Your Perfect Cheat Sheet To The Magnificent Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Canada is barrels of fun!

Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls in Lights (Unsplash Jameswheeler)

Niagra, Ontario is not only home to the second-largest waterfalls in the world, but a Canadian cultural experience for any traveler. While the waterfalls are the expected main attraction in Niagara, Ontario, there is more to the city than the falls.

HOW TO GET THERE

There are a number of ways to get to Niagara, Ontario, and each is just as scenic. If you’re coming from New York State, I recommend traveling on foot via the Rainbow Bridge. Walking from the New York side, you are greeted with the roaring sounds of millions of gallons of water rushing past you a few feet away and crushing down on the rocks below, followed by a cool feel of mist emanating from the crashing water. The bridge spans a mere 0.6 miles, but the walk across it is comparable to traveling over to another world. Niagra, NY versus Niagara, Ontario, is like night and day. Canada’s one booth border patrol feels less intimidating than America’s multi booth armed soldier checkpoint when returning to the states.

If walking is not your style, the Rainbow Bridge also accommodates cars but be prepared to deal with traffic.

For those traveling from further destinations, the Niagara Falls International Airport is located 20 minutes from the falls. If you are considering staying in Canada for longer periods, you might want to see the Humber condos here.

niagara falls
Unsplash Qijin-Xu

STAY

For those that seek a less urban experience while in Niagara, The Harbour House Hotel is a rustic, homey place to stay. Located in the town of Niagara-on-the-lake, it is a quiet experience compared to the constant sound of the rushing waters and the bustling city of Downtown Niagra. The Harbour House Hotel sits on the shores of a river leading from Lake Ontario. Harbour House is dog-friendly and offers access to many of Niagara-on-the-lake’s activities such as golfing and tours.

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SEE

Niagara Falls Ontario offers a plethora of fun activities. After crossing the Rainbow Bridge, you are met with a number of attractions, theme parks, casinos, and of course the ever-present Niagara Falls. After a stroll through Clifton Hill District, it is will be impossible to be bored there, from the infamous, Nightmares Fear Factory, to Wizard’s Golf Indoor Mini-Golf, to Niagara Go-Karts, and much more. If you are like me and enjoy outdoor activities as much as city discovery, Niagara Falls offers tours for those wanting to see the nature aspect of Niagara Falls rather than the city itself.

Niagara Falls Ontario offers experiences for everyone with a bustling nightlife, nature exploration, spas, and casinos galore.

Clifton Hill District
Clifton Hill District (Unsplash Bianca Ackermann)

EAT

The city of Niagara Falls is rife with locations to experience true “Canadian/french-cuisine.” The Works Burger Bistro is home to some of the best Poutine in Ontario. Poutine, a dish made up of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, is a Canadian comfort food staple for tourists and natives alike.

Those looking for a more luxurious place to eat after traveling around downtown Niagara, AG Inspired Cuisine, is a top-rated restaurant located 3 minutes from the Rainbow Bridge. All of the vegetables are locally grown on their own farm. For wine connoisseurs, they offer the “AG Winemaker’s Series” which includes a cocktail hour, four-course meal, and wine pairings.