Things to Do in Niagara Falls

One common misconception about Niagara Falls is that it is one large waterfall. The truth is, it is made up of three waterfalls: Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side, Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side, and American Falls on the U.S. side. Bridal Veil Falls is named for its appearance, as its gushing cascades appear similar to a bride’s white veil. During peak season from June through August, the falls experience the highest volume of water at 150,000 gallons (567,811 liters) per second.

Bridal Veil Falls -- situated between Luna Island and Goat Island -- features a vertical fall of 78 feet (24 meters) and a crest that’s 56 feet (17 m) wide. While this is impressive, it’s actually the smallest of the three waterfalls. That being said, it gets a lot of exposure as visitors can get very close to it due to a number of attractions. First of all, the Maid of the Mist takes you past Bridal Veil Falls for a unique view of its beauty.

Since 1996 Hard Rock Café in Niagara Falls has been a destination for travelers who want to relax, unwind and let loose after a day exploring the incredible landscapes of this true travelers paradise. Located just minutes from the falls, this iconic restaurant offers up a classic menu of American fare in a setting that’s a real nod to pop culture. Enjoy burgers, milkshakes and fries surrounded by music memorabilia, including instruments, clothing, gold records and other items from top entertainment icons.

Hard Rock Café is more than just a popular eatery—traveler can catch performances of local and national stars on the restaurant’s stage many nights of the week. Just check their calendar for a listing of events and get ready to enjoy an evening of live entertainment after a day outside.

This popular Niagara Falls destination is home to scenic overlooks, well-kept picnic areas and easy hiking trails. Its oxygenated waters draw sports fishermen in pursuit of trout and wild salmon each year, and the epic stone staircase (designed for only the most intrepid travelers) leads deep into the picturesque gorge, where incredible views of the park’s natural wonders offer up perfect photo ops. Walking tours through the scenic landscapes with expert guides provide insight into the diverse flora and fauna of this incredible destination, while a thrilling jet boat ride from nearby Lewiston allows travelers to get up close to the rushing water once it’s crashed over the falls.

Once you’ve explored the outdoors it’s time to head inside and experience the underwater wonder of the Aquarium of Niagara. This small but impressive center is dedicated to science, conservation and tourism and grants visitors unlimited access to some of Mother Nature’s most prized and protected beings.

Travelers can wander through the colorful tropical fish displays and walls of well-kept aquariums with beautiful coral reefs. And while it’s great to take it all in from behind the glass, the aquarium also offers several interactive options to travelers. Visitors can get up close to playful seals during a 20-minute interactive experience where they’ll have the chance to pet, play with and feed these lovable creatures. The aquarium also offers a close encounter with Humboldt penguins, where expert trainers provide insight and understanding into the lives of the aquarium’s most popular animals.

This 314-seat theater offers a larger-than-life experience to travelers visiting Niagara Falls. Its 45-foot-tall screen brings the thundering waters of this epic destination inside and creates the sense of being surrounded by the falls (in climate-controlled comfort).

More than 14 million people have watched this 30-minute film, which showcases the beauty of the falls and describes its history—including the men and women who’ve attempted to cross it or go over it throughout the years. Gain a deeper understanding of what makes this international destination so unique before heading out into the open and getting an up close look in real life.