Some people dream their whole lives of seeing the majesty of Niagara Falls. Fortunately for us, it’s only a road trip away, and we’ve been lucky enough to visit the rushing waters many times.
Until recently, our interactions with the falls were limited to standing on the pathway above and taking the typical “we visited Niagara Falls” photo. On a late-summer visit, we decided to get up close and personal and show our boys what Niagara Falls is really like. It turned into a wet and wild adventure.
The Best Ways to Experience Niagara Falls
Hornblower Niagara Cruises
The most thrilling way to know Niagara Falls is to get as close as possible. Hornblower Niagara Cruises puts you right into the action. The boat passes the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls and sails into the heart of the famous Horseshoe Falls. Will you get wet? Absolutely—you will get soaked. Don’t worry: every guest receives a plastic raincoat with a hood, so put it on and secure it tightly.
From the deck you’ll catch some of the best views of the waterfalls, the Skylon Tower, the Peace Bridge, and often rainbows in the mist. If you’re an early riser, consider a sunrise tour; otherwise boats depart frequently throughout the day. Boarding is first come, first served, so arriving in the morning helps you avoid long lines.
Hornblower vessels are luxury catamarans with viewing areas above and below deck. Small children are safe, though they may not enjoy being drenched. The lower deck has enclosed sections with glass walls that protect against the mist while still offering excellent views.
Journey Behind the Falls
Inside the Table Rock Welcome Centre you’ll find the entrance to Journey Behind the Falls, one of Niagara’s oldest attractions. If the boat didn’t quite convey the Falls’ power, this experience will: the sound is thunderous as over 2,800 cubic metres of water pours over the edge every second, traveling about 65 kilometres per hour.
The tunnels and observation portals give you a dramatic, up-close perspective. Two portals allow views from about one third of the way behind the falls, and there are both upper and lower observation decks. You’ll be given a plastic poncho here as well. To avoid long waits, arrive early or reserve a time if you have an Adventure Pass.
Niagara’s Fury
Niagara’s Fury is a different kind of attraction, similar to a 4D theatre that immerses you in the formation of the falls. A short film featuring Chip the Beaver leads into a state-of-the-art room with surround screens and motion effects. The temperature drops, wind picks up, snow appears, and water sprays to simulate Mother Nature’s power. The experience includes dramatic lights and sound; younger children can find the most intense moments a bit frightening, but many visitors enjoy the film and the immersive effects.
Skylon Tower
For a panoramic, bird’s-eye view of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area, head to the Skylon Tower. From 775 feet up you can see all three sets of waterfalls, the city of Niagara Falls, and on a clear day even the Toronto skyline and Buffalo. Landmarks and attractions are marked to help you spot notable sites as you circle the observation area.
The outdoor observation deck is windy and cool but worth it for the unbeatable view. Three high-speed elevators on the tower’s exterior will take you to the top in under a minute.
Nighttime at the Falls
After you’ve seen the falls from every angle—above, below, behind, and inside—wait until nightfall. As darkness falls, Niagara Parks illuminates the Falls in a vibrant spectrum of colours. The illumination is spectacular, and the park also hosts Canada’s longest-running fireworks series, with dozens of shows each season. Watching fireworks burst over the falls is a magical family memory. Check local listings for the schedule of illumination and fireworks.
We received complimentary Adventure Passes to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own.
Adventure of a Lifetime!
If you want more than a sidewalk glimpse of the Falls, consider the Adventure Pass for savings and access to multiple attractions. During our visit we experienced Niagara Falls like never before and gave our boys an in-depth look at this natural wonder.
Save 30% with the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass!
The Adventure Pass typically includes Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk, Niagara’s Fury and the Hornblower Niagara Cruises boat tour, along with two-day WEGO transportation and coupons for other Niagara attractions. WEGO transit is a convenient way to reach attractions and return to your hotel—especially helpful to avoid parking fees and walking fatigue.
PIN ME!
