Niagara Falls Points of Interest

Niagara Falls at Night

The American and Horseshoe falls are a very pretty sight at night. They are illuminated by giant spotlights, which change colours on a cycle. The falls are illuminated every single night of the year, usually starting at dusk, and ending at midnight. Also, every Friday and Sunday night during the summer, there is a free fireworks show over the falls. The fireworks start on these nights at 10pm, and are dependant on the weather.

Hiking the Niagara Gorge

If you want to get away from all the glitz and showiness of downtown Niagara Falls, why not take a hike down into the Niagara Gorge? The main access point in off the Niagara Parkway, where there is a metal staircase leading down into the gorge to get you started. From there you can pick from several trails. Some wander along the raging Niagara River, and some wander through the beautiful forests of the Niagara Escarpment. Hikes in the gorge could take as many hours as you want, and there are many spots to stop and have a lovely picnic, while listening to the river rush by. Make sure to bring your camera, as there are many shots during this hike that you will not want to miss.

Niagara Parkway Driving

The drive along the Niagara Parkway has been called one of the “loveliest in the world”, by none other than Winston Churchill. He was quite right about that….everywhere you look there is something to gawk at. Huge, beautiful houses, castle like wineries, breathtaking views of the Niagara River. Just be prepared to drive slow, as everyone who drives down this street is likely taking some time to take in the sights, so if you are trying to get somewhere quickly, especially on a Sunday afternoon, don’t take this route! But if you are looking for a lovely drive between Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake, and you have some time, don’t miss this one.

Niagara Parkway-Biking

If driving is not your thing, and you would rather spend more time taking in the sights, while also getting some exercise, why not rent a bike, and ride down the bike path that follows the Niagara Parkway? You are free to stop wherever you like, as there are benches, picnic areas, and the odd tea room along the entire path. The bike ride is a fairly easy one, and there are really no hills to contend with. There are also not that many roads to cross, except when you get to either Niagara Falls or Niagara on the Lake.

Niagara Garden Trail

Niagara Falls is home to some of the prettiest gardens in the country. You could spend a whole day wandering from park to park looking at the gardens and the various attractions that are within them.

-Floral Clock

Perhaps one of the most well known gardens on this trail is the Floral Clock. The garden itself is maintained by the Niagara Parks Commission, with Ontario Hydro taking care of the actual working clock. The floral design of the clock is changed twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. The floral clock is surrounded by a 10 foot wide water garden, and it has proved to be a popular place to throw in a penny and make a wish! The area around the clock also features a tower at the back of the clock which contains Westminster Chimes, which play every quarter hour. The grounds all around the clock are also beautifully landscaped. The floral clock is located on 14004 Niagara Parkway, in Queenston, Ontario.

-Lilac Garden

In late May or early June, there is lovely and fragrant lilac garden which is located on the same property as the Floral Clock. If you happen to be visiting Niagara during these months, make sure to stop by!

-Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens is also located on the Niagara Parkway, just a ten minute drive from the Falls. The Botanical Garden boasts 99 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, which serve as a learning area for the students at the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture. In addition to acres of gardens, the area also has many walking paths, ponds and the butterfly conservatory.

A unique way of viewing the gardens is by horse and buggy. During the summer months, guided horse and carriage tours are available. There are two different tours available, one which takes you through the 99 acres of the botanical gardens, and one which takes you though Queen Victoria Park.

The Horse and Carriage Rides through the Botanical Gardens will cost you about $15 per person. Tours usually run from 10 to 5 pm.

The horse and buggy tour of Queen Victoria Park will cost you a little bit more money, about $45 for 15 minutes, 45 minutes for $110, and 80 minutes for $170. It may seem a bit pricey if there is only 1 or 2 of you, but the carriages can hold up to 6 people, so if you are going with a group of people, dividing up the price wouldn’t be so bad.

Tickets for the horse and buggy ride are available at the Butterfly Conservatory Gift Shop or the Queen Victoria Place Gift Shop.

Butterfly Conservatory

The butterfly conservatory is a truly magical place where over 2000 tropical butterflies fly freely through the air. You follow the 600 ft path through the rainforest like atmosphere, and are free to take as long as you want to wander through. It should be noted that visitors are under no circumstances to touch the butterflies. If they are to land on you, which they often do, it is important to just let them be. Take lots of pictures of course, because butterflies won’t land on you very often, but it is important not to touch them. If you are at all scared or anxious about butterflies or insects, it is probably best you skip this attraction. If you are not comfortable with butterflies landing on you, but still want to see them, try wearing all dark clothing, as the butterflies will be less likely to pick you as a resting place.

The Butterfly Conservatory also has an emergence window, where visitors are able to see butterflies emerge from their cocoons and take their first flight.

Make sure to bring your camera here, as these butterflies can make for some beautiful pictures. The range of colours is truly spectacular.

The Butterfly Conservatory opens at 9am year round, but the closing times depend on the time of year. Usually during the summer, they stay open until 9pm. The prices are $11.00 for adults and $6.50 for children. The Butterfly conservatory if located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens.

Queen Victoria Park

-This park is absolutely lovely to talk a walk through. If you need to get away from all the craziness that is Clifton Hill, this is the perfect place to come. There are beautiful gardens, ponds, fountains and plenty of space to sit down and relax. In the summer when the weather is nice it is a great time to grab some lunch from somewhere and bring it down to the park to eat.

Here is a detailed map of the Garden Trail.

Lundy’s Lane Historical Museum

This museum is located at 5810 Ferry Street. This museum is housed in a former town hall building, and deals with the History of Niagara Falls, with much emphasis on the War of 1812. Web Site Visit the website for more information on up to date exhibits and opening and closing hours.

Map or Niagara Falls Points of Interest

Hiking the Niagara Gorge Niagara Falls Parkway Floral Clock Botanical Gardens Butterfly Conservatory Queen Victoria Park Historical Museum

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