One of the world's most famous travel destinations, these impressive 170-ft-/53-m-high falls on the border of the U.S. and Canada about 80 mi/130 km south of Toronto continue to offer the same combination of natural wonder and commercial tackiness that has inspired visitors since the 19th century. Even if you're not on your honeymoon, the falls are well worth seeing.
The area can be seen in a day, but we recommend an overnight stay to view the falls and rapids under different lighting conditions and from both sides of the border (be sure to take along proper citizenship documents).
You have a lot of choices when it comes to getting a look at the falls. The Maid of the Mist boat travels right up to the foot of the falls and departs from both the U.S. and Canadian sides. For an aerial view from the Canadian shore, ride the elevator to the top of either the Skylon Tower or the Minolta Tower Centre. You can also take a helicopter ride over the cascade.
Also on the Canadian side is Journey Behind the Falls, which provides a close-up view of the curved section of Niagara known as Horseshoe Falls, and you can get there via a cable incline railway. There's also a cable-car ride that takes visitors out over the Niagara Gorge and the Great Gorge Adventure, a boardwalk along the water, downriver from the falls.
The U.S. side presents a new choice of vantage points from which to view the falls. Goat Island is technically a part of the U.S., though it sits in the Niagara River and separates the American Falls from the Canadian Falls. You can get some great views from the trails that traverse the island. Reach it via a footbridge or drive your car over on the vehicle bridge, both from the U.S. side.
The Cave of the Winds Trip begins on Goat Island: An elevator takes you to the base of Bridal Veil Falls, where wooden platforms allow you to look at Niagara from a very wet perspective (heavy-duty raincoats are provided). The Three Sisters Islands and Luna Island also sit in the rapids at the top of the falls, next to Goat Island. You can reach the islands by footbridges.
The U.S. side also has its own elevated viewing spot, the Prospect Point Observation Tower, which will place you right above the brink of the falls.
Sightseeing
In addition to the glitzy casinos, Niagara Falls' classic tourist attractions are part of its tradition.
The Ontario side has three wax museums, as well as a Guinness World of Records Museum, an IMAX theater and the Daredevil Adventure, which is dedicated to the brave and foolish souls who have gone over the falls. Children will love a visit to Marineland, home of killer whales, sea lions, rides and a game park.
Some of the less touristy attractions are found along the Niagara Parkway, which runs north along the scenic Niagara Gorge on the Canadian side.
The grounds of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture contain impressive botanical gardens and the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory. The conservatory has 2,000 free-flying tropical species in an indoor rain forest, and an outdoor butterfly garden attracts 120 domestic species during the summer.
Nearby is the Sir Adam Beck Generating Station, home of what is billed as one of the world's largest floral clocks.
For those with a sweet tooth, we recommend stopping by the Laura Secord Homestead in Queenston, about a 15-minute drive from the falls. The homestead offers tours and loads of refreshments, including a variety of chocolates.
Casinos
Between the Casino Niagara and the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort on the Canadian side and the Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel on the New York side, there are plenty of opportunities for gambling in Niagara Falls.
Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries
Niagara is the most celebrated wine region in Canada. The region's climate is perfect for producing a wide variety of wines, including Ice Wine, a sweet dessert wine made from grapes left on the vine and picked in winter. You can tour some of the local wineries and enjoy tastings along the route.
