floor to the top in less than 1 minute.

At night, the Skylon Tower is illuminated, originally in white, but now in various colours. Inside there are several shops where you can shop when you visit the Tower.

Also, if you don't know where to eat in Niagara Falls, you should know that in the amazing Tower there are two famous restaurants, they are located in the upper area. One of them is revolving, so while the more than 270 people who can enter enjoy delicious dishes, they have an incredible view of the Falls. On the other hand, inside the Tower, but on the lower level, there is a Starbucks which offers different kinds of drinks.

One of the newest attractions at the Falls is the zipline which is operated by a famous agency in charge of major amusement parks: WildPlay. This one is over 600 metres long and, although you may have been on other zip lines before, this one offers a unique view.

As you go, you will hear the roar of the falling water getting louder and louder. Are you a fan of speed and adventure? The zip line at the Falls promises you both, and there is no shortage of fun to be had. To go up it is necessary that the person weighs more than 30 kilograms.

Which of the best Niagara Falls attractions will you try? I'm sure one of them caught your attention and you've decided to try it. If you are travelling to Niagara Falls soon, you can find more information on this website, such as how to see Niagara Falls by helicopter.