Rock Niagara Falls: 8 Great Things To Do
You might have seen these three majestic waterfalls in pictures, but there’s nothing like experiencing them up close and personal where the power of nature leaves you breathless. Created as water flowed into the Niagara River from the North American Great Lakes 12,000 years ago, the falls are the hub of a sightseeing and recreational area with enough outdoor and indoor activities to make a great getaway for singles, couples, and families alike.
Niagara Falls is actually two cities with the same name, divided by the international border between the United States and Canada. The Canadian part is in the province of Ontario and the American part is in the state of New York. Between them, they share the beautiful river that connects Canada’s Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls and what is known as the American Falls.
When you’re planning a trip, the first thing you’ll want to do is decide where to stay. You’re in luck here, because Niagara Falls hotels run the gamut from luxury resort accommodations to very affordable choices including charming bed and breakfast inns. There are also a number of local campgrounds and RV parks.
While you’re in Niagara Falls you can spend every day and night on the go, or you can kick back and enjoy the scenery. You don’t need a car, either, because WEGO is a hop-on, hop-off bus system that connects visitor accommodations with all of the Niagara Parks attractions. A 48-hour pass is just $12.50 CAD.
Here are some of the highlights:
Exploring the Falls
You can view them from afar, but the full experience is in seeing the falls up close. There are two ways to do it from different perspectives.
Board the Maid of the Mist for a cruise from the Canadian docks past the base of the American Falls and onward into the basin of the magnificent Canadian Horseshoe Falls. You might get a little wet, but that’s part of the thrill. In operation since 1846, and the oldest tourist attraction in North America, the Maid of the Mist operates from late Spring until mid-Fall every year, depending on the weather. This year it will be open through November 4th.
At Niagara Parks Journey Behind the Falls, you’ll take an elevator 150 feet down to a series of tunnels that open your view to the astonishing wall of water crashing down from the top to the basin of the Horseshoe Falls. This attraction is open all year except on Christmas Day.
Hitting the trails
If you’re a runner, you’ll enjoy the Niagara River Recreation Trail where you can access a stairway that takes you down to Niagara Glen for a two and a half mile run through prehistoric geological formations in a pocket of pristinely preserved Carolinian forest. If you’re not up for running, take it a bit easier on a guided hiking tour.
Going cycling
Experience the natural beauty of the region on one of its many cycling trails. There are more than 200 trails, catering to riders of every level. Niagara Parkway has been named one of the top ten cycling routes in the world, stretching 58 kms along the Canadian side of the Niagara River. For more serious trekkers, the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail stretches 780 kms, following the shores of Lake Ontario from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border.
Taking it to the extreme
For more adventure, take a kayak trip on a fast one-way current, go all out on the challenging Niagara Glen Bouldering Trail, or buckle up for a breathtaking zipline to the falls.
Playing golf
The stunning landscape of the Niagara area boasts some of Canada’s best golf courses. If golf’s your game, pack your clubs and challenge yourself on the many courses to choose from.
Visiting wineries
The Niagara Region is known for its award-winning wines including the unique ice wine, made from grapes harvested in the winter when temperatures are way below freezing and sugar content is highest. The Niagara Wine Route on the Canadian side, and the Niagara Wine Trail on the American side feature dozens of wineries with tasting rooms set amid acres of gorgeous vineyards.
Enjoying the night life
If you’re still raring to go, you can visit one of the two action-packed casinos offering blackjack, roulette, poker, slots, and sports gaming along with comedy shows, and live entertainment with headline stars. There’s also a wide variety of dining choices in Niagara Falls, including the finest in farm-to-table cuisine.
Shopping (Of Course)
Popular brand names at great prices are found at outlet malls on both sides of the border, and there are three duty-free shops selling perfume, food, alcohol, and more to visitors from abroad.
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