Last updated on August 25, 2020
Visiting the Niagara Falls and wondering what else to see and do once you’ve seen the famous waterfalls?
You’re not the only one! Here’s are some essential travel tips!
Understand
The city of Niagara Falls sits on the Canadian side of the border and, unsurprisingly, takes its name from the world famous falls.
Niagara Falls is actually made up of three waterfalls, the biggest of which is the Horseshoe, or Canadian Falls, which actually straddles the border with the US.
The two smaller falls, American and Bridal Veil, lie entirely in the US. Together, they form one of the most famous waterfalls in the world and have featured in many films and TV shows.
Tip: There are some great Niagara Falls hotels right near the waterfalls, so be sure to stay somewhere right in the thick of the action.
1. Climb the Skylon Tower
Standing 236m high above Niagara Gorge with incomparable views over the falls and down the Niagara River, the Skylon Tower is well worth a visit while in Niagara Falls.
Open all year round, the panoramic views can be enjoyed by day or by night. The fun starts the minute you step into the exterior glass elevator and take your “Ride to the Top”. It takes less than a minute to get up there, and that smooth vertical ride is really something else.
The observation deck is both indoors and outdoors and offers aerial view of the Horseshoe and American Fall, the Great Gorge and the mighty Niagara River. When the daytime conditions are right you can dine in the luxurious revolving restaurant and take in the views of the stunning Niagara wine region, as well as the skyscrapers of Buffalo and Toronto.
A visit to the top of Skylon Tower at night is also well worth it, to witness the falls lit up in a cascade of colour or to enjoy the best view of the seasonal fireworks.
2. Zipline Over the Niagara Falls
If you’re a bit of a thrill junkie then how does ziplining 67m above the falls sound?
This is an adrenaline rush like no other and has been voted the most exciting viewing experience you can get at the Niagara Falls.
Fill in your waiver online to avoid the queues and you will be fast tracked from the launch kiosk up to the launch pad. Once kitted out with your helmet and strapped into the harness you will get your safety instructions before setting off for 670m of exhilaration.
The ride takes you past the relatively quiet American Falls and gives you a unique up close and personal encounter with the mighty power, roar and mist of the Horseshoe Falls before arriving at the Landing Deck.
This ride is not for the faint hearted but those who do climb into the harness will literally have the ride of their lives, a truly unforgettable experience.
3. Ride the Niagara SkyWheel
Standing 175ft high, the Niagara SkyWheel is an impressive Ferris wheel in Clifton Hill fun park at Niagara Falls, Ontario.
This ride offers views every bit as spectacular as the Skylon Tower but from a different aspect thanks to its position. One of the largest observation wheels in Canada, the SkyWheel gives guests unparalleled views of the America and Horseshoe Falls, the river, surrounding parks and many other landmarks.
The duration of the ride is usually between 8-12 minutes and you are comfortably ensconced in enclosed gondolas which boast both air con and heating to cover all weather conditions.
Have you been to the Niagara Falls? Leave us a comment below to let us know how your experience went.
