Niagara Falls Canada Side
Niagara Falls, located on the Canadian side of the Niagara River, is a breathtaking natural wonder. Millions of visitors each year are drawn to the falls, ready to watch water careen 165 feet into the basin below.
The sheer power and force of the falls is truly awe-inspiring. No wonder it is a favorite vacation destination for so many.
Over the centuries, the fast-flowing Niagara River has carved out an awe-striking river gorge and waterfalls that today we get to experience in a variety of ways.
Choose from attractions like boat tours, scenic hikes, botanical gardens, or falls-themed experiences that let you personally experience this natural wonder in a beautiful, incredible way.
Really. It’s one of those things that you just have to experience for yourself.
Bonus: With its close proximity to Canada, Niagara Falls is easy to get to from Michigan. We crossed into Canada via Port Huron, MI, and had very little wait in either direction.
in this article
Niagara Falls-Canada Side Things to Do
Niagara Falls is part of the Niagara Parks system, encompassing 35 miles of the Niagara River corridor.
Within this area, you’ll find river adventures, exciting hiking, meticulously maintained gardens, restored heritage sites, and local food options.
1 – Walk the Tunnel at Niagara Parks Power Station
7005 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2
The first thing you’ll want to do when you get to Niagara Falls is to go see the falls! And now, you can do it from the century-old 2,200-foot-long tunnel in the Niagara Parks Power Station. This massive building and tour opened to the public in July 2022.
As part of the tour, you’ll take a glass-walled elevator 180 feet down to the power station wheel pit.
Not only will you find out how this tunnel was excavated with just lanterns, rudimentary dynamite, pickaxes, and shovels, you get to step out of the tunnel at the water’s edge onto a new viewing platform. The observation deck extends into the lower Niagara River, providing a unique perspective of the falls that has never before been accessible to visitors.
Pro Tip: Save $$ with the Wonder Pass for Niagara Parks.
You save money on the included attractions and you save time waiting in line.
2 – Soak up Epic Falls Views along the Niagara River Trail
Table Rock Welcome Center 6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L0S 1J0, Canada to
Rainbow Bridge, 5702 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls, ON
Next get yourself to the one-mile promenade that hugs the Niagara Falls Canada side.
It’s ground zero for magnificent views of the falls.
Let walking this path be the first of many times that you watch the water. The falls take on a new look depending on the time of day and the weather conditions.
Start at the Table Rock Welcome Center and head north along the trail until you reach the Rainbow Bridge.
There are stops and attractions along the way. Some of our favorites:
- Table Rock Welcome Center for amazing falls views, WEGO bus passes & transfers, Niagara’s Fury 4D film, gift shops, & restaurant
- Queen Victoria Park for the seasonal flower displays (6345 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8, Canada)
- Zipline to the Falls
- Niagara City Cruises
- Clifton Hill Entrance
- Oakes Garden Theatre
- Rainbow Bridge
3 – Go on the new “Maid of the Mist” Boat Ride – Niagara City Cruise
5920 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8, Canada
Grab that plastic poncho – you’re going to need it for this! Wear flip-flops and put your phone in a waterproof case if you can. This is one wet experience!
Formerly known as Maid of the Mist tours and then Hornblower Niagara Cruises, Niagara City Cruises offer the closest to falls experience on their Voyage to the Falls boat tour.
Feel the power of the falls as you motor past the American Falls and into the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
This is the only boat ride in Canada that will get you close to the falls.
4 – Find the “Secret Garden” at Oakes Garden Theatre
Oakes Garden Theatre
5825 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3K9, Canada
Find your Zen at Oakes Garden Theatre, a beautifully manicured oasis tucked away in one of the busiest parts of the city.
It’s easy to visit the Niagara Falls Canada side and not even realize this place exists. It’s truly a Niagara Falls hidden gem.
Formal gardens and exquisite landscaping compliment falls views from almost every section of the park.
Be sure to climb to the top of the theatre for the best views, and don’t miss the lily pond and iron gate at the Falls Avenue entrance.
5 – Go Behind the Falls!
6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8, Canada
Put on that yellow poncho and prepare for the spray and thunder of the falls!
Journey Behind the Falls takes you into tunnels (and viewing portals) behind the bedrock of the Niagara Falls Canada side.
Go down 125 feet, then climb out to an observation deck and get close to the falls.
Pro Tip: Save $$ with the Wonder Pass for Niagara Parks.
You save money on the included attractions and you save time waiting in line.
6 – Ride in the Whirlpool Aero Car
3850 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8, Canada
Visitors have been testing their mettle on the Whirlpool Aero Car since 1916!
This antique cable car pulls you over the Niagara Whirlpool where you can watch the turquoise water swirl every which way right under your feet. You might just need to take a few extra deep breaths during the trip.
While we were up there, we saw a Whirlpool Jet Boat revving up for a spin around the whirlpool waves in the gorge.
Little did I know that would be us in a few days. Read on to hear more (and watch our video) about that drenching experience!
Tip: Venture beyond the main falls area.
Many people drive in to gaze at the falls and drive away not knowing there is a whole region of amazing to discover.
Niagara Falls is just one highlight of the Niagara Parks area.
7 – Get Soaked on the Open-Top Whirlpool Jet Boat Ride
55 River Frontage Road, Queenston, ON L0S 1J0, Canada
Remember that picture from the Whirlpool Aero Car showing the little red boat? That boat isn’t really so little!
It’s one in the WhirlPool Jet Boat fleet and it’s a special boat designed to drive up the huge standing waves in the Niagara River and fly over the other side. You’re going to get wet!
The boats take on a ton of water – water that will come up to your knees or higher – and pump it out.
There is not a dry seat on the boat (watch the video below to see!) and each trip is peppered with spirit and fun by the adventurous crew.
Before you’re even allowed on the boat, you’re given a thorough safety briefing and suited up appropriately. Bring a full change of clothes – and wear warm clothing on the ride itself.
We sat in the back – with little kids, that’s where you have to go. Our oldest wanted to be in the front where you got a face-full of water every three seconds (watch the video below to see what I mean.)
If we were to do it again, I’d suggest going with kids ages 8 and over, or just be sure the younger ones are extremely adventurous. (Show them our video and see what they think.)
8 – Walk Over the Rainbow Bridge to New York
Rainbow Bridge, 5702 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls, ON
Yes, you can walk across the Rainbow Bridge to the New York side of the falls on a pedestrian pathway and be treated to gorgeous, unique views of the falls.
Often, a rainbow can be seen in the mist of the falls.
The bridge is about 1/4 mile long and it takes about 10 minutes to cross – unless there is a long wait at the border crossing station.
There is a $1 fee to cross the bridge as a pedestrian.
As this is an international border crossing, you will need to have a passport or enhanced driver’s license to enter the USA. To return to Canada, you will need your identification.
To find the pedestrian entrance to the Rainbow Bridge on the Niagara Falls Canada side, head to 110 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3K9, Canada and look for the sign that says “Pedestrian Entrance to U.S.A.” It’s in the same building as Reg’s Candy Kitchen and is near the Duty Free shop.
9 – Do the Niagara Falls Zipline
5920 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8, Canada
Zipline to the Falls takes adventurous people on a 2200-foot, 40 mph thrill ride along the edge of the Niagara River, right in front of the falls.
10 – Marvel at the Giant Aquamarine River Waves on the White Water Walk
4330 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 6T2, Canada
Courageous souls constructed a boardwalk along the Great Gorge on the Niagara River so that you and I could safely get up close to the raging waters.
This White Water Walk follows Class 6 whirlpool rapids as they form 10 to 16-foot standing waves in the river. It was jaw-dropping.
While I knew my kids were perfectly safe walking along the wooden pathway, I kept them at arm’s length most of the time. That water is powerful and dangerous!
11 – Use the WEGO Bus to Get Around
If you set your GPS for the Niagara Falls Canada side and arrive without knowing what the parking situation is, you’ll see the falls briefly and then wonder where you can park the car.
Truth be told, Niagara Falls is a major tourist destination, especially during the summer months, and parking anywhere remotely close to the falls takes either luck or very strategic planning.
If you’re a family visiting with kids or a person with limited mobility, we know you want to make the most out of the foot power your group has. That’s why we use the WEGO bus system when visiting Niagara Falls (after parking the car at our hotel).
WEGO is a year-round hop-on-hop-off bus system that connects most lodging, attractions, and parking areas, making it easy to get to the places you want to go to, without the parking headache.
WEGO Fares & Passes
Prices in CA $
24-hour Pass: $13 adult; $9 Child (ages 3-12); 2 & under are free all year
48-hour Pass: $17 adult; $13 Child (ages 3-12); 2 & under are free all year
WEGO Passes can be purchased at these locations.
Passes are not sold on board WEGO buses.
WEGO Routes
Three WEGO routes serve the Niagara Falls Canada side:
– Red: Lundy’s Lane includes campgrounds and hotel lodging
– Blue: Clifton Hill attractions, restaurants and lodging
– Green: Niagara Parks destinations, including the falls. Follows the Niagara River.
Get the WEGO app
WEGO uses the Transit App.
Download it to your device and you’ll be able to see where buses are in real time, nearby bus stops, and the estimated arrival time of your next bus.
12 – See Niagara Falls at Night
Get ready for some fireworks and a nighttime falls glow!
At 10 PM each evening from mid-May through early October, enjoy nightly fireworks over the falls.
Plus, the Niagara Falls are illuminated with a rainbow of colored lights every night of the year at sundown, adding to the spectacular display.
The fireworks and illumination can be seen from both sides of the falls.
The fireworks at Niagara Falls are launched in front of the American Falls.
On the Niagara Falls Canada side, your best bet for viewing is in Queen Victoria Park or nearby. Find your viewing spot at least 15 minutes early. The fireworks will last for about 5-6 minutes.
Do check the Niagara Parks event calendar before your visit. There are often special concerts, fireworks displays, and other events going on at the falls.
Fireworks performances are weather permitting and may be canceled due to poor weather conditions.
13 – Have a Good Time on Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill is hard to miss!
It’s the entertainment district of the Niagara Falls Canada side and offers experiences designed for families.
In contrast to Niagara Parks, which features nature-made attractions, Clifton Hill will dazzle your senses in a whole different way.
Clifton Hill is full of restaurants, rides, arcades, and hotels. Our kids loved playing Dinosaur Adventure Golf with an erupting volcano and riding the Sky Wheel after dark.
The Niagara Speedway is also a big draw. Participants drive go-carts on a four-acre, sometimes elevated, coaster track. Some have even dubbed it a real life Mario Kart racetrack!
Drivers must be between 58″ – 78″ tall and 18+ years old. Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4, Canada
14 – Hike Niagara Glen
3050 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada
Trail Map – 2.5 miles of trails or a 1.6 mile loop – moderately challenging
One of our family favorites on this trip was hiking to the river at Niagara Glen.
In fact, we loved this old-growth forest river gorge trail so much that we made sure to hike it twice!
Be prepared to descend many steps down to the glen and you’ll be greeted by numerous paths through boulder formations and along the rapids of the aquamarine Niagara River.
Bring water and give yourself plenty of time to explore! Also, make sure to set out well before sunset. It gets dark quickly under the dense tree canopy – sun sets earlier at Niagara Glen than elsewhere in the park.
15 – Visit the Butterflies & Botanical Garden
2565 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada
Mix waterfalls, tropical temps, and tropical plants with 2000+ butterflies and you’ve got the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory!
This year-round attraction is a fun stop for families. Be sure to bring your camera and wear bright colors to encourage the butterflies to land on your shoulder for a picture.
The Butterfly Conservatory is on the grounds of the Niagara Falls Botanical Gardens.
While you’re out visiting the butterflies, be sure to save time to explore the paths and feature gardens of this lovely area. You might even want to hop on a carriage ride while you’re there.
16 – Find the Wineries & Restaurants at Niagara on the Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake: If you’re from Michigan, you can think of Niagara-on-the-Lake as a British version of Traverse City, MI or the Finger Lakes in upstate New York.
Surrounded by wine country, and on the shores of Lake Ontario, this picturesque town is delightfully charming and quite romantic.
We stopped by a lakeside park and explored the shops and restaurants lining the lovely downtown.
17 – Spend a few hours at Bird Kingdom
5651 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7M7, Canada
Before you head home, try to fit in a visit to Bird Kingdom.
After passing through admissions, you’ll follow a path that leads through a few different rooms with various animals and birds.
One of these rooms offers opportunities to get up close and personal with cool birds like the hyacinth macaw.
My favorite part came after this room, though.
The final room you enter is a gigantic open space with birds everywhere. This is the free-flying aviary.
Visitors start at the top of the aviary and follow a path that leads them to multiple viewing points and discovery platforms throughout the hall. This stop is full of interactive experiences. Everyone in our family had fun here.
18 – Head up for Great Views
Niagara Falls looks even more spectacular from up high.
Treat youself to a lofty view at:
- Skylon Tower
- Sky Wheel
- A hotel with a view, like Hilton Niagara Falls Hotel and Suites.
19 – Stay at a Hotel With a Pool – or a Waterpark
We’ve stayed at a couple of different hotels in Niagara Falls.
Hilton Niagara Falls Hotel and Suites
6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9, Canada
Most recently, we opted for the Hilton Niagara Falls Hotel and Suites because of their two full floors of swimming pools, including an infinity pool and a family pool and hot tub.
Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls
5950 Victoria Ave, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 3L7 Canada
The Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls was also a good choice for our family when we needed to watch the budget and wanted swimming pool access.
They have both an indoor and outdoor pool and are located in Clifton Hill, close to lots of entertainment and restaurants.
Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls
3950 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 7M8 Canada
Yep, there’s even a Great Wolf Lodge at Niagara Falls.
In addition to the giant indoor/outdoor waterpark, spend time playing mini golf, bowling, playing arcade games, or winning at MagiQuest.
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6W7 Canada
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is also located in Clifton Hills and connects to three hotels. Day passes and overnight packages are available.
20 – Step Back in Time
I was surprised by how interesting it was to look at a historical event through the lens of a country other than the US.
Since Canadians were on the other side of the War of 1812, our visit to Old Fort Erie helped me see the event from their vantage point.
What a great way to get a new perspective.
We found the costumed characters quite engaging as they helped us learn what life must have been like for the soldiers who called the fort home.
The Laura Secord Homestead offers another fascinating look into Canadian history.
This woman is a legend in Canadian folklore. She’s known for a heroic journey during the war of 1812 – a journey you can learn more about as costumed guides take you on a tour of her restored home.
FAQs – Niagara Falls
Is Niagara Falls in Canada or New York?
Niagara Falls (the famous waterfall attraction) is located in both the US (New York) as well as Canada!
The Niagara River forms the border between the two countries. The river splits before the drop-off creating the falls. The Horseshoe Falls are in Canada and both the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls are in New York.
The US side is known as the American Falls and the Niagara Falls Canada side is called Horseshoe Falls.
Additionally, there are two towns named Niagara Falls. One is located in Ontario, Canada, and the other is in the state of New York.
What does a US Citizen need to enter Canada?
When driving: Kids under 16 need proof of US citizenship – a birth certificate, Enhanced ID, or passport to complete the border crossing. (Our kids used birth certificates.)
Adults and kids 16 and older need a passport or an enhanced driver’s license to cross the border by land.
List of approved travel documents.
Where does the water at Niagara Falls come from?
The water flowing over Niagara Falls travels downhill from one Great Lake to another via the Niagara River.
Lake Erie, where the water originates, is at an elevation 325 feet higher than the water in Lake Ontario.
The result? The Niagara River’s descent over its 13.5-mile journey is drastic in several places, most notably at the falls.
(Boats obviously can’t safely go over the falls, so any ships traveling from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario use the Welland Canal system instead.)
Which is the best side of Niagara Falls?
The Niagara Falls Canada Side is arguably the side with better views of the falls.
However, each side offers different experiences and it’s relatively easy to visit them both. If you have time, put both Niagara Falls Canada and Niagara Falls New York on your itinerary.
What is the best time of year to go to Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls is open 365 days of the year.
The weather – and the visual display created by the falls – varies tremendously by season.
The best time to visit depends on your trip goals, but most people prefer the warm, sunny summer weather.
SPRING: Highs: 40-60 F; hats & jackets, spring flowers
SUMMER: Highs: 80-90 F; shorts & t-shirts, flowers & sunshine
FALL: Highs: 40-60 F; rain jackets & gloves, fall colors & moody clouds
WINTER: Highs: 20-30 F; parkas & boots, dramatic ice formations
how many days did you stay? thanks!
4 days!
What time of year did you go? Wondering what it is like in early April?
How close were the falls to your hotel?
Clifton hill is where we stayed. It was a 2 minute drive to the falls.
Are there age requirements for the boat rides?-our youngest will not quite be 5.
Does the bus transportation included in the Adventure Pass take you back & forth between a hotel near Clifton Hill to the falls?
This is on my bucket list! Do you think 3 year olds would enjoy it? Or wait till they are older?
It’s fun for all ages but at three they will be limited on the hiking. We went when my daughter was that age and she didn’t want to go on the boat ride, either. Otherwise, go and have fun!