7 Best Things To Do in Niagara Falls

Maid of the Mist

           
If you’re looking for the best way to see Niagara Falls, the best way to do it is by hopping on a Maid Of The Mist boat.

These boats have been transporting tourists to the base of Niagara Falls since the 1840’s.

You’ll almost certainly get wet on this tour, as the boat practically drenches you under the water. But don’t worry, you’ll be provided with rain gear as well.

Many travelers say this is the best way to experience the beauty of Niagara Falls, and in fact, it’s one of the top-rated guided tours in the area.

Recent travelers said that you can’t leave Niagara without riding on the Maid Of the Mist as that the views are incredible, and the tour lasts about 20 minutes. Some travelers also recommend getting up early in the morning to beat the crowds (trips start at 9:00 a.m.).

Maid of the Mist is located at the base of the falls on the American side. Tours leave every 15 minutes and tickets are $18.95 for adults, $10.95 for children 6 to 12 years of age. Times vary depending on the time of year.

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens & Butterfly Conservatory

 

If you’re looking for a way to get away from the torrential downpour and the tourist hordes, why not spend an afternoon at Niagara Parks’ Botanical Gardens? If you’re a nature lover, you’re in for a treat.

This 100-acre facility features dozens of carefully cared-for gardens – staffed by students from the nearby horticultural school – that feature thousands of plant species. In the summer, you can take a guided horse- and-carriage tour of the gardens.

The gardens are home to several thousand butterflies, flitting among bright-colored flowers. A recent visitor said that visiting the gardens and butterfly conservatory was a nice change of pace from the “kitchy atmosphere” surrounding the falls. “The butterfly conservatory gets crowded, but the gardens are quiet,” the visitor said. “Bring your camera, though, as there are plenty of photo opportunities in the conservatory.”

If you're looking to visit the Botanical Gardens, you'll find it just north of Niagara Falls. It's open from sunup to sundown every day, and you can get in for free (although you'll pay for parking). But if you want to see the butterflies, you'll have to pay a bit more. Adults can get in for CA$15, which is around $12, and kids 6-12 can get in for around CA$9, which is about $8. The hours of operation change depending on the time of year.

Old Fort Niagara

If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to set aside some time to visit Old Fort Niagara, which is located on the United States side of the Niagara Falls. The fort changed hands several times during the 17th century, and saw action during the American Revolution, French and British, and French and Indian wars. It’s the longest active fort in the United States. Today, it occupies one of western New York’s most picturesque areas, with views of Lake Ontario and both the Niagara River and the falls below. Inside, visitors can explore the old gunpowder rooms and old army barracks, as well as old cannons. But if you’re looking for a deeper look into the fort’s history, the visitor center is the place to be.

 

Most recent visitors praised the well-maintained buildings and immaculate grounds, and said they’d like to spend at least an hour or two exploring the grounds. They also noted that they’d stay for at least half of the day due to all the demonstrations and exhibits. And they were especially impressed by the reactors.

Old Fort Niagara is located on the shores of Lake Ontario and the shores of the Niagara River, north of the town of Youngstown (Niagara Falls, New York). The fort is across the river from the city of Niagara on the Lake. If you don’t have a vehicle, you can take the Discover Niagara Shuttle to Old Fort Niagara during the summer months. The fort is open daily from 9 in the morning to 5 or 7 in the evening, depending on the time of year. Admission to Old Fort Niagara is $12 per adult and $8 per child 6 to 12 years of age.

Niagara Glen Nature Reserve

If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the falls, visitors say Niagara Glen Nature Reserve is the place to be. Off the Niagara Parkway on Canada’s side of the water, this nature preserve offers over 2 miles of trails along the Niagara River’s natural whirlpool. It’s surrounded by preserved Carolinian Forest, and recent visitors say they enjoy hiking through the preserve especially in the fall when the trees start to show their colors. They also say they’re impressed with the nature center and the knowledgeable staff who work there. From the nature center, visitors can join daily guided hikes available from May to August. The reserve is open all year round, but you’ll have to pay CA $1.25 (about $1.00) per hour for parking.

Journey Behind the Falls

On this tour, you’ll be standing right behind the rushing sheet of water, getting a first-hand view of this natural wonder. The tour starts with a lift ride to the observation deck, where you’ll get a 360-degree view of the falls and the mighty Niagara River.

From the observation deck, follow the tunnels that lead to the caverns. You’ll get another look at the roaring curtain from a different angle.

Be aware, however, that the tunnels can be pretty cramped, especially if you’re in the middle of a crowd.

If you’re planning a trip to the falls, it’s a good idea to get there early in the morning. The attraction opens at 10:00 a.m., and you’ll want to get there before the crowds start to build up. Another option is to go on a guided tour with a tour group.

Some of the more recent visitors highly recommended this attraction, even if they’ve already gone on one of the “Maid of the Mist” tours, as it’s another interesting perspective on the falls.

Journey Behind the Falls starts on the Canada side of the falls, and the caves are open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily; closing times vary from day to day. Tickets start at around CA$16 for adults, CA$10 for kids ages 3-12, and CA$8 for kids under 12. In the summer, tickets start at CA$24 for adults (roughly $18), CA$16 for kids (roughly $12), and CA$10

Cave of the Winds

Cave of the Winds is a “must-do” for many recent visitors. After taking a 175-foot elevator down into the gorge, you’ll walk along a series of wood walkways that bring you within a few feet of the bridal veil falls. It’s called the “Hurricane Deck” because of the tropical storm conditions. You’re sure to get wet, even if you bring a poncho or shoes.

 

Most recent travelers didn’t mind the wet aftermath of a trip to the cave of the winds. They were amazed by the closeness of the falls and delighted to witness the mighty rush of water.

 

This attraction is located on Goat Island, New York, on the Niagara Falls’ New York side. The walkways are open all year round, but you’ll only be able to access them from April through October (the decks and walkways are taken down every winter to prevent ice buildup). Tickets are $17 per adult and $14 per child aged 6 to 12 from May to September.

Parts of the attraction are accessible during the winter months, including the elevator descent to the gorge. The cost of admission is $7 per adult and $5 per child. The attraction is open daily from November to April from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

White Water Walk

If you want to see the falls from a place that’s more natural than a Maid of the Mist (or Journey Behind the Falls), spend about an hour or two walking the White Water Walk, which begins with an elevator that takes you down 230 feet to the gorge’s base. From there, you’ll walk about a quarter-mile on a boardwalk that looks out over the Great Gorge Rapids on the Canadian side of Niagara River. There are several observation areas along the way, where you’ll be able to get a good look at the falls and the whirlpool beneath.

 

While some recent visitors have called this a “tourist trap” because of the boardwalk’s short length, others loved seeing the power of the rapids so close up. Several reviewers also recommend stopping to read informational plaques that line the boardwalk, which tell the story of the brave souls who tried to cross the river.

The White Water Walk is situated along the Niagara Parkway. The admission price for adults is CA$13 (approximately $10.50), and for children 6 to 12 years of age, the admission price is CA$8 (approximately CA$6.50). The White Water Walk is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm.