Niagara Falls is just a 1.5 hour drive away from Toronto. The Canadian side is most definitely the better side with many things to keep you entertained. Starting with various restaurants and bars to fun activities like haunted houses, arcades, museums to nightlife (clubs) and of course, the casinos. The waterfalls is obviously the main and the most gorgeous attraction here.
Here are a list of things to keep you busy for the weekend!
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Skywheel
This is a great ride as you have incredible views of the beautiful Niagara Falls and the rest of the town from here. I recommend going there during the day or close to sunset so you can have a nice daytime view of the entire place. This ride lasts about 10-15 minutes and costs about $12 CAD. Sometimes you’ll see deals on Groupon but they are usually in USD, which adds up to be the same price as a regular ticket at the counter.
2. The Skylon Tower
The skylon tower consists of an arcade, an observation deck and a revolving restaurant. You can also check out the 3D/4D movie based on Niagara Falls. The revolving dining room rotates 360 degrees in an hour. There are spectacular views of the falls from here and the observation deck. You can also see the rainbow bridge that connects Canada to the US. The below image is taken from the skylon tower observation deck – you can see the rainbow bridge and the American side of the waterfalls.
3. Niagara Speedway
This is quite an adventure. There are long waits since everyone wants to get a taste of this ride. However, it’s worth it. You get to complete the lap around 4-5 times. The scariest and most exhilerating part of this ride is when you drop from the top. It is a fun ride and I highly recommend it.
P.S This ride is not to be mistaken for the “mario go kart” ride. It was heavily advertised in the media as Mario Go Kart but Niagara Speedway does not have any affiliation with Nintendo (just a heads up to those who may be tricked by the media).
4. Haunted Houses
It’s halloween in Niagara all year round as you have the Chocolate Factory, the hershey store and just about a few haunted houses. This surely entertains the kids but also the adults! A few places to check out :
- Haunted Asylum
- Nightmares Fear Factory
- Niagara’s Haunted Hallways
- The Haunted House
- Frankenstein’s Haunted House
Just to name a few!
5. Arcades
There are some fun arcades in Niagara. Again, this will entertain adults and children. You can easily have a fun time with your family, friends or even a date!
- Great Canadian Midway
- Captain Jack’s Fun Center
- Fallsview Arcade
- Clifton Hill Fun by the Falls
6. Maid of Mist
This is a boat ride that takes you to the falls. They do provide you with raincoats so you’re not completely soaked. It’s an up-close and personal experience with the Falls.
7. Casinos
The casinos in Niagara will definitely keep you busy. If you’re not much of a gambler, you will be, when there is nothing else to do during unfortunate weather circumstances. Trust me, we have lots of those in Canada. Rain, snow, storms, etc. The casinos will definitely be your shelter and keep you occupied.
8. Ripley’s Attractions
There are quite a few attractions such as Ripleys Believe it or not, Ripley’s Moving Theatre and Louis Tussaud’s Wax Museum. I recommend getting the package as it saves a few bucks. You can go to each of those places and that will keep you entertained for a few hours. I recommend this especially during bad weather. They are all great indoor activities. My personal favourite is the wax museum.
9. The Niagara Falls
Walk by the falls during the day or night. You will have a great viewing pleasure. During the day you will see beautiful rainbows over the falls. At night you will see the incredible lighting on the falls. It’s beautiful! Make sure to see the fireworks right by the falls if you are there during the weekend. The official website provides more information on schedules.
10. Wine Tours
Niagara on the lake is just beside Niagara Falls and it is a beautiful place with many vineyards to explore! Of course, it’s best to visit the vineyards during warmer temperatures. However, majority of them are open all year round so you can go for wine tastings. There are many tours that take you to a few vineyards for wine tasting. It’s best to go on the tours and not drive after drinking. The tours include transportation that pick you up and drop you off back to your hotel.
If you’re visiting Toronto, Niagara is a must-see place! And if you’re from Toronto… well, it’s a perfect getaway place!
The6Travelette 