Best Things To Do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Last updated on April 14, 2025 by I T
Welcome to the TourBeez blog! For our very first article on this blog, we have chosen “Best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada” as our topic!
You see, Niagara Falls is Canada’s most popular tourist destination. On an average, Niagara Falls brings in about 14 million tourists each year, from all over the World! Niagara Falls’ tourism is continuously invested in, developed and upgraded; being that it is considered a valuable contributor towards the Canadian economy.
Today, there are literally hundreds and hundreds of attractions at Niagara Falls. A literal smorgasbord, to choose from! Can get a bit overwhelming…won’t you agree?
Niagara Falls is Canada’s biggest tourist attractions!
That’s why we chose to launch this blog with the topic of best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
With the ever growing number of attractions offered at the Falls, it can be quite confusing to decide which ones to add to your itinerary and which ones to pass! We aim to give you our hot takes and our recommendations on the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada so that you can plan better!
Whether you are planning your first trip to the Falls, or you are looking for ideas for your second, third or maybe even your fourth trip- you have come to the right place!
Are there some Niagara Falls attractions that you absolutely must-see, even if you have just a day at the Falls? Are there any that meet the Tourbeez’s standard of delivering bee-yond, your expectations ?
Which ones are really considered the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada? Let’s find out!
Before we proceed, make sure you bookmark this blog for your future reference, on everything Niagara Falls!
In this blog:
- Our picks for some of the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
- The most relevant facts and information on each of these attractions
- A few other, equally awesome suggestions, for your consideration!
Best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
In no particular order, here are some of the BEST things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
The Hornblower Boat Ride
The Hornblower boat ride tops the list of our recommendations for the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada !
Riding the Hornblower gets you up close to the Falls!
The Hornblower boat ride, from start to finish is around 20 minutes. They recommend that you arrive at the loading dock, at least 30 mins prior. You wait another 20 to 30 minutes in queue, before even stepping foot on the boat!
But interestingly, despite being this time consuming… the Hornblower boat rides consistently remain a highly sought-after experience!
We have observed that the Hornblower Boat Cruises are especially popular among the first time visitors, who sort of know that they probably won’t be back at Niagara Falls again!
So why is everyone so wild about the Hornblower…!?
We believe that its popularity has to do with how physically close to the Falls it allows people to get! Which, we have to admit is a phenomenal experience that simply cannot be described in words!
Surely, your main purpose of visiting Niagara Falls is going to see the Falls themselves… right? And it is very likely that you are going to find yourself at the spot by the Table Rock Center, looking at the brink of the Falls! Almost nobody who visits Niagara Falls, would want to miss that awe-inspiring view!
But additionally, we also recommend that you hop on the Hornblower Boat Cruise, which will give you a chance to see the Falls from the base!
The unique vantage point of looking at the iconic Horseshoe Falls, the refreshing mist drenching you with its waters, the thundering sound engulfing the boat- all makes for an unforgettable Niagara Falls experience!!
Whether you have a day, or a whole week at Niagara Falls, do not miss out on the Hornblower Boat Ride!
More… on the Hornblower!
Fireworks at the Falls, are quite a nightly sight!
The Hornblower boat cruise is the Canadian equivalent the Maid of the Mist boat tour on the American side! It is operated and run by Niagara City Cruises.
While the Hornblower Corp does not publish its official booking numbers, we can estimate its business volume based on a couple of things…
Firstly, the numbers for its American counterpart- the Maid of the Mist. The ‘Maid’ announced their booking numbers last year (in 2024).They reportedly had about 1,081,878 booking between Jan 1′ 24 and March 31st’ 24. It is important to note that these are not even their peak-season numbers, which I am sure are even higher!
From this, we can easily estimate the numbers for the very similar Hornblower Cruise on the Canadian side! And the numbers are quite telling of the popularity of these boat cruises…
Also, did you know that Hornblower Corp has two ships in operation? One is the Niagara Wonder and the other is Niagara Thunder. Each of these ships has a whopping seating capacity of about 700! And Hornblower runs these boat cruises all day long! They have Day time tours as well as Evening tours on which you get to see the nightly Fireworks!
Looking at the sheer scale of Hornblower Boat Cruises operation, you will get an idea of its popularity! Surely, there are good reasons why it attracts so much ‘traffic’!
Which is why, for our list of the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada , it holds the well-deserved number 1 position!
Journey Behind the Falls
As we have mentioned before, the main reason people visit Niagara Falls, usually, is to see the world-famous Falls themselves!
And just like the Hornblower, Journey Behind the Falls offers yet another unique vantage point to look at the Falls. For anyone who is looking to fill their itinerary, with Falls centered activities, this will be a great attraction to see!
What do you need to know about this attraction, that sits at the second position in our list of the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada ? Let’s see…
About the Journey Behind the Falls
It goes without saying that this attraction is for those of you that will not mind getting a little wet. Just like on the Hornblower! During the Spring and Summer months, you will be given their bio-degradable rain ponchos. But just as the mist from the Falls is a refreshing experience- so is the mist from Behind the Falls!
Did you know that the water is travelling downwards at 65 kph!
The upper Observation deck at Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara Falls, Canada
What you see in the image above, is one of the two observation decks. To get to the these observation decks you will descend 125 ft. by elevator. There is an Upper Observation deck, pictured here, and also a Lower observation deck, at the base of the Falls.
They say that during your walk from the elevators to the observation point on these decks, you can feel the vibrations of the waterfall in the walls around you! And get an awesome sense of its’ sheer power!
Apart from the observation decks, there are two portals. These portals are from where you actually see the Falling waters from behind! Looking at the massive sheet of water from here is often described as surreal and hypnotizing experience!
This attraction will take you about 30 to 45 mins from start to finish. But, the memorable impact of those 45 mins, will be powerful enough, to last you a lifetime!
We truly feel going on a Journey Behind the Falls will be worth your time! It truly deserves the second spot on our recommendations list, for the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
More on the appeal of Journey Behind the Falls
There is a reverential quality to this attraction that makes it all the more awe-inspiring, in our opinion. History buffs, we believe will appreciate the fact that this place has a lot to offer to Niagara Falls overall history! I mean, this is literally a centuries old attraction!
Of course, its modern day version looks nothing like it did years ago! From crude staircases that were first built during the 19th century to the modern elevator we descend on today… Journey Behind the Falls has come a long way!
Do you know that its earliest name was “Sheet of Falling Water” attraction? After that, it was named the “Scenic Tunnels”.
Journey behind the Falls, Niagara Falls, Canada
Here’s a link to an article from the Niagara Falls Public Library on the History of Journey Behind the Falls. Just in case the history behind this iconic attraction has already piqued your interest, and you would like to read more on the subject!
As we mentioned earlier, a lot of tourist attractions pop-up all over Niagara Falls, each year. And they probably will keep growing in number, thanks to the booming tourism industry in the area!
However, throughout the years, Journey Behind the Falls has remained a long standing favourite! For those that are looking for the absolute best to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada – Journey Behind the Falls, should definitely be on the list!
The Tunnel at Niagara Parks Power Station
We have chosen yet another Niagara Falls attraction with deep historical roots, as our next recommendation for the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
I promise you, that we are not trying to build just a history-themed list here, by including all historical recommendations in our best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada list!
I felt that including these three recommendations is important. Each of these deliver a certain level of intimate experience with Niagara Falls! Whether its intimacy with the Falls themselves, like on the Hornblower and Journey Behind the Falls. Or the kind of intimacy this attraction brings by diving into Niagara Falls history!
I don’t know about you, but knowing the history of someplace is an essential part of getting to know that place. Won’t you agree?
With that thought in mind, we have included the Tunnel at Niagara Falls Power Station, in our list for the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada!
About the Tunnel at Niagara Falls Power Station
The Tunnel brings to life more than a century old history! It was built in 1905, under the engineering genius of Nikola Tesla himself!
Before being named the Niagara Parks Power Station- it was called the Canadian Niagara Power Company.
Power generating station operated by Canadian Niagara Power of Niagara Falls in Ontario Canada
The tour of the Tunnel begins inside a glass enclosed elevator. You descend to 180 ft. under the ground! You will be able the see the 6 levels of infrastructure, which were all needed for the Falls’ power generation. From there you head on to exploring the 2,200 foot tunnel under the now defunct, main generating floor.
Walking through the tunnel, you actually follow the same path as the water took, all those years ago! Did you know that the Tunnel could hold about 71,000 gallons of water, that moved at 9 meters per second?
At the end of the Tunnel, you will arrive at the newly built observation deck. The deck offers breathtaking and unique views of the lower Niagara River, the Horseshoe Falls as well as the American Falls! Make sure that you bring your phones and camera’s along!
All throughout this mostly walking tour, there are tons of informational signposts which talk about the Station’s history. You also have the option of using your phone and create sort of ‘walking with audio’ tour for yourself!
More about the Tunnel at Niagara Falls Power Station
As we mentioned earlier, this 115 year old tunnel is a part of the Niagara Falls Power station, which generated electricity for the area.
Did you know that the Tunnel itself is also an architectural marvel? This 8 meters tall and 6 meter wide tunnel was built over 4 years! Thousands of workers used very crude tools like lanterns, dynamites, pickaxes and shovels and literally hand-carved the Tunnel out of stone!
You will get a lot of historical information in this immensely immersive tour, through the Tunnel! Keep in mind that this tour can take anywhere between 2 to 3 hours from start to finish!
But even with that big chunk of time needed for this attraction, we at Tourbeez believe its is one the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada!
Make sure you check it out on your Niagara Falls trip!
Butterfly Conservatory
The Butterfly Conservatory, is No.4 on our list of recommendations for the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Falls, Canada is a must-see tourist attraction!
Since it first opened its doors in 1996, the Butterfly Conservatory has attracted millions of guests from all over the World.
Located within the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, the Conservatory is home to around 2000 different butterflies from 40 different species around the World!
It is the largest conservatory of its kind in all of North America, but as you will discover through this blog post- the Conservatory is famous for many more reasons beyond just the butterflies!
About the Butterfly Conservatory
Strolling inside the glass enclosed virtual rainforest type atmosphere, while being surrounded by fluttering butterflies- is both, a magical and a relaxing experience! Jeff Bucki, a content contributor for the Buffalo Magazine, describes this feeling, the best! ” The Butterfly Conservatory, is a jolt of serotonin straight to the heart…” (read the full article here).
The Butterfly conservatory is a great attraction to visit with family, especially kids, who will absolutely love the whole experience! Nature lovers and people who generally find being with plants therapeutic, will also find the experience immensely fulfilling!
Your tour at the Butterfly Conservatory, will begin by watching a short video presentation. This video has useful information on navigating the 180 meters of winding pathways amidst the tropical plants and the colourful blooms!
Image Credit: niagaraparks.com
From start to finish, the walking tour will take you anywhere between 1 hour to 1.5 hours! Make sure you give yourself time and bring your phone/camera along for few of the most beautiful photo-ops, you will ever get
More about the Butterfly Conservatory
Did you know, that you are likely to see butterflies as small as a penny, to as big as almost a bird!? And perhaps if you remained relatively still, a butterfly or two, will perch on you!
But as we mentioned before, the Butterfly Conservatory has a lot more to offer, beyond a mesmerizing experience with the butterflies!
This 11,000 sq. ft. Conservatory, also has within its walls video theatres, several interactive displays and a teaching facility for Niagara Parks School of Horticulture.
Apart from this, there are also butterfly rearing laboratories as well as specialized greenhouses for growing plants!
With one structure of the Conservatory, housing so much beyond just the fluttering butterflies- the Conservatory is also a important attraction for people interested in architecture! The Conservatory has received several awards, accolades and has been recognized for its enduring architectural excellency.
For all those reasons, we feel that the Butterfly Conservatory deserves your time! Since this is a slower paced but also a refreshing experience, consider this attraction when you want to add a relatively relaxed experience to your itinerary!
Do you agree that The Butterfly conservatory deserves its place on our list for the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada ? Let us know, in the comments below!
Niagara-On-The-Lake Wineries
If the Butterfly Conservatory was a family/kid’s friendly recommendation; the winery tours of Niagara-on-the-Lake are more for our adult visitors/couples!
Often combining informational sessions on wine-making, with delicious wine-n-dine choices, this recommendation certainly is one the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
Wineries at Niagara On the Lake are a very popular attraction!
Did you know that Niagara-on-The- Lake has been considered as one of Canada’s oldest and most established wine producing region? It is home to about 37 wineries, producing high quality wines, exported internationally. Thanks to the winemakers and their efforts, Niagara-on-the-lake stands out on the global map as Canada’s prominent wine producing region!
As we mentioned before, most of the winery tours are going to include some kind of food related options along with it. Whether its the cheese and fruit platters, or an array of food options to pair with your wine-tasting; there is something for every palate!
Wine, cheese, fruits are a favourite pick! Also available are tons of options for vegans or any other dietary requirements!
A typical winery tour
A typical tour of a winery on the Niagara belt, will vary depending on which winery you choose to visit. It is often described as every winery having and showcasing its signature individuality, through its wines! Every winery is said to have it own personality, its own specialty and its own charm!
But there are some elements that would be common for almost all the winery tours at Niagara-on-the-Lake. You get to tour the actual vineyards from which the grapes are sourced for wine-making! And learn from different sources like a winery-guide or a presentation or most likely, a combination of the two… about their wine-making process.
Indulge in the experience of tasting and sampling the wine selections at the winery!! There will also be an option to shop at the winery’s gift shop, where you can pick up the wines that you tasted and enjoyed the most! If you have added-on a dine-in option at a particular winery, you will get a chance to enjoy your wine with your chosen meal!
Niagara-on-the-Lake is an excellent option for people who want to explore things beyond Niagara Falls.
At the time of writing this blog, it is the Spring of 2025. Co-incidentally, spring and summer are the best seasons for touring the wineries at Niagara-on-the-Lake!
More… on Winery Tours
As we mentioned earlier, there are tons of wineries at Niagara-on-the-Lake. Browse this LINK to look into more details on these wineries!
If you like, you can spend an entire afternoon at a single winery, at leisure. Or you can schedule in tours of several wineries on the very same day! It is very much up to you, how much time you want to spend and how you want to spend that time, on these winery tours!
We have already mentioned this earlier- we think the winery tours are an excellent option for adult tourists. Whether you are travelling solo, or you are in a group of adults, a winery tour will make for a nice addition to your itinerary!
Did we mention that a winery tour is an excellent option for couples, looking for relaxed, cozy way to spend their vacation time?!
Make a cozy date with a loved one , on one of MANY wineries at Niagara-on-the-Lake!
If you are planning a trip to Niagara Falls soon, make sure you plan to head to Niagara-On-The-Lake and explore this winery tour option!
Looking for some more recommendations?
So far, we have talked about the 5 Niagara Falls attractions. We think these are absolutely few of the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
However, we wanted to offer a few more ‘ honourable mentions’, if you will… for those hungry for more!
The Runner-Ups for the list of the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Click the name of the attraction/tour to take you to page with more information on any of these options!
We sincerely hope that you have enjoyed reading this article! Writing it, for me, was a labour of love!
All the recommendations in our list of the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada were considered and carefully thought about before adding them to this list. I also took time, to research each of those recommendations and bring to you the most relevant information.
I hope that you too, can see why we chose those attractions for our list of the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
Which ones made it to your Niagara Falls trip plan? Please let us know in the comments below!
See you, on the next post!
