Niagara Falls & Around attractions

More than 2,000 butterflies representing about 45 different species flutter freely around this climate-controlled conservatory, occasionally landing on passersby. The glass-enclosed greenhouse, which is planted with lush vegetation and crisscrossed by paths, is part of Niagara Falls Botanical Gardens.

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Peller Estates Winery is one of the oldest in the area, as it was first established in the 1920s by a Hungarian immigrant. The award-winning winery specializes in riesling, chardonnay, and ice wine, a special variety of wine produced in the harsh winter climate of this region of the Great Lakes. Wine lovers shouldn’t miss the estate while traveling to the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada.

St. Catharines is a vibrant city on Lake Ontario just northwest of Niagara Falls, known for its lakefront, parks, and vineyards. As a focal point of the 1850s abolition movement, St. Catharines is an important landmark in Black Canadian history. Its rich arts and culture scene also draws visitors from around the Niagara region and beyond.

This organic family-owned farm produces a range of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, as well as preserves, honey, cider, and freshly baked bread. The estate includes a heritage house dating back to the early 19th century, a shop selling farm-grown goodies, and an on-site restaurant serving farm-to-table fare.

Descend via elevator to a 1,000-foot-long (305-meter-long) boardwalk along the Niagara River to see the swirling Class VI whitewater rapids up close. Information points along the boardwalk delve into the immense power of the river, as well as the geology and wildlife of the Niagara Gorge, while observation areas offer front-row views of nature’s power.

Packed with fun photo opportunities, Niagara Falls’ Movieland Wax Museum of the Stars presents lifelike likenesses of screen and music world icons. Wax figures of celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley are displayed alongside Hollywood stars like Johnny Depp and famous movie characters including Harry Potter.

Situated in the wine-growing regions of Niagara Peninsula and Okanagan Valley, the award-winning Jackson-Triggs is one of Canada’s leading wine producers. The winery’s Niagara estate, planted with chardonnay, pinot noir, and riesling, offers visitors the chance to learn about the winemaking process and taste their acclaimed wines.

For a dash of spectacle during your trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario, don’t miss the world-class illusionists that grace the stage of the Greg Frewin Theatre, known for its magic show and tribute concert series. Make an evening of it and dine at the theater buffet, or grab a drink at the full bar.

Head to the Niagara Falls IMAX Theatre, where the films screened teach visitors about the falls’ history and culture. From local native people to daredevils who rolled down the falls in a barrel, the IMAX 3D films provide Niagara Falls’ backstory and make viewers feel as though they’re right there in the middle of the action.

PondView at Bella Terra Vineyards is a family-run winery started by an Italian immigrant who put his winemaking knowledge to work in his new country. The winery isn't alone in the Niagara-on-the-Lake area of Ontario, renowned for its landscapes and wines. Visit the winery on a vineyard tour or as a standalone attraction for fine wine.

With more than 100 shops, the Outlet Collection at Niagara is one of the largest outdoor outlet malls in Canada. Opened in 2014, this modern mall offers all kinds of brand-name goods at discounted prices, from outdoor gear to beauty products, making it a must for bargain hunters.

One of the newer wineries in Ontario’s Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region, Wayne Gretzky Estates is among the flashiest. Housed in an ultramodern, 23,000-square-foot (2,137-square-meter) space, the business has the distinction of being the first combined winery and distillery in the region. Founded by the Canadian hockey great, the estate is a year-round destination for visiting drinks enthusiasts.

Niagara-on-the-Lake presents quite a contrast to the nearby natural spectacle that is Niagara Falls or the kitsch theme parks of Clifton Hill. The well-preserved buildings of the town’s Heritage District, dating back to the early-to-mid-19th century, house independent boutiques selling local souvenirs, antiques, and crafts. The neighborhood is a beautiful place to stroll, in all seasons.

Aside from the falls themselves, the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is one of Niagara Falls’ most popular family attractions. Fallsview features 16 waterslides—some as high as six stories—a wave pool, outdoor pool and sundeck, tots pool, adults-only hot tub, and much more. When you need to fuel up, there are great food options as well.

Three fun attractions are part of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Niagara Falls: The Odditorium, which displays quirky exhibits; the Ripley’s Moving Theater motion simulator ride; and Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks. It’s a fun-filled attraction to visit before or after you’ve seen the amazing falls, and is a popular place with both kids and adults.

Animal lovers in Niagara Falls, Ontario should head to Safari Niagara, where visitors can see more than 1,000 species in a protected nature park. Visit the 150-acre (60-hectare) family-friendly attraction to see the animals, ride the carousel, and enjoy activities like paddle boats and a splash park.

Set within a former coffin factory, this haunted house preys on participants’ psychological fears. Visitors make their way through a darkened maze where lighting, blood-curdling noises, and other effects are used to shock participants; their petrified expressions are caught on camera, with reaction photographs available for purchase.

Ripley's 4D Moving Theater in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a fun addition to a visit to the spectacular waterfalls that give the town its name. Kids and adults alike will love the excitement of the 4D movies, which take viewers on a ride right into the action. Sit down, buckle up, and be prepared for a few shrieks and giggles.

This 70,000-square-foot (6,500-square-meter) indoor entertainment complex is packed with interactive games. Entertain yourself with video games and arcade classics such as ring toss, air hockey, and Skee-Ball, and enjoy motion simulators and virtual reality rides. Some games distribute tickets to winners, which can be redeemed for prizes.

After seeing spectacular Niagara Falls, head up the road to Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks for a different kind of fun. The faux Tudor building on the Canadian side of the falls houses more than 100 lifelike wax figures of celebrities, from movie and sports stars to politicians and historical figures.

The Niagara-on-the-Lake area is known for quality produce. Visitors to the family-run Kurtz Orchards can learn more about local agriculture via tours, culinary events, and workshops. And there are gourmet items to buy as souvenirs or gifts. The Kurtz Orchards are a great place to stop before or after a trip to nearby Niagara Falls.