What To Do in Niagara Falls: 12 Must-See Attractions

Niagara Falls is one of those natural landmarks that you’ve probably seen countless times online and on film. The name might be a bit misleading to some, however, as Niagara Falls consists of 3 separate waterfalls: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. 

People have traveled both far and wide to admire Niagara Falls for centuries. Acrobats have walked over its raging waters on tightropes while daredevils have sailed over the Falls in wooden barrels. Niagara Falls is undeniably enthralling—and this guide aims to help you get the most out of your trip.

We’ve gathered 12 activities to help you figure out what to do in Niagara Falls. Attractions run the gamut from outdoor venues and historic sites to aquariums and theme parks. We’ll also share how a AAA membership can help you maximize your trip. 

Historic Sites

Canada is a melting pot of ideas and cultures if the wide range of languages spoken in each province is anything to go by. The Great White North didn't get that way overnight, however. Monumental events repeatedly shaped Canada's history over the years. 

The following landmarks and locations are remnants of the county’s history—and reminders that the past is just as important as the present. History buffs will especially enjoy exploring these Niagara Falls attractions.

Brock's Monument

Cost: Adults 17+ ($4.50), Youth 6-16 ($3.50), Children 5 and under (Free)

Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Reservations Needed: No

Brock's Monument calls back to the War of 1812; the United States declared war on Britain due to disagreements over territory distribution. The Battle of Queenston marked a decisive victory for the British forces, though it came at a cost. About 121 men perished by the battle's end, including Major General Sir Isaac Brock. 

To honor this respected British Army officer, Brock's Monument was built in Queenston Heights. This Canadian national monument stands 183 feet tall and is famous for offering an amazing view of the field where the Battle of Queenston was fought. Depending on when you visit, you may even encounter guides dressed to the nines in 19th-century military outfits.

Maid of the Mist Steamboat

Cost: Adults ($28.25), Children 6-12 years ($16.50), Children 5 and under (Free)

Hours of Operation: Varies

Reservations Needed: No

You have a lot of ways to view Niagara Falls, but none are quite like hopping aboard the Maid of the Mist. Ever since 1846, vessels bearing this name have sailed along the falls. The Maid of the Mist departs from the Niagara Falls Observation Tower, then sails along the bases of American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. 

Since 2020, two vessels have made up the Maid of the Mist's fleet. Visitors are also gifted blue rain ponchos that make fantastic souvenirs. This boat ride is a must for anyone visiting Niagara Falls from the American side.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Cost: Varies

Hours of Operation: Varies

Reservations Needed: Varies

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming town about 20 kilometers away from Horseshoe Falls. The proximity to one of Canada's greatest landmarks draws in plenty of visitors, but that's not all. Niagara-on-the-Lake is also one of Canada's premier wine-tasting destinations. 

Things get very festive around town during the summer, with the Shaw Festival offering art and entertainment for theater lovers. Then, there's the town's picturesque Floral Clock display and the Outlet Collection at Niagara—Canada’s largest open-air mall since 2014.

Outdoor Venues & Parks

Whether you're admiring Niagara Falls by land, sea or air, you're getting lots of outdoor time. Keep that momentum going and explore more of Canada's outdoor scene. From sprawling state parks to light and airy nature preserves, there are plenty of fun outdoor things to do around Niagara Falls.

Whirlpool State Park

Cost: Free, $50-$70 for pavilions

Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Reservations Needed: Yes (campgrounds and pavilions)

To find this entry, you'll have to drive along a gorgeous stretch of road known as the Niagara Scenic Parkway. That road trip alone is worth the visit, and you'll eventually reach Whirlpool State Park. This 109-acre state park is located near Niagara Falls and Niagara Gorge. It's also within walking distance of the Devil’s Hole State Park.

Visitors will find this park to be ideal for fishing, picnicking and snapping photos that will last a lifetime. Stop by during the summer months to explore the park's visitors center.

Buffalo Niagara Region

Cost: Varies

Hours of Operation: Varies

Reservations Needed: Varies

There's so much to see and do in the Buffalo Niagara Region before or after you visit the falls. Bullaflo consists of 8 counties on the New York side of Niagara Falls, all featuring unique attractions. Then, there's the Erie Canal, which is ideal for cruising and kayaking during the warmer times of the year. 

Stop by the Jell-O Gallery Museum in Genesee County to learn all about this classic snack—and snag some vintage merchandise. You can also visit the Genesee Brewing Company, an establishment that's been brewing drinks since 1878.

Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

Cost: Adults 13+ years ($17.50), Children 3-12 years ($11.50), Infants 2 and under (Free)

Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Reservations Needed: No

Niagara Falls attracts people who admire nature from all around the world. The same is true for the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory. This nature preserve opened its doors in 1996 and has since become home to more than 60 different butterfly species.

The conservatory's quiet, tranquil atmosphere can help you recharge from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is also famous for its stunning array of butterfly food plants, which include Zinnia and Pentas flowers. Visitors are encouraged to wear perfume to attract butterflies to land on them.

Sightseeing Destinations

Sightseeing is easily one of the most fun things to do in Canada because there's simply so much to see. Niagara Falls is a great starting point, and the following attractions are also a sight for sore eyes. Are you a big fan of marine life and all the sea animals that call Niagara home? Or maybe you also have a soft spot for dry land animals? Either way, a trip to Niagara Falls won't be complete without checking out the following attractions.

Aquarium of Niagara

Cost: Adults ages 3-59 ($19.95), Seniors age 60+ ($17.95), Children ages 3-12 ($14.95), Infants under 2 (Free)

Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Mon-Fri), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sun-Sat)

Reservations Needed: No

There are incredible creatures that live in the sea, but we rarely get a chance to interact with them. Enter the Aquarium of Niagara, a nonprofit public institution that houses about 128 marine species, including sharks and jellyfish. The aquarium's exciting programs are also a huge draw.

The seal and penguin encounter programs are bona fide fan favorites, though special mention goes to the "trainer for a day" program. This 4-hour experience lets visitors over the age of 11 feed Humboldt penguins and California sea lions while learning the basics of what it takes to become a marine animal trainer.

Whirlpool Aero Car

Cost: Adults 13+ years ($17.50), Children 3-12 years ($11.50), Infants 2 and under (Free)

Hours of Operation: Varies

Reservations Needed: No

The Whirlpool Aero Car is a legendary fixture in Ontario. Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo created the first version of this 1,800-foot vintage cable car in 1916. Since then, countless visitors have climbed aboard to see the Niagara River from a new perspective. 

The cable car can hold about 35 passengers, and the entire journey takes about 10 minutes. Moreover, the Whirlpool Aero Car takes visitors to see the eponymous Niagara Whirlpool, which is 125 feet deep at its lowest point. 

Safari Niagara

Cost: Adults 13-64 ($19.95-$41.95), Seniors 65+ ($14.95-$33.95), Children 3-12 ($14.95-$33.95), Children 2 and under (Free)

Hours of Operation: In-season (9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Offseason (varies)

Reservations Needed: Yes (Behind-the-scenes tours)

Safari Niagara is a great stop for folks who love dry land animals and are also seeking hands-on activities. Giraffes, owls, emus, monitor lizards and all sorts of tortoises and turtles call this zoo home. In terms of activities, Safari Niagara has a carousel, a bounce room and catch-and-release fishing. 

This institution's origins date back to 1990. Stephen J. Tykolis started a hobby farm that he then passed on to his children. In 1992, work began to transform the farm into a full-fledged zoo. That dream became a reality for the Tykolis in 2009, and "Papa Steve's Family Farm" is still a mainstay at Safari Niagara today.

Theme Parks & Entertainment

Thrillseekers have always gravitated to Niagara Falls, as evidenced by people like Annie Edson Taylor and Bobby Leach, who both sailed over the Falls in 1901 and 1911, respectively. But don't reach for your wooden barrels just yet. The following attractions are much safer alternatives to get your heart racing.

Cave of the Winds

Cost: Adults ($14), Children ($10)

Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (Sun-Sat)

Reservations Needed: Yes

The Cave of the Winds hearkens back to 19th-century New York, long before legendary buildings like the Empire State were around. The cave is located near Bridal Veil Falls and is based on a now-defunct natural cave discovered in 1834. Visitors come to explore the maze of redwood decks that take visitors into the mouth of the cave before they're taken down and rebuilt each year.

Once inside, you can admire the Cave of the Winds' famous boxwork, which consists of honeycomb-shaped calcite patterns that are etched all along the cave's interior.

Fallsview Indoor Waterpark

Cost: Day Pass ($44.95), Children 2 and under (Free)

Hours of Operation: Varies

Reservations Needed: Yes

Taking the whole family to Fallsview Indoor Waterpark has been one of the most wholesome things to do in Niagara Falls since 2006. This 3-acre water park features 16 waterslides each varying in intensity. Everyone from youngsters to elders can find something to dive into at Fallsview. 

Fallsview also includes a fortress play area with water canons and the Jungle House Playland for folks who'd like to stay dry. Last but not least, Fallsview is a part of the Falls Avenue Resort entertainment complex—which offers an array of shopping and dining experiences.

Niagara SkyWheel

Cost: $15 (Adults), $12 (Children 3-12)

Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. (Sun-Thurs) 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (Fri-Sat)

Reservations Needed: No

You may have seen Niagara Falls from an airplane or a helicopter, but have you seen it from a Ferris wheel? Riding the Niagara SkyWheel has been a one-of-a-kind experience since 2006. This 175-foot attraction doubles as an observation wheel with a clear view of Niagara Falls at its peak.

The gondolas are climate-controlled and can provide air conditioning and heat to passengers. Two wheelchair-accessible gondolas can also accommodate passengers on every ride.

Plunge Into Niagara Falls With AAA Travel

Figuring out what to do at Niagara Falls can be challenging due to the sheer number of options. Booking your trip with AAA Travel can drastically simplify your visit; you'll find great deals for hotels and flights that can help you plan out your itinerary. AAA Travel can also help you rent a car when you're traveling around either side of Niagara Falls.