7 Must-Do Experiences at Niagara Falls Canada
- Wibke Helfrich
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
My insider tips for experiences that will truly make your visit to Niagara Falls in Canada unforgettable.
Niagara Falls in Canada is one of the world's most impressive natural wonders – yet many visitors miss the highlights that truly make this place unique. Besides the famous boat tour right up close to the falls, underground tunnels, historical attractions, wild rapids, hidden hiking trails, and magical light shows await discovery. If you want to know which experiences will make your visit to Niagara Falls unforgettable, here are the 7 best activities you absolutely shouldn't miss.
Long before we reach the waterfalls, we can feel the spray. And long before we see them, we can hear the waterfalls.
When we finally see them, the sight is spectacular. On the Canadian side, you can get very close to the enormous 57-meter-high Horseshoe Falls . At maximum water level, over 168,000 cubic meters of water plunge into the depths every minute .
Niagara Falls are not the tallest waterfalls in the world, but the sheer volume of water cascading over them makes them so impressive.
Click on the first picture to see it in a larger size:
1. Be Prepared to Get Wet – Take a boat trip up close to Niagara Falls
The boat trip offered spectacular views of Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls . The description said, "Be prepared to get wet"—I hadn't expected to get so close to the famous Canadian Horseshoe Falls and for me to get so wet.
My tip: Be sure to pack all valuables in waterproof bags beforehand!
It's best to put your phone in a protective case. The rain poncho provided by the tour operator isn't very effective... There are also evening tours when the waterfalls are illuminated.
2. Journey Behind the Falls – Experience underground tunnels and the power of the falls up close
This tour involves taking an elevator down. Narrow tunnels, over 130 years old, lead to two light shafts whose windows are located directly behind the bubbling waterfalls.
The ground vibrates from the force of this natural phenomenon.
3. Niagara Takes Flight - A Virtual Adventure
This immersive adventure is brand new . You sit in a kind of chairlift that moves along with the camera.
Virtually, you go high above the waterfall and seconds later you plunge through the masses of water into the tunnels, which seems even more real because of the spray.
I admit it: We squealed a few times in surprise.
4. The historic Whirlpool Aero Car – Soaring above the roaring rapids
The immense volume of water flowing over the waterfalls rushes at 48 km/h through a 1.6 kilometer long, narrow section of the gorge.
The rapids are considered one of the wildest and most dangerous in the world and are classified as Class 6.
A historic cable gondola floats above, offering spectacular views of the whirlpools, the spray and the turquoise water.
5. Escape the Crowds – Hike to the hidden cove of the Whirlpool Rapids
The three-kilometer-long Whirlpool Trail leads hikers on a steep descent into the depths of the 4,000-year-old Niagara Gorge.
Surrounded by a beautiful forest landscape and the sound of the rapids, you can relax here away from the tourist crowds.
I've saved the GPS data and a detailed description for you on Outdooractive .
6. Niagara Parks Power Station & Tunnel – The new attraction below the falls
The idea of converting the immense power of the waterfalls into electricity is somewhat obvious, but I still find the implementation, which has been taking place for over 100 years, incredibly impressive. The Niagara Parks Power Station is particularly interesting for engineers and historians.
You can book tickets here .
The tunnels leading to a panoramic window overlooking the falls are beautifully illuminated in the evenings.
7. Winter Festival of Lights – The sparkling highlight of the cold season
The Winter Festival of Lights takes place again at Niagara Falls from November 15th to January 4th .
Over three million lights twinkle along an eight-kilometer route, and there are interactive art installations and laser shows. Additionally, a fireworks display illuminates the sky above Niagara Falls every Friday and Saturday evening at 8 p.m.
Between December 26th and January 4th, the fireworks display takes place daily. In addition, the waterfalls are illuminated with special light sequences inspired by winter natural phenomena such as gentle snowfall or the glow of the Northern Lights.
The installations are illuminated daily from 5 pm until midnight.
The illuminated circular route leads along the Niagara Parkway, through the Dufferin Islands, and through the Fallsview and Lundy's Lane areas.
Info:
All information about attractions, hotels, restaurants and other activities can be found on the Niagara Parks website .
Arrival and parking:
Direct flights from Frankfurt to Toronto are offered by airlines such as Condor .
Niagara Falls can be reached from Toronto in approximately two hours using public transport .
WEGO buses are available for arrival , connecting the most important points around
The waterfalls connect . Drivers are advised to use, among other options, the "Falls Parking Lot A" near the Table Rock Centre.
You can find more information here .
Eat:
In the Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar You can eat and drink on a rooftop terrace with spectacular views of the Horseshoe Falls.
Sleep:
We could even watch the fireworks over the waterfalls from the bed.
I don't usually like large hotels. However, the Niagara Falls Hilton is Canada's tallest hotel tower, and the views from the rooms, the restaurant, and even the pool are accordingly spectacular. We were even able to watch the fireworks over the falls from our bed.
Comments