Niagara Falls is the most famous waterfall on earth! This is not the tallest of all waterfalls in the world. It’s not the biggest waterfall in the whole world. The sheer volume of water it produces is greater than any other waterfall. Niagara Falls is located between New York State in the USA and Ontario, Canada. This ultimate guide focuses on what to do on the Canadian side.
I have been to many wonderful locations around the world. The Taj Mahal in India is one of them. Others include the great pyramids at Giza, ancient ruins in Angor Wat and Bagan’s pagodas. Other places include the Colosseum of Rome or Chichen Itza in the Maya civilization. Niagara Falls was an equally impressive sight when I first saw it.
Niagara Falls is visible from the railing
There is an old saying that the best things are free. Niagara Falls is no exception! Niagara Falls is free to visit. It is free to visit the falls as there isn’t an entrance fee. All three falls can be enjoyed from the Canadian side.
Niagara Falls is actually a collection consisting of three falls: Horseshoe Falls (also known as Bridalveil Falls), American Falls, and Bridalveil Falls. These falls are a natural rift that separates the USA from Canada. Horseshoe Falls is the most impressive of them all. This one is the most tumultuous of all three. If you look to the right from the Canadian side towards the falls on the US side, the Horseshoe will be visible. You will then see the American Falls if you slightly turn your head to the left. On the left, you will find the isolated Bridal Veil crushing water to mammoth rocks.
The water from the Horseshoe falls falls so hard that it creates mists for the spectators. It is said that more than a thousand bathtubs of water are smashed down every second in Niagara. Behind the railing, you will have a view of the falls that is not intrusive. You will not find a person without excitement. Don’t fall down too excitedly while taking pictures, because there is no way to get back up. I say this because it happened and people died.
Maid of the Mist – Top things to do in Niagara Falls
The Maid of the Mist boat tour takes you 30 minutes to the bottom of the falls. This is a thrilling as well as enchanting experience. You will be able to see the falls in a different way than most other places. The roars and mists of the water will make the view even more surreal. You will receive a poncho from the tour operator to avoid getting wet.
Tickets forMaid Of The Mist are priced at $39
- Adult: US$25.25
- Child (ages 6- 12): US$14.75
- Child (Ages 5 and Under): Free – with accompanying adult
Travel behind the Falls
The elevator will take you to the tunnel from the center of table rock. You wear a poncho, take a walk, and will reach the bottom of the most magnificent waterfall in Niagara – the Horseshoe Falls. The falls can be viewed from several tunnels.
You will be able to see the most amazing view from a two tier observation deck, where most people gather. You will see, if you look to the right of you, a part where the water is releasing close to the rocks. This is as close as you can get to a waterfall.
The view from the front is breathtaking. The cascade and evaporation in the form a mist occurs simultaneously. It is a good place to look for rainbows. The thundering of the waterfalls makes you realize the power of the falls.
If you look to the left, the Bride Veil Fall on the USA-side and the iconic rainbow Bridge connecting the USA with Canada will be visible.
Journey behind the Falls Ticket Price
- Adult: CA$23.50
- Child (ages 6- 12): CA$15.50
- Child (Ages 5 and Under): Free – with accompanying adult
White Water Walk
Do you want to experience the raging water of the Niagara River in all its ferocity? You have to go on the white water tour. You will not only be able to witness the power of the water, but also hear something you have never heard before. The International Whitewater Rafting Organization classifies whitewater between class 1 (easy), and class 6 (almost impossible). The rapids are so powerful that they are classified as Class 6 whitewater.
You can reach this area by driving 4 km north of the Falls at the whirlpool-bridge. The elevator will take you down to the 70 meter depth. After a tunnel you will reach the Boardwalk. Take a stroll on the board, touching the beautiful gorge on your right. The walk is not a long one – only 305 meters long. Two observation decks are located along the way where you can get closer and even get wet.
White Water Walk Ticket Price
- Adult: CA$17.00
- Child (ages 6- 12): CA$11.25
- Child (Ages 5 and Under): Free – with accompanying adult
Chasing Rainbows
Rainbows are the colors that appear when sunlight passes through rain. Niagara Falls’ mist is produced by the waterfalls. On a sunny morning, you can see beautiful rainbows when the mists pass through. You can see broken rainbows, but you can also get a 360-degree rainbow. Just keep looking, and you’ll be rewarded.
Rainbow Bridge: A Bridge to Appreciate
The bridge which connects the two cities of Niagara falls – one in New York and the other in Ontario, the rainbow bridge is not to be missed. This iconic arch was built to replace the honeymoon bridge that collapsed in 1938. The honeymoon bridge is located closer to where the veil of the bride falls. In many places around the world we see a lot tension between the borders of countries. As an example, the Indian border and Pakistan border are always heavily defended. This is the exception, you can only find peace on the rainbow Bridge.
Niagara Falls Illuminated by Night
Niagara Falls at night is a must-see after you’ve experienced its beauty and majesty. You can’t leave without experiencing it at night. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Niagara falls is a 24×7 activity, it is always open. The water is less accessible at night. On the other hand, the light illuminates a fall after the sun has set until 2:00 am. It looks beautiful with the lights and gives off a different vibe.
This uncertainty makes the light change after an undefined time interval even more interesting. If you were talking to a buddy and saw the Niagara red at first, after thirty seconds you notice it is now blue. The fireworks are still impressive here as well, but it has been cancelled until further notice.
Zipline to the Falls
This one is not a walk for the weak-hearted. Once you’re there, there’s no turning back! You will glide 670 meters down to the base Horseshoe Falls with the American Falls in the background. You will feel the adrenaline as you see the Niagara Falls through the eyes of the birds! If you do this during winter, you can see the different parts of the falls – the ice!
Skylon Tower Restaurant
The Skylon tower is a popular observation deck in Niagara Falls. You can see the American Falls as well as Horseshoe Falls from this observation deck. This 160 meters tall tower from street level and 236 meters from the fall has two restaurants at the top. The restaurants rotate to make it even more exciting. To dine at the restaurant, you must make a reservation.
Take a photo of the flower gate
A beautiful gate made from colorful flowers is located just behind the main observation deck at Niagara Falls. It’s not just Niagara Falls that is a great place to take photos. This gate is also a beautiful spot to snap a few pictures. The crowds are always there, so just wait patiently until your turn.
Niagara Falls is a great place to visit
Niagara falls is only a 10-minute walk away. The vibrant and colorful city of Niagara is just as close. It’s a touristic town built based on Niagara falls – as the people come from all over the places, they offer them different amusement options. Many people have complained about it. I don’t think there is any problem.
The kids will also have plenty to do. There are theatres that show multi-dimensional movies, with ghosts at the center. You can ride the ferries wheel until late at night. Don’t miss the inclined building which is being serviced by a statue – I thought it was real when I saw it from far.
Go-karting was one of my favorite activities. This fun activity for a few minutes made me feel younger. When I looked around, I was not alone – I saw people older than 60 years participate in this activity as well!
When I was walking past the street of Niagara at night, I got a vibe of Las Vegas – albeit an extremely miniature version of it. The whole place was glistening. You can gamble here too, just like Las Vegas. There are a lot of casinos where you can try your luck.
Hike in Niagara Glen
Once you’ve seen enough of the Niagara Falls, head towards Niagara Glen Nature Reserve. This will allow you to hike through a green Carolinian forest. This is an easy hike that will take less than six hours to complete.
The Niagara gorge is the main attraction, aside from the flora. Rock climbing is a popular activity in this area. Rock climbing requires a reservation.
Not just the fall!
Niagara Falls is the most popular attraction in the world. Everyone wants to go see it, right? You can still stop and look around. The area is filled with greenery and some amazing architecture.
You can admire the flowers in every corner. There are many places to relax. You can read a book and enjoy the view of the falls from one of those benches. You will find that – “Life is beautiful!”
