Things to do in Niagara Falls, ON

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Get Your Bearings in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls Expert

By Melaina Gasbarrino
Niagara Falls Expert

See & Do
Stay
Eat
Party
Shop

Things to See

Niagara Falls is all about exploring every nook and cranny of this city. From standing steps away from the Falls to soaring through the sky on the Niagara Skywheel, almost all of the Falls' attractions are located in and around the Clifton Hill and Fallsview area. If you're looking to explore wine country, take to Niagara-on-the-Lake and enjoy some brilliant wineries, where you'll truly learn to appreciate the beauty of viticulture. It's all about adventure here, so be sure to pack your runners and a bathing suit as the fun certainly doesn't stop for the whole weekend.

Caution: Get to the Maid of The Mist early to get a good spot on the boat.

Hot Tips: The Great Wolf Lodge is one of the best water parks in town.

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Where to Stay

The Niagara region is home to quaint bed and breakfasts and high-rise hotels that will wow anyone with the view. No matter which hotel you choose, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. Hotels in Niagara Falls' tourist area are brilliantly surrounded by a plethora of restaurants, shops and all the sights you can imagine. If you're looking for something a little more quiet, take to Niagara-On-The-Lake, it's a pristine town that is filled with a laid-back aura. Rent a car while staying here to get the best of all the worlds this region includes. 

Avoid: Motels along Lundy's Lane.

Hot Tips: Book hotels along nears the Falls ASAP.

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What to Eat

The Niagara region is known for some brilliant restaurants. From Mexican to Italian and everything in between, this region showcases how worlds collide to create stretches of streets that have it all and so much more. Clifton Hill, Fallsview and surrounding areas is where the bulk of Niagara Falls' restaurants are located. Venture off to downtown St. Catharines for delicate dishes from around the world and to Niagara-On-The-Lake for a meal that may break your budget, but will be well worth it. 

Hot Tips: Leave the kids at home if you're planning on going to a winery for lunch.

Be Sure to Sample: The fettuccine pomodoro at Casa Mia's.

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Places to Party

With a university and college in the Niagara Region, when the moon comes up, the party begins. Take to Clifton Hill's Spicy Olive, Dragonfly Nightclub or Stella's Dining Lounge for a night of dancing, or to Boston Pizza on Clifton Hill, Sheehan's or The Merchant Ale House for a chilled out evening with some friends. Wherever you end up, the night will be filled with fist-pumps all around. 

Hot Tips: Bottle service is a must at Stella's or Dragonfly.

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Where to Shop

The Pen Centre, located in St. Catharines (Glendale Ave) is 'the' shopping centre in the Niagara region. Located just twenty minutes from Clifton Hill, the mall has something for everyone. If you're keen on finding souvenirs for your loved ones, head down Clifton Hill to grab a Canadian flag and bottle of sweet maple syrup at any one of the many souvenir shops in town. Niagara-On-The-Lake's Front Street is home to boutique shops and if you're really craving a shopping mall, head over the river to the Walden Galleria.

Best Local Souvenir: Maple syrup.

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Niagara Falls is known for...

One of Niagara Falls's most unique features and characteristics.

1. Known For...:

The Falls

Of course Niagara Falls would not be famous if it didn’t have a protruding Falls right in the middle of all the action. The Horseshoe Falls is a popular destination as it is considered one of the Wonders of the World and is certainly a magical sight to see. There is certainly a plethora of adventures to go on to see The Falls up close and personal. With everything from The Maid of the Mist to a Niagara Helicopter ride; tourists continually experience just how much beauty The Falls brings to the city. Whether you’re watching the fireworks or walking along The Falls, the sight is truly breathtaking.

Clifton Hill

When you think of Niagara Falls you firstly think of The Falls itself, then you probably think of all those magical lights that are found on one of the brightest, most vibrant streets in Ontario. That street is Clifton Hill and it offers up a whole lot of unique experiences to be had on one street. With everything from haunted houses, to wax museums, to The Midway to chocolate shops, Clifton Hill has it all and so much more. Better known as “The Hill” to locals, it’s a spot for the young and old to come and out and play. If you are ever in the mood for a little bright light inspiration, Clifton Hill is the spot for you.

Festival Of Lights

If you ever feel like starting a tradition during the holiday season then it is a must to pack the car up with the kids, goodies and over night bags and head on down to Niagara Falls where you will see the lovely display of bright lights during the Festival of Lights celebration. Yearly the display seem to increase in size and certainly awes anyone who drives by each display. The Festival of Lights showcases scenes from Disney movies through to Holiday cheer, it is probably one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls if you want to stay in your car drinking hot cocoa on a cold winter night.

Niagara Parks

The Niagara Region is a region that certainly prides itself in maintaining gardens throughout the area. A favourite for all to walk to during the sunny summer months is to see the lovely Niagara Parks Floral Clock. The clock is certainly is a thing of perfection. Niagara Parks’ Botanical Gardens is another favourite and is located along the ever so scenic Niagara Parkway. Take to a walking tour here to understand the natural beauty within Niagara.

Animal Kingdoms

It’s not everyday you think that Niagara Falls is known for its animal kingdoms, but the truth of the matter is we love animals just as much as the other guy and therefore showcase a multitude of animals and sea creatures at Marineland, The Butterfly Conservatory, and the Niagara Falls Aviary. And so yes, okay so we know we don’t have the largest animals in Niagara, but we certainly do have the loveliest little creatures one can ever imagine.