Niagara Falls Attractions
Visiting the Niagara Whirlpool on a jet boat and riding up Niagara’s Skylon Tower are just two of the many tourist attractions near Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls is renowned for not only its waterfalls, but also its numerous tourist attractions, both at the falls themselves and in the surrounding area. When visitors have exhausted the possible ways to experience the waterfalls themselves, there are plenty of other attractions in the vicinity.
Jet Boat Tours to Niagara Whirlpool Rapids
For thrill seekers visiting Niagara Falls, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours are sure to get the adrenaline going. Departing downstream from the falls themselves, the 50mph jet boats transport passengers down Niagara Gorge towards Devils Hole.
Finally the boats reach a 90 degree bend in the Niagara River, causing a giant whirlpool which spins with such ferocity it creates class-5 white water rapids. As the open-air jet boats are thrown around in 360 degree spins, the passengers on board are guaranteed to get drenched, despite the waterproof splash suites provided.
For visitors wishing to experience the highlight of the whirlpool without the inconvenience of becoming soaked to the skin, the company also operates a covered Jet Dome Tour. To ensure passengers don’t miss out on the other sights of Niagara Gorge, the Jet Dome has hydraulic doors which remain open for most of the journey and only shut as the boat approaches the whirlpool.
Wet Jet Tours are available from both the Canadian and the United States banks of the river while the covered Jet Dome Tour only operates from the Canadian bank.
Tourists wishing to view the spectacular whirlpool without experiencing the adrenaline of the jet boats are also catered to by the Whirlpool Aero Car. The antique cable car traverses the Niagara River offering spectacular views of the whirlpool and its rapids.
Niagara Falls Skylon Tower and Skywheel
The Skylon Tower, situated in the Canadian town of Niagara Falls, offers visitors the rare opportunity of a bird’s eye view of the falls and the surrounding area. The 52 second ride up the tower onboard a “yellow bug” transports guests 775 feet upwards to the indoor and outdoor observation decks.
Many visitors flock to the Skylon Tower for superb views of the falls after dark. Water over the falls is reduced at night to power the giant coloured lights used to illuminate the waterfalls and produce a spectacular light show.
The restaurant located at the top of the tower offers guests the opportunity to dine above the falls. To ensure all tables receive a good view, the dining room revolves a full 360 degrees every hour.
Officially opened in 2006, the state of the art giant ferris wheel is one of Niagara’s newest attractions. Situated in Clifton Hill, the 42 air-conditioned gondolas each carry 6 passengers, close to 175 feet into the air for spectacular views of Niagara Falls and the vicinity. The ride operates all year, both during the day and into the evening, and lasts approximately 10 minutes.
Niagara Falls for Children
Families are well catered to on both sides of the border. The Canadian side includes the Fallsview Waterpark. North American’s largest indoor waterpark contains 16 water slides, a giant wave pool, water cannons and even a large water-tipping bucket.
The waterpark is part of the Falls Avenue Entertainment Complex, located directly across from the American Falls.
The IMAX theater is home to “The Falls Movie: Legends and Daredevils”, the spectacular film offers visitors the chance to experience life as a daredevil with the dramatic feeling of going over the falls. The theater also includes the Daredevil Gallery featuring exhibits on various falls’ daredevils.
Children are also welcomed on the United States side of the river where the Aquarium of Niagara is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and offers everything from penguins to sharks.
Things to do at Niagara Falls
While many of the annual 14 million visitors head to Niagara Falls simply to view the spectacular falls themselves, there are many more attractions available in the surrounding area. The town thrives on the tourist trade and works hard to ensure there is something for everyone.
With ferris wheels, boat trips, cable cars and water parks all within a couple of miles of one the world’s greatest tourist attractions, it’s unlikely any tourist could run out of things to do at Niagara. Niagara Falls is one of those “must do” family vacations!
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