5 Epic Things To Do in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is Canada’s most famous natural attraction, bringing in millions of visitors from all over the world who want to see the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Niagara Gorge in all their glory. Niagara Falls can be enjoyed year-round but it’s particularly beautiful in the fall season when the colours on the trees make the landscape pop. There’s quite a lot you can do here aside from seeing the Falls in person, and for those who love the thrill of a rush, below are 5 epic things you can do in Niagara Falls.

1. Journey Behind Niagara Falls

A popular way to experience the Falls is to take a boat tour with Hornblower Niagara Cruises, but they don’t operate year around, so instead, another experience that is equally as exhilarating and that’s Journey Behind the Falls. Descending 125 feet down into the bedrock, you can explore the 130 year-old tunnels that run behind Niagara Falls. There are 2 viewing portals cut into the rock giving you the chance to see and feel the roar of the water crashing down right in front of you. From the observation deck at the base of the Horseshoe Falls, watch as over 2,800 cubic meters of water pours down every second, travelling at 65 kilometers per hour right in front of you. The experience is self-guided and takes about 45-minutes to complete, and don’t forget to wear water-protective clothing because you will get wet.

2. Zipline Niagara Falls

Next up is an activity for the adventure lovers and one of the coolest ways to see Niagara Falls – ziplining. Run by Wildplay Niagara Falls, you’ll fly down a 2,200 foot zipline from a height of 220 feet, reaching speeds of about 70 km/h. You’ll get panoramic views of the American Falls, and the Niagara Gorge, before concluding at the base of the Horseshoe Falls. Many people ask me if you can take pictures or videos while you’re ziplining. The short answer is no, but if you can show that your camera can be tethered or attached to you in some way (think wrist strap mount for a GoPro) then you’ll likely get the a-ok.

3. White Water Walk The Niagara River

After the water passes over the Horseshoe Falls and American Falls, it flows down the Niagara River through the Niagara Gorge. To get a front row seat, take a stroll along the White Water Walk. Running along the shoreline, this 300-metre boardwalk is situated where trillions of gallons of water are forced through at an accelerated pace, resulting in Class 6 white-water rapids. You can make your way along the boardwalk at your own pace, learn about the history of the Niagara Gorge and how it was formed hundreds of millions of years ago, and take a break at one of the viewing platforms. Give yourself about 45-minutes for this self-guided experience and don’t forget your camera for some awesome photo opportunities.

4. Whirlpool Aero Car

At the end of the rapids, the Niagara Gorge widens before making a sharp 90 degree turn. This causes the waters to spin and swirl in a clockwise direction. This natural whirlpool is best viewed from above and the only way to do that is from the Whirlpool Aero Car. Suspended about 200 to 240 feet above the river below, the Whirlpool Aero Car has been operating over the Niagara River since 1916. Riders will be transported across the river in the antique cable car and will be treated to 360 degree views of the Niagara Gorge and the swirling whirlpool below. Interestingly, although the Whirlpool Aero Car travels between two points on Canadian soil, you’ll actually pass over the Canadian-American border 4 times during the trip. But don’t worry, you won’t need your passport.

5. Niagara Falls From the Air With Niagara Helicopters

The fifth and final activity I’m going to recommend is the most epic of them all and well worth the splurge – a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls. Soaring high above the landscape below, Niagara Helicopters offers an experience like no other. For 12 minutes, you’ll get a birds’ eye view and see just how incredible Niagara Falls truly is.