Table of contents
1. Maid of the Mist
The Maid of the Mist is a historic journey on a modified Double Decker boat that takes you so close to the Falls; so close to the Falls that one can literally touch the raging waters.
Key Points
Even since the Falls became a tourist attraction, the Maid of the Mist has become a traditional boat ride. One should not leave Niagara falls without taking this incredible boat ride. Even though it appears scary, the ride reveals the might of the massive water falls, the roar of the water tumbling over the edge and the deafening sound.
The boat gets so close to the bottom of the Falls that one can feel the thunder of the noise all around. The force of the water falls and the tumultuous amount of water raging around is an incredible feeling. Despite the rushing water and large waves, the boat is very stable and most individuals have no complaints of motion sickness.
As the boat nears the base of the Falls, there is an incredible feeling of awe and just sheer might of the water. The splashing of the water produces a misty breeze which completely soaks everything in sight and can even obscure the view at times.
The modified boats have been making these daily trips for decades and have powerful engines that can ride against the powerful Niagara river current. Before the boat ride, everyone is given souvenir yellow rain ponchos. These are a must because one is sure to get soaked otherwise.
The Boat ride is available from both the Canadian and American side of the Falls. From the Canadian side, the directions to the boat ride are found along side Clifton Hill. After the boat trip, there is a gift shop and fast food outlet for some hot coffee.
The Maid of the Mist runs from Easter to end of Summer. The rides start at 7.30 am and continue until late evening.
Tickets to the Maid of the Mist are available at the docking site at the foot of Clifton Hill. The ticket price for adult is $14 and $9 for children. The pathway leading to the Dock and the Boat allow for wheel chair and strollers.
Because of the difficulty with parking, it is best to leave the car at the designated car park area and take the People Mover (rapid transit) which operates every 5-10 minutes and transports individuals along the entire length of the Falls.
2. Fallsview Casino Resort
A vacation to Niagara Falls, Canada can become an adventure in luxury and indulgence when checking into the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort. This is the next level in luxury accommodations and some of the hottest slots in the area!
The Niagara Fallsview Casino is the ultimate in Niagara Falls casino activity. The immense 180,000 square foot gaming floor features 3000 slot machines and 150 table games. The Niagara Fallsview Casino treats guests and players to an experience that is unparalleled in other Niagara Falls hotels.
From the intricate, hand painted ceilings to the uniquely exquisite d’cor, Niagara Fallsview Casino and hotel will dazzle you with charm and fantasy that takes you back in time to the splendor and indulgence of old Europe. At the Niagara Fallsview Casino, you will tread upon marble floors beneath a hand painted ceiling and gilded chandeliers.
This world-class casino resort will spoil you, as you indulge in all the luxuries that it has to offer. Like no other gaming resort hotel, this is the perfect setting for your romantic getaways or your gaming adventures. The Fallsview Casino offers sheer decadence and luxury in a resort setting.
The signature water attraction at the Fallsview Resort, is the Hydro-Teslatron, an impressive seven minute water show which converts the rushing water of Niagara into viable electricity. This is only one of the areas that the resort outshines other Niagara Falls hotels. Amid lasers, LED displays and loudspeakers, this astounding demonstration reminds of the humbling, sheer power of water and electricity.
Of the Niagara Falls hotels, this resort raises the bar in luxury accommodation. The d’cor of the rooms is homey but steeped in luxury and elegance. Each of the 374 lavishly furnished rooms offers a spectacular view of Niagara falls and the cityscape. You will wrap yourself in elegance as you indulge yourself in the lush atmosphere of luxury accommodations that offer room service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The experience of the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort is one that none of the other Niagara Falls hotels can offer.
The Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort is a luxurious escape with pools, health clubs, and so much more, this Niagara casino resort offers everything to spoil and pamper.
3. Butterfly Conservatory
With over 2,000 free flying tropical butterflies in a lush rain forest setting complete with waterfalls and pools, this is a photographer’s dream come true.
Observe the numerous species as they flutter, soar and feed on nectar and pollen. In summer, step outside the conservatory to experience a native butterfly garden that attracts many of the 120 species of butterflies native to Ontario. Open year-round.
Located 9 km (5 miles) north of the Falls on the Niagara Parkway on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens & School of Horticulture
4. Skylon Tower
The Skylon Tower is the tallest structure in Niagara Falls, Canada. It is also the most famous landmark in Niagara as it overlooks both the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. The tower is located in the heart of the hotel, dining, and entertainment district just steps away from the Falls and across the Fallsview Casino. They offer a Ride-to-the-Top attraction aboard any of the three exterior glass-enclosed “Yellow Bug Elevators” in just 52 seconds where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Niagara Falls, the Great Gorge, the Niagara wine district and the city skylines of Buffalo, New York and Toronto, Canada. It is also considered as the highest vantage point in Niagara where you can see 8000 square miles of Canada and the United States.
At the top of the Skylon Tower are two restaurants, the first is the lower Revolving Dining Room and the other is the upper Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room. The Revolving Dining Room can seat up to 276 people and silently revolves once every hour. There are also indoor and outdoor observation decks at the tower’s summit and the base of the tower features some gift shops, fast food restaurants and an amusement arcade.
Showing only in the Skylon Tower’s new 60 sit motion theater, t he Skylon Tower also features the all new 3D / 4D Falls Movie – “Legends of Niagara Falls” where you can experience the power of the Falls up close in amazing 3D/ 4D effects . It is also home to the Skylon Family Fun Center which is the largest indoor entertainment center in Niagara Falls. It features high-tech interactive games and rides for all ages. Most attractions that are found in the Skylon Tower are open daily all year round.