A trip to Ontario without a visit to Niagara Falls is a miss. And for Canadians, no matter how many times you've been to the Falls, its majestic power never ceases to impress. Better hurry though because according to a Niagara Parks fact sheet, scientists think it's possible that the American Falls could dry up in the next 2,000 years. A visit to Niagara Falls can be combined with a stop in the quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake, just 25 minutes from the Falls, or a drive through Niagara Region.
The City of Niagara Falls, always one of Ontario's popular tourist destinations, has burgeoned over the past 15 years with many new entertainment facilities due to the opening of Casino Niagara in 1996 and the later Fallsview Casino in 2004. The following Niagara Falls attractions are some of the most popular events for families and singles.
Casino Niagara Falls
The two Niagara Falls casinos bookend the American Falls and the Canadian Falls:
- Fallsview Casino, 6380 Fallsview Blvd., 1-888-325-5788, features 3,000 slot machines, 150 gaming tables, seven restaurants, three bars and a wedding chapel. Take a break from gambling to enjoy a first class buffet dinner for only $20 with a Players Advantage Card (available at the casino) at the Grand Buffet whose window seats overlook the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Holders of the card are also entitled to free parking while visiting the casino.
- Casino Niagara, 5705 Falls Ave., 1-888-325-5788, was the temporary casino while Fallsview Casino was being constructed, but, due to its prime location in Clifton Hill, it remains open. The Casino has 1,600 slot machines, and 45 table games including Blackjack, Caribbean Stud, Roulette, Craps, Three- and Four-Card Poker, Let it Ride, Spanish 21 and Big Six Wheel, as well as three restaurants and one bar. There is free live music every weekend, as well as a Yuk Yuk's comedy club. Casino Niagara is directly connected to the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls - Fallsview Hotel.
Niagara Falls, Canada Attractions
Tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of the mighty Niagara Gorge and Whirlpool Rapids will enjoy these Niagara Falls activities on the water:
- Maid of the Mist boat tour travels from the boarding deck at Queen Victoria Park near River Road and Clifton Hill for a 30-minute, fun-soaked ride underneath the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Raincoats provided. Famous passengers include Theodore Roosevelt, Marilyn Monroe, Mikhail Gorbachev, President Jimmy Carter, Princess Diana, Princes William and Harry, and Jim and Pam from The Office. Adults $15.60, Child (6-12) $9.57, 5 and under free.
- The Whirlpool Aero Car, 3850 Niagara Parkway, makes a 10-minute journey between Canadian shores over the Niagara Whirlpool, which is formed at the end of the rapids. The aero car is suspended by six stury cables. Opens March 14, 2011. Tickets, which can be purchased at Niagara Welcome Centres, are Adults $12.25, Children (6-12) $7.95, and 5 and under Free
Kids' Activities at Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls now offers the following active and educational attractions for families with children:
- Bird Kingdom, 5651 River Rd., 905-356-8888 or 1-866-994-0090, is the world's largest free-flying aviary with over 400 exotic birds such as macaws and Lorikeets in a tropical rainforest setting. Also includes bats and owls and exotic reptiles such as lizards and tortoises. The brave will be tempted to test their courage by holding a python. The Bird Kingdom is open year-round and hours are (Sept. to June) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; (July, Aug.) 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adults $16.95; Seniors $14.95, Child 4-15 $11.95. Save $6 off each ticket if purchased online.
- Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is a 125,000 square foot facility with 16 waterslides including some which are six storeys high, a 1,000 gallon tipping bucket, an indoor wave pool, a beach house, and a year-round outdoor sundeck and activity pool. The waterpark is directly connected to three hotels.
Niagara Falls, Canada has become a well rounded tourist destination as a result of the construction of Casino Niagara and Niagara Fallsview Casino. A trip to the Falls can now be supplemented with family activities such as visits to the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark or Bird Kingdom, while tourists who prefer activities on the Niagara River will enjoy the Maid of the Mist or taking the Aero Car across the Niagara Whirlpool.
Lori Bosworth - Hi! After having worked as a writer in the government for several years, I decided to return to university full-time to finish my ...
