35+ Things to do in Niagara Falls Canada 

Planning a trip to Niagara Falls and don’t know where to begin? Aside from seeing the majestic Niagara Falls up close and in person, there are tons of other amazing things to do during your visit. 

Over the past couple of years I’ve found the best things to do in Niagara Falls – from the top attractions to ways to explore on a budget! As someone who lives here, I’ve been able to check out everything Niagara Falls has to offer to give you my best tips and advice. 

Whether you’re visiting on a day trip or for a long weekend, or as a local looking for something to do,  there are tons of fun ways to experience Niagara Falls solo, as a couple, or with your family. 

Lots of these activities provide an immersive experience and give you a fantastic overall history of the Falls, some are perfect for thrill-seekers, many offer peace and solitude away from the crowds, and others are just plain fun!

This blog contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you purchase or book through my links at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Navigating Niagara!

1. See Niagara Falls up Close!

Undoubtedly the reason you’re coming to Niagara Falls is to see the Falls itself! The Horseshoe Falls (also known as the Canadian Falls), American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls collectively make up Niagara Falls, and it’s quite a sight to see. 

It’s also the largest waterfall by volume in North America! Since you’re visiting the Canadian side, you’re in luck, because we have the best view of all three waterfalls.

Niagara Falls is open year-round and viewing the Falls is completely free to do.

There are tons of beautiful lookout points surrounding the waterfalls and along the walkway surrounding the Falls, but my favourite spot is at Table Rock. With lots of photo opportunities and mesmermizing views, visiting Niagara Falls is worth your journey alone! 

2. White Water Walk

White Water Walk is one of my favourite things to do in Niagara Falls. This beautiful 1000 foot boardwalk skirts along the rushing Class 6 White Water Rapids of the Niagara River.

Once you descend down 230 feet and walk through a 240 foot tunnel,  you’re greeted with the towering cliffs of the Niagara Gorge dating back 410 million years! All along the boardwalk you’ll find interesting facts about the Niagara River.

With numerous viewing platforms and tranquil surroundings, the White Water Walk is an unforgettable experience.

3. Niagara City Cruises

Another amazing thing to do in Niagara Falls is hopping aboard Niagara City Cruises! Also known as the Hornblower, there are very few attractions that get you close to Niagara Falls, and this is one of them. 

Be prepared to get wet! The cruise passes Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls before getting you right up close to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. The views are unbelievable!

Here’s a tip I learned: Don’t go to the upper deck if you don’t want to get wet. Instead, head to the front of the boat. There’s a shielded plexiglass area you can duck behind at the turning point. Otherwise, hang on to your poncho, you’re going to need it! 

🎟️ Book your Niagara City Cruises tickets!

4. Niagara Parks Power Station

Of all of the Niagara Falls attractions, the Niagara Parks Power Station offers the best bang for your buck. Of course, the huge draw to this place isn’t only all the history of the power plant and artefacts, it’s the 2,200 foot long tunnel to an amazing viewing platform of Niagara Falls.

The Tunnel is Niagara’s newest attraction, and it’s astounding to learn how it was excavated in 1901 with pickaxes, shovels, dynamite and lanterns! Descend down 180 feet in a glass elevator and be transported back in time.

The Tunnel was once used to expel spent waters back into the Niagara River, so you are literally walking through history before seeing the light at the end of the tunnel (ha!).

After admiring views of the American and Horseshoe Falls from the viewing platform, be sure to spend time in the Power Station itself – there is tons of history here (including some haunted history)!

5. Journey Behind the Falls

One of the most popular things to do in Niagara Falls is to visit Journey Behind the Falls, where you really do go behind the Horseshoe Falls! 

You’ll go 125 feet below ground by elevator and walk through 130 year old tunnels. It’s an amazing experience that leads you to two viewing portals and an awesome viewing platform with two levels and an observation deck.

The sound and vibrations from the Falls is truly a unique experience – one that will get you as close to Niagara Falls as possible!

Consider purchasing a Niagara Parks attraction pass to bundle Journey Behind the Falls with a few other popular Niagara Falls attractions!

6. Helicopter Tour over Niagara Falls

If you’re looking to experience Niagara Falls from above, what better way than to take a helicopter tour? 

This once-in-a-lifetime activity gives you breathtaking views of Niagara Falls, the Niagara River, Niagara Whirlpool, the Botanical Gardens, and more. Not many people can say they’ve flown over Niagara Falls in a helicopter! 

There are a variety of tours to pick from, including tours over vineyards with lunch and wine tastings, a tour and meal at the Skylon Tower, sunset tours and more!

🎟️ Book your Niagara Falls helicopter ride!

7. Whirlpool Aero Car

Another one of my favourite things to do in Niagara Falls is the Whirlpool Aero Car; I tell everyone to do this one! This awe-inspiring experience transports you 250 ft above the Niagara Whirlpool on an old cable car that was built in 1916. 

This 3500 foot journey takes roughly 10 minutes and the views are seriously impressive. I’ve done it every season and each one is more beautiful than the last! The views are stunning and you’re given a bit of history about the Whirlpool while you’re suspended over it.

Due to the way the Niagara Gorge is positioned, you actually cross in and out of the USA four times (no passport required)!

8. Zipline to Niagara Falls

Looking for something a bit out of the ordinary? You can zipline to Niagara Falls! 

This adventurous activity is a memorable experience for people of all ages and will also provide some breathtaking views of Niagara Falls as you glide down a 2,200 foot zipline.

I recommend booking your Zipline tickets ahead of time – it gets really busy!

9. Hike at Niagara Glen Nature Reserve

One of my favourite places to hike in all of the Niagara Region is at the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve! 

Hiking down a staircase and deep into the Niagara Gorge transports you into an other-worldy atmosphere and it’s beautiful no matter the season.

There are numerous winding trails that lead you through tall forests, million-year-old boulders, and take you to breathtaking views of the Niagara River. Be prepared with sturdy shoes and water – you’re going to need it!

10. Dine with Views of Niagara Falls

What better way to remember your visit to Niagara Falls than dining with spectacular views? 

Some incredible places to eat in Niagara Falls with views of the Falls include Table Rock House Restaurant, Revolving Dining Room Restaurant at the Skylon Tower, and The Keg Fallsview-Embassy Suites – all of which I’ve been to and loved. 

Time your visit right with the seasonal fireworks show for a night to remember!

🍝 See my full guide to where to dine with a view in Niagara Falls

11. Power Station at Night

One of the most unique experiences in Niagara Falls has to be the Power Station at Night! This incredible immersive sound and lights show occurs after hours. 

You’ll learn about the transformation of water into electricity in a way you’d never think you would! 3D projections, interactive lights and images, and music create a captivating experience perfect for all ages.

Experience the Tunnel lit up with colourful LEDs as you make your way to the end for views of Niagara Falls lit up during the Falls Illumination! It’s one of those Niagara Falls attractions that’s stuck with me and we loved it!

12. Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking for some peace and tranquility, head over to Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. With free admission and something always in bloom, strolling through the Botanical Gardens offers some zen amongst the hubbub of Niagara Falls. 

Featuring 99 acres of landscaping, walking trails, herb garden, and a photo-worthy rose garden with over 2,400 roses, visiting the Botanical Gardens is a perfect addition for those seeking rest and relaxation.

13. Skylon Tower

As an iconic landmark in Niagara Falls, the Skylon Tower is a must-visit for anyone visiting the Falls. We love taking overseas visitors here because the views are amazing! 

An elevator takes you up 775 feet (in under a minute!) to an indoor and outdoor viewing deck with 360 views of Niagara Falls, Niagara Gorge, Toronto and Buffalo skylines and beyond. 

If you plan on dining at the Skylon Tower’s Revolving Dining Room Restaurant, your admission to the viewing decks are included.

14. Clifton Hill

There is endless fun to be had on Clifton Hill! This amusement area is packed full of things to do for the whole family, including Niagara Speedway, Movieland Wax Museum, miniputt, midway, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, haunted houses, and so much more.

I’d recommend getting the Clifton Hill 6 Adventure pass if you want to check out an attraction or two – it will save you lots of money in the long run!

15. Niagara SkyWheel

Located on Clifton Hill, the Niagara SkyWheel boasts amazing views of Niagara Falls from 175 feet up! 

Panoramic views in climate-controlled gondolas provide a unique experience year-round, and it’s one of Canada’s largest observation wheels!

16. Whirlpool Jet Boat

Hop on a thrilling jet boat and make your way through the Niagara River rapids and whirlpool with this top Niagara Falls attraction! 

Whirlpool Jet Boat tours promise an unforgettable experience amongst incredible scenery in this 45 minute heart-pumping attraction. 

You have a choice between two boat tours: one that gets you completely soaked or one that keeps you dry. Which one will you choose?

17. Fireworks and Falls Illumination

If you visit during the summer months and on special nights, you’ll be able to experience the Niagara Falls Fireworks and Falls Illumination! 

Every night at 10:00 pm starting Victoria Day Weekend until Thanksgiving weekend, there is an incredible fireworks show near the base of Niagara Falls. 

It’s Canada’s longest-running fireworks series! My favourite spots to watch the fireworks are at Queen Victoria Park and along the Falls promenade.

Additionally, every night (year-round) you are able to witness the Falls Illumination, when huge projector lights light up the Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls with a dazzling display of lights. The lights change frequently to mark special occasions and holidays.

18. Butterfly Conservatory

The Butterfly Conservatory is a unique Niagara Falls attraction perfect for people of all ages. 

Start with a short introductory video (watch this, because it provides information on how the butterflies come to be!) before walking inside a huge domed conservatory filled with over 2,000 vibrantly coloured butterflies. Enjoy them fluttering around you, surrounded by lush tropical plants and water features.

As a great rainy day option or for a quieter day away from the busier Niagara Falls tourist area, a visit to the Butterfly Conservatory is educational and interactive!

The Butterfly Conservatory is located beside Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens which pairs perfectly with a visit to this end of Niagara Falls.

19. Bird Kingdom

Another fantastic immersive experience for kids and kids at heart is Bird Kingdom. This huge indoor aviary is the world’s largest free-flying aviary; there are hundreds of tropical birds here!

Explore pathways through multiple levels, interact and feed brightly-coloured lorikeets, and discover nocturnal creatures. 

20. Fallsview Casino & Casino Niagara

Want to try your luck? There are two casinos in Niagara Falls – Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara – that offer a combined 4,800 slot machines and 170 table games! 

I prefer Fallsview Casino of the two; it’s newer, bigger, and offers a lot of shopping, dining, and hotel options nearby. We’ve had a blast at Casino Niagara too. It’s right by Clifton Hill, steps from all the attractions, and was the second casino to open in Ontario!

21. Fallsview Indoor WaterPark

Fallsview Indoor WaterPark is the perfect place for families who want it all: close access to the Falls, endless fun for kids, direct access to three hotels, and walking distance to attractions on Clifton Hill. 

With 16 waterslides, a huge indoor pool, hot springs and more, it’s been awarded Travellers’ Choice Award for Amusement Parks & Water Parks in Canada on TripAdvisor for 6 years (and counting!). 

Great for rainy days and for family fun at the end of a day exploring Niagara Falls.

22. Whirlpool Adventure Course

As a fun activity for families looking to burn off some extra energy, head over to the Whirlpool Adventure Course. 

This fun ropes course offers 41 obstacles, ziplines, and games over a series of challenges. The course is positioned along the Niagara River, so you’ll get some pretty awesome views, too!

23. Floral Clock

The Floral Clock is one of the largest clocks of its kind in the world, and it’s exactly what it sounds like! This huge clock is a whopping 40 feet in diameter and is adorned with plants and flowers. 

The arrangement changes twice a year – a monumental task considering there’s over 16,000 plants on the clock face! This special clock has been operating since the 1950s and is free to visit. 

24. Niagara Falls History Museum

Want to learn some history about Niagara Falls, beyond the Falls itself? Head over to the Niagara Falls History Museum. 

Here, you’ll find artefacts from the War of 1812, a community gallery, and of course, history about the geological formation of Niagara Falls and the death-defying daredevils.

25. Whirlpool Golf Course

Whirlpool Golf Course is one of Canada’s most highly rated public golf courses. 

This par 72 golf course has an incredible setting along the Niagara Parkway, with the backdrop of the Niagara Gorge and Whirlpool. 18 holes offer long fairways and plenty of traps and trees to navigate. Head to the Whirlpool Bar and Lounge afterwards to enjoy a delicious meal.

26. Centennial Lilac Gardens

One of my favourite places to visit in Niagara Falls – and to be honest, is a bit of a hidden gem – is the Centennial Lilac Gardens. 

Located right beside the Floral Clock, this seasonal garden blooms with over 200 varieties of fragrant lilacs every spring. 

Hundreds of blooms fill the air with their sweet scent, and combined with the soft white, pink, and purple hues of the lilacs, it makes a great backdrop for photos, relaxing strolls, and picnics.

27. Greg Frewin Theatre

Just steps from Clifton Hill is Greg Frewin Theatre, where you can witness a Vegas-style illusion show with one of the best magicians in the world! The Evolution Magic Show is a 1.5 hour performance featuring mind-bending illusions and incredible magic tricks in a family-friendly environment.

🎟️ Grab your tickets to the Evolution Magic Show!

28. Queen Victoria Park

Queen Victoria Park in Niagara Falls is one of the most popular areas for picnicking and resting, just a short walk from Table Rock and Clifton Hill. 

With views of the Horseshoe Falls and American Falls, it’s a scenic spot with flowers, benches, and well-maintained grounds. 

My favourite time to see Queen Victoria Park is during the spring, when over 500,000 daffodils are on display, along with tulips and magnolias.

29. Kingsbridge Park

Located down the Niagara Parkway is Kingsbridge Park, a peaceful park offering a relaxing atmosphere along the Niagara River. 

It’s one of the best places in Niagara Falls to see the cherry blossoms seasonally, and with washrooms, covered pavilion, and plenty of parking, it’s a great spot for families to gather for picnics in the sun.

30. Floral Showhouse

Step inside a floral paradise at the Floral Showhouse. This stunning greenhouse is beautifully adorned with seasonal blooms which change several times a year to celebrate holidays and community events. 

It’s hard to pick which one is my favourite, but it’s extra special at Christmas. Walk outside to see the adorable dollhouse birdhouses and miniature buildings on display.

31. Niagara Scow

Did you know Niagara Falls has its very own shipwreck? 

The Niagara Scow, also known as the Iron Scow or the Old Scow, has been sitting just a few hundred feet from the brink of the Horseshoe Falls since 1918, when a rope attached to a tugboat towing the scow broke loose with two men on board! 

A harrowing 19 hour rescue took place and saved the men, and the Niagara Scow has remained more or less in the same place for over 100 years. It has moved during storms, and I’m sure one day it’ll go over the Falls. What a sight that will be!

32. Oakes Garden Theatre

Oakes Garden Theatre is a gorgeous area at the foot of Clifton Hill and offers a contrast to the business of the tourist area. 

This beautiful area overlooks the American and Bridal Veil Falls. Developed in the 1930s, the landscaping includes rock gardens, a wishing bridge, lily ponds, and shrub boards amongst a curved pergola overlooking an amphitheatre. 

Used for weddings, concerts, and photos, this surprising garden offers a feeling of whimsy.

33. Maple Leaf Place

If this is your first visit to Canada, you need to head to Maple Leaf Place! Here, you can try all sorts of maple syrup for free! 

Walk through the maple syrup factory, learn about Canadian culture, try maple syrup taffy, sample ice wine, and browse art made by Canadian artists. There is also a food court area featuring Canadian comfort foods. 

34. Dufferin Islands

The Dufferin Islands is a quiet, secluded park located a short distance from Niagara Falls. 

Bridges and footpaths connect a cluster of islands that offer a tranquil escape from the Falls area. You’ll find lots of waterfowl – like ducks and geese, and plenty of picnic areas to enjoy a quiet afternoon.

Dufferin Islands is also a top spot to visit for the annual Winter Festival of Lights, where 75 light displays and millions of lights are on display.

35. Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge is a huge indoor waterpark in Niagara Falls. Really – it’s HUGE! This 100,000 square foot waterpark offers endless family fun, dining options, and accommodations. 

Since it’s kept at 84 degrees year-round, it offers a perfect escape any time of year.

36. Drummond Hill Cemetery

A perfect stop for history buffs is Drummond Hill Cemetery. This cemetery in Niagara Falls is famously known as being the battleground of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane during the War of 1812. 

This was the bloodiest battle of the War of 1812 where 876 British and Canadian soldiers and 861 American soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured. 

You will also find Canada’s famous heroine, Laura Secord, buried here.

If you visit during the fall, you can join a cemetery tour. These are fascinating (albeit a bit spooky)!

Endless Things to do in Niagara Falls

As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in Niagara Falls! Whether you’re visiting for an afternoon, a day, a weekend, or a week, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a visit to Niagara Falls during any time of the year.

If you have the time, I highly recommend visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake too. Known for its wineries, there are plenty of other activities including boutique shopping, world-class dining, art galleries, scenic parks, and more!