Going Places - Falling in love with Niagara’s attractions

By Liz Fleming

Planning a visit to Niagara Falls? Be sure to put some – or all – of these attractions on your must-see list:

The Maid of the Mist

Sail into the churning, swirling, magical mouth of the Horseshoe Falls on the Maid of the Mist. A Niagara Falls tradition since 1846, the Maid of the Mist is a boat tour that never fails to thrill passengers – and give them a spray-soaked taste of the power of the Falls. The Maid makes her voyages from late May until mid-October and is considered the quintessential tour in Niagara Falls.

Niagara’s Fury

Who says learning can’t be exciting? This multi-media introduction to the birth of Niagara Falls treats visitors to everything from rocking floors to indoor snow to the world’s only 360 degree screen as it tells its fascinating story of climate change gone wild. Experience the adorable animatronic introductory presentation, then brace yourself for Niagara’s Fury.

Journey Behind the Falls

Take time to discover the most unusual of all views of the Falls – from beneath millions of gallons of churning water. Follow spooky subterranean tunnels carved through solid rock to emerge at the very foot of the Falls, with walls of water tumbling all around you.

White Water Walk

Feel the breathtaking rush of some of the world’s most powerful whitewater as you stroll along the White Water Walk, a boardwalk through the Great Gorge. Don’t miss the stunning photo gallery of stunters and daredevils of the past who were brave or foolhardy enough to challenge the rapids – just don’t get any ideas.

Whirpool Aero Car

Experience the raging whitewater conundrum of the Niagara Whirlpool from high above, in a charming, antique cable car. When that swirling mass of powerful water suddenly changes direction, see if you can guess why. It’s a wonder of nature that has puzzled Niagara visitors for centuries, but if you visit our website at www.niagaraparks.com  we’ll let you in on the secret.

Fireworks Over The Falls

Special celebrations call for spectacular shows – and if they’re free, that’s even better. Be sure to be with us for Victoria Day, Memorial Day, Canada Day and Civic Holiday. Better yet – don’t tie yourself to a holiday schedule. There are spectacular, free fireworks displays over the gorgeous Horseshoe Falls every Friday and Sunday evening, weather permitting. For complete schedules, please visit www.niagaraparks.com.

Peoplemover Buses

Park your car and let the Peoplemover Buses take you to see all the sights of Niagara Falls. Available from spring through fall, these air-conditioned buses stop every 20 minutes at all major attractions – hop on and off as many times as you please for one low daily price.

The Illumination of the Falls

The only thing more beautiful than Niagara Falls by day is that same wonder of nature shimmering out of the darkness illuminated by stunning coloured lights. Be sure to end your Niagara evening gazing into those sparkling waters – it’s mezmerizing. For a complete schedule of the nightly illumination of the Falls, please visit www.niagaraparks.com

The Falls Themselves... Of Course

Although there are 500 waterfalls in the world that are taller than Niagara’s Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls, they can never compete with us for water volume. During peak hours each day, more than six million cubic feet of water tumble over the crest of the Horseshoe Falls every minute. The erosion that creates has caused our falls to move back seven miles in 12,500 years. Sound like a slow process? Actually that rate makes Niagara’s Falls the fastest moving in the world.