Fun things to do in Niagara Falls Canada

Ava @ Star Beach Studio
Aug 23, 2023
7 min read

Updated: Jun 20, 2024

My first visit to Niagara Falls, Canada was at age 10, on a family vacation, as tourists. Since then we have moved to Canada, and I like heading out to Niagara Falls at least once a year for a short weekend trip to get a mini break or partake in a local event that is being hosted in the Falls. Through the years the Falls are still spectacular, a view that I never get tired of; however there is so much to do in Niagara Falls, Canada as the entertainment keeps expanding and the fun never stops.

Whether you are heading out on a day trip, a weekend or a few days as a couple, a family trip, or going solo here are some sights to take in or fun things to do in visiting Niagara Falls, Canada.

Create New Memories @ The Falls by taking in the breathtaking views from the Niagara Parkway or from the Skylon or Skywheel.

Add some Fun to your trip by attending the many outdoor festivals held throughout the year or head to the many live shows that roll through the Falls.

Experience world class dining with stunning views at many of the hotels and restaurants.

THE VIEW

Niagara Falls

The word "Niagara" comes from the Iroquoian word, “Onguiaahra" which means "The strait" some say it means "Thundering noise".

The Beautiful falls comprises of 3 waterfalls in the Niagara Region. The Canadian Horseshoe Falls in part of the Canadian Falls and the American Falls and the Bridal veil falls are part of the American Falls.

Mist arising in Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls, Canada — Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada

The American Falls, Niagara Falls on the US side

In the winter or early spring there are massive snow formations surrounding the falls and sometimes the Niagara river is frozen. I was amazed to see the different snow sculptures that form during the cold season.

So if you don't mind the cold, bundle up and get this winter view of natures ice sculpture formations.

Snow and ice formations in Niagara Falls during winter — Niagara Falls in Winter

Did you know the Falls actually stopped flowing back in 1969 ! I hope that never happens again.

Niagara Falls Illumination & Fireworks

After dusk I like to stroll the Niagara parkway and see the the Falls lit up with different colored themes each night.

Rainbow Color Lights illuminate Niagara Falls at Night — Niagara Falls @ Night

I love fireworks, and starting every summer - there is a Fireworks display over the Falls that start at 10:00 pm. See the colorful fireworks light up the sky over the beautiful backdrop of the Niagara Falls. Catch the light show starting at 10 pm each night which runs from May and ends by the Canadian Thanksgiving in October.

See the schedule for more information and details

The Cruise

Want to see the Falls up close and personal - then take the 20 minute cruise that gets you as close as possible to the Falls via the Niagara River. Enjoy awesome views of the Niagara Gorge, Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side , and sail past the American Falls.

The the Hornblower is the only cruise on the Canadian side that provides this spectacular voyage to the Falls.

The funicular in Niagara Falls or “Falls Incline Railway" provides the transportation from the 18,000 year Niagara Gorge from the top of the gorge to the boat docking area. Tourists are then given a red poncho to stay dry from the mist and its a souvenir to keep. (I still have my red poncho!)

For more information visit The Hornblower Niagara City Cruises, which is located at 5920 Niagara Parkway in Niagara Falls Ontario Canada. Phone: 1-(855) 264-2427.

You can catch a similar cruise on the American side called the Maid of the Mist, and guests on the American side wear the blue ponchos.

Take the Falls with you - SHOP The Niagara Falls Collection

THE FUN

Clifton Hill

Adjacent to Niagara Falls is Clifton Hills, which houses an entertainment zone that has fun for all ages, places to eat, shop, and then some.

Hop on The Niagara SkyWheel for spectacular aerial views
Visit Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum or the Movieland Wax Museum of the Stars
Bowl, play billiards or have fun with arcade games at Strike Rock n' Bowl
Have some adventure with the gokarts at the Niagara Speedway

Needs some gifts and souvenirs then head over to the Canada Trading company which is located at the top of Clifton Hill and choose from a large selection of clothing, jewelry, artwork and more.

Get tickets for Clifton hill attractions

Niagara Sky wheel

Get awesome views of the falls by hopping on to the climate controlled gondolas at the Niagara Skywheel. The ride can last from 8 - 12 minutes and you have a chance to get spectacular aerial views of Niagara Falls skylines, surrounding attractions, in addition to the beautiful Niagara Falls

The Niagara skywheel is 175-foot tall and is located in the heart of Clifton Hill,

4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 3N4

This is 1of my favorite attractions as I had so much fun as I had a chance to take some amazing pictures of the Falls and surrounding areas.

Skylon Tower

Want some more spectacular views of the Falls - then head on over to the Skylon tower which rises 775 feet above the Niagara Falls gorge

The Observatory deck showcases gorgeous views of the Falls and the surrounding Niagara region, or you can have dinner in the Revolving Restaurant which rotates 360 degrees in one hour.

We had dinner there a few years ago and getting to the restaurant was a ride in itself. We hopped onboard the Glass Yellow Bug Elevators that give you breathtaking views of the Falls as you ascend to the top of the Skylon tower in 52 seconds!

Having dinner at the Skylon Revolving Dining Room Restaurant is awesome, as you can enjoy a fantastic dinner and see views of Niagara Falls, the surrounding Niagara region, and fireworks at night.

Admission to the Ride-to-the-Top and Indoor/Outdoor Observation Decks are FREE when dining at Skylon. Get tickets for your skylon experience

Imax

want to experience Niagara Falls

adventure and fun .. on the big screen then head over to the IMAX Theatre

located at 6170 Fallsview Boulevard

Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 7T8

Phone (905)358-3611 Toll Free 1866 - 405- IMAX (4629)

Fountains and buildings surrounding the Fallsview Casino resort

Entertainment Fun

Niagara Falls has awesome live entertainment featuring shows from Motown to Blues to Jazz from acclaimed artists at venues such as the Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Canada

Winter Festivals

Niagara Falls shines bright with beautiful lights during the Winter Festival of Lights.

This beautiful illumination of lights starts in Mid November and ends in February

See amazing displays and join the fun. View Winter Festival events

Shopping

Big Wooden Maple Leaf with I maple leaf canada

If you need some Retail therapy, check out the many stores at featuring clothes, shoes, gift shops, unique boutiques, and great buys

Lundys Lane is located in the Heart of Niagara Falls, Canada

Just outside of Niagara Falls is the Outlet Collection in Niagara, a fun outdoor mall experience featuring over 100 + top brands located in the picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake region.

While shopping soak up some music every summer on Saturday and Sunday between 12 - 4pm at the curbside; or eat and drink at the many food and drink options including local food trucks.

Take the Color of Niagara Falls with you

SHOP The Niagara Falls Collection

THE BEAUTIFUL

Walk - Hike - Have a Picnic - and Immerse yourself in nature in 1 of the many beautiful Niagara Parks

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens

Take a leisurely stroll in this 99 acres beautiful botanical garden by walking through beautiful trails of flowers, trees, and visit the world famous rose gardens when in bloom

Butterfly Sculpture and building of Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

Adjacent to the Botanical gardens is the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory that has pretty butterflies flying around in a gorgeous setting of lush greenery and waterfalls.

Located at 2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, L2E 2S7.

Big Floral clock in Niagara Parks Canada

See the big Floral clock located along the scenic Niagara Parkway on the way to Niagara-on-the-Lake

Floral Showhouse

Botanical lovers can see stunning floral displays and exhibits hosted throughout the year held in the Floral Showhouse.

This Botanical Garden is close to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Visit the Floral Showhouse at 7145 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Glen Nature Centre

Outdoor activities such as hiking in a tranquil trail or Bouldering in the Niagara Glen which overlooks the Niagara River. It is located in the Niagara Gorge and surrounded by the Carolinian Forest.

Experience new adventures at

3050 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2

THE SERENE

Dufferin Islands

If you want to get away from the crowds and relax in nature then head over to Dufferin Islands. Go hiking, forest bathing, or have a picnic in 10 acres of this tranquil park that is connected by footpaths and bridges. It is also part of the Winter Festival of lights. Going to this park is free, but you have to pay for parking your car

Mount Carmel

If you are in need of some tranquility - or solitude, stop by the Mount Carmel Retreat Center and see the beautiful stained glass windows and wood carvings that adorn the Carmelite monastery that was originally built in 1894.

This center also offers retreats and various programs to enhance your spirituality in a beautiful tranquil setting.

Stop by the gift shop for some faith based gifts or buy some local wine grown on the grounds

Visit Mount Carmel for more information

SHOP The Maple Leaf Collection

Choose casual t-shirts and lounge wear for men, women, children and babies.

Suggestions on Experiencing Niagara Falls

Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Go walk the Niagara Parkway and see the Falls - its FREE	Take the Boat Cruise and experience the Falls upclose and personal	Visit 1 of the many Niagara parks	Take a short trip to Niagara on the lake (NOTL)
Catch some lunch or dinner at the Hilton Marriot or Skylon as you can get amazing views of Niagara Falls	Clifton Hill Attractions	Get some entertainment Catch a live show	See nearby towns - Jordan
See the Falls light up at night	Sky wheel	Skylon views with dinner or Helicopter ride	Local shopping or the malls