Niagara Falls is a famous natural attraction that is visited by millions of people each year. It is located on the border of the United States and Canada, in the northwest of New York State. The cities on both sides of the falls share the same name.
There are many activities related to the falls that visitors can do, such as taking tours, admiring the view, and enjoying adventure activities. You can get close to the falls by taking boat trips or ziplining, or you can hike next to the rushing water and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the islands, bridges, and observation towers.
Although some parts of the city may be touristy and have a cheesy feel, there are also plenty of entertainment options and shopping opportunities to explore. The main reason people visit Niagara Falls is, of course, to see the falls themselves.
16. Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls
The Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls is the largest and most prominent shopping destination in the city, featuring over 120 stores, restaurants, and cafes spread across its expansive site. Recently renovated and expanded, it’s conveniently located just a ten-minute drive directly east of Niagara Falls State Park.
Appealing to both locals and tourists, the vast mall hosts renowned brands like Disney, Nike, Burberry, and Banana Republic. This means visitors can find everything from accessories and clothing to jewelry, sportswear, and technology.
After a satisfying shopping spree, you can refuel with a delicious meal or drink at the food court or any of the other restaurants and cafes scattered throughout the mall. Despite its shiny, clean, and spacious environment, it’s the generous deals and offers that entice people to return time and time again.
15. Zipline to the Falls
Experience the colossal cascades in a truly amazing and memorable way by gracefully gliding down the Zipline to the Falls on the Canadian side. Enjoy the thrilling ride while soaking in phenomenal panoramas of the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls.
Located just a short distance up the river from the waterfalls, this enticing attraction is close to both the Niagara SkyWheel and Rainbow Bridge. As you zip down the 2,200 feet-long zipline at speeds exceeding 40 mph, marvel at the giant river gorge all around you.
During the descent, you’ll pass Angel Falls and witness the city’s skyline rising above the rim before reaching the base of Horseshoe Falls. The highly professional staff ensures everyone is securely fastened for this unforgettable journey.
14. Old Fort Niagara
Not to be missed, Old Fort Niagara offers up an interesting look into what was once one of the most contested sites on the continent. Fought over by everyone from the British and French to Americans and Indians, it occupies a scenic and strategic spot at the entrance to the Niagara River, overlooking Lake Ontario.
One of the most important and impressive forts of the eighteenth-century, it was built back in 1726 with later extensions adding yet more batteries, cannons and fortifications. Nowadays, history buffs can wander about its grounds and walls with its sturdy French Castle being the undoubted highlight.
Its fantastic visitor center also has plenty of interesting old artifacts and informative exhibits for you to peruse. In the summertime, historical reenactments of old battles brings the fort back to life with period dances and community events also taking place here.
13. Walk the Rainbow Bridge
The Rainbow Bridge, connecting Niagara Falls in New York to its Canadian counterpart, is a pedestrian-friendly structure offering breathtaking views of both falls and the river. Many visitors choose to stroll across it, often witnessing lovely rainbows forming in the spray.
Officially opened in 1941 after the collapse of the earlier Honeymoon Bridge, it features striking architecture, including a massive arch spanning the entire gorge. With a total length of 1,450 feet, the bridge’s roads and pedestrian walkways are supported by substantial metal abutments and approach spans.
As you’re essentially entering another country by crossing the bridge, it’s essential to have your passport with you. On the US side, there are numerous souvenir shops and restaurants near the bridge, while on the Canadian side, you’ll find a casino, water park, and sightseeing cruises near its foot.
12. Three Sisters Island
Three Sisters Island not only features splendid scenery and nature but also offers unique and unforgettable views of the Upper Falls. Situated near Goat Island, it presents picturesque stone bridges, romantic waterside walks, and lush foliage for visitors to appreciate.
Comprising four small islets, these forested areas are just upstream from the massive Horseshoe Falls. The larger islets are named after General Parkhurst Whitney’s daughters – Asenath, Angelina, and Celinda – while the smallest is called Solon or Little Brother Island.
Apart from strolling through its beautiful green spaces and across charming bridges, you can also enjoy fine views of the falls in the distance. The turbulent Niagara River surrounding the island enhances the majesty and magic of this secluded site.
11. White Water Walk
If you’re afraid of heights, you can still get a close look at some intense rapids at the White Water Walk. It’s located a short drive up the river from Rainbow Bridge and the city center on the Canadian side. The rapids are known for their dangerous waters and their impressive power and beauty.
You can only visit between April and November, and there is a boardwalk that allows you to walk beside one of the wildest parts of the river. The Niagara River rushes through the deep and narrow Great Gorge, creating frothy and turbulent rapids and a whirlpool.
Being so close to the force and intensity of the river is an amazing experience that compliments seeing the rest of the waterfall from a distance or above.
10. Aquarium of Niagara
The Aquarium of Niagara, located north of downtown, is home to a wide variety of marine animals such as mammals, fish, birds, and reptiles. Families love visiting this aquarium because of its many tanks and exhibits. Visitors can watch live demonstrations, feeding sessions, and shows.
The aquarium has been around since 1965, and it has expanded over the years to accommodate around 1,500 animals from over 125 species. Some of the interesting animals you can see are California seal lions, sharks, Peruvian penguins, lionfish, and piranhas.
People of all ages can enjoy touching starfish, sea snails, and hermit crabs in the touch tank. The aquarium also offers cute penguin presentations and impressive sea lion shows for added entertainment.
9. Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour
The Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour offers a unique and thrilling experience. You will travel through the fast-moving rapids of the Niagara River on an open-top boat. The boat skims across the surface, taking you through rough waves and whirlpools, giving you the ride of a lifetime. You will get completely soaked as the spray from the river covers you.
While other attractions like the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds also provide a close-up view of the falls, this tour offers an exhilarating experience that truly showcases the power of the rapids. Many people rave about the exciting boat ride afterwards.
The friendly and knowledgeable crew members add to the fun by making you laugh throughout the tour, even when you are sitting there drenched.
8. Maid of the Mist
The Maid of the Mist is a popular boat tour that rivals or maybe even surpasses the Cave of the Winds. This boat tour has been operating since 1846, making it the longest-running tour of the falls. Excited passengers in ponchos board the boat from the base of the Observation Tower and get ready to get wet.
As you get closer to the magnificent falls, the anticipation and excitement grow along with the deafening noise and the misty spray. Going right into the heart of the tumbling falls allows you to truly appreciate their enormous size, grandeur, and beauty.
The thrilling journey past the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls will create lasting memories, but it is only available from April to October.
7. Cave of the Winds
Just a short distance from Prospect Point is another great viewpoint in the city called the Cave of the Winds. Although you are likely to get wet, the boardwalks at the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls offer some of the best close-up views of the falls in town.
These walkways, also known as the ‘hurricane deck’, are only twenty feet away from the powerful falls. Luckily, they provide souvenir sandals and protective ponchos so you don’t have to walk around with wet shoes and clothes all day.
The Cave of the Winds is named after a natural cave that used to be behind the falls, but now tourists can visit its modern counterpart on Goat Island in the middle of the river. Experiencing the beauty of the waterfall up close, hearing its thunderous sound, and getting splashed by its waters is truly a special experience.
6. Clifton Hill
On the Canadian side of the falls, you can find Clifton Hill, a fun and family-friendly place to visit. Clifton Hill has a lively and relaxed atmosphere with various arcades, attractions, and eateries lining the vibrant promenade. It is also famous for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment options.
Clifton Hill has been attracting large numbers of visitors since the 1920s, mainly because of popular attractions like Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and the enormous Niagara SkyWheel. Alongside these main attractions, there are also many exciting arcade games, simulator rides, and go-kart tracks to enjoy.
You can also find miniature golf courses and haunted houses scattered around, as well as souvenir shops, snack stands, and chain restaurants.
5. Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls State Park is a beautiful place that protects three amazing waterfalls, as well as some islands and part of the river. Many people come here to see the falls and take pictures, but there are also opportunities for hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing along the gorge.
It’s actually the oldest state park in the US, and it was created in 1885. The park’s main attractions are the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, which are all very impressive. They are over 3,000 feet long and reach heights of more than 160 feet in some places.
Although the park mainly focuses on the falls, there is also a museum and a movie theater to explore. The islands in the park are very scenic and have great picnic spots and viewpoints to enjoy.
4. Niagara Falls Observation Tower
On the American side of Niagara Falls, there is a large observation tower that is directly across from the zipline. This tower has been a popular destination for people to see the falls for a long time and offers a clear and wide view of the magnificent white water.
It is also called Prospect Point and was built in the early 1960s near the American Falls at the bottom of the gorge. From the top of the tower, which is 282 feet high, visitors can admire the loud and powerful waterfalls and take profile pictures and photos.
The observation deck of the tower is perfectly positioned to witness the breathtaking natural wonder, and sometimes people even feel the refreshing spray from the falls. When you have enjoyed the view of the falls to your heart’s content, you can visit the gift shop at the tower and buy some souvenirs to remember your time in Niagara Falls.
3. Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
If you want to relax and feel comfortable while visiting the falls, the Seneca Niagara Resort is the perfect place for you. It offers luxurious accommodation, a spa for pampering yourself, and a state-of-the-art casino with top-class entertainment and games. It is the largest hotel in the state, located just steps away from Niagara Falls.
In addition to the casino, you can also enjoy boutique shopping, exquisite dining, and exciting nightlife. The resort hosts incredible live shows and concerts by famous artists. Over the past twenty years, the Seneca has welcomed performers like Diana Ross, Steely Dan, Blondie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Tracy Morgan.
2. Niagara Gorge Trail
If you want to see beautiful scenery, amazing views, and get some exercise outdoors, hiking the Niagara Gorge Trail is the perfect choice. This trail goes along the US side of the rushing river and waterfalls, giving you a chance to see the huge gorge from its steep rim. Along the way, you’ll see rapids, rock formations, and whirlpools down below.
The trail starts at the trailhead center and goes for 6.2 miles until you reach Prospect Point, which offers a great view of Niagara Falls. While hiking, you’ll pass through shady forests, climb steep cliffs, and walk along the edge of the rim with breathtaking panoramic views wherever you look.
Although some parts of the trail can be muddy and wet, most of it is a gravel path that is easy to walk on. In any case, the stunning scenery, nature, and views more than make up for the effort it takes to hike this trail.
1. Skylon Tower
Situated on the other side of the river and gorge, the Skylon Tower provides stunning views of the falls. It is a famous landmark and a popular attraction in the area. Surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and casinos, this impressive tower was built in 1965 and stands at 520 feet tall.
Its sleek design and glass elevators that transport you to the top in just 52 seconds are truly awe-inspiring. Aside from enjoying the panoramic views of the city, falls, and gorge, you can also dine at its revolving restaurant.
During the evening, the tower is beautifully illuminated and occasionally hosts fireworks displays on special occasions.
