10 Best Attractions in Niagara Falls

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

No matter what your reason for travel, you're sure to find the perfect one for you among the activities I'll talk about below. Your experience when visiting this spectacular and famous place does not have to be formed only by a general view of the falls, go beyond.

Once you've seen them, don't hesitate to visit 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 U.S. side of the Falls and is one of the best known. 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 ride down in an elevator to an area where you will find yourself approximately 20 feet from the falls. You will be located on a red platform that complies with all safety measures and features that support 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 fresh wind it generates. The platform where the attraction is located has a special place for children and people with disabilities.

The right attire

Surely you do not want to end up completely soaked after living this great experience. For this reason, when you go to the Cueva de los Vientos you will be provided with the appropriate attire. The elements 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 during the cold months? Although the Cave of the Winds remains open during the winter, the tour has changes. From October until temperatures rise, the visit is shorter and tourists stay farther 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 measures. This way you will 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 in U.S. territory, it is not far from the Falls, as it is inside the Park. It is focused on local history, industry and geology, inside there are many things to do as it is connected to other places in the park.

Let me tell you first about 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° theater screen where you see the natural history of the area.
• Exhibits of ancient rock layers.
• Climbing wall made up of natural elements, such as minerals and fossils native to the Niagara Falls area.
• The Center is connected to various biking and hiking trails that thousands of people visit each year. Depending on your physical ability, the most recommended are the Upper Great Gorge Hike (two hours) and the Great Gorge Scenic Hike (all ages).
• Devil's Hole Rapids and Giant Rock: moderate level out-and-back hike (duration approximately two and a half hours).
• Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Hike: suitable for experienced hikers, it 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 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 U.S. sides of the falls. The experience is thrilling, and the ride begins 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. Undoubtedly, it is an unparalleled sight.

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 boats from Canada are bigger than the ones from the US side: they have capacity for up to 600 people. Departures are every 15 minutes and children under 6 years old do not pay admission. Oh, and there is wheelchair access.

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

We recommend that you choose one of the side seats, why? The cruise is done in a circular way, 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 upper part, you will have more exposure to the water, of course, this is part of the experience.

Regardless of where you sit, keep in mind that it is safe to stand on the boat as long as you respect the safety measures. So you will have the opportunity to make great records in photographs or videos. Just take care of your electronic devices from the humidity of the ride.

Do you want to know the route of the Maid of the Mist? In Google Maps you can do it virtually, just click on the link.

The attraction I am talking about now is ideal if it is very cold or raining, here you can have a good time. The Niagara Adventure Theater is a movie theater that broadcasts a movie that lasts approximately 30 minutes.

The movie is shown every 45 minutes and the title is "Niagara Legends of Adventures". In it 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 movie in English?

Although the audio is in English, you have the possibility of requesting headphones with which you can listen to the Spanish dubbing. Of course, keep in mind that due to the expressions or changes from one language to another, there are times when the dubbing is delayed. This does not prevent you from enjoying the movie.

Those who have visited this attraction say that the schedule is ample, 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 theater, which is one of the best attractions in Niagara Falls.

At the Aquarium of Niagara you will find 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 ideal for the whole family, it is quiet, 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 that take place backstage at the facility. Of course, to make it safe for both animal and people, trained personnel 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.
• Training they receive.
• Their social life.

The funicular that crosses the river from the heights was elaborated by Spaniards, this one offers you an excellent perspective of the falls. When you look down you will see the rapids that form when the waters change direction. The maximum height of the attraction is approximately 60 meters and the distance traveled is less than 1 kilometer.

Although the funicular began to be built more than 100 years ago, it has undergone several reforms that make its operation safe. That is why it deserves to be one of the best attractions in Niagara Falls, it is 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 kilometers from the park, where you will see unique gardens with flowers native to the area. The attraction has 40 hectares in which there are about 2,400 plants.

In the botanical gardens there are squares, meadows, ponds and trails, everything is ideal to spend a pleasant time close to nature. Inside the place 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, what is the reason? Its charm. The citizens are very proud of the place where they live, so they strive to keep it in an optimal state.

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

• Cab or car (trip of 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 meters high. What do you find in it? Nothing but wonders! This attraction will not disappoint you.

At the Tower there are panoramic views of the Falls, the rivers and, if the day is clear, the buildings of the nearby cities. The elevators will take you from the first floor to the highest point in less than 1 minute.

During the night, the Skylon Tower is illuminated, at first the light was white, but now it has several colors. Inside there are several stores where you can make purchases when you visit the Tower.

Also, if you do not 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 in the lower area, there is a Starbucks that offers different types of drinks.

One of the newest attractions in the Falls is the zip line that is operated by a famous agency in charge of major amusement parks: WildPlay. It is over 600 meters long and, although you may have been on other ziplines before, this one offers a unique view.

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

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