Dufferin Islands Park

Niagra Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON 905-371-0254

Description: Not far upriver from the Falls, this cluster of islands quiets hurried lives with ten acres of wildlife habitat and recreational opportunity. The four islands, linked by bridges, offer a swimming area, trails and picnicking locales. Incredible views add to the appeal, and bird-watching regularly attracts a good contingent of folks. In addition, catch-and-release fishing draws outdoor enthusiasts who can't get enough of the Niagara River's irresistible charms. NB This area is home to the "Winter Festival of Lights" from November to January each year.
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Floral Clock

14004 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2 905-371-0254

Description: QUEENSTON. In the tradition of such cities as Geneva and Edinburgh, this floral clock combines both art and utility in a tourist-friendly package. The attraction, first created in 1950, utilizes approximately 16,000 plants to achieve its distinctive appearance. The entire face is changed out twice each year to accommodate temperature variations and plant tolerance. The clock, which is 40 feet in diameter, also features an oval pool at its base and is a favorite spot for tourist photos.
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Fort Erie

350 Lakeshore Rd, Fort Erie, ON L2E 6T2 905-871-0540

Description: FORT ERIE. This reconstructed fort, which played a role in the War of 1812, is about 20 minutes from Niagara Falls. Its living history lesson features re-created interior spaces, mock battles, authentically dressed guides and weaponry exhibits. While visitors wander about, they can get a feel for the sacrifices inherent in nation-building and see how life was conducted in a military outpost. Also on the grounds are a gift shop, picnic areas and concessions.
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Journey Behind the Falls

6650 Niagara River Pkwy, Table Rock House Plaza, Niagara Falls, ON 905-354-1551

Description: FALLSVIEW. If you think Niagara Falls is impressive from the front, try viewing it from the back! This tour takes visitors in an elevator to the base of the waterfall and lets them see, from behind, the sheer magnitude of the water as it's forced over the cliffs above. An observation platform provides views from the side, while tunnels and portals cut into the rock lets folks experience the rush of water from within the falls. Tours are self-guided, rain gear is included and a gift shop is available after you've made your way through.
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Maid of the Mist Steamboat Co. Ltd.

5920 River Rd, Maid of the Mist Plaza, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6V6 905-358-5781

Description: CLIFTON HILL. Certainly the most long-lived draw for tourists, these boat tours provide a surprising immediacy to the Falls experience. Sturdy vessels navigate waters at the base of the Falls, taking folks practically into the deluge pouring from the cliffs above. The rush of water rings in your ears, and you're washed by mist and spray as you approach the Falls, but nothing else brings you closer to Niagara's majesty. The trip lasts about a half-hour; rain gear is provided. A must, as it has been for more than 150 years.
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Martin's Fantasy Island

2400 Grand Island Blvd, Grand Island, NY 14072 716-773-7591

Description: GRAND ISLAND. Only ten minutes from Niagara Falls, this privately-owned theme park is just the ticket for wholesome, family fun. On its 80 acres, you'll find dozens of rides, a wooden roller coaster, live entertainment, puppet shows, a petting zoo and even a waterpark. Folks of all ages are accommodated and you can keep the thrills as tame or as exciting as you want. The water park is open from June through the beginning of September. One price provides access to all the park has to offer and picnic areas are available.
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Navy Island

Niagra Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON 905-356-1338

Description: If you require a strong dose of nature, Navy Island can deliver it in spades. First populated by Native Americans and used variously over the centuries as a military site and base for shipbuilding, agriculture and tourism, the island now serves as a nature preserve. Lush vegetation and bird and animal populations greet visitors, who come to camp, fish and bird-watch. Access to the island is only via boat and no facilities are available.
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Niagara Falls

6650 Niagara River Pkwy, Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2

Description: FALLSVIEW. One of the world's great natural wonders, Niagara Falls is over a mile in length and sends more than a half-million gallons of water per second over the edge. Boats and helicopters provide a closer look at the curtain of water, but Journey Behind the Falls offers the most breathtaking views. Be sure to catch the nightly illumination of the falls as well and enjoy fireworks on Friday evenings during the summer. Although you can purchase tickets for each individual attraction, the best value is the Adventure Pass, which includes Maid of the Mist, White Water Walk, Journey Behind the Falls and the Butterfly Conservatory. Paid parking only, about $10.
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Niagara Glen-View Park

Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON 905-371-0254

Description: NIAGARA FALLS. The rugged beauty of the Niagara region is on full display at this preserved area. While the immediate entrance area is a quiet, pastoral retreat, trails that lead into the Gorge and to the river offer much more evidence of the place's past geological drama. Huge boulders, mature trees and a population of native plants and animals set the scene for nature enthusiasts to hike, fish and rock-climb. During the summer, guides lead visitors along the trails, providing informed commentary about the Glen's geology and botany.
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Niagara Gorge Discovery Center

Robert Moses State Pkwy, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 716-278-1070

Description: AMERICAN SIDE. Charting geology's effects on this part of the world, the Discovery Center educates visitors about Niagara Falls and the Gorge. Interactive exhibits and displays show how the river has carved out local terrain and how, 12,000 years ago, the Falls were created. Fossils and rock formations provide clues to the long-ago event and a short film helps clarify the process. Outdoors, an overlook offers a vista of the Gorge itself and a trailhead leads trekkers directly into it.
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Oakes Garden Theatre

River Rd and Clifton Hill, Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls, ON

Description: CLIFTON HILL. Built on the site of a destroyed hotel (and incorporating portions of the ruins), this garden was completed in 1937. Remaining faithful to the lay of the land, it takes the shape of an amphitheater, and the stage, engagingly, employs the Falls as a backdrop. Formal in nature, the garden features limestone hardscaping, iron gates, a curved pergola and geometric beds. Water features and rock gardens add character as well, a fact which is not lost on wedding planners and concert promoters.
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Old Fort Niagara

Robert Moses Pkwy N, Youngstown, NY 14174 716-745-7611

Description: YOUNGSTOWN. Intended to guard access to the Great Lakes, this historic fort was built by the French in the late 17th century. Thereafter, control shifted between the British and the Americans, until Old Fort Niagara was finally ceded to the US after the War of 1812. Restored in the 1920s and '30s, it continued to host active military units throughout the 20th century. These days, visitors can tour the historic buildings, learn from costumed guides and observe demonstrations of period activities. A gift shop is available and re-enactments are sponsored from time to time.
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Queen Victoria Park

Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2 905-371-0254

Description: FALLSVIEW. Favored for incredible views of the Falls and its seasonal sweeps of floral color, this park is beautiful any time of year. Its plants hail from across the globe, and amply stocked beds are interspersed with open lawns for visual relief. Magnolia trees, tea roses, a rock garden and carefully clipped shrubs and standards create focal points amid a sea of cultivated beauty. Even in winter, the spare landscape gets a high measure of interest, thanks to the frozen offspray from the Falls.
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Queenston Heights Park

14184 Niagara Pkwy, Queenston, ON L2G 7K3

Description: QUEENSTON. Currently a beautifully manicured park frequented by picnickers and folks in pursuit of recreational pastimes, Queenston Heights is also regarded as Canada's birthplace. During the War of 1812, a decisive battle between the British and Yanks resulted in a British victory, halting an American attempt to annex Canada into US boundaries. Along with its leisure-time facilities, the park features monuments to significant historical figures (Major-General Isaac Brock and Laura Secord), a restaurant and a trailhead. The Brock monument is temporarily closed for refurbishment.
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White Water Walk

4330 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON 905-374-1221

Description: NIAGARA FALLS. At this location along its route, the Niagara River is channeled through one of the area's narrowest formations. The power of the water here is astounding, and visitors can catch the strength of the current from an observation platform. Geological layering is also evident from millennia of erosion. For a closer vantage point, consider making your way along the boardwalk that runs alongside the river. Better yet, take advantage of all the views to be had by purchasing a Niagara Falls & Great Gorge Adventure Pass at a discount on the individual attractions.
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