From its distinctively shaped recess on the border between Ontario and New York, the Horseshoe Falls tumble down to meet the Niagara River with a fierce intensity. Together with the Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls, the Horseshoe Falls form the collective attraction of Niagara Falls, set on the mighty river. Also known as the Canadian Falls, this colossal cascade began its descent 11 kilometers (6.83 miles) downstream from where it is today several millennia ago, arriving at its current spot as a result of rigorous erosion. Today, studies show that erosion has greatly reduced, and Horseshoe Falls are deemed to be one of the primary sources of hydraulic power in the region.
Part of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens administered by the Niagara Parks Commission, the Butterfly Conservatory has become world-renowned in the years that it has been open. Featured in the exhibit are more than 2000 free-roaming butterflies that include 65 different species. These jewel-like creatures float through a tropical setting that visitors to the establishment are free to explore. Visitors walk along with a series of pathways filled with tropical plants that culminate at a huge waterfall. Audio tours are available in six languages for those who would like to learn a bit more about these fascinating insects.
The Bird Kingdom is an indoor free-flying aviary and is the world's largest of this kind. The environment created is akin to the birds' natural habitat, which helps in creating and maintaining the up-close and personal interactions that visitors look forward to. Not to mention the little cups of nectar on sale that kids always enjoy. The 500 odd birds of 80 different species are all free-flying and the rain forest of tall trees and waterfall complete the Amazonian experience.
Located within the Niagara Parks, on the western shore of Canada's Niagara Falls city, Table Rock Welcome Centre is a complex that is a wonderful attraction as well as a shopping haven. It is located on the periphery of the Horseshoe Falls. Table Rock Welcome Centre is an observation center, from where the gushing water can be heard and witnessed. The four-dimensional film 'Journey Behind the Falls' is screened here, giving visitors an experience of being behind the curtain of the falls. Various retail outlets and dining options are available at the Table Rock Welcome Centre.
These stunning botanical gardens feature more than 40 hectares (100 acres) of meticulously kept gardens attracting more than one million visitors annually. Gardens include herb, vegetable, rock and arboretum for trees and shrubs. The gardens, in existence since 1936, are maintained by students at the School of Horticulture on the grounds. You can enjoy viewing this garden for free, although parking charges may apply.
A visit to this scenic attraction makes for quite the adventure, its observation platforms and tunnels enabling visitors to journey beneath and behind the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Admire the thunderous falls up close and marvel at the roaring cascades as they plunge down in a rush of white torrents. Protected by rain gear which is included in the price of admission, visitors can explore various man-made tunnels. They then emerge at an observation area where the noise is deafening, the mist all-encompassing, and the view awe-inspiring.
Opened in 1849, the Forest Lawn Cemetery is a 267-acre (108 hectares) property that serves as the gravesite of some of the city's most important citizens. Buried here are former U.S. President Millard Fillmore, Indian Chief Red Jacket, from whom the land to create the city of Buffalo was purchased and Pony Express pioneer William Fargo, to name a few. You can stop at the office inside the main entrance for a self-guiding map. Bird watching and Sunday hayride-style tours of the beautiful grounds are also available.
Located in the Great Gorge, the Niagara Glen Nature Areas form a beautiful natural park with its varied flora and fauna. The lush green forests have several trails for hikers to explore and learn about both the topographical and the biological facets of the park.Fun and educational activities like geology tours, plant-a-tree initiatives and so on are also organized by the park authorities from time to time. All in all, this is a great place for a day trip with the family away from the bustle of the city.
If you are tired of staying indoors then take a walk down to the Lester B Pearson Park, in Saint Catharines. A green, open area used as a soccer field but also houses two tennis courts. It also has a recreation place which doubles as a picnic pavilion. The 11.7 hectare (28.91 acre) park can be rented out by contacting the park authorities and serves as a perfect venue for parties and other social events.
From its distinctively shaped recess on the border between Ontario and New York, the Horseshoe Falls tumble down to meet the Niagara River with a fierce intensity. Together with the Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls, the Horseshoe Falls form the collective attraction of Niagara Falls, set on the mighty river. Also known as the Canadian Falls, this colossal cascade began its descent 11 kilometers (6.83 miles) downstream from where it is today several millennia ago, arriving at its current spot as a result of rigorous erosion. Today, studies show that erosion has greatly reduced, and Horseshoe Falls are deemed to be one of the primary sources of hydraulic power in the region.
Holding the distinction of being the oldest state park in the nation, this 221-acre preserve (89.4 hectares) as its name suggests also contains what has been called one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: Niagara Falls, its undoubted centerpiece. Also home to the Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls, the state park is a land of cascading natural wonders. Studded with a complex set of trails that lead to the spectacular beauty of the Three Sisters Islands, followed by Goat Island, which is the park's most highly-regarded picnic spot. The Cave of the Winds excursion is the nature reserve's most frequented expedition tour. The site's visitor's center features interactive displays, a movie theater for the Niagara Wonders big screen film and a virtual reality helicopter ride above the Falls.
What do Teddy Roosevelt, Marilyn Monroe and Diana, Princess of Wales, have in common? You guessed it. They've all taken rides on the Maid of the Mist—or rather one of seven Maids, which first launched its boats in 1846. This world-famous boat takes its passengers right into the heart of the Falls. You can catch the boat on either the American or Canadian side, with boardings every 15 minutes between April and the end of October.