Niagara Falls: Waterfalls, Trails and Culture

Niagara Falls is a city in southeastern Ontario, Canada, on the Niagara River. It combines waterfall and gorge experiences with gardens, trails and cultural attractions. If you’re looking for a hotel in Niagara Falls, you can use these different highlights to decide which visits will shape your trip.

Waterfalls and the Niagara Gorge

The Canadian Horseshoe Falls are 180 feet (57 metres) high. The Niagara River flows at about 35 miles per hour (56 kilometres per hour). Journey Behind the Falls has a lower observation platform where visitors can stand just a few feet from the falls. The attraction’s history dates back to 1832, when the first staircase into the Niagara Gorge was built.

The White Water Walk offers a different format: this self-guided experience takes visitors by elevator 70 metres down to the bottom of the Niagara Gorge. From there, a boardwalk about a quarter of a mile long runs along the banks of the Niagara River beside Class 6 rapids. The self-guided commentary covers the geology of the gorge and the plant and animal life visitors can see in the Niagara Parks visit area.

Gardens, nature and trails

Oakes Garden Theatre is in the heart of Niagara Falls and features shaded lily ponds and formal gardens. The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory offers a different natural highlight, with more than 2,000 colourful butterflies in a tropical garden setting.

Niagara Falls has many shared trails for walking, jogging or cycling. Most are paved and easy to use; some have parking, fitness areas or bicycle repair stations. Trail conditions and facilities may change. Check current information before your outing, especially if particular facilities are important to your plans.

The Millennium Trail, George Bukator Park Trail and NS&T Trail are among the trails visitors can explore in Niagara Falls. On the Millennium Trail, Trail Mix accompanies walks with audio segments by local artists. The digital segments may not always be available, so check ahead if you’re planning to use Trail Mix.

Culture and the history of technology

The Niagara Parks Power Station presents the history and architectural features of a 115-year-old hydroelectric power plant. The Tunnel experience includes panoramic views from 180 feet below ground. Current access conditions may change; check before visiting.

At the Niagara Falls History Museum, visitors can try on a replica of an 1812 War uniform and build a bridge spanning the Niagara Gorge. Museum programming may change, so check which activities are offered before your visit.

Experiences nearby

Nearby, the historic Whirlpool Aero Car offers views of the Niagara Whirlpool and the Niagara River’s Class 6 rapids. Its seasonal operating schedule may vary. The Zipline to the Falls runs 670 metres from the edge of the Niagara Gorge towards the mist of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, reaching speeds of more than 70 kilometres per hour. The Whirlpool Adventure Course is a high ropes adventure course at the Niagara Gorge, a few minutes north of the falls. Operating conditions may change; check the relevant information before making plans.

Planning your journey

VIA RAIL offers daily passenger service between Niagara Falls and Toronto. Check the schedule before your trip if you plan to include rail travel.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: St Anns, Pelham, Grimsby, Fort Erie, Welland, Jordan Station, Lincoln, St. Catharines

Go to the regional travel overview: Niagara Regional Municipality.