By Shubhra Krishan
With so many great things to see and do in Niagara, it can be difficult to decide what to pick. I was fortunate to visit the Falls on two different trips, which allowed me to explore their surroundings at leisure. Here are my tips to make the most of your trip to the majestic Canadian Horseshoe Falls!
Catch the night lights
During the day, the Falls are bathed in sunlit rainbows. At night, they change into an opera of light and grandeur. I suggest you book a hotel close to Niagara Falls, and take up a room that gives you a view. That itself will be every bit worth whatever you pay. If you’re lucky and a local festival is on, you’ll be treated to some magnificent fireworks, too!
During select nights throughout the year, Niagara Falls dazzles visitors with spectacular fireworks displays. Find a comfortable spot to take in the show, or opt for the Niagara City Cruises fireworks cruise. As the night sky explodes into colour and light, you will witness an unforgettable spectacle.
Stroll up Clifton Hill at Niagara Falls, Canada
This steep street snakes its way seductively up Niagara Town. It’s filled with fun, and dotted with cool, kitschy attractions: souvenir shops, open-air eateries, ice-cream parlours and museums with names like Nightmares Fear Factory and the Fun House. Perfect for both adults and kids. I loved Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, where oddities and wonders come to life. Explore the interactive exhibits showcasing bizarre artefacts, optical illusions, and mind-boggling displays.
You can play a game of mini-golf at Dinosaur Adventure Golf or experience the adrenaline rush of a go-kart race at the Niagara Speedway. Engage in laser tag battles at Ghost Blasters or test your skills at the Great Canadian Midway, filled with arcade games and interactive rides.
I remember watching, stunned, as glass blower Angelo Rossi sat in his workshop, transforming ordinary glass into exquisite works of art. He is famed as the “King of Glass,” with 7 generations and over 50 years of glass-blowing experience under his belt. You can sign up for one of his workshops.
Try your luck at the Casinos
The town of Niagara has two towering casinos, The Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara. Both are equipped with state-of-the-art slot machines and dozens of table games.
Casino Niagara features two gaming floors with 1,500 slot machines, 45 gaming tables, weekly live Niagara entertainment and three different venues for dining and drinks.
A luxury Ontario casino resort, the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort is fun for non-gamers and gamers alike. In addition to over 100 gaming tables and over 3,000 slot machines, Niagara Fallsview Casino is one of Canada’s premier destinations for live performances, gaming, a luxury hotel and spa, shopping and an array of dining options.
After you have viewed the Falls at night, get inside one of them and try your luck. Who needs Vegas?
Get a view from the sky at Niagara Falls, Canada
I will never forget that thrilling ride with Niagara Helicopters. Seeing the Falls from above gives you a perspective like no other. It was a clear day, and we could see the outline of Toronto to the North and the shores of Lake Erie to the South.
The 12-minute Niagara Helicopter ride is totally worth the splurge. Let the snug headphones hug your ears, and lift off to enjoy some of the world’s most spectacular aerial views. This short trip offers two things every traveller craves: jaw-dropping moments and fantastic photo opportunities.
If you have the time and budget, I would highly recommend a wine tour from the sky. This tour takes you over the Falls and then continues on to fly over the wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake landing among the vineyards. Enjoy a gourmet meal or a tour and tasting after landing – the experience of a lifetime.
Drive down to the Floral Clock at Niagara Falls, Canada
This is located at the foot of Niagara Town. Nearly 20,000 carpet-bedding plants decorate this 40-foot-wide timepiece. It has been keeping time with flowers and sunshine since 1950. Stand, stare, and of course, adjust your watch.
Take a walk in the Park
Niagara Parks’ Botanical Gardens is located on the scenic Niagara Parkway and the Great Gorge, just a 10-minute drive north of Niagara Falls. The Garden is a floral wonderland with 40 hectares of plants and flowers, including a rose garden that boasts more than 2400 roses. Winding footpaths lead past the Butterfly Conservatory, ponds and arboretum. The best part: admission is free!
Know Before You Go
The Niagara belt is known for its delicious ice wine, made from frosted grapes. Cheers!
