Fun for Everyone in Niagara Falls, Canada
Niagara Falls, Canada is truly a vacation destination for all ages and all seasons.
Though this clean, bright city has become quite a busy tourist destination, it never fails to exude charm and ambience, from the pristine gardens that line the major thoroughfare to its fine restaurants to the friendly people that don't seem to mind the droves of tourists that visit each year.
Seeing the Falls
The opportunity to view the magnificent falls, of course, is the major tourist activity in Niagara Falls. There are, however, a number of ways to enjoy these immense torrents of water as they roar over the cliff and down to the river below.
The sidewalk that runs from one end of the Falls to the other provides visitors with a dry way to enjoy the sights. There are plenty of places to stop along the way for a snack, to snap some photos, or to just sit down and relax.
For a great up-close experience, however, you'll want to board the Maid of the Mist. For 160 years, these boats have been taking visitors on a ride like none other.
Signature blue raincoats (once yellow) are seen everywhere in Niagara Falls, indicative of the fact that you've enjoyed this boat trip that brings you so close to the falls that you can feel their fury and power.
Jet boat tours are also increasing in popularity. Those who don't mind a fast-paced, heart-stopping, very wet boat ride will love this trip!
The Cave of the Winds is another great way to get close to the water. Guests travel down into the Gorge via elevator and are led by a tour guide onto catwalks that come within 20 feet of the Bridal Veil Falls on the American side. Be ready to get wet!
Adventuresome visitors may also choose to tour by helicopter. Of course, there's also the "barrel over the falls" way to experience Niagara Falls, Canada…but that's another story!
Other Fun Activities
First-time guests will want to visit the Imax Theater, for the chance to feel what it's like to be a Niagara daredevil of old. Here, you can also view an amazing array of devices used to navigate the trip over the Falls.
The town boasts an attractive little theme park, Marineland, where guests can ride amusements and enjoy entertaining dolphin, whale, and seal shows.
The botanical gardens is lush and beautiful and also features an on-site Butterfly Conservatory, chock full of hundreds of the tiny winged creatures. You'll learn lots about their natural habitat and life cycle.
If you'd like to spend some time away from the hubbub of downtown Niagara Falls, Canada, take a day trip to nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake. This lovely town, just a short drive from the Falls, is a wonderful place to shop and dine, with tree-lined streets and interesting stores that beckon you to come in and explore.
When to Visit
The peak tourist season in town is during the months of July and August, when families most often visit. Late spring and fall are delightful. The weather can get a bit brisk at night but the crowds are non-existent and the hotel rates are lower.
Visiting Niagara Falls, Canada in the winter can be incredible. The icy falls are magnificent and, if you can stand the cold, your money will go far during in this city during the winter season.
Image #2 © CanStockPhotos
Posted by Pat on Thursday, October 6, 2005