While Niagara Falls often markets itself as a bastion of natural beauty, the city next to the falls is relatively well-developed for tourism. There, you can find tens of hotel-resorts and hundreds of B&Bs, family-friendly restaurants galore and must-see attractions by the dozen. Due to this, many travelers are turned off, despite the undeniable uniqueness of the falls and the magnificence of the surrounding wilderness.
The truth is, you can find authentic travel experiences everywhere — even in Niagara Falls. Here are a few hidden gems in and around Niagara Falls, nestled amidst the hokey tourist stuff.
Niagara Boat Cruise
Admittedly, this Niagara Falls adventure isn’t hidden; in fact, it is arguably the most popular tourist attraction in the entire area. Still, you shouldn’t skip a boat cruise to the falls just because everyone is doing it. This is a secret gem because it truly is a magical and thrilling experience that you definitely need to do.
There are two cruises to choose from: Hornblower on the Canadian side and Maid of the Mist on the American side. Regardless of which you choose, you will undoubtedly feel exhilarated by being so close to the thundering waters and feeling their mist on your skin. There are different cruise options — with different pricing levels — so you can choose your precise experience, but you should book in advance because spots fill up fast.
Whirlpool Aero Car
While you can catch jaw-dropping views of the waterfalls just steps from the hotels in Niagara Falls, Canada, you might want to venture deeper into the Niagara Gorge to explore the rapids and whirlpool of the Niagara River. There are a few walks and hikes that get you right next to the action, but for a heart-stopping experience, you need to book a ride on the Aero Car. Built in 1916 (and well-maintained since) the car is suspended above the churning water, so you can get a birds-eye view into the giant whirlpool itself. It’s a short ride, but the pictures and stories you’ll tell will make it worth your time.
Niagara Falls History
Niagara Falls has attracted visitors for millennia. First, the native peoples of the continent determined the falls to be sacred; then, critical battles were fought between British, American and French forces on fields nearby. Later, the city was deemed the most romantic place on Earth. You can learn more about Niagara Falls history by visiting the history museum as well as a number of historic sites, such as:
- Lundy’s Lane. Here, one of the most significant battles of the War of 1812 was fought. On site, there is a museum that was once a hotel, where you can learn more about the battle and war.
- Old Fort Eerie. Even if military history isn’t your thing, Fort Eerie is an important landmark to visit. Like Lundy’s Lane, this fort was critical during the War of 1812 and contains many fascinating scars of its use.
- Heritage Railway Station. This historic railway station stands beautiful and stalwart. Most importantly, this was a final stop for slaves fleeing on the underground railroad, who found freedom in Niagara Falls.
- Toronto Power Generating Station. The most revolutionary hydroelectric facility of its time, this station was first built in 1906. You can visit the original building, which boasts gorgeous design even if the machinery has since been updated.
Niagara Tesla Monuments
Likely, you know a bit about Nikola Tesla — the genius inventor and engineer who famously fought with Thomas Edison about electricity. However, you probably don’t know about all the work Tesla did in and around Niagara Falls. Though New York City was undoubtedly his home, Tesla’s greatest achievement remains in Niagara: the world’s first hydroelectric power plant. Indeed, it is thanks in large part to Tesla that many areas utilize natural energy, like water, wind and sunlight, for power today.
As a result, Niagara Falls happily commemorates Tesla’s work with two monuments: one for each side of the falls. You can find Canada’s statue of Tesla standing atop AC motors in Queen Victoria Park. America’s Tesla statue overlooks the American falls, so you can’t miss it if you venture to outlooks along the U.S. border.
Screaming Tunnel
Finally, for a less historic and more folkloric experience, you must take a journey to the screaming tunnel. Among the most haunted places in all of Canada, the tunnel allows for pedestrian traffic beneath what was once a railway line. It is said that if you visit the tunnel at night and light a match off the tunnel wall, you will hear a girl’s piercing scream. This is because stories say a girl died in the tunnel, burned to death for a now unknown reason — perhaps she was running from a house fire, perhaps she was murdered by a spurned lover, rapist or abusive father. Perhaps you can ask her about her fate herself during your visit.
You can find the tunnel near Niagara-on-the-Lake, which offers some additional fun attractions, like wineries and boutique shops.
