View Niagara Falls up close and personal aboard a ride on Maid of the Mist. Millions of visitors have toured the falls on Maid of the Mist since the 1840s. Diesel-engine boats whisk visitors as close as possible to the base of the falls on the American side and on the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. During the tour, water blasts all around and slickers are provided on tours. Tours last a half hour and run almost every 15 minutes on both the American and Canadian sides. Tours are available from April to October. Maid of the Mist is privately owned and operated.
The Skylon Tower in Ontario stands over 500 feet tall and overlooks both the American and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls. The mammoth structure opened in 1960 at a cost of $7 million. After the falls, the tower is believed to be the most photographed attraction in Niagara Falls. The Skylon Tower houses two dining rooms that overlook the falls and an indoor and outdoor observation deck. At the base is the area's largest amusement center complete with a food court and 4-D theater.
The Floral Clock features an array of more than 16,000 plants opened in 1950 and was built by Ontario Hydro. The horticultural design in Ontario is changed twice a year. The Floral Clock is kept by the Niagara Falls Commission. The intricate clock contains two enormous hands. The minute and second hands combine to weigh more than 1,200 pounds. A stone tower on the grounds stands 24 feet tall and holds speakers that every 15 minutes broadcast Westminster Chimes. Another feature of the site is a 10-foot-wide water garden that surrounds the clock and serves as a wishing fountain.
Casino Niagara, opened in 1996, offers visitors a chance to hit it big around the clock. The casino offers more than 90,000 square feet of room for gaming. Casino Niagara provides tourists with more than 1,500 slot machines and 45 table games including craps, blackjack, roulette, poker and Spanish 21. Located in Ontario, those feeling lucky can wager on sporting events such as hockey, football and basketball. The casino also offers dining, entertainment and shopping. Most hotel rooms offer a view of the falls.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum offers visitors a chance to view strange artifacts collected by Robert L. Ripley when he traveled to nearly 200 countries throughout his lifetime documenting the extraordinary for his cartoons. The museum houses more than 500 exhibits, including interactive displays and illusions. The museum also includes footage of adventurers traveling over the falls in a barrel. Visitors can explore the museum year round. The museum is located on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
