Stress free, good value and fascinating attractions - the Niagara Falls & Great Gorge Adventure Pass from Niagara Parks is easily the second biggest draw to Niagara Falls, next to the majestic phenomenon itself. Visitors come to the area to see the Horseshoe Falls and experience in a number of ways the world famous icon. The Niagara Falls & Great Gorge Adventure Pass makes several of the old and new favourites easy to do in a day or two, for one low price, and you’ll be driven around to boot.

 

For $39.95 per adult, and $27.95 per child, between April and October, you’ll experience the Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara's Fury and White Water Walk, along with two day's rides on the Peoplemover, an all day on-and-off shuttle service along the Niagara Parkway. Also, you’ll receive reduced price admission to the Butterfly Conservatory, Sir Adam Beck 2 Generating Station Power Tour, Whirlpool Aero Car, Old Fort Erie, McFarland House, Laura Secord Homestead and the Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum.  An added bonus of the Pass: visit a Niagara Parks Welcome Centre and staff will reserve your times to see several attractions, allowing you to bypass line-ups and feel like a real VIP.

 

 

Maid of the Mist boats have been taking the curious up to - and almost under - the thundering waters of Niagara Falls since 1846, making this the oldest tourist attraction in North America. A partner of Niagara Parks, it’s one of the few privately owned operators along the heart of the Niagara Parkway in Niagara Falls.

 

During the half-hour boat ride, grab a spot on the upper deck for the best view of the Horseshoe Falls on the way there, and the American Falls on the way back. A free plastic blue poncho will protect your camera (but not your feet). Keep it after the ride, because there are plenty of opportunities to get wet around the Falls. Considering you’re getting doused by water from 20 percent of the world’s fresh water supply, it’s a bit like getting anointed by ecological royalty – more of a privilege than an inconvenience.

 

 

This is one attraction where pre-booking your entrance time saves you lining up and, next to the Maid of the Mist, it’s one of the oldest human-made attractions along the Niagara River. Visitors start at Table Rock, take an elevator down several storeys then walk through tunnels bored behind the great Horseshoe Falls to eventually peer through porthole-like openings behind the powerful cascade of water. 

 

For some, it’s a claustrophobic experience, but by no means dangerous. Considering the pressure of the Falls creates 4400 megawatts of electricity, it is well worth getting soaked on the lower observation deck (one of two) that puts you literally feet from the nearly 13-storey high wall of thunderously plummeting water. Again, the plastic poncho provided protects your camera and bags (if left underneath) but little else. Ladies, don’t bother doing your hair that morning!

 

 

Some people like to ride river rapids, but along the Niagara Gorge you’ll have to settle for viewing from the shoreline and that’s just fine for most visitors to the White Water Walk. These Class Six rapids are the most intense nature offers.  Just downriver from the base of the Falls, you'll be amazed by a captivating ballet of waves, spray, foam and rushing water. You descend into the Great Gorge via elevator, walk through a tunnel and end up along the safe railed boardwalk that takes you on an easy woodland stroll along the banks of the rushing river.

 

There are a few stairs, and two bi-level viewing platforms where visitors gather for photos against the backdrop of Niagara flora and fauna, or stand resting elbows on the rail for extended periods of time in awe of the massive force of nature drowning out all other sounds. It’s an ideal location for the nature photographer.

 

 

From familiar staple to new innovation, the Niagara Falls & Great Gorge Adventure Pass comes full circle back to Table Rock and Niagara Parks' newest multi-media, multi-sensory attraction: Niagara's Fury;  The Creation of the Falls. This one takes to you to the beginning, however. The very beginning.

 

The Fury is about the genesis of Niagara Falls, thanks to the Ice Age and subsequent melting glaciers. The 15-minute experience starts with a cute educational animated movie that clearly explains for little ones (and others geologically challenged) the natural process that created the Niagara Region.

 

Just when you’re wondering why you’re once again adorned in a plastic raincoat, the doors open up and everyone moves into a round theatre, and holds onto rails, standing for the show.  When the experience begins, you’re surrounded by the sights, sounds, moisture and temperature changes of the almost violent, extravagant clash of water, waves, ice sheets and winter special effects racing you through millions of years of geological evolution. Giving away the details spoils half the fun, but suffice to say this is one of the few technology-driven entertainment experiences that end with impromptu audience applause.