Niagara Falls is located in southeastern Ontario on the Niagara River. The city offers different perspectives on water and landscape: from a boardwalk beside rapids to gardens, cultural attractions and trails for hiking, jogging or cycling. When planning, it’s worth organizing these experiences around what interests you most.

Waterfalls, the River and Niagara Gorge

The Canadian Horseshoe Falls are 57 metres high, or 180 feet. The Niagara River flows at about 56 kilometres per hour, or about 35 miles per hour. Height and flow speed describe different aspects of the landscape and provide a tangible measure of the city’s natural experiences.

At Journey Behind the Falls, visitors stand on a lower observation platform just a few feet from Niagara Falls. History is also part of the experience: it dates back to 1832, when the first staircase into Niagara Gorge was built. If you’d like to combine waterfall views with a historical connection, you’ll find both here.

The White Water Walk offers a different focus. This self-guided visit follows a boardwalk about a quarter of a mile long beside Class 6 rapids. First, an elevator takes you 70 metres down to the foot of Niagara Gorge; the path then runs along the banks of the Niagara River. Interpretive information covers the geology of the Gorge as well as the plants and wildlife visitors can see in the Niagara Parks visitor area. This experience puts the riverbank, rapids and nature knowledge in the foreground.

Trails and gardens

Niagara Falls has many shared-use trails for hiking, jogging or cycling. Most are paved and easy to use. Some also have parking, fitness areas or bicycle repair stations, so these facilities should not be expected on every trail. Trails the city recommends exploring include the Millennium Trail, the George Bukator Park Trail and the NS&T Trail. Trail conditions can change, so it’s a good idea to check for updates before your visit.

The Millennium Trail can also be paired with a cultural experience: Trail Mix accompanies walks there with audio contributions from local artists. The digital availability of the content may change. If you’d like to include artistic perspectives while you’re out and about, this format offers a different approach from the geological information at the White Water Walk.

For a quieter garden perspective, Oakes Garden Theatre in the heart of Niagara Falls features shaded lily ponds and formally landscaped gardens. The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory offers a different kind of plant setting: more than 2,000 colourful butterflies live in its tropical garden landscape. The two places therefore differ clearly in their stated focus—formally landscaped gardens at one, butterflies in a tropical setting at the other.

Discover culture and technology

At the Niagara Falls History Museum, visitors can try on a replica of a War of 1812 uniform and build a bridge spanning Niagara Gorge. This combines a historical connection with two practical, interactive museum experiences. The museum program may change, so check what’s currently offered before your visit.

The Niagara Parks Power Station presents the history and architectural features of a 115-year-old hydroelectric power station. The experience also includes The Tunnel, which offers panoramic views from 180 feet below ground. This makes it possible to connect a visit with technology and architectural history—a different focus from the museum activities or nature experiences along the river.

Experiences in the surrounding area

Three more activities in the surrounding area add to the options. The historic Whirlpool Aero Car offers passengers views of the Niagara Whirlpool and the Class 6 rapids in the Niagara River; seasonal operations may vary. The Zipline to the Falls runs 670 metres from the edge of Niagara Gorge toward the mist of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and reaches speeds of over 70 kilometres per hour. Also at Niagara Gorge, a few minutes north of the falls, is the Whirlpool Adventure Course, a high-ropes adventure course. These activities offer different perspectives and experiences. Operating and access conditions can change; check the latest information for each in advance.

Getting here by train

VIA RAIL offers daily passenger service between Niagara Falls and Toronto. If you’re considering taking the train, check the schedule before your trip. This keeps your plans aligned with the services available without assuming a specific connection or travel time.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Thorold, Pelham, Welland, Wainfleet, Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Jordan Station.

Return to the main travel overview: Niagara Regional Municipality.