Things to Do in Niagara Falls
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Niagara Falls

21 curated spots from Niagara Falls itineraries

Activities & Attractions

12 curated experiences

Clifton Hill Exploration
Do
afternoon

Clifton Hill Exploration

Wander vibrant street with shops, street performers, and fun houses; lively atmosphere.

2h · Free
Dufferin Islands Beach & Park
Do
afternoon

Dufferin Islands Beach & Park

Relax on sandy beach, picnic areas, nature trails; short walk from Fallsview.

2h · Free
Hornblower Niagara Cruise
Do
afternoon

Hornblower Niagara Cruise

Board the boat for a close-up sail to Horseshoe Falls base; ponchos provided, seasonal May-Oct.

1h · $35
Journey Behind the Falls
Do
morning

Journey Behind the Falls

Descend elevators to tunnels and observation decks right behind the cascading water.

1h 30m · $25
Niagara Glen Nature Areas Hike
Do
afternoon

Niagara Glen Nature Areas Hike

Mid-afternoon: take a short taxi or rideshare (about 10–15 minutes along the Niagara Parkway) from the central Fallsview area to Niagara Glen Nature Areas at 3050 Niagara Parkway. From the Niagara Glen Nature Centre, follow one of the marked loop trails down into the gorge through old-growth forest to viewpoints over the whitewater and whirlpool. Trails are generally rated moderate, with some steep sections and uneven stone steps—good for intermediate hikers with sturdy shoes and a basic level of fitness. Stay well back from the water’s edge and respect all barriers; the river current here is extremely powerful.

2h · $5-10 for parking; trails themselves free
Niagara Gorge Hiking Trail
Do
morning

Niagara Gorge Hiking Trail

Easy-moderate 2-mile trail with rapids views; wear sturdy shoes.

1h 30m · Free
Niagara Parkway & Queen Victoria Park Free Explore
Do
afternoon

Niagara Parkway & Queen Victoria Park Free Explore

Late morning to early afternoon: after the zipline, spend 2–3 hours strolling the Niagara Parkway and Queen Victoria Park. This is your flexible block—pause at various overlooks of Horseshoe Falls and American Falls, take photos, sit on benches to watch the mist, and if you like, drop into a standard attraction such as Journey Behind the Falls or the Hornblower boat without committing in advance. Look for flowerbeds, statues, and the best angles of the falls while keeping an eye out for pickpockets in the densest crowds.

2h 30m · Free (plus optional ticketed attractions)
Niagara Zipline to Falls
Do
morning

Niagara Zipline to Falls

Zipline 2,200 ft over the river; wear comfy clothes, no experience needed, medium fitness.

45m · $70
Niagara-on-the-Lake Stroll
Do
morning

Niagara-on-the-Lake Stroll

Wander heritage streets, boutiques, Floral Clock; free explore time.

2h · Free
Whirlpool Rapids Kayak Tour
Do
morning

Whirlpool Rapids Kayak Tour

Guided tandem kayak on rapids; wear water shoes, life jackets provided, book with local outfitter.

2h · $90
WildPlay’s MistRider Zipline to the Falls
Do
morning

WildPlay’s MistRider Zipline to the Falls

Late morning: walk 5–10 minutes from Clifton Hill down to the Niagara Parkway for your pre-booked zipline slot at WildPlay’s MistRider Zipline to the Falls, which launches from near 5920 Niagara Parkway on the Canadian side. You’ll ride a harnessed zipline over the gorge toward Horseshoe Falls, with mist, views of the river, and the skyline behind you. Wear closed-toe shoes, secure any loose items, and bring a light jacket if you’re sensitive to wind and spray.

1h 30m · $60-75 per person
Wine Tasting at Peller Estates
Do
afternoon

Wine Tasting at Peller Estates

Guided tasting of ice wines; historic elegant winery.

1h · $20

Restaurants & Food

9 local favorites

Benchmark Wine Bar
Eat
evening

Benchmark Wine Bar

Small plates and flights; intimate live music some nights.

1h 30m · $30-50 per person
Elements on the Falls
Eat
morning

Elements on the Falls

Eggs benedict with falls views; elegant start.

1h · $20-35 per person
Meldy's Restaurant
Eat
morning

Meldy's Restaurant

Canadian pancakes with local maple syrup; cozy start to the day.

45m · $15-25 per person
Niagara Brewing Company
Eat
evening

Niagara Brewing Company

Evening: head to Niagara Brewing Company, located right at the top of Clifton Hill near Fallsview, for pub-style local food and craft beer. Share a flight of local brews and order Canadian favorites like poutine, burgers, or fish and chips. Ask for a table on or near the patio if the weather is good—you’ll be close enough to feel the energy of Clifton Hill but seated comfortably.

1h 15m · $25-40 per person (excluding alcohol)
Outback Steakhouse
Eat
evening

Outback Steakhouse

Bloomin' onion and ribs; casual chain with reliable comfort food.

1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Queen Victoria Place
Eat
afternoon

Queen Victoria Place

Try local poutine and fresh salads; casual terrace dining overlooking the falls.

1h · $20-35 per person
Ravine Vineyard Cafe
Eat
afternoon

Ravine Vineyard Cafe

Estate-grown salads and charcuterie; elegant patio dining.

1h 15m · $25-45 per person
The Famous
Eat
morning

The Famous

Start with a hearty Canadian-style breakfast (think eggs, bacon, pancakes) at this long-running diner just off Clifton Hill, an easy walk from both Fallsview hotels and the Niagara Parkway. Order a classic breakfast combo to fuel the morning’s zipline and walking.

1h · $15-25 per person
The Keg Steakhouse
Eat
evening

The Keg Steakhouse

Order the classic filet mignon and local wine; elegant steakhouse with falls views.

1h 30m · $35-50 per person

More on Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls Travel GuideWhen to Visit Niagara Falls

BUILD YOUR NIAGARA FALLS PLAN

Insider picks, smart timing, and a plan ready when you are.

Start Planning