Niagara Falls Things To Do – Attractions & Must See

Niagara Falls Things to Do

Niagara Falls is a popular tourist destination for both Americans and Canadians. Nestled on the border of the two countries, the three waterfalls converge near the town, giving it its name. The meeting point of Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls help create the border between the Province of Ontario and the State of New York. Of course, most take a boat tour on the Maid of the Mist to experience the majestic beauty of the waterfalls, but there are other great attractions in the town to explore.

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Old Fort Niagara 

History enthusiasts list Old Fort Niagara as the favorite attraction in the area. Erected in the 1700’s, it’s the oldest operational fort in the United States. Ownership has shifted between American, British, and French troops over the years, primarily during the Revolutionary and French and Indian Wars. The soldiers designed the fort to take the high ground against the opponents. Tourists today benefit from this because the high ground gives them a magnificent scenic view of all three falls, the Niagara River, and Lake Ontario, but the really interesting stuff is on the inside.

Once inside, tourists can take a look at the well-preserved cannons and barracks. Everything about the fort is kept intact. It’s possible to spend the entire afternoon in the fort and not see everything. Families will love Old Fort Niagra because the admission price is really low and is even offered for free sometimes.

Minolta Tower 

The tallest tower in the city, Minolta tower stands at 30 floors high. This is the place to stay for visitors to Niagara Falls. Erected in 1962, the building has undergone a recent redesign, giving it claim to the title of the best hotel accommodations in the area. The new rooms give people a world-class view of the falls and other landmarks in the area.

Dufferin Islands 

The varying water height in Niagara has led to the creation of many different islands. One of the most relaxing attractions in the area, Dufferin Falls, is located just a half a mile south of Horseshoe Falls, making it accessible to everyone. Visitors love to stroll around the 11 islands using the classic bridges that connect them all. Beware, outdoor activities are enjoyed more thoroughly in the summer as winter in Upstate New York can be bitterly cold.

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens 

You may not realize one of the most famous gardens in the world is located in Niagara. 10 minutes north of the falls, the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens boasts one of the biggest collections of roses in the world. There are over 2,000 of them. Visitors can walk around the gardens, or take a horse and carriage ride in the summer. It isn’t the most action-packed feature in the region, but it can be a nice respite from a jam-packed vacation itinerary.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Tips on Avoiding Niagara Falls Tourist Traps
• Niagara Falls Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!
• Things to Do in Niagara Falls

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Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Niagara Falls.