10 Fun Things To Do In Niagara Falls Ontario

Fun Things To Do In Niagara Falls, Ontario 

Niagara Falls, and the Niagara region as a whole, is one of the most popular places for tourists in Canada. It’s easy to see why: it has one of the most beautiful landmarks in the world, created by the Niagara River and the pouring of water from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie, and it’s easy to take a quick trip to the States if you want to. However, there’s more to do in this city than stare at a lovely waterfall from a distance. There are plenty of other fun things to do in Niagara Falls, some of which might surprise you. 

1. See Niagara Falls Up Close 

One of the most obvious fun things to do in Niagara Falls is to see the world-famous waterfalls there. The three different waterfalls are Canadian Falls (aka Horseshoe Falls), American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, which are easily the most famous Niagara Falls attraction there. However, this doesn’t need to be done from a distance. Those familiar with the area will likely know about Hornblower Niagara Cruises, which offers boat cruises that allow large amounts of people to get on a boat and experience the falls up close and personal, close enough to get you soaked (good thing they provide ponchos). Hornblower Niagara Cruise allows for various rides, each offering a different view, allowing you to get the breathtaking views of the falls you want. 

2. Butterfly Conservatory 

Another fun thing to do in Niagara Falls is see the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory. This place recreates a rainforest environment that mimics the natural habitat of many butterflies and allows them the freedom to fly around in an area safe from their natural predators. With over 2,000 butterflies from over 45 species, as well as several native plants, there’s a lot of beauty here. Most of the butterfly species seen here are native to more tropical regions, meaning this is the only place locally you can see them. If you want to have butterflies land on you, it is recommended that you wear bright clothing and limit your movement. 

3. Bird Kingdom 

Butterflies aren’t the only beautiful, flying creatures you can see in the area. If you’d prefer something bigger, you should check out Bird Kingdom, the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary, featuring a large variety of mostly tropical birds. With over 350 different birds from more than 80 different species worldwide, this could be the most fun thing to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, for bird lovers. 

A popular activity offered is feeding some of the lorikeets seen at the location. There is also a nocturnal area featuring birds known for their presence at night, an area designed specifically for smaller birds, and its own 40-foot waterfall. There is also the opportunity to interact directly with parrots, as well as both group and self-guided tours. 

4. Niagara Wine Tour 

Many of the fun things to do in Niagara Falls take full advantage of the beautiful landscapes available in the city. One of these is going on a Niagara Wine tour. There are a wide variety of tours available, each of which takes you to multiple wineries. A stunning 35 wineries are available at Niagara On The Lake, with each tour giving a different number of stops and stopping at different locations. Each tour has something different to offer. For example, some have a more hands-on guide that’s more set, while others end up more on the self-guided side, giving more freedom for those on the tour to do their own thing. It is recommended that you ensure you get the tour that is right for you. 

5. The Whirlpool Aero Car 

The falls aren’t the only water-based attraction in the Niagara area. Another fun thing to do in Niagara Falls is to see the rapids from the Niagara River by taking the Whirlpool Aero Car. Originally created by Spanish Engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo in 1916, this ride has since been upgraded in 1961, 1967 and 1984. This kilometre-long trip lasts approximately 10 minutes on a cable car held up by half a dozen cables. It takes up to 35 riders almost directly above the Niagara Whirlpool, along the Niagara River, and crosses the Canada-US border a grand total of 4 times. 

Those on board get a bird’s-eye view of Whirlpool State Park, the Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Station in New York, and the spectacular 60-acre Niagara Whirlpool. Many hiking trails are also visible at different points along the ride. 

6. Skylon Tower 

As has been seen, there are many fun things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, that allow you to see stunning views of this beautiful city. If you want to see it all at once, Skylon Tower might just be the place to visit. This place reaches 520 feet above the ground and towers 775 feet over the falls. This tall structure offers a one-of-a-kind elevator ride to the top, as well as a pair of dining options, one of which features a slowly rotating 360-degree view, allowing its customers to see the entire city in one go. 

The top floor also features observatories giving spectacular views of the falls and many other beautiful natural attractions throughout the city. 

7. Specialized Independent Restaurants 

The list of fun things to do in Niagara Falls doesn’t just include seeing nice places outdoors. There’s plenty of unique food to eat as well, and many people have turned their love of a niche type of food or restaurant theme into a successful business. While there’s nothing wrong with stopping off at a traditional chain restaurant like McDonalds or some other well-known place, you can go to a place like that in any city. In Niagara Falls, you have a bunch of lesser-known independent restaurants available right near the falls themselves. Fallsview Blvd, Stanley Avenue, Niagara River Parkway, Portage Road, Falls Avenue, and more are all covered in small restaurants exclusive to the area. If you see a place that has a theme or serves a certain type of food that isn’t found in your area, your trip to Niagara Falls is probably the best chance you’ll get, so relax and enjoy these unique offerings. 

8. Casino Niagara 

While many of the fun things to do in Niagara Falls are based around small businesses, tourism, the Niagara River, and the falls themselves, one of the more iconic places in the city known for its high level of excitement is Casino Niagara. This gaming haven has been one of the city’s most well-known and exciting places since it opened in 1996 and has the historic honour of being the second casino to open in Ontario. There are over 1300 different slot machines at this wild location and 40 table games, mostly featuring games like Blackjack, as well as the ability to bet on sports outcomes. 

Please ensure that if you choose to gamble, make sure to do so responsibly. Know your limit and play within it. Gambling can be fun, but remember that it must be done in moderation. 

9. Clifton Hill 

If your idea of fun things to do in Niagara Falls involves the excitement of a casino but doesn’t run the risk of losing more than you intend, or you just want to have an experience at a family-friendly attraction, Clifton Hill might be right up your alley. This street features a wide variety of epic attractions, meaning that anyone should be able to find something they enjoy. 

One of the largest and most easily visible attractions is the iconic Niagara Skywheel, which offers a 175-foot-high view of the city near the falls. It offers an incredible view of the park, the city, and the falls themselves. 

If you’re looking for something more fast-paced, the Go-Karts at the Niagara Speedway might be the right option for you. You can take one of the 36 colourful, 9-horsepower carts for a spin at up to 32 km/h on a 4-acre track that goes up to 4 stories high. Whether you want to feel like a NASCAR driver, want to feel like you’re bringing Mario Kart to life without having to worry about getting nailed by a blue shell, or just want to show your friends and family how much of a speed demon you are, those who love high speeds will enjoy this track. 

Another option for family fun is going on one of two mini-golf courses that take you back 65 million years with Dinosaur Adventure Golf. That’s 36 holes of prehistoric fun. The courses are decorated with vegetation, life-like dinosaur models up to 30 feet tall, and a steamy replica volcano. You can also check out indoor attractions such as the iconic Movieland Wax Museum, go on the Zombie Attack XD dark ride theatre, go bowling at the Strike Game Zone, check out the Great Canadian Midway Arcade, and do more fun activities. 

10. Niagara Parks Botanical Garden 

Now that you’ve gotten the blood pumping a little bit let’s calm down by returning to seeing beautiful scenery and lush gardens in an outdoor adventure. Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, open since 1990, is a 99-acre landscape of absolute beauty. Whether you want to see North America’s largest rose garden (containing over 2,400 roses), one of the many herb gardens, or the greenhouse with over 80,000 plants, there’s something here for everyone. There has also been plenty of work put in by students from the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, including 150 hand-designed baskets. The amount of care put into the place clearly yields its rewards in the beauty of this green wonderland. 

Enjoy One Of Canada’s Top Tourist Destinations 

Overall, with all of the fun things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, you will be able to find something that your whole family can enjoy. Whether you want to enjoy the city’s beauty, want to get a bird’s eye view of this tourist attraction or would love to partake in some of the more active, exciting activities, you’ll find some Niagara Falls attractions that you’ll enjoy.