Niagara is one of the most popular day trips and weekend getaways from Burlington, and for good reason. Beyond the famous falls, the Niagara region packs in a historic cable car, glass-enclosed butterfly gardens, hidden gorge trails, a War of 1812 fort, and Canada's best-known wine country. If you are looking for things to do in Niagara, Ontario, here are the 12 best, from Niagara Falls attractions to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Best Things to Do at Niagara Falls
Niagara Parks looks after much of the land along the Niagara River, and many of the region's best-loved attractions sit along the Niagara Parkway.
1. See Niagara Falls From Queen Victoria Park
The Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls are the main event, and historic Queen Victoria Park along the Niagara Parkway is one of the best places to take them in. Stroll the landscaped grounds and walking paths for some of the closest views of the falls.
2. Go Behind the Falls
Journey Behind the Falls at Table Rock Centre takes you down 125 feet through bedrock and into 130-year-old tunnels that lead behind the Horseshoe Falls. It is open year-round, and the lower observation deck puts you right beside the thundering water.
3. Ride a Boat Into the Mist
Niagara City Cruises is the official supplier to Niagara Parks and runs Canada's only Niagara Falls boat tour. The ride sails past the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, then into the mist of the Horseshoe Falls.
4. Walk the White Water Walk
On River Road, the White Water Walk lets you safely witness the raw power of the Niagara River's Class 6 rapids, some of the wildest found in North America, from a boardwalk right at the water's edge.
5. Soar Over the Whirlpool on the Whirlpool Aero Car
For more than 100 years, the historic Whirlpool Aero Car has carried riders high over the Niagara River in an antique cable car. The ride offers spectacular views of the swirling Niagara Whirlpool and the teal-coloured river below.
6. Visit the Butterfly Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, established in 1936, span 99 acres of beautifully maintained gardens. Within them is the Butterfly Conservatory, one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America, where more than 2,000 free-flying butterflies flutter among ponds, waterfalls, and pathways.
7. Hike the Niagara Glen
The trails through the Niagara Glen overlook the rapids of the Niagara River and the Niagara Whirlpool, and Niagara Parks naturalists lead hikes through the glen. It is one of the best places in the region to trade the crowds for forest and gorge views.
8. Tour the Niagara Parks Power Station
Built in 1905, this former hydropower plant is now a heritage attraction. Descend in a glass-walled lift to explore the plant's depths, then head to the viewing platform for striking views of the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the lower Niagara River.
9. Zipline to the Falls
For an adrenaline rush, Zipline to the Falls sends you gliding 670 metres from the edge of the Niagara Gorge into the mist of the Horseshoe Falls, on a line that faces both the American and Canadian falls.
10. Relax at Oakes Garden Theatre
The shaded lily ponds and formal gardens of Oakes Garden Theatre make a tranquil escape in the heart of Niagara Falls, with views over the falls and free live entertainment and special events throughout the year. Read more in our post on Oakes Garden Theatre, a Niagara Falls gem.
Best Things to Do in Niagara-on-the-Lake
11. Explore Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort George
About a 25-minute drive north of Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a well-preserved 19th-century town on the shores of Lake Ontario. Start at Fort George National Historic Site, a Parks Canada attraction that offers insight into more than 250 years of Canadian history, including the War of 1812. Then walk downtown to Queen's Royal Park, where the iconic gazebo looks out over the Niagara River, Fort Niagara, and New York State, and visit the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, home to one of Ontario's most important collections of Upper Canadian history.
12. Tour Niagara Wine Country
Niagara-on-the-Lake is best known as Canada's Niagara wine region, and a visit isn't complete without touring a local winery. Book a bike tour with stops at local wineries for snacks and tastings, or rent a bike and pedal your own route. In January, the Niagara Icewine Festival transforms the town into a winter wonderland for two weeks, with plenty of chances to sample the region's best Icewine and cuisine. Find more in our guide to taste the season in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Niagara Travel Tips
How Do You Get Around Niagara Without a Car?
From May to October, the WEGO shuttle offers service between Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls, so you can leave the car behind and hop between the two.
How Can You Save on Niagara Parks Attractions?
Niagara Parks offers the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass, which bundles several of its attractions together, so check niagaraparks.com for current options before you buy individual tickets.
Where Can You Stay in Niagara?
For a more unique stay, see our guide to boutique hotels across the Niagara region.
Niagara FAQ
What Are the Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls?
Journey Behind the Falls, the boat tour, the White Water Walk, the Whirlpool Aero Car, the Butterfly Conservatory, and the Niagara Glen are all highlights.
Is Journey Behind the Falls Open Year-Round?
Yes. Journey Behind the Falls at Table Rock Centre is open year-round, which makes it a good pick in any season.
How Far Is Niagara-on-the-Lake From Niagara Falls?
Niagara-on-the-Lake is roughly a 25-minute drive north of Niagara Falls.
What Is Niagara-on-the-Lake Known For?
It is known for wine, historic Fort George, Queen's Royal Park, and the Niagara Icewine Festival each January.
Is Niagara a Good Day Trip From Burlington?
Yes. Niagara is a popular outing from Burlington, and our guide to the best day trips from Burlington has more ideas for planning one.
Explore More of Niagara
This is only the beginning of what Niagara has to offer. For romantic dinners, patios, and events, browse more Niagara stories on Burlington 365, and follow along for things to do across Burlington and its neighbours.
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Please note that the information in this blog is for general guidance only and may not always be up to date or accurate. We recommend double-checking details directly with local cities, businesses, or official sources before making any plans or acting on the information. We are not a news outlet, and while we do our best to make sure information is accurate, sometimes we make mistakes. It is always best to verify with official sources. The inclusion of any business, individual, event, or service on the Burlington 365 platform does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of its quality, performance, or reliability. Users are solely responsible for conducting their own research and due diligence before engaging with any third-party businesses or services listed on the platform.