Nov-2019
The 8 Best Things To Do At Niagara Falls
A picture from my trip in 2009. Time flies!
Niagara Falls can be a bit of a catch-22 for travelers. On the one hand, the actual waterfalls constitute a legitimate world wonder that you ought to see at some point in your life if you fancy yourself a world traveler. On the other hand, the more commercial side of the destination has come to have a kitschy, touristy vibe that turns a lot of people off. My take is that in spite of that second point, it’s still worth making the trip. Yes, you’ll have to put up with something touristy here or there, but there’s plenty to do in the area without having to lose yourself in a themed restaurant or bump elbows with visitors strapped with fanny packs and five-pound cameras. The following, for my money, are the best things to do at Niagara Falls.
Photo via Max Pixel
1. Cave Of The Winds
The Maid of the Mist may get the most publicity as a Niagara tour, but if you’re looking to avoid the most touristy activities, there are a few other options that get you up close to the falls. The Cave of the Winds is one of them. That’s not to say it isn’t still a tourist attraction, but it feels a bit more like exploring and less like… well, riding a boat with a captain on a P.A. system. The Cave of the Winds experience allows you to take an elevator down to wooden walkways beneath the Bridal Veil Falls, where you’ll get soaked but have an unforgettable experience.
Photo via Max Pixel
2. Old Fort Niagara
Fort Niagara was built in the 1720s right on the edge of Lake Ontario. It was constructed by the French, who at the time were looking to establish supremacy in colonial America. And while it’s been reconstructed somewhat over the years, you can still tour it more or less in its original glory. It’s a fun stop for anyone with an appreciation for history, and a reminder that there’s more to this area than the waterfalls.
Back in 2009, exploring the falls 🙂
3. White Water Walk
The White Water Walk is another way to experience the falls without taking a ride on the Maid of the Mist. Basically it’s a boardwalk across some of the Great Gorge Rapids, with a few different places to simply stop and observe the surroundings along your way. Naturally it can get fairly crowded with people, but it’s a very pretty sightseeing opportunity, and if you hit it during off hours you can feel a bit more like you have the place to yourself.
Photo via Wikimedia
4. Fallsview Casino
If at some point you want some indoor recreation, the Fallsview Casino is one tourist trap that can actually make for a nice break. Because Canada has fairly extensive online casino offerings complete with free-play slots, Fallsview isn’t quite the magnet you’d expect it to be (with some locals presumably sticking to the online alternatives). That means you can enjoy it without feeling like you’re just packing yourself into a crowded resort. There’s a wide selection of casino games if that’s your thing, but Fallsview is also a nice stop for a spa session and a night in a cozy room with a view.
5. Inniskillin Winery
Canadian wine doesn’t get talked about too much, but this area is actually known to produce some pretty great stuff. Inniskilln Winery isn’t right at Niagara Falls, but it’s a short (and pretty) drive away, in a place called Niagara-on-the-Lake. You’ll have some lovely, traditional wines as you take in the beautiful scenery, but it’s the icewine that’s the real attraction. Harvested from frozen grapes during the winter season, this is a rich but beloved variety.
6. Niagara Brewing Company
If a wine tour isn’t your thing but you’d still like to enjoy some local beverages, the Niagara Brewing Company is another pleasant stop in the area. Located right by Fallsview (and just about in the shadows of the Niagara SkyWheel), it’s a sort of classic indoor/outdoor brewpub, with balcony seating that has a slight view of the falls. There’s plenty of comfort food on the menu, as well as the brewery’s own in-house beers.
Photo by Peter Beens on Flickr
7. Botanical Gardens
The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens make for the most peaceful attraction in the area, save perhaps the winery mentioned above. At these gardens, you can explore about 100 acres of varied, gorgeous plant life. And during the summer months, you can even book a horse and carriage ride through the area (for just $25 per person).
8. Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
For your best reminder that this whole region is gorgeous where it’s not developed, be sure to save time for a hike through this lush nature reserve. There are plenty of trails through the forest, as well as views down into the gorge where the Niagara River churns past. The reserve is protected by Ontario’s government and the Niagara Parks Commission, but is still open to the public for hiking and general exploration. On a perfect day, it can be as pleasant a hike as you’ll find in this part of North America.
About Renate Rigters
Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.
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So amazing, Keep inspiring people