Filipino Travel Series: Top 5 Best Things to do in Niagara Falls

A poster of Niagara Falls used to hang in our living room in the Philippines when I was a teenager: the mighty falls looked surreal, perfect, unattainable. Never did I imagine that one day I would be able to gaze at the falls’ beauty in person, and get to explore the surrounding attractions nearby.

Fast forward to 1993, when I was finally able to see and visit Niagara Falls, also known as Horseshoe Falls, for the first time.

I remember feeling overwhelmed by the sound of the 750,000 gallons of water crashing over the gorge every second, the sight of its vibrant green waters, and the enormity of the falls.

It’s no wonder then, that when Filipinos immigrate or visit Canada, one of the first things they want to do is to visit Niagara Falls.

There’s plenty of attractions in this touristy city, but here are the Top 5 Best Things To Do in the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario:

1. Visit the falls.

Your first stop in the city of Niagara Falls should be the falls itself.

Park as close as you can to the waterfalls and go to the second floor of the visitor centre first, where you can catch a panoramic view.

Head outside to get up close and personal with the vivid green falls and get a snap by the railings. A rainbow usually forms if you visit the falls early in the afternoon, with seagulls screeching overhead a common sight.

The falls are lit up with colourful lights every night, 365 days a year.

Catch a live broadcast of the Horseshoe Falls here.

2. Ride the Hornblower Cruise

If you think Niagara Falls is majestic from up above, try gazing up its 187-foot height from the swirling waters below on board the Hornblower Cruise Boat, which takes you a few feet away from the rocky bottom of the falls.

The cruise boat lingers for about ten minutes, ensuring you get to feel the full force of the water, and guaranteeing your face gets soaked with mist. No worries about your clothes getting wet, as everyone on board is provided red raincoats to wear.

Be warned: getting this close to the falls will make a lot of people feel the feels. Or make you stupefied.

3. Enjoy a meal at the Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower provides a great view of the smaller American Falls in the United States, the touristy Clifton Hill and the Horseshoe Falls from above. The tower stands 520 feet from street level, has a viewing deck and features a revolving restaurant at the top.

4. Stroll along Clifton Hill

Clifton Hill is often packed full of tourists–and for good reason. There are plenty of museums, attractions and dining choices on this street.

Some notable ones are The Great Canadian Midway, Zombie Attack, Strike Game Zone (Bowling), Ripley’s Museum, Niagara Speedway, Dinosaur Adventure Golf and Movieland Wax Museum.

If you have small kids, treat them to a meal at Rainforest Cafe, where thunder and lightning light up the restaurant amidst the sound of elephants trumpeting and monkeys grunting. There’s a huge aquarium inside the restaurant full of colourful fish (and a shark!), as well as a gift store loaded with stuffed animals and souvenirs.

Hershey’s Chocolate World is where you can purchase enormous Hershey bars, collectible items and other temptations to indulge your sweet tooth.

5. Hop on the SkyWheel

The Niagara SkyWheel soars 175 feet above Niagara Falls, and is located at Clifton Hill. Hop on board the swaying, climate-controlled gondola rides and enjoy 8-12 minutes of panoramic views of Clifton Hill, the falls, and beyond.