A First Time Traveller’s Guide to Canada’s Side of Niagara Falls

Are you planning a well needed vacation but you can't decide on a travel destination? You've gone to the beach. You've hiked the mountains. Heck, you've already hit some of the top amusement parks. Why not visit our northern cousins up there in Canada. The Niagara Falls is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World for a reason. Niagara Falls is one of the most famous travel destinations in Canada. Know what to expect and plan out your day with this beginner's guide to Niagara Falls.

Why Canada?

We've all heard about the Niagara Falls and how beautiful it is. Have you ever actually looked up what there is to do in the Niagara Falls area in Canada? Depending on what your interests are, there's a little bit of something for everyone in the family. Not only is the Niagara Falls a beautiful site, what with a wonderful lookout platforms. You'll also enjoy the gift shops amd restaurants.

Another attraction is the Skylon Tower. This tower stands 235 meters above the ground. At the top holds a rotating restaurant (The Revolving Dining Room) and a buffet (Summit Suite Buffet). The Revolving Dining Room is more of an upscale dining experience where the Summit Suite is more of a middle call family restaurant. These restaurants offer inside and outside observation decks for those who want a closer view of the falls themselves.

Don't mind a little boating and water trip? Oh then look no further. You and the family can jump aboard Hornblower Niagara Cruise. This cruise trip will take you to the base of all of the falls. Life vest and rain jackets (yes, the splash zone is huge so there's a great chance you'll get wet) are provided for all 700 passengers this boat can hold. Luckily this boat runs all day so you can catch a trip either in the morning or at night to experience the lights of the falls. If your a little bit more of a thrill seeker than consider the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. These tours take you through stage 5 white water rapids. Unfortunately, expect to get wet on this thrilling boat ride. This trip isn't just fun and games however, these tours talk about historical events and geology of the area.

With the Niagara Falls being so large, a giant circulating whirlpool forms. Lucky for you, you can take an AeroCart across this whirlpool to experience it yourself. This attraction wont take up your whole day, its only a 10 minute trip.

Niagara Falls is known for having a festival feel to it. With the worlds largest observation wheel. The Niagara Skywheel stands 175 meters off the ground with climate controlled cable cars so you can enjoy this wheel any time of the year. If being that high up isn't something that interest you, you can also take a stroll down Clifton Hill. Clifton Hill is also knows at the Street of Fun. Well on the Street of Fun you can try out one of the many restaurants, attractions and even the speedway. You'll find fun food such as cotton candy, ice cream shops, fudge and many more things the kids will love.

If you and the family are looking for of a scenic day, then head to the Niagara Parkway. This roadway will take you along the falls to see even more it has to offer. This path will also bring you to more attractions such as the Butterfly Conservation, The Floral Clock and The Whirlpool Rapids. This parkway is accessible for vehicles, bikers and walkers. It runs from the Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie with parks and green areas to take pictures or have a picnic halfway through your walk.

Are you an animal lover? Niagara Falls also offers that as well. As mentioned, there's the one-of-a-kind Butterfly Conservation, but there's also a Bird Kingdom. The Bird Kingdom is the largest free-flying indoor aviary in the entire world. Take a stroll along the paths feeding the birds as you take pictures of all of the colorful tropical birds that are flying around you. In the Butterfly conservation is home to over 2,000 free flying butterflies with over 40 different species of butterflies. This conservation also has a waterfall and unique tropical plants.

Whatever you do, make sure you spend time at Niagara-on-the-Lake. This area is roughly a 20 minute drive from the Niagara Falls itself. This quant little town that has a 19th century feel after being decimated during the war of 1812 and completely rebuilt. Since then, it's become mandatory that any new building follow the same architectural feel.

You can find Niagara Falls maps at any of the above tourist attractions to help you plan your trip. You definitely don't want to miss one of the Seven Wonders of the World.