If you’re planning a trip to Niagara Falls, you’re probably looking forward to seeing the iconic natural landmark you’ve been hearing about for years. It’s legendary around the world, and attracts millions of tourists each year.
However, do keep in mind that there are plenty of other great things to do in Niagara Falls, no matter your age, interests, or tastes. You will even find that many Niagara Falls getaway packages include tickets to some of the top destinations in the region. Read on for a sample of things you need to do on any trip to the Niagara region.
Take a Boat Ride to See the Falls
Obviously one of the first things you’re going to want to do is see the actual waterfalls that make the Niagara area so famous. A great way to do this is on a boat ride that gets up so close to the natural wonder you can get splashed by the roaring waters and really hear their power.
Purchase a ticket on Hornblower Niagara Cruises if you’re on the Canadian side of the Falls. (Maid of the Mist operate a similar boat tour on the American side of the border.) During the Hornblower journey, which lasts for around 20 minutes, you will be taken near to the Bridal Veil Falls, Canadian Horseshoe Falls, and the American Falls. The tours are operated on modern, 700-passenger catamarans. You can choose to take a cruise during the day or night, plus there are extended 40-minute options as well.
Visit the Old Fort Niagara
If you really enjoy learning about local history wherever you go, then don’t miss a trip to Old Fort Niagara. This fort is the oldest operational one of its kind in the United States (it’s on the U.S. side of the Falls), and was built in the 1700s. Over the years this site has been utilized by, at various times, British, American, French and Native American troops, during wars such as the Revolutionary, French, and Indian conflicts.
While you’re at the Fort, check out beautifully-preserved barracks, cannons, and various other exhibits, and educate yourself on the landmark’s historical significance as you listen to a self-guided audio tour. Hourly musket demonstrations are run at the site, plus, at certain times of year you can also watch re-enactments of the battles waged at Old Fort Niagara over its lifetime.
Try Local Wines
Apart from the famous waterfalls, the Niagara region is also well-known as a top wine spot. There are at least 25 open-to-the-public wineries in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, around a 15 to 20 minute drive away from the center of town. In particular, though, explore the picturesque suburb of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
There are many great vineyards here, but the most iconic one has to be Inniskillin Winery. Inniskillin is renowned for its Icewine, a specialized type of dessert wine created using grapes which are frozen while still on the vine. This leads to a concentrated grape, since the water inside the fruit freezes but the dissolved solids and sugars do not.
While you’re at the winery, apart from of course tasting and purchasing some of the company’s excellent varieties, you can also take a guided tour to discover all about the vineyard’s wine-making process.
Ride the Niagara SkyWheel
If you’re looking for another good view of Niagara’s waterfalls, plus the surrounding area, take a ride on the Niagara SkyWheel. You’ll get some wonderful photographic opportunities from up high on this Ferris wheel, which reaches up 175 feet into the sky. Each trip on the SkyWheel takes around a quarter of an hour, and covers at least four full rotations.
The gondolas on the Ferris wheel accommodate whole families or groups of friends at once, plus they’re air-conditioned and heated for passenger comfort each day of the year. If possible, try to time your trip on the wheel for after the sun has set. Once this happens, the spectacular Falls Illumination lighting shows starts. It lights up the sky and the waters of Niagara Falls in all the colors of the rainbow, and is not to be missed.
Give Indoor Skydiving a Go
Lastly, if you’ve always wondered what skydiving was like, but haven’t felt confident about jumping out of a plane, head to Niagara Freefall and Interactive Center so you can give indoor skydiving a go. Here you can enjoy the experience of flying, but within a wind-tunnel flight chamber. While inside, you’ll get moving at speeds of up to 140 mph. The experience can be done in groups of four, too, so if you want to brave it with some friends or family members, you can all support each other.
