The following information has been prepared to inspire future visits to Niagara Falls and we look forward to welcoming visitors back safely in keeping with any health and safety restrictions. Due to fluctuating COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend visitors contact businesses directly to confirm availability.
Home of the legendary Canadian Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil waterfalls, Niagara Falls is a four-season destination renowned for its awe-inspiring natural wonders combined with world-class accommodation, thrilling entertainment and a burgeoning culinary scene. Visitors from Ontario, across North America and around the world who come to experience adventure, discover family fun, feel the romance and create unique and memorable experiences have made it Canada’s #1 leisure destination.
With 56 km (35 miles) of natural wonders, outdoor parks, a nature reserve, trails, gardens, iconic attractions plus picturesque farms and countryside with world-class wineries and restaurants - Niagara Falls is one of the best places in North America to go for a drive.
The Niagara Parkway (Distance: 56 km / 35 miles)
Plan the perfect getaway to Niagara Falls and while you’re there explore the famous Niagara Parkway, the scenic route Winston Churchill once described as, “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world.” Cruise alongside the rushing Niagara River, the Gorge and the Escarpment and countryside all the way from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Enjoy a leisurely drive allowing for a few stops along the way to take in your choice of high adrenaline adventures, physically active pursuits or meditative serene gardens and vineyards. Find convenient places to park along the way using our handy Parking Guide.
Start in the world-famous city of Niagara Falls, experience the breathtaking views of the Falls from every angle with any one of these best vantage points. Hover 457m (1,500 feet) above the Falls with Niagara Helicopters on this must-do four season adventure. Voyage into the mist to get up close and personal on the Niagara City Cruises iconic boat ride sailing toward the base of the Falls, 51m (167 feet) below the brink. Table Rock Centre, arguably one of the best views in the world, will bring you 3m (10 feet) from the Falls, as close as it gets. Journey Behind the Falls to descend 38m (125 feet) below the brink of the Falls to explore 130-year-old tunnels leading to an observation deck and viewing portal to get a glimpse behind the wonder. Take a thrilling panoramic ride on the Wildplay Zipline, 67m (220 feet) above the Gorge. Soar towards the Falls at speeds of up to 70 km/h (44mph) along the edge of the vast Niagara River. Take in the breathtaking views from the Skylon Tower observation levels.
Head to the Street of Fun, Clifton Hill, for an endless variety of attractions, restaurants, museums, live entertainment and more. For the young and young at heart, take in Niagara’s largest mirror maze adventure, Big Top Amazing Mirror & Lazer Maze or a friendly competition at Dinosaur Adventure Golf, one of the nation's largest miniature golf courses featuring a 70,000 square foot playing surface with two 18-hole courses, populated by 50 realistic and life-sized dinosaurs. Over at the Niagara Speedway is North America's largest elevated go-kart track facility. Board your gondola on the Niagara SkyWheel, Canada’s largest observation wheel towering 53 m (175 feet) over the city and take in spectacular views of the Falls and other landmarks.
Explore the many nearby scenic points, parks and hiking opportunities such as Dufferin Islands, popular with locals and tourists alike with ten acres of quiet secluded parkland including several small islands connected by bridges and footpaths. Admission free. Picnicking available.
Visit the Niagara Falls History Museum and later on your drive bring the history of the Niagara Region to life with a visit to its many historic sites.
Next stop, the Great Gorge. Beginning at the base of Niagara Falls and ending down river at the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, The Niagara Gorge is an 11 km (6.8 mi) long canyon carved by the Niagara River over thousands of years. The force of the river in the Gorge is one of the most powerful in the world. Here are some unique ways to explore this natural wonder.
Soar above the Gorge on the Whirlpool Aero car, a cable car with incredible views of the Niagara Whirlpool high above the racing Niagara River. Explore the WildPlay Whirlpool Adventure Course, a unique Niagara experience of suspended obstacles and ziplines provides a new fun and thrilling way to see the world-famous whirlpool and Niagara Gorge from high above.
Or get right down into the Gorge to marvel at the relentless power and beauty of the White Water Walk. This experience offers a breathtaking boardwalk at the very edge of one of the world's wildest stretches of whitewater (class 6 rapids)! Deep in the Great Gorge, the Niagara Glen is a designated Nature Reserve with 4 km (2.5 mi) of paths that wind through a pristine pocket of Carolinian Forest, past boulders left behind as the Falls eroded through the area thousands of years ago. Hikes through the Niagara Glen involve an elevation change of over 60 m (200 ft). The Glen has become Ontario’s hotspot for Bouldering.
The Niagara River Recreational Trail meanders through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. This paved path from Fort Erie to Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake is perfect for hiking or cycling. Breaks occur where the Trail passes through the urban areas of Niagara Falls and the Village of Queenston and include historical sites, attractions, restaurants and parkland along the way.
The Niagara Escarpment features a wide variety of forests, farms, recreation areas, cliffs, wetlands, animal habitats, historic sites, towns and scenic views and one of the most diverse ecosystems in Ontario, with many different species of birds, reptiles, and other animals. There’s no shortage of things to do around the Escarpment, regardless of the time of year.
Head to the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens with 40 hectares (99 acres) of beautifully maintained gardens to explore and world-famous rose gardens with over 2,400 roses. Home to the magical Butterfly Conservatory, one of the largest in North America where you will see over 2,000 butterflies with over 45 species of tropical butterflies floating along lush paths.
Bring Niagara history to life. A self-guided tour of the Battle of Queenston Heights starts at Brock’s Monument, a tribute to Sir General Isaac Brock, commander of the British forces in Upper Canada. Continue climbing to the top of the Niagara Escarpment for a magnificent view. Be sure to snap some photos at the Niagara Scenic lookout just North of Queenston Heights. Nestled high atop the Niagara Escarpment, Queenston Heights Park is the birthplace of Niagara Falls - garden and nature lovers, hikers and picnickers have used this park for generations. Queenston Heights Park is also a terminus point of the Bruce Trail. Visit the Laura Secord Homestead to learn how Laura Secord began the journey that has earned her a place in Canadian history.
Last stop, the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. History buffs can continue to Fort George National Historic Site. The Fort is steeped deep in history as the headquarters of the Centre Division of the British Army during the War of 1812. Passionate costumed staff fill the air with music, smells of the kitchen, and the power of musketry and artillery and offer exciting presentations that bring the drama of the war to life! Fort George is also home to the internationally renowned Fife and Drum Corps of the 41st Regiment of Foot, an authentic 1812 experience not to be missed.
End the afternoon driving through wine country with a stop for lunch and be sure to pick up a taste of Niagara wines, spirits or craft brews to bring home. Sprawling vineyards, award-winning wines and a remarkable microclimate make Niagara’s wine country one of the most visited wine regions in the world. From rustic wineries to grand estates, you’ll find picturesque patios and unique culinary dining experiences overlooking lush vineyards at Peller Estates, Two Sisters Vineyards, Lailey Winery, Trius Winery, Wayne Gretzky Estates, and Ravine Vineyard .
Niagara is also home to craft breweries that are passionate about showcasing the best hops and fresh fruit grown here. Oast House Brewers housed in a refurbished red barn takes pride in working with local ingredients. Enjoy delicious BBQ style cuisines and live entertainment on their two-tiered patio. Back in Niagara Falls for the evening, you can taste local brews on Clifton Hill at the Niagara Brewing Company before taking in the sights of the nightly Falls Illumination as you walk back to your hotel room to rest for another day of exploration.