15 Best things to see & do in Niagara Falls

The world’s second-largest waterfall is a jaw-dropping display of nature’s power, best experienced by boat, helicopter and through secret tunnels.

The Niagara Peninsula is home to some of Canada’s oldest and most famous vineyards in what has become a world-class wine-producing region. The charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is the ideal base for exploring it, touring the vineyards and, of course, tasting the wines.

One of the world’s must-do helicopter flights, to see the magnificent Falls from above.

If you’ve time after visiting the Falls, drive two miles upriver to the secluded White Water Walk, a quarter-mile boardwalk along the Niagara River, offering a front row view of the tempestuous Whirlpool Rapids.

An immersive 4D attraction that aims to recreate the power of the falls through a combination of special effects, moving platforms, and a 360-degree screen. The interactive experience takes guests on a journey through the creation of the falls, providing a thrilling and educational adventure for all ages.

A 45-minute film presentation that takes you on a virtual journey through the history of the falls. Starting with the Native American people, who worshipped the ‘thunder spirits’, progressing through the arrival of the European settlers, and then the bizarre but fascinating list of daredevils wanting to go over the Falls in barrels. There’s also a mention of the Great Blondin, who completed a death-defying tightrope walk over the river.

For history lovers, this small museum delves into the history of the Niagara Falls region. Exhibits explore and explain the indigenous heritage, the daredevils who braved the falls, the development of the hydroelectric power plant, and the growth of tourism.

For the bird’s eye view, take the elevator to the observation deck (52s) at the top of this 775ft tower. There are also two restaurants there – a family buffet restaurant, and the fine dining ‘Revolving Dining Room’ restaurant that rotates 360 degrees every hour.

For a break from sightseeing, head to this bird park that famously claims to have the world’s largest indoor aviary, home to over 400 birds from 80 different species. The highlight is the impressive multilevel indoor rainforest.

The Niagara region has developed a growing reputation for craft beer and breweries, and this local brewery, located in an industrial plaza in the north end of Niagara Falls, is arguably the best. In their words, they produce ‘a wide variety of progressive and inspired beers that range from hazy IPAs, fruited sours, adjunct stouts, lagers and everything in between’. The home-made food is also excellent.

Anyone interested in the history of the region should stop by this historic site, now a museum, at the mouth of the Niagara River (US side). Dating back to the 18th century, it played a crucial role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.

A large ferris wheel offering a slow, circular ride that provides stunning views of the city and surrounding area. You can see the Falls from the top.

Stroll through a climate-controlled environment filled with exotic plants, flowers and thousands of colourful butterflies. A serene and educational experience, and an opportunity to see the beauty and diversity of these enchanting insects up close.

A museum and cultural centre dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the Underground Railroad. It highlight the courageous individuals and networks that helped enslaved individuals find freedom in Canada during the 19th century.

If you’ve got kids in tow and happen to be wandering the amusements of Clifton Hill, they’ll love this. A house, complete with furniture, ornaments – even bedding – turned upside down, with rooms at impossible angles.