Sightseeing in Niagara Falls

Posted on March 28th, 2008 in Canada, United States by kathrynv

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Niagara Falls is an amazing natural wonder that everyone should make a point to see at least once in their lifetimes. This set of stunning waterfalls cascades magnificently in an area that would be beautiful even without the falling water to make it sparkle. You’ll be surprised to see just how fast and hard that water can rush down the mountainside. You’ll probably be even more surprised to learn that the pressure of the water is controlled through a series of dams which means that the rush of the falls that you’re seeing isn’t even the full capacity of what this natural wonder can provide for the eye to see.

Niagara Falls straddles the border between America and Canada. It is strongly recommended that travelers who are heading to this area check out the waterfalls that are on both sides of that border. They each offer something a little bit different to see. Plus it is interesting to note the differences between the two countries. They’re subtle in this tourist-filled area but those differences are still present and that makes it possible to gain an education in culture and diversity while you’re enjoying the scenic beauty of the waterfalls.

In addition to the waterfalls themselves, there are many other things that you can see in this area. The place is filled with natural beauty so you can enjoy hiking, camping and other outdoor activities throughout the area on both sides of the border. It’s also a big tourist attraction so you will find that there is a lot to do in terms of entertainment and attractions. Niagara Falls is a place that you can enjoy at any age. You can take the kids for an amazing summer vacation. You can sneak away with a lover for a romantic rendezvous. Or you can go with a group of friends to enjoy the activities and nightlife in the area. The way that you experience Niagara Falls is really entirely up to you.

Although you can personalize your Niagara Falls vacation in this way, there are a few basic guidelines for what you’ll want to try to see while you are in the area. Here is some additional information on the sights and major attractions that you’ll want to put on your itinerary for your trip to this popular destination:

The waterfalls: There are three different areas of waterfalls that you can enjoy when you go to Niagara Falls. Here is a little bit more information about each of those area.


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Horseshoe Falls. This is also known simply as The Canadian Falls because, as you might have guessed, they are located on the Canadian side of the border. These are considered to be the most impressive of all of the waterfalls in the area and should be the one spot you make sure to see even if you don’t make it anywhere else.


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American Falls. There are two waterfalls on the American side of the border but these ones are just named the American Falls because they’re the most popular ones on that side of Niagara Falls.
Bridal Veil Falls. These are the other waterfalls on the American side of Niagara Falls. These waterfalls are a little bit smaller than the American Falls but are nonetheless impressive. This area is favored by people with limited mobility because it has an elevator (called the Cave of Winds) that will take you up to a viewing spot at the top of the falls.

Touring Niagara Falls: You can go to the waterfalls on your own and just see what there is to see. However, you can also join a sightseeing tour or check out an attraction that will give you a little more insight into the area. Here are some of the best ones:


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Journey Behind the Falls. This is an attraction located at the Canadian Falls and literally lets you look at the waterfalls from behind where they are falling. You do this by taking a series of tunnels, walkways and elevators to reach the viewing area.
Helicopter Tours. The waterfalls are amazing from below and they’re amazing from behind but you are never going to get another chance to see this stunning sight from above. A helicopter tour will give you a really unique experience of your time in this area.
Winter Tours. The majority of people who come to Niagara Falls are there during the warm summer months. However, you can see the falls during any time of year. The scenery in the surrounding area is different during the winter and you may want to join a professional winter tour to better understand the area.
Winery Tours. There is more to the Niagara Falls region than just the waterfalls. You might also want to check out some of the surrounding landscape. Vineyards are always a pretty sight to see. If you’re interested in wine tasting, you can take a tour of all of the wineries in the area.
Golf Tours. Perhaps the sightseeing that you want to do in the Niagara Falls area involves checking out some of the golf courses in the area. There are many golf courses in the area, so make sure to do your research first! There’s nothing like the views from a course in this area of the country (either country for that matter!)

Urban sightseeing: In addition to the natural wonders and the rural tours that you can enjoy in this area, there are some city adventures that you can have as well.

Niagara-on-the-Lake. This is a historic town on the Canadian side of the border and one of the favorite places for tourists to book their accommodations. You can learn a lot about the history of the town and the rest of Canadian history by booking a tour of this city. You can even learn a decent amount just by wandering through the historic sites here on your own.


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Konica Minolta Tower. This is a big tower in Niagara Falls, Canada where you can rise to the top and get what some say is the best view of the waterfalls.
Botanical Gardens and Greenhouses. There are beautiful aspects of Niagara Falls nature even in the urban parts of the area. They’re found in the botanical gardens and public greenhouses that you can visit during your stay here. The School of Horticulture in Niagara Falls has a one hundred acre garden that you can enjoy. Oakes Garden combines modern architecture with natural beauty in a park that’s designed to delight your senses. Let your love for nature really take flight at The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory.

Niagara Falls sounds like a destination where you’d just go, take some pictures and leave. It is anything but that. Spend several days checking out the different waterfalls and the other attractions in the area. There is a lot of sightseeing to do here whether you do it on your own or take a professional tour of the area. You may only get the chance to check this place out once in your lifetime so you should probably plan to make it worth the trip!


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