Are you looking for things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada? Whether it’s your first visit or your 20th, this natural wonder always delivers something new. We’ve been visiting year after year since 1996, and every time, we find something fresh and exciting—from new attractions to classic must-dos that never get old.
This guide ranks the best things to do in Niagara Falls in 2025, including updated prices and new experiences, so you can make the most of your trip. Whether you’re after adrenaline-pumping thrills, breathtaking views, or a scenic escape, we’ve got you covered.
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Things to do in Niagara Falls
Pro Tip: If you’re staying more than a day, grab the Niagara Falls Wonder Pass—it bundles top attractions at a discount and includes unlimited rides on the WEGO bus, making it the easiest way to get around.
The Clifton Hill Fun Pass gets you into 6 Niagara Falls attractions in the Clifton Hill area. Pick up a Clifton Hill Pass before your Niagara adventure.
1. Whirlpool Jetboat
Price: From $85 CAD per person
Why Go: If you love high-speed thrills, this is one of the most exciting ways to experience Niagara. These turbo-powered boats blast through Class 5 rapids, and you can choose between open-top (prepare to get drenched!) or covered boats (for a drier ride). We’ve done both, and while the wet ride is an absolute rush, the dry ride lets you truly appreciate the stunning Niagara Gorge scenery. Book your JetBoat Tour in advance here.
2. Helicopter Tour
Price: From $200 CAD per person
Why Go: Seeing Niagara Falls from the sky is next-level. If there’s one place to splurge on a helicopter tour, it’s here. The ride takes you over Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Niagara River, offering a perspective you just can’t get anywhere else. Plus, the ride itself is a thrill! Book your helicopter tour here.
3. Niagara City Cruises (Formerly Hornblower)
Price: $32 CAD adults, $22 CAD children (3-12)
Why Go: This iconic boat ride takes you right into the mist of Horseshoe Falls. It’s loud, wet, and completely exhilarating—nothing beats feeling the sheer power of the falls up close. Ponchos are provided, but trust us—you’ll still get soaked! Book in Advance – Skip the ticket booth and take the funicular straight to the dock with easy cancellation within 24 hours of activity.
4. WildPlay Zipline to the Falls
Price: $32 CAD adults, $22 CAD children (3-12)
Why Go: This iconic boat ride takes you right into the mist of Horseshoe Falls. It’s loud, wet, and completely exhilarating—nothing beats feeling the sheer power of the falls up close. Ponchos are provided, but trust us—you’ll still get soaked! Book your ZipLine in Advance here to beat the rush.
5. Niagara Power Station
Price: Included in the Niagara Falls Wonder Pass (from $49 CAD)
Why Go: This is Niagara’s newest must-visit attraction. Take a glass elevator 180 feet (54m) underground, then walk a 2,200-foot (670m) tunnel leading to an observation deck at the river’s edge. It’s part history, part adventure, and all jaw-dropping views.
6. Journey Behind the Falls
Price: Included in the Niagara Falls Wonder Pass
Why Go: Ever wondered what it feels like to stand directly behind a roaring waterfall? At Journey Behind the Falls, you’ll descend 125 feet and explore 130-year-old tunnels leading to portals behind the thundering Horseshoe Falls. The viewing platform at the base is as close as you can get without being on a boat!
7. Niagara SkyWheel
Price: $15 CAD adults, $7 CAD children (3-12)
Why Go: Get the best panoramic views of Niagara Falls from 175 feet (53m) in the air inside a climate-controlled gondola. Go at sunset or nighttime to see the illuminated falls. Included in your Clifton Hill Fun Pass
8. Skylon Tower
Price: $20 CAD adults, $10 CAD children (4-12)
Why Go: A 52-second glass elevator ride whisks you up to 775 feet (236m) above Niagara Falls for 360-degree views. Enjoy fine dining at the revolving restaurant or grab a cocktail with a view. Book this best of Niagara Falls at Night Tour
9. Whirlpool Aerocar
Price: $17 CAD adults, $11 CAD children (6-12)
Why Go: Suspended high above the swirling Niagara Whirlpool, this vintage cable car offers incredible aerial views of the river’s rapids. Visit Niagara Falls Tourism for more information.
10. Illumination of the Falls & Fireworks
Price: Free
Why Go: Every evening, the falls are lit up in brilliant colors, and in summer, fireworks light up the sky. The best views are from Queen Victoria Park or a Fallsview restaurant.
11. Dine with a View of The Falls
Some of the best restaurants with falls views include:
- The Keg Steakhouse – Our Favourite
- Skylon Tower Revolving Dining Room – Best panoramic views
- Table Rock House Restaurant – Closest view of Horseshoe Falls
- Prime Steakhouse Niagara – Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Massimo’s Italian Fallsview – Delicious Italian + spectacular scenery Read our complete:15 Best Views of Niagara Falls
12. Wonders of Magic Show
Price: From $35 CAD adults, $15 CAD children
Why Go: This Vegas-style magic show features illusions, tigers, and jaw-dropping tricks. Book tickets in advance here.
If casinos aren’t your thing, take in a Magic Show at Niagara Falls. The Vegas-style show is a wild magic illusion show featuring Greg Frewin at the Greg Frewin Theatre.
13. White Water Walk
The White Water Walk is an incredible opportunity to get up close to the Class 6 rapids of the Niagara River. Included in your adventure pass, an elevator takes you 70 meters (229 feet) down to the Niagara Gorge to a wooden platform built right beside the largest series of standing waves in North America
The Whitewater Walk is open from mid-April to mid-November and can be accessed from the Niagara Parkway or the WeGo People mover, which is included in your adventure pass. It is an easy and accessible outdoor adventure.
14. Clifton Hill
A visit to Niagara Falls would not be complete without visiting Clifton Hill, the Street of Fun on the Falls. Kids and adults alike will love Dracula’s Castle, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Wax Museums, Midways, and haunted houses – OUr favourite is Nightmares Fear Factory. Read all about Clifton Hill here.
A great option is to buy the Clifton Hill Fun Pass, which gives you access to six Niagara Falls attractions.
15. Fallsview Casino Resort
Why Go: If you’re looking for entertainment beyond the falls, Fallsview Casino is the place to be. With over 3,000 slot machines, poker tables, and live entertainment, it’s the largest gaming resort in Canada. Even if you don’t gamble, the theater hosts big-name concerts, and the resort offers fine dining and luxurious accommodations.
16. Waterparks: Fallsview Indoor Waterpark & Great Wolf Lodge
Why Go: If you’re visiting Niagara Falls with kids or just love a good water slide, check out Fallsview Indoor Waterpark—it’s connected to hotels, making it an easy option for family fun. For an even bigger waterpark experience, Great Wolf Lodge is 100,000 square feet of slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Perfect for year-round fun.
17. Niagara on the Lake
Why Go: Just 20 minutes from Niagara Falls, this charming town is one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets. Stroll down quaint streets lined with boutique shops, wineries, and historic landmarks like Fort George National Historical Site. Home to the Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake 15 Amazing Things to do in Niagara on the Lake
18. Tour the Niagara Wine Route
Why Go: Niagara is home to some of Canada’s best wineries, and a visit to Peller Estates, Inniskillin, or Two Sisters Vineyards is a must. Whether you prefer a guided wine tour or a self-drive adventure, this region is famous for its award-winning ice wines and scenic vineyards.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
We have a complete guide to the best places to stay in Niagara Falls here. But if you are looking for some suggestions right now, we recommend the Fallsview Casino area for the best views of the falls from your hotel room and dining. Read our complete guide: Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
Our favorite place is Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel and Spa. We just stayed there last week and had a magnificent room with a view of Horseshoe Falls, and enjoyed its Scandinavian style Spa experience. Marriott on the Falls across the street is great too with views of Horseshoe Falls.
If you want to stay close to Clifton Hill, we like the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel it has great views of the Niagara River American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Getting to Niagara Falls & Getting Around
How to Get to Niagara Falls, Canada
- From Toronto: Drive (~1.5 hours), take the GO Train, or hop on a Niagara Falls bus tour.
- From the U.S.: Cross at the Rainbow Bridge (walkable), Peace Bridge, or Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.
- From Buffalo: Drive (~45 minutes) or take a bus.
How to Get Around Niagara Falls
- WEGO Bus: The easiest way to visit major attractions. Included in some attraction passes.
- Walking: Most attractions are within walking distance along the Niagara Parkway.
- Bike Rentals: A great way to explore the Niagara River Recreation Trail.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Uber and Lyft are available but can be pricey during peak times.
How Much Time Do You Need in Niagara Falls?
- 1 day: You can hit the highlights—Niagara City Cruises, Journey Behind the Falls, and Clifton Hill.
- 2 days: Add in a helicopter tour, Whirlpool Jet Boats, and some great dining experiences.
- 3+ days: Explore Niagara-on-the-Lake, go wine tasting, and visit Fort George for a dose of history.
If you have more time, consider adding a scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway, stopping at the Floral Clock, Butterfly Conservatory, and Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, and the Niagara Botanical Gardens for some hiking and nature walks.
Is one day enough to visit Niagara Falls?
One day is enough to see the falls and a few key attractions like Niagara City Cruises, Journey Behind the Falls, and Clifton Hill. But for the best experience, stay at least two days.
What is the best month to visit Niagara Falls?
June to September offers the best weather, boat rides are running, and fireworks happen nightly. Winter is quieter, but you’ll see a frozen waterfall wonderland!
Do you need a passport to visit Niagara Falls?
If you’re crossing the border (Canada to U.S. or vice versa), yes, you need a passport. If you’re staying on one side, no passport is required.
Is Niagara Falls worth visiting at night?
Absolutely! The Illumination of the Falls and summer fireworks make it just as stunning after dark.
Can you see Niagara Falls for free?
Yes! You can see the falls from multiple free viewing areas, including Table Rock, Queen Victoria Park, and the Niagara Parkway.
We have visited Niagara Falls countless times and do not need Niagara Falls tourism photos or help to share the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada. We have not worked with Niagara Falls tourism, and all opinions are our own.
And these are our best Niagara Falls Travel Tips! Did we miss anything? Have any questions? Leave them in the comments below.
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Well this is such a shame on my part being the travelista that I am! It’s just occurring or being realised thanks to your article that I have not travelled in ages to Canada. And not to give away my age or anything but since ages 12. And yes! All that you’ve described about Niagara, despite my countless years after is still fresh on my mind. It’s something for me and my partner to add to our bucket list this year. No excuse!
Hello,
I recommend Allways Antique Photo in Niagara Falls Canada, right across the street from the upside down house!
So much fun, worth every penny.
We have an amazing photograph of our family to cherish forever! Everyone that comes over mentions and loves our photos. A MUST DO IN NIAGARA FOR COUPLE AND FAMILIES!!!!
That is a great recommendation, thanks!
I have never seen Niagara falls. Now i am willing to see. Its such a beautiful place.
Niagara Falls are very impressive. Most people want to discover this landscape and take many photos.
I wish I can visit this place in the future.
I always love to visit Niagara fall , this was one of my dream trip.Thanks for sharing all useful information about the it.This blog would really help me to enjoy my trip thanks for sharing such beautiful destination.
my husband, who is slightly handicapped, and i are thinking of coming to niagara falls for a vacation. will he have trouble getting around at these sights, especially niagara falls itself? he can walk with a cane, but not very far. we have the option of a wheelchair, but don’t know about that either. thanks.
Hi, I was wondering how it would be visiting all these wondering places traveling on a motorcycle? We would love to ride from NY to the Canadian side of the Falls. Thank you!
I love your site! Very informative and helping me and my family plan for our trip. I have a question for you if you don’t mind. It seems that the famous maid of the mist boat tour starts on the NY side. Is this correct? Your help is appreciated.
Thanks, Steph
Hi Steph, Thanks for the compliments and we are so happy to hear that our posts have helped you plan your trips. In regards to your question, yes, Maid of the Mist only operates from the US side. It has been this way since 2014. However, Hornblower Niagara Cruises operates on the Canadian side. They both follow the same route but board at different areas. The Hornblower boats are actually more modern and offer more seating. You can check out there schedule and pricing here: https://www.niagaracruises.com/
Hope you have a great time.
Cheers,
Dave
I always wished to visit Niagra Falls and guess what recently after reading your blog I visited Niagra Falls. All your useful tips have helped me a lot in my trip. Thank you so much!
Well done! This post carries its title like a charm! This is more than a mouth full and all that one truly need to know in just one post!
The pictures are STUNNING! I have never been to Niagara Falls, but I hope to go one day. I knew that the falls crossed the borders, but I didn’t realize that there was a difference in the views/experience! Truly informative guide that I plan to save for when I am able to go on the trip.
Thank you ?
Nothing beats those views at sunset from a jacuzzi tub in a suite! We always remind folks that Niagara Falls needs to be experience in each season, especially Fall.
What about RV parks? Is there a park that provides a better view than another? My husband has mobility issues and
it would be great to be as close as possible.
Beautiful…
Niagara Falls is amazing my brother and his friends once had a trip to Niagara and he said that it’s amazing experience he had…
Oh your post makes me want to go back to the states! We missed out from visiting the Niagra Falls 🙁 will have to get there when the children are older
There is a stereotype that Niagara Falls should be viewed from Canada. This is not true! Of course, it’s great when you have a visa in the US and Canada, and you can get the most complete impression from the waterfalls. But if there is no Canadian visa, this does not mean that there is no point in going to Niagara! From the Canadian side, it is really better to see all the waterfalls, because two of them are on the side of the US, and the third is partly in the US and partly in Canada. Accordingly, from Canada (that is, when you are in front of waterfalls), you can see them better than when you stand near them. But! On the American side, a huge number of observation platforms that allow you to see the waterfall well enough, there is an opportunity to go down to the foot of the waterfall – Cave of the winds for only $ 10 and, of course, the opportunity to make an incredibly exciting and unusual trip on the boat Maid of the Mist and look at all three waterfalls from the water!
I’ve seen Niagara falls thrice and it is still a truly marvelous experience for me. I highly recommend the place if you’re first time to travel to Canada!
I will try this one good article
WOW, WONDERFUL…
NIAGARA FALLS IS ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL, A SYMBOLIC REP FOR ALL THE FALLS IN THE ENTIRE WORLD…
FOR VISITORS IT’S EASY TO WATCH THE FALLS AS ACCORDING TO THEIR WISH… THEY CAN ENJOY THE GORGEOUS VIEW USING ANY 3 OF THIS ACCESS EITHER BY ELEVATOR, HELICOPTERS, OR WE CAN EVEN GAZE FROM OBSERVATION TOWER… THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS WONDERFUL ARTICLE…
We are going to Niagara Falls for a weekend in January, Off season, I know. Going with a nine and ten year old, any suggestions? I am real sad the Greg Frewin magic show isn’t happening.
Other than what is on this list?:-) For the winter season, hit the wax museums, Ripleys and all that fun stuff, but head out to the Niagara on the Lake region too. Maybe there is some maple syrup farms or snowshoeing or even some sleigh rides. The countryside in that area is post card perfect.
You know that adventure pass seems far more desirable than the one with the simulator ride, and the haunted house. Perhaps I’ll have to make my way back to the Falls.
It likes a sign from above for me. I have read several Toronto and Niagara Fall posts that I feel like I need to plan something soon. 🙂 I have thought about visiting but now it floats to the top of my list. Thanks for a great info.