Niagara Falls holidays

Around 12 million tourists book hotels and flights to Niagara Falls each year for its star attraction, Horseshoe Falls. Prepare to be amazed (and to get wet!) as approximately a million bathtubs of water crash down every minute from the largest of the three falls. Get up close on a boat tour or stand right behind it on an observation deck. For a real treat, take a helicopter tour over the action. 

Family fun begins at the Falls and continues at attractions around the city. Kids of all ages get revved up for the Niagara Speedway track and Niagara Skywheel. Zip down water slides at Fallsview Indoor Waterpark (North America’s largest), or enjoy bowling and arcade games at Strike Game Zone. For epic views from above, ride the Falls Incline Railway.

The Canadian side of the Falls has enjoyed a dining revolution of late, with many of its fast food joints being phased out for chef-focused restaurants. Expect to find quality international cuisine with a local twist during your holiday to Niagara Falls. Seasonal ingredients, wine from Ontario vineyards and cheese produced a short drive away feature heavily on menus.

Dubbed the ‘Street of Fun’, Clifton Hill is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Niagara Falls for families. This compact area is home to amusement arcades, themed restaurants, the Niagara SkyWheel and oddball museums like Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Movieland Wax Museum. There’s even a roller coaster on the roof of a Burger King if you can’t get enough of fun fair rides.

Good for: Arcades, museums, roller coasters

True to its name, this is the best area to stay in Niagara Falls if you love a good view. Many of its luxury hotels and resorts offer stunning vistas of Horseshoe Falls — you can enjoy the nightly Falls Illumination and fireworks show right from your bed. Stay here for top attractions like the Skylon Tower, restaurants, a casino resort, movie theatres and nightclubs.

Good for: Waterfall views, dining, fireworks

This is where to stay in Niagara Falls if you prefer a bit of distance between you and the tourist areas. About a 20-minute drive from Niagara Falls, St Catharines is nicknamed ‘The Garden City’ for its green spaces and hiking trails. It also boasts a sandy coastline and picturesque harbourfront a short stroll from its boutique hotels and international resorts.

Good for: Beaches, parkland, hiking

The restaurants in Niagara Falls draw influence from its diverse population and the tourists that visit from across the world. You’ll find Japanese, Korean, Italian and Indian restaurants as well as steakhouses and buffets. For special occasions and the views to match, book a table in the revolving restaurant at the top of Skylon Tower.

With everything from craft breweries to casinos, you’re never too far from a party atmosphere in Niagara Falls.  One of Ontario’s most popular brewers, Niagara Brewing Company, is located in Clifton Hill. You’ll also find sports bars, wineries and cocktail bars here. Fallsview Casino Resort offers slot machines and table games, as well as live music.

It’s not all about the pummelling cascades here. You’ll find some great beaches near Niagara Falls to kick back on, like Lakeside Park Beach. It’s located on the south shore of Lake Ontario, where you can walk along the sandy shoreline and enjoy views of the Port Dalhousie marina and lighthouse. Head to Nickel Beach on Lake Erie for a day of windsurfing, swimming and sunbathing.

The most popular free thing to do in Niagara Falls is to actually watch falls themselves. You can view Horseshoe Falls from the promenade, where there is a grassy park and live music in summer months. At night, catch the light show from Queen Victoria Park. Stroll around Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens or take a scenic drive to CFX Niagara chocolate factory, which offers free tours.

After you’ve done the boat tour, head to the museums in Niagara Falls to learn more about the natural wonder. Discover how the falls were formed at Niagara Falls History Museum and let the kids explore hands-on art and science exhibits at the Niagara Children's Museum. Don’t miss Niagara Falls Art Gallery for the impressive William Kurelek Collection.

Clifton Hill is the place to go shopping in Niagara Falls if you want to browse speciality shops. Look for unique gifts at Canada Trading Company, toys at the Fun Factory and candy at the Fudge Factory. For fresh produce, artisanal goods and live music, check out the Niagara Falls Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.