- Visitors can choose from many viewing tours, including boat and hiking options.
- In addition to viewing the falls, visitors can enjoy the nearby winery, casino, and botanical gardens.
- Due to its proximity, Buffalo is an excellent place to make a hotel reservation if you plan to visit Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls is a natural wonder and a truly unique experience. In fact, tourists come from all over the world to see the spectacular sight for themselves. As a result, the area around the falls has flourished, offering a variety of activities and lodgings for visitors. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or just need a little “me time,” you’re sure to enjoy your visit.
So what should you do on your visit? Here are the top 10 recommended activities for Niagara Falls vacations.
1. Skylon Tower
One of the most popular attractions near the falls is Skylon Tower. This sightseeing tower was specifically built to offer visitors a panoramic view of Horseshoe Falls and the surrounding area.
To reach the top, you simply step into a glass elevator that takes you 775 feet to an observation deck. From there, you can either remain indoors and view the falls through circular glass walls or venture onto the outdoor deck. There’s even a restaurant if you feel like dining among the clouds.
2. Niagara Fallsview Casino
After a day in nature, you can return to civilization with a trip to the Niagara Fallsview Casino. Here you can try your luck at thousands of slot machines and 150 table games, then grab a bite to eat at any of the dozens of restaurant options.
Additionally, the casino offers a variety of other activities:
- Golf
- Spa treatments
- Concerts
- Shopping
3. Niagara SkyWheel
If you don’t mind going a little out of your way, the Niagara SkyWheel is a great experience. Located in nearby Clifton Hill, this structure is billed as the largest observation wheel on Canadian soil. Night rides are especially popular, as the falls are illuminated, creating a beautiful view that includes the following:
- Niagara River
- American Falls
- Horseshoe Falls
- Local landmarks
Unlike traditional Ferris wheels, the SkyWheel is designed for ultimate comfort. This includes climate-controlled gondolas, ensuring that you can enjoy your ride no matter the season. Rides last an average of 10 minutes, making them easy to fit into a busy vacation schedule. Additionally, the discounted kids’ ticket prices make this a great activity for families.
4. Inniskillin Winery
If you’re a fan of wine, the nearby Inniskillin Winery is a site you must visit. The area surrounding Niagara Falls is well-known for its wine production, but the Inniskillin Winery has a special offering: icewine.
Yes, you read that correctly. This innovative winery produces wine from previously frozen grapes, creating a vintage that’s lauded for its intense flavor. In addition to offering icewine for tasting and purchasing, the Inniskillin Winery also provides tours that explain the harvesting and fermentation process. If you’re interested in the history of Canadian wine or simply enjoy trying new things, you should consider making a stop here.
5. Journey Behind the Falls
For visitors looking to experience Niagara Falls in a truly unique way, the Journey Behind the Falls tour is an excellent option. It’s one of the most popular Buffalo, NY, Niagara Falls tours, which means it tends to be crowded, but most visitors say it’s well worth it.
As you may have guessed from the name, this tour literally takes you behind Niagara Falls. This is possible due to the series of caverns that weave behind the thundering water, allowing you to get up-close and personal with this natural wonder.
6. Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
If you want to experience more of what nature has to offer, we recommend the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve. This protected area is free to enter and offers two miles of hiking trails. In the summer, the staff even offers guided hikes, an excellent option for individuals who aren’t experienced hikers.
Alternatively, you can visit during autumn, when the trees change color. The sight is said to be gorgeous, and fans of photography can take the opportunity to snap some exquisite shots.
7. Old Fort Niagara
History buffs will appreciate a trip to North America’s longest operational fort: Old Fort Niagara. Impeccably preserved, this historic building offers a look into American Revolution army life with its cannons, army barracks, and underground gunpowder rooms. Visitors can watch reenactors or stop by the visitor’s center to learn more about the many battles Old Fort Niagara has seen.
8. Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
Individuals looking for locations with fewer crowds will love Niagara Parks’ lowkey gem: the Botanical Gardens. Visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras, as there are hundreds of opportunities for gorgeous photos.
In addition to offering lovely flowers, the Botanical Gardens also house the Butterfly Conservatory. The sight of thousands of butterflies congregating in one place is truly spectacular.
9. Maid of the Mist Tour
One of the most popular tours is the Maid of the Mist, which allows you to view the falls by boat. All passengers are provided with ponchos, but it’s recommended that you bring other rain gear:
- Waterproof shoes
- Backpack rain cover
- Waterproof hat
It’s important to come prepared, as the Maid of the Mist gets you incredibly close to the roaring falls, essentially putting you in the splash zone.
10. WildPlay MistRider Zipline
Those with a thirst for adventure will love the WildPlay MistRider Zipline. This includes 2,200 feet of cable situated over the Niagara River Gorge. This trip isn’t for the faint of heart, as it involves journeying to an observation deck over 200 feet in the air. For those who can brave the height, there are many opportunities to take breathtaking photos and enjoy the feeling of flying through the sky.
11. Butterfly Conservatory
Visiting the Butterfly Conservatory is among the best Niagara Falls things to do. Founded in 1996, this facility remains the largest attraction of its kind in North America, covering about 11,000 square feet.
Since its establishment, the Butterfly Conservatory has become a must-visit spot, attracting hundreds of thousands of people from Buffalo, NY, annually. You can tour this facility to explore and learn about the fascinating life cycles of butterflies in a truly stunning environment. Lucky visitors can get a chance to see butterflies emerging from their pupae – truly magical scenes.
The Butterfly Conservatory is home to over 2,000 beautifully colored butterflies, freely flying around the lush vegetation and above the trickling waterfalls. It is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. To enjoy your day here fully, ensure you arrive at least an hour before closing time.
12. White Water Walk
If you want to encounter the thrill of being at the edge of a river, consider including a visit to the White Water Walk among your things to do near Niagara Falls. This attraction allows visitors to walk along the rim of Niagara River as they enjoy its calming roar. While here, consider heading to the Riverside Boardwalk and boarding an elevator that will take you 70 meters down to the base of the Niagara Gorge.
Be ready for an exciting experience as you get immersed in the river’s series of standing waves once you step out of the exit tunnel. Several viewing points give breathtaking sights of the fast-flowing Whirlpool Rapids a few meters from the boardwalk. This place offers a good photo background, so ensure you bring your camera.
13. Bird Kingdom
Located just 5 minutes from Niagara Falls, Bird Kingdom is the largest free-flying bird park in the world. It is home to hundreds of birds from around the globe, including many rare and endangered species. During your tour, you will interact with friendly parrots and other exotic animals in the pathways.
You can also enjoy some time at the ruins of the Night Jungle, where you will see and learn more about nocturnal creatures. For a chance to feed the birds, head to Lorikeet Landing. Here, you will appreciate an interactive experience with brightly colored and extremely playful lorikeets.
14. Queen Victoria Park
Buffalo, NY, residents looking for more Niagara Falls things to do should consider the natural beauty of Queen Victoria Park. This park is home to historical landmarks, breathtaking attractions, and luxuriant green spaces. One of the beguiling interests at Queen Victoria Park is the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. They are the largest of all the waterfalls over Niagara River, with a drop of about 150 m.
You will also find appealing floral displays, a hybrid tea rose garden, and a gorgeous rock garden. In case you are tired of walking around the park, relax on the park benches on the well-manicured lawns.
15. Niagara Falls History Museum
History enthusiasts from Buffalo, NY, seeking Niagara Falls things to do should check out the Niagara Falls Museum. This facility lets you learn about the history of the famous city. It displays exhibits and artifacts dating from as early as 1812. In addition, it has educational programs related to the local history and research projects on paleontology, ecology, and geology.
During your visit, try on replica uniforms of the War of 1812 or become a daredevil by walking the tightrope like ancient people. Explore antique farming tools and learn about the city’s early educational life.
16. Rainbow Air Helicopter Tour
If an exclusive view of the city is among the top Niagara Falls things to do on your list, then consider booking a helicopter tour with Rainbow Air. They have quiet turbine engine helicopters that will light up your visit. While in the sky, you can get an aerial view of the mighty Niagara and Horseshoe Falls and the surrounding landscape. Plus, you won’t struggle to get these sights as the helicopter ensures everyone on board has a window seat.
When you’re planning your trip to the falls, why not stay in Buffalo? The city is only a short drive from Niagara Falls and offers many great hotels, including those owned and managed by Ellicott Development. When you stay at an Ellicott hotels, you can count on excellent service. To find out more or make a reservation, visit our website or contact us at 716-854-0060.
