Niagara Falls & Around attractions

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.

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.

At 183 feet (56 meters) tall, Brock's Monument in Queenston Heights National Historic Site is the highest of its kind in Canada. It commemorates Major General Sir Isaac Brock, a hero of the War of 1812. In Queenston, a short drive from Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake, the national historic site is a fun, informative place to visit while touring the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Niagara SkyWheel is one of Canada’s largest observation wheels, with sweeping views high above Clifton Hill and Niagara Falls. Board a climate-controlled gondola, and as you head up, you’ll be rewarded with great photo opportunities of both Horseshoe Falls and American Falls. Whether you visit by day or night, it’s a memorable way to experience one of North America’s most famous natural landmarks from above.

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.

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.

At the Cave of the Winds observation decks, thrill-seeking visitors can get within 20 feet (6 meters) of the thundering Niagara Falls. This is one of the closest ways to experience the natural wonder, and feels like the inside of a tropical storm, with torrents of water and winds of up to 68 mph (109 kph). Safe to say, you should prepare to get wet.

While it may be the smallest of the three waterfalls that comprise the world-famous Niagara Falls, Bridal Veil Falls is anything but small. Located on the US side of the falls, the 50-foot-wide (15-meter-wide) waterfall thunders over a 181-foot (55-meter) drop. Its frothy white cascade is reminiscent of a bride’s veil—hence the falls’ name. This must-see natural wonder is one of the highlights of Niagara Falls and can be admired by land, water, and air.

Queen Victoria Park offers a quiet respite from the bustle of Niagara Falls. Take in stunning views of Horseshoe Falls and spend some time strolling among the plants and flowers that grow throughout the park. The colorful gardens and manicured lawns offer both relaxing picnic spots and great photo ops of the falls.