Niagara Falls Illumination
Featuring the very best of both the American and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls, this specular and colorful nighttime illumination, plus elegant dining overlooking the falls
|
Niagara Falls may be well known for the amazing waterfalls that call this city home, but there is a lot more going on in Niagara than meets the eye. Here are some of the most exciting attractions in the area. They are perfect to take in as a family, or even as an individual. With some many choices, its no wonder that this town is one of the most visited in North America.
Aquarium of Niagara- See more than 1,500 aquatic animals and dozens of exhibits dedicated to the animal that call our oceans home. See rare Peruvian penguins, California sea lions, sharks, moray eels, and so much more. There are even Sea Lion Shows, giving kids a chance to get up close and personal with the animals.
Beechwood Golf Course- This 18 hole golf course features three different tee off points. Operating since 1960, this golf course features water hazards and bunkers that provide a fun and challenging game. There is a pro shop as well as a golf course.
Casino Niagara- More than 95,000 square feet of gambling space is available inside this huge casino. Try your hands at the slots, or choose to test your luck at one of the many gaming tables. There is dining available inside the casino at several different restaurants.
Chateau des Charmes Winery- With an 85-acre vineyard, this winery is one of the largest in the area. With several hospitality rooms, a wine boutique, a tasting bar, and more, your day at Chateau des Charmes will certainly be an unforgettable experience.
Happy Rolph's Bird Sanctuary- If you have a fondness for exotic birds then fly on over to Happy Rolph's Bird Sanctuary. There are over 15 acres dedicated to the care of these beautiful and unique animals. But birds aren't the only animals to be found here. There is a petting zoo full of farm animals to delight younger visitors.
Horseplay Niagara- A beautiful way to see Niagara Falls is on horseback. At Horseplay Niagara trail rides are offered in at many levels of difficulty and varying lengths. There is also a play-zone on site with a climbing wall and mini golf.
Hyde Park- Five hundred and eighty acres of outdoor fun! Hyde Park is home to many attractions, including the Rose Garden, the Sal Maglie Stadium, and of course, the Hyde Park Golf Course. So grab the kids and a volleyball, and head on down to Hyde Park for a day of fun and outdoor activity.
Joseph's Estate Wines- Learn how wine is created and then try some for yourself at Joseph's Estate Wines. This winery started when a man started to sell grapeseed oil in the area, boasting of its healing qualities. That small action ballooned into a fully operational vineyard that is a very popular attraction in the Niagara area.
Kurtz Orchards Market- Traditional and more exotic foods have all found a home at Kurtz Orchards Market. With everything from jam, to bread, to sandwiches, you could find almost any ingredient for your recipes at this all encompassing food market.
Maid of the Mist- Experience 6 million tons of water crashing downward aboard a Maid of the Mist tour boat. When this franchise began 150 years ago, rowboats were used to ferry people to see Niagara Falls. The business and the boats have grown substantially over the years and continue to serve the thousands of people who visit Niagara yearly.
Niagara Bird Aviary- See birds from Africa, South America, Australia, and many other places at this unique attraction. Large vertical gardens take up most of the space in the aviary, making you feel as if you have stepped into the rain forest.
Niagara Falls Scenic Tower Ride- Get a birds eye view of the Niagara area while on the Niagara Falls Scenic Tower Ride. The 360 degree panoramic view allows you to see the Canadian Horseshoe Falls as well as American Falls.
Niagara Fallsview Casino- With 3,000 slot machines and 150 gaming tables there is definitely no shortage of things to do at this casino. There are also restaurants, bars, a theater, and even a ballroom inside. This casino is also scenically located, overlooking Horseshoe Falls and American Falls.
Niagara Golf Trail- This collection of ten golf courses combine world class golfing with family friendly fun. With varying degrees of difficulty and a plethora of amenities, the golf courses in this chain leave nothing to be desired.
Niagara Gorge Trail- Hike along the Niagara River on one of the many trails that extend through the area. With over 12 miles of trails at varying degrees of difficulty, the beautiful scenery will take your breath away.
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens- See herb gardens, vegetable gardens, a rock garden, rose gardens, an arboretum, and so much more. From exotic to natural plants, this botanical garden is full of amazing blooms and fragrant scents. Over 100 acres includes the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory.
Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory- Dozens of different kinds of butterflies call this 11,000 square foot conservatory home. Watch these amazing animals shed their chrysalis or travel outside to the Butterfly Garden, planted with special flowers that attract native butterflies.
Niagara Parks Greenhouse- Exotic birds and over 6,000 plants give the Niagara Parks Greenhouse the appearance of a rain forest in the middle of North America. There are several gardens inside this complex, leading to an entire day filled with blooms and birds.
Oakes Garden Theater- This beautiful theater was originally built in 1936 as an amphitheater. The lily ponds, rock gardens, and shrub borders give this theater a sense of calm and peace. Concerts and other events are hosted here year round.
Olcott Beach- With an outdoor marina, swimming opportunities, and much more, Olcott Beach is the premier outdoor water area in Niagara. There is fishing, swimming, water sports, boating, and so much more available at this location.
Pilltteri Estates Winery- This winery is the world's largest estate producer of Icewine, and the accolades don't stop there. Pilltteri Estates Winery has won over 400 medals internationally in wine completions, which speaks to the quality of the wine produced here. Enjoy tours, wine tasting, and seasonal barbecues at Pilltteri Estates Winery.
Prince of Wales Hotel- This historic hotel was built in 1964 and is considered "One of the World's Finest Heritage Hotels." This honor is well earned and aptly describes the hotel. Still in operation, the Prince of Wales Hotel offers 114 guestrooms in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Rainbow Tower- This unique instrument was built in 1947 and is still a wonder to the people of Niagara. The huge tower rises up 168 feet and is equipped with 55 different sounding bells. Called a carillon, the bells are played by a touch sensitive keyboard.
Seneca Niagara Casino- Slots, gaming tables, restaurants, and more all come together at the Seneca Niagara Casino. With 3,200 slot machines and more than 100 gaming tables there is something for everyone at this casino. Once you start to feel hungry, walk over to one of the five eating areas. There are also gift and retail shops inside the complex.
Spanish Aero Car- Imagine sitting in a cable car, 40 feet above a rushing river, and suddenly seeing a whirlpool forming below you. This is what you will experience on the Spanish Aero Car. Designed and built in 1913, this attraction has been delighting visitors ever since.
The Shaw Theatres- This three theater complex produces over 800 performances a year. Home to the Shaw Festival, a non-profit event, that was started by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973, these theaters have definitely made a name for themselves in the Niagara area.
Whirlpool Aero Car- See the Niagara Whirlpool from a birds eye view. This collection of cable cars crosses the Niagara River in a trip that takes around ten minutes. Though the experience may be short, it will provide you with sights that you will remember for a lifetime.
Wintergarden- This beautiful park is the epitome of relaxation and calm. With waterfalls, over 7,000 trees, gardens, and more, strolling through Wintergarden is a wonderful experience. This is a popular spot for weddings, and there are two chapels on site for that very purpose.
ZOOZ Zoological Park- The ZOOZ Zoological Park is an amazing outing for the whole family. With over 400 different species of animals, there is no shortage of things to look at in this park. There are also wading pools, paddle boats, a kite-flying field, and even more unique activities.