7 Things To Do In Niagara Falls If It’s Your First Visit 2024 (From An Expert)

Planning Your First Trip And Looking For The Best Things To Do In Niagara Falls? We’ve Got You Covered!

“7 Things To Do In Niagara Falls If It’s Your First Visit” is a blog post about the stunning natural wonder that is a dream destination for many people and rightfully so.

There is something profoundly beautiful and magical about it. It leaves you speechless and lost in thought.

From the practicalities of navigating the area to key attractions, we’ve compiled a list of seven activities to help make your initial encounter with Niagara Falls enjoyable and stress-free.

In addition, you will find accommodation and tour recommendations as well as answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

There is a map of Niagara Falls at the end which shows the location of all the things I have mentioned.

I have visited Niagara Falls more than 10 times over the years and have spent a lot of time there.

Therefore, I am hoping to be able to answer all of your questions.

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7 Best Things To Do In Niagara Falls

Before we get into it, there is something to keep in mind. The Niagara River is an international border between Canada and the US. The American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls belong to the US and are located in Niagara Falls (city), New York (state).

On the other side of the river, you can see the Canadian Horseshoe Falls which is located in Niagara Falls (city), Ontario (province). Therefore, the two countries share this stunning natural wonder.

Hope this picture explains what I mean.

🎥 Here is a video of me explaining this in person: Niagara Falls – Me Explaining What You Will See.

For the purpose of this blog post, we are going to focus on the Canadian side only.

1. The Falls

If you want the best view of the falls, then you will need to be on the Canadian side.

I have had the opportunity to see the falls from both countries and you do get different vantage points.

However, if you don’t have a lot of time, definitely visit the Canadian side.

For me, the most interesting thing to do here is to see this stunning natural phenomenon – over 3,000 tons of water cascade over Niagara Falls every second.

There is a lovely park on both sides of Niagara Falls where you can take pictures or sit on a bench and people-watch.

I cannot explain the feeling I got when I first laid eyes on Niagara Falls which was over 15 years ago.

Looking at it made me feel small and powerless compared to the power of nature.

🎥 Here are two videos of the falls: Niagara Falls – American Falls
Niagara Falls – Canadian Horseshoe Falls

2. The Maid of the Mist/The Hornblower

The Maid of the Mist and the Hornblower are boat tours, which are essentially identical to each other.

The only difference is that the Maid of the Mist operates from the US side and the Hornblower operates from the Canadian side.

This attraction is a must!!

You get so close to the falls it seems like the water is going to fall on your head. But don’t worry – both companies provide passengers with raincoats.

So you don’t have to worry about getting wet (you will get soaked from the mist without a raincoat).

Also, you get to keep the raincoat which is a unique souvenir as it says Maid of the Mist or the Hornblower on it, and of course Niagara Falls. I still have mine.

Do you need to pre-book your tickets?

Because the boat cruises are popular, especially if you’re going in the high season (summer), I would recommend booking in advance.

I went a long time ago and we walked to the boat and hopped on without pre-booking but more and more tourists come every year and the last time I went it looked extremely busy.

Travel Addicted Unicorn Tip: be careful with bringing electronics on board the boat because unless they are waterproofed, the chances are they will get damaged from the mist.

I broke my camera when I was trying to take photos because all the mist drops got inside of it and damaged it.

👉 If you are coming from the United States and want to do the Maid of the Mist and add on a few more activities, check out this tour: Niagara, USA: Maid of the Mist and Adventure Walking Tour

👉 If you are in Canada and want to do something similar, there is this option: Niagara Falls, Canada: Walking Tour with Cruise & the Falls

3. Clifton Hill

Clifton Hill is the main street in the city of Niagara Falls, Canada and it’s full of different attractions, restaurants, and arcades.

Some of the attractions you can find are the Great Canadian Midway (arcade), Movieland Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Mystic Maze of Mirrors (this was a fun one), Guinness World of Records, The House of Frankenstein, etc.

If you are traveling with children or teens, this is the place to be for some family fun.

🎥 Take a look at this video that I took of Niagara Falls – Clifton Hill 

There are a few places to play mini-golf which is also fun. We did one that was glow-in-the-dark at the Capitan Jack’s Fun Center.

Also, there is a fun one with dinosaurs (Dinosaur Adventure Golf) which is outdoors, beside the Niagara SkyWheel (you will see a volcano erupting).

Check out the Upside Down House, Big Top Amazing Mirror & Laser Maze, Adventure City, Mystery Maze, etc.

Keep in mind that a lot of those Clifton Hill attractions can be pretty silly and cheesy for adults but it is your choice if you want to do them or not.

The newest addition to Clifton Hill is the Niagara Speedway, which is a go-kart elevated track.

🎥 Check out a video of the Niagara Falls – Niagara Speedway

They have a pass called ”Clifton Hill 6 Attraction Pass’‘ that includes six of the attractions on Clifton Hill for a combo price.

This pass will be useful if you want to spend a lot of time doing the attractions on Clifton Hill or if you have kids/teens who do.

🦄 If you are looking for more useful information about Niagara Falls, check out these blog posts:
Why You Should Visit Niagara Falls This Winter

4. Journey Behind The Falls

I absolutely love this attraction!! It is a must-see in Niagara Falls, Canada!

You have to be on the Canadian side to enjoy it.

Take an elevator from the walking area above (called Table Rock Center) to the base of the falls (need to descend 125 feet). The elevator is inside the bedrock.

Once you get to the bottom, you can stand on a small observation deck right at the foot of the falls.

Again, you will get soaked in the mist (they will provide a raincoat).

Once you check out the terrace, you continue walking in the tunnels (2 of them which are 130 years old) which are also in the bedrock that goes behind the falls.

The whole journey behind the falls takes approximately 45 minutes. The tour is self-guided and the attraction is open year-round.

You don’t go all the way around the Horseshoe Falls though, you can only go behind a small portion of it but even that is a great experience.

There are little windows along the tunnels and one bigger opening (below) where you can see the water and can hear the vibrations and loud noise coming from the immense power of Niagara Falls.

Therefore, it gives you a different perspective on this natural wonder.

👉 To prebook your ticket you can click here: Niagara Falls, Canada: Journey Behind the Falls Entry Ticket (all taxes and fees included)

5. Niagara SkyWheel

Niagara SkyWheel is a 175-foot tall Ferris Wheel that is located on Clifton Hill (there is no way you would miss it).

The ride gives you stunning views of the area and yes! you can definitely see the falls from it.

From this vantage point, you can see mesmerizing views in every direction.

The cabins are fully enclosed and can fit 8 to 9 people.

The Ferris wheel Niagara Falls is open year-round but don’t worry in the winter the cabins are heated (there is air-conditioning in the summer).

In addition, the ride takes approximately 10 minutes. There is optional audio narration available.

The good news is that Niagara SkyWheel is open late at night, so if you are busy all day it can be one of the things you do at the end of the day.

This is one of the things to do for couples in Niagara Falls.

👉You can secure your ticket for Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket

6. Fireworks/Illuminations (At Night)

Don’t forget to check out the falls at nighttime.

Usually, in the summer months, they have fireworks every night but sometimes they have fireworks only Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Sometimes they have a light show (Illuminations) with a bunch of different colors changing over the falls.

For special events, they have only certain colors illuminating the falls (for example red for Canada Day) or they have a combination of fireworks and light shows.

Either way, before you go to Niagara Falls, check their most current schedule for the fireworks. It’s totally worth it!

Travel Addicted Unicorn Tip: the last time I went, you could also see the fireworks from the boat tours. It will be great to see the fireworks from the water.

👉 If you choose to do that, book the Falls Fireworks Cruise (from Canada) early because the tickets were sold out when we tried to buy them.

👉 From the US, you can book this one: Burst of Niagara Falls Sunset Tour with Illumination & Fireworks

7. Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower is an observation tower close to the Horseshoe Falls.

It has an observation deck on the top as well as two restaurants. One of them is the famous Revolving Dining Room Restaurant which offers high-end continental cuisine.

The second one is the Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room Restaurant which is the more budget-friendly option.

Did I mention that the first one rotates 360 degrees every hour?

I would recommend making a reservation ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

The observation deck provides indoor and outdoor views of the beautiful falls and since it is close to it, it seems as if it is right underneath the tower.

If you’re only going to the observation deck, I would say you would need 30 to 45 minutes.

Also, there are a bunch of stores at the base of the Skylon Tower, an amusement area, and a 4D theatre.

There is plenty of parking on site. I like the “yellow bug” elevators which are mounted on the outside of the tower.

Travel Addicted Unicorn Tip: try and coordinate your dinner plans or simply your visit to the observation deck with the fireworks/illuminations schedule.

👉 To grab your tickets for the Skylon Tower, check out this link: Niagara Falls, Canada: Skylon Tower Observation Deck Ticket

Where To Eat In Niagara Falls, Canada?

There are tons of restaurants to try in Niagara Falls, Canada.

Most of them are situated around Clifton Hill as that is the main area.

Also, a lot of the hotels have restaurants inside that are available even to people who are not guests of the hotel.

Breakfast

For breakfast, I recommend going to one of the IHOP restaurants (there are 3 now, including a new one, located on Clifton Hill). Their pancakes are the best.

If you want to try a Canadian breakfast place, go to Tim Hortons. It is similar to the American Dunkin Donuts.

It is more of a grab-and-go versus an actual restaurant.

Therefore, it is perfect if you are in a rush and want to grab something quick.

I recommend trying the Farmer’s Wrap and the Dark Roast coffee. In the summer, go for cold brews or iced coffee.

A popular summer drink is the Ice Capp but I find that extremely sweet.

Lunch and Dinner

Some of the restaurants to try are Boston Pizza, the Keg Steakhouse and Bar, Milestones, and The Rainforest Café.

I don’t know if you have been to The Rainforest Café (it’s a food chain) but if you have never been you must go and see it (especially if you are traveling with kids).

It looks like you are sitting in the middle of a rainforest and there are all these mechanical animals that move and make noises.

🎥 Below are three videos from there:
Rainforest Cafe – Snake and Butterfly
Rainforest Cafe – Elephants
and
Rainforest Cafe – Eel and Shark

And for all of you who are obsessed with Hard Rock Cafe, yes there is one in Niagara Falls, Canada!

Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse is a typical American food restaurant that has live music on some nights.

A bit further (on a street called Victoria Av.) is a place called Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante that has tasty pizzas made in a wooden oven.

If you are craving steak, check out the Outback Steakhouse which is also on Victoria Av.

We liked Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill (same area), where we stopped for lunch once and we both liked it.

All of the restaurants that are a bit further than the ones on Clifton Hill are usually less busy, cheaper, and have daily specials on food and drinks.

On Victoria Av, you will find a lot of cheaper souvenir and trinket shops. So dinner and shopping don’t sound too bad 🙂

🦄 Are you wondering if tap water is safe to drink in Niagara Falls, check out this blog post:
Is Tap Water Safe To Drink At The Hotels In Niagara Falls, Canada?

FAQ: Things To Do In Niagara Falls If It’s Your First Visit

Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about things to do in Niagara Falls if it’s your first visit.

What is Niagara Falls famous for?

Niagara Falls is the main attraction, of course. The area is also known for its casinos and the attractions on Clifton Hill.

Which side of Niagara Falls is better?

If it is your first visit, you should go to the Canadian side as that offers a better view of both falls.

Do you have to pay to see Niagara Falls?

It is free to see the falls from both countries, however, you will have to pay for any of the falls attractions or the attractions on Clifton Hill.

When is the best time to visit Niagara Falls?

The best time to visit Niagara Falls is in the summer, especially if it is your first visit.

As pretty as it is during wintertime, it is extremely cold.

However, if you are ok with the cold, then visit in January and February because then you will have the highest chance to see it frozen.

Just be ready for the temperatures to be around -20 or lower.

What currency is accepted in Niagara Falls?

If you are planning to see the falls from the US side and the Canadian side, make sure you have American dollars and Canadian dollars respectively.

On the Canadian side, they might accept American dollars depending on the place, but both countries have different currencies.

However, on the American side, they rarely accept Canadian dollars because it is worth less than the American.

Do I need my passport to cross between Canada and the United States and back?

You can cross from one country to the other over the Rainbow Bridge.

However, remember to bring your passport as there is a border control facility that checks pedestrians and cars that go over the bridge.

Also, bring all of your Covid/vaccine documents as well. Even if they don’t ask you for them, you will have them on you and will not need to go back to your hotel.

Sometimes there is a long line up for cars to pass the border (weekends, holidays, etc); passing on foot is usually faster.

🦄 If you are looking to check out Toronto as well, here are some helpful blog posts:
Fun Activities To Do In Toronto For Adults (From A Local)
12 Best Toronto Hotels By CN Tower
Complete Guide To Visiting Casa Loma, Toronto (From A Local)
Does It Snow In Toronto (From A Local)

Where To Stay In Niagara Falls, Canada?

Niagara Falls has a mix of luxurious hotel chains with casinos and cheaper basic inns so there are accommodations for any budget.

We usually go for cheaper accommodations as luxurious hotels are expensive, especially if you are planning to stay for a while.

So here I will mention my top picks for a more fancy experience as well as a budget option.

Both suggestions are located in Canada!

Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa (Splurge Option)

If this is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience Niagara Falls and you want to splurge, the Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa is a good option.

This hotel is located right beside the Horseshoe Falls and you can get a room that overlooks it.

If you have seen those pictures on Instagram, of people laying on a bed and looking out at the falls, they are taken from this hotel.

Here is my friend’s IG account with the picture I am talking about laying on a bed overlooking Niagara Falls.

You need to double-check when you book that the rooms are facing the falls and that they have the large windows from the Instagram pictures.

• Right beside the falls, an excellent location
• Perfect for a romantic getaway/celebration
• Boutique spa and wellness facility
• Also, a swimming pool and a gym are available

👉 Check availability for your dates: Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa 

Travelodge by Wyndham Niagara Falls Fallsview (Budget Option)

We have stayed at the Travelodge twice and had no complaints.

It was a basic and reasonably priced lodge that was not too far from the main attractions.

There is another Travelodge located on Cliffton Hills as well which is even more centrally located but it is a bit more expensive.

Both hotels are similar but we prefer the Fallsview location because it is quieter.

Keep in mind that you can’t actually see the falls from there (it is on the Niagara River, after the falls), but it is close.

• Travel sustainable property
• Also, has an indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna
• All rooms have free WiFi
• 10 min walk to Cliffton Hill, 15 min walk to the falls, and 1 min to the Rainbow Bridge which you can cross by walking or car to the United States.

👉 Check availability for your dates: Travelodge by Wyndham Niagara Falls Fallsview

🦄 For more hotel ideas, check out this blog post:
10 Niagara Falls Hotels That Overlook The Falls (Canadian Side)

Map of the 7 Things To Do In Niagara Falls

How Long Do You Need To Spend In Niagara Falls, Canada?

I would recommend a minimum of two days.

All the attractions mentioned above are close to each other. You don’t need to use a bus or a car, walking is fine (some of the walking will be uphill).

Two days will be enough to check them out.

Especially if you have pre-booked your tickets so you can skip the line and save time.

Day 1

• Walk around the park surrounding the falls and take a million pictures
• Do the Hornblower cruise
• Walk up and down Clifton Hill, stop for lunch, and check out some of the attractions/games/shops
• Niagara SkyWheel (open late so you can go at night)

Day 2

• Journey Behind the Falls
• Spend more time around Clifton Hill, grab lunch
• Skylon Tower (possibly dinner and fireworks)
• Firework/illuminations at the falls (double check before for the days and times – link is above)

Based on the fireworks/illuminations schedule you can switch around the Niagara SkyWheel in order to see everything (so you do the SkyWheel on day two and the Fireworks on day one).

If you only have one day available, then do the activities included in Day 1.

🦄 If you are in Ontario and are looking to see some other epic things,
check out these blog posts:
 Is Ottawa Worth Visiting? Best Places & Things To Do
10 Things You Must See In Ottawa, Canada
7 Best Ottawa Bike Tours

Conclusion: 7 Things To Do In Niagara Falls If It’s Your First Visit

In conclusion, visiting Niagara Falls for the first time is an awe-inspiring experience that promises a multitude of unforgettable moments.

The diverse array of activities available ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy, from the natural wonders of the falls themselves to the surrounding attractions.

This destination not only offers a visual feast but also evokes a sense of wonder and appreciation for the unparalleled beauty that Mother Nature has sculpted over time.

Niagara Falls is a perfect blend of nature’s wonders, cultural exploration, and thrilling adventures, creating lasting memories for every visitor.