A guide to Niagara Falls

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For many a first trip – and indeed subsequent visits – to Canada is not complete without seeing Niagara Falls. Just 90 minutes or so from Toronto, a visit to the Falls can be done in a day from the city or to explore some more, you can spend an overnight (or two). Here’s the best of what the must-dos when going to see the Falls.

1. Niagara City Cruises

The very best way to see the Falls close up is by the famous cruise that takes you to the base of the water, the Voyage to the Falls. The thrill of the sound and sight of the water thundering over you (you do get a souvenir poncho to help keep you dry!) is one that will live long in the memory.

2. Niagara Helicopters

So many of the world’s top attractions are best viewed from above and Niagara Falls is no different. The Classic Tour offered by Niagara Helicopters is 12 minutes long and it follows the Niagara River from the Whirlpool area, over the Whirlpool Rapids and the Rainbow Bridge. You will see Queen Victoria Park as the helicopter passes by the American Falls and the Skylon Tower before your tour begins to change direction following the curve of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

3. Zipline to the Falls

Not for the faint-hearted – although they do say this is for thrill-seekers and the hesitant! – the Zipline to the Falls is an adrenaline-charged way to view the mighty waters of Niagara. This tour can be done by anyone over the age of 7 and takes about an hour; I’ll hold the coats for this one!

4. Journey behind the Falls

If you want to experience the incredible spectacle of one-fifth of the world’s freshwater crashing down to the basin below from a unique perspective, Journey behind the Falls is for you as you go behind and below the thundering waters. During summer daylight hours, over 2,800 cubic meters of water thunders over the brink every second, travelling 65 kilometers per hour!

5. WEGO Pass

For getting around Niagara if you don’t have a car or don’t want to use it, the WEGO buses link all the accommodation and major attractions and a 24-hour pass costs around £5, and is free for children. There are three lines that all operate from Table Rock, and in the summer months, one service takes you to Niagara-0n-the-Lake.

6. Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower includes indoor/outdoor observation of the Falls from 764 feet, and is home to two dining areas overlooking the falls, as well as shops and amusements. The Skylon was built in 1964 and opened in 1965, and feature outside mounted ‘Yellow Bug’ elevators which at the time of the construction were the first of their kind. The elevators run all year round and are a fun route up to the fantastic observatory at the top of the Skylon.

Many of Niagara Falls’ attractions are combined on passes to make it easy to do and see all the sights of this natural wonder and its surroundings (some also include the WEGO bus).

There really is so much to see that one visit is never enough!

Joanne Moores
Frontier Canada