Top 10 Things to Do in Niagara Parks
Canada’s Niagara Parks includes some of the most beautiful sights in the country – indeed, in the whole world! Be sure to put our top ten suggestions on your Niagara sightseeing list!
1. Picture Perfect!
As voted by Canadians and travel writers from around the globe, Niagara Falls is the top natural wonder of Canada and one of the most photographed icons in the world! Remember to bring your camera and to let the kids get their perspective too. On a sunny afternoon you’ll be sure to catch a rainbow! If you need a camera, a variety of disposables and accessories are available at Table Rock Centre, the historic landmark next to the Horseshoe Falls.
2. Top Attractions for One Low Price
Every season Niagara Parks offers the best value for admission to our top attractions. Visit one of our Welcome Centres and ask for our Adventure Pass or the Niagara Magic Pass, to get the best value for visiting Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury and other popular Falls attractions. The Passes include value-added coupons to help you make the most of your Niagara Parks experience.
3. Brilliant Butterflies
Ever wondered what it might be like to occupy a different spot in the natural world? Wear a brightly coloured top – orange, red, hot pink or turquoise are all good choices – and stroll into the Butterfly Conservatory. In moments, you may have beautiful butterflies fluttering in for a landing, thinking you’re some brilliant exotic bloom! Open year-round, over 2,000 of these fragile creatures make this lovely rainforest setting their home.
4. The Floral Showhouse, a Scent-sational Experience
Every season of the year offers something spectacular at the Floral Showhouse. Take your mind off the hustle and bustle of life by wandering through the stunning floral displays in this tropical paradise. Enjoy the explosion of colours, the refreshing scents of flora and the sweet sounds of the resident songbirds! In summer wander the grounds through the Rose Garden and the Artist’s Garden – you won’t believe you’re in the centre of the city!
5. Experience a Winter Wonderland
Queen Victoria Park is at its most beautiful in winter, when the grand lady of Niagara Parks is decked out in a robe of snow and glassy ice created by the mist of the Falls. Add to that a crown of millions of tiny coloured lights that celebrate the Winter Festival of Lights from mid-November to mid-January. The Festival features animated displays, from Disney characters to whimsical themes that combine to create a moving, twinkling tribute to this special holiday season! Check our Events calendar to find out more about fireworks and free concerts too!
6. Rekindle Romance on a Horse & Carriage Ride
We all need a touch of romance in our lives – and what better way than on a cozy horse and carriage ride through the exquisite Niagara Parks. Carriage rides can be enjoyed year-round in Queen Victoria Park or in summer at the Botanical Gardens. Whether you choose to take your outing one warm spring afternoon when the trees are in blossom, or on a crisp winter’s day when the snowflakes are gently falling, be sure to snuggle up to someone special and enjoy the ride!
7. A Beautiful Time at The Floral Clock
Curious about what makes things tick? You can find out at the world famous Floral Clock. Just open the Clock Tower door and step inside where you’ll find all the gears and sprockets that keep that flowery mechanism working. Be sure to take a few minutes to admire the unique collection of photographs recording every face design used since the Floral Clock was first built in 1950.
8. Nature’s Glory
Niagara Parks offers a host of natural wonders beyond the Falls! Make a whole flock of new friends, bird watching at Dufferin Islands Nature Area or along the shores of the Niagara River. Explore the many trails within the lush Niagara Glen or enjoy a bike ride or hike along the scenic 56km/35mi Niagara River Recreation Trail. Bring a picnic along and enjoy the many quiet rest areas along the entire route.
9. History Comes Alive at Niagara Parks Heritage Sites
Step back through time and discover gracious living 1840s style at McFarland House… the pioneer life of the heroine Laura Secord… or don a Glengarry Coat and claim your wooden bunk at Old Fort Erie to experience the remote life of a military man and his family. Annual re-enactments occur at the Old Fort each summer, reliving the accomplishments of the brave soldiers who fought to protect our borders during the War of 1812.
10. Light Up The Night
The only thing more beautiful than Niagara Falls by day is that same natural wonder at night, shimmering out of the darkness illuminated by a rainbow of coloured lights. Be sure to end your Niagara evening gazing at those sparkling waters – it’s mesmerizing. On many summer nights you can also catch the spectacular Falls Fireworks over the Falls. Check out our Events Calendar for a complete schedule of the nightly illumination or Falls Fireworks.