Attractions in Niagara Falls, USA

Geography

• The Niagara Falls are actually spread over two countries---the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and the American Falls and the smaller Bridal Veils Falls on the American side of the border.

Common Attractions

• The falls itself is the greatest draw. There is magic in the mist and spray and the wheeling birds. Some attractions are mirrored on both sides of the border.

  Cave of the Winds (US) and Journey Behind the Falls (Canada):
  The Cave of the Winds gets you just twenty feet away from Bridal Veil Falls. The Journey Behind the Falls takes you to an observation deck behind the Horseshoe Falls. Both attractions have provisions for handicapped visitors.

  Maid of the Mist:
  A thirty-minute boat ride brings a lifetime of memories. You can board the boat from both the US and Canada. Poncho-protected passengers ride through the crashing waves.

  Imax Movie: The grandeur of the falls comes to life on the large screen.

  The Discovery Pass USA and the Niagara Falls Great Gorge Adventure Pass (Canada) provide the convenience of one combination ticket to the most popular attractions, and one day (US) and two days (Canada) transportation.

  Some attractions are specific to the country:

US Attractions

• 1. Observation Tower
     This 282 feet high tower gives a panoramic view of the falls and the downtown area.
  2. Aquarium of Niagara
     The Aquarium has been called the "Other Water Wonder". It has about two thousand species of marine life.
  3. Niagara Gorge Trail System
     The system is made up of smaller trails with varying levels of difficulty.

Canadian Attractions

• 1. Butterfly Conservatory
     Recreated tropical rain forests and the swish of butterfly wings---what more can one ask for?
  2. White Water Walk
     A short elevator rides brings you to a boardwalk alongside some of the wildest part of the Niagara River.
  3. Niagara's Fury
     An engaging 4-D experience. The floor tilts, waves lap at your feet and water sprays around you.

Fun Facts

• The first person to go over the falls in a barrel was a retired school teacher--Annie Taylor. The story goes that she took her black cat with her. When she emerged from the barrel she was followed by her cat--now pure white.