With museums, casinos, luxury hotels, and a whole assortment of attractions to choose from, Niagara Falls, Ontario is a family friendly destination that has something for everyone.
Of course, the main draw to the area for the millions that visit each year are the Falls.
If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen a few pictures of a recent road trip we took to the Niagara Falls area.
It was our kids’ first time to the area and they really enjoyed it despite the initial “We are going to look at water all weekend?” type of questions.
My 5 year old was the one asking, the 2 year old was just happy to come along for the ride.
1. From the Walkway
Many Niagara Falls hotels are walking distance from the Falls. The pathway is fairly long and the majority of tourists usually start off here before making their way to the other Niagara attractions.
2. From Behind
Take an elevator down 150 feet, walk through a tunnel and watch the Falls tumble from 13 storeys above right in front of you on the Journey Behind the Falls tour.
3. From the Water
For an exhilarating and let’s get soaked kind of adventure, check out Whirlpool Jet Boat tours.
Open only in Spring and Summer months, this is a must do for adrenaline junkies.
Despite all the clothing they give you (fleece sweater, poncho etc.) you will get wet. I’d highly recommend bringing a full change of clothes (including undergarments) should you decide to book a tour with them.
Have sinus problems? Yes this ride will take care of it for you. A litre of water went straight up my nose during a visit in June. Just saying…
4. From Your Hotel Room
If you are planning to stay overnight, many hotels in the area have Falls-view rooms and restaurants on upper floors. Below is our view from the Hilton Fallsview Hotel.
5. From Up High
There are several ways to view Niagara Falls from the air.
Skylon Tower has an observation deck which visitors can see the Falls from up high.
While our kids loved riding up to the observation deck in the high speed elevator, walking around the observation was not their favourite part of the trip. The Falls were too far away for them to be wowed.
They did however enjoy seeing the Falls change colour.
The Whirlpool Aero Car which runs from March until early November is located just north of the Falls. Take a 10 minute ride in a vintage aero car over the whirlpool Class 5 rapids. Probably not for those that are scared of heights!
There’s also the Skywheel in the Clifton Hill area that also offers a view of the falls from a climate controlled gondola.
This was the kids favourite way to see the Falls. It might have been because we were on an amusement park like ride and also because there was more than just water to look at.
Dinosaur golf and an upside down house in the distance.
Interested in going a bit higher? You can splurge on a helicopter tour over the Falls.
Travel Tips for Families Visiting Niagara Falls, Ontario
1. Check hours of operation for the attractions you’re interested in beforehand. Some shut down for the Winter because of icy and snowy conditions.
2. You can purchase tickets to attractions individually or consider the Adventure Pass which gives you substantial savings on 4 popular attractions – Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury and White Water Walk.
2. Wear comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit wet.
3. Explore the area outside of the Falls. There’s gardens, historic sites and the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake near by.
For more information about the Niagara Falls region, visit Niagara Parks and Niagara Falls Tourism.
Linking to Travel Tips Tuesday, Inspire Me Wednesday.
I’d love to visit the Canadian side of the falls again. My husband spent a weekend at the Embassy Suites for our 15th wedding anniversary. We had an amazing view of the falls and could watch the fireworks from our room. I’d love to spend another weekend there with the kids. I bet they’d like the Clifton Hill area.
I’m glad to hear what a great time you guys had during your last visit. Sadly, we were in bed by the time the fireworks were going on and we didn’t catch them 🙁
Yes the Clifton Hill area is quite touristy and I’m positive your kids would love it there.
I’ve never been tot he US side of the Falls — is it as build up over there or a little more relaxing and quiet?
You know, we have never been to Niagara Falls…. well, I say we. My husband has, but the kids and I haven’t. Your photos are absolutely beautiful. And is that upside down house for real?
Thanks so much for sharing on Inspire Me Wednesday. Featuring you in next week’s issue.
It’s beautiful and relaxing watching the Falls. I’d highly recommend it one day with the kids. Yes, the upside down house is for real. You can go inside and walk around! 🙂
We took our four children to Niagra this summer. The falls are so beautiful….I wish we had have done more around the area instead of taking them to Marine Land though. The night life is so fun!
we enjoy going to Niagara falls there is so much to do wonderful post
It’s probably been about 4 years since we’ve been to the falls. My youngest was just a baby. I think it’s time to plan another trip. Thanks for all the tips 🙂
My boyfriend and I have been considering doing a trip to the Niagara Falls region… the photos and tips you have are awesome! I am even more convinced it would be a great spot to visit. Thanks!
I haven’t been to the falls in forever
This was part of our 3 week long vacation this year, we spent 5 days in Niagara and it was truly truly amazing. We rode the sky wheel and I loved it, we also did most of the other ways to view the falls as well.
We love Niagara Falls! We live 1/2 hours from the Falls, so go on a pretty regular basis. Even with all the tacky tourist stuff, it’s a great place to go. I’m really hoping now that the munchkins are a bit bigger, we’ll actually make it out to the fireworks. I’ve only seen them once and that was at Christmas time without the kids.
I love going to Niagara Falls, there’s always so much to see and do…and of course the Falls themselves are the crown jewel
45 minutes away, we have been to the falls by ourselves, with children and with grandchildren. Isn’t it amazing that we have a World Wonder in our backyard (almost)