Aquarium of Niagara 701 Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.

AMERICAN SIDE. Since 1965, this aquarium has elicited stares of wide-eyed wonder from young folks and eager patrons alike. More than 1500 water-dwelling creatures inhabit the facility, and they represent both fresh- and saltwater species. Along with fish and eels, visitors can encounter sharks, sea lions, seals and Peruvian penguins, an endangered group. Feeding sessions are a perennial draw and take place several times daily. There's also a gift shop if the kids want to take home a memento.

 

Cham Shan Temple, Ten Thousand Buddhas Sarira Stupa 4303 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8.

NIAGARA FALLS. Set on three acres, this Buddhist temple includes a stupa rising seven stories towards the heavens. Dedicated to the furtherance of Buddhist principles, the structure is adorned with a variety of statues and paintings. Also known as the 10,000 Buddhas Temple of Peace, the building is not only an example of Asian architecture but also a functioning place of worship. Services are held morning, midday and afternoon, and visitors are asked to respect persons of faith paying reverence at Cham Shan.

 

Floral Clock 14004 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2 ·

QUEENSTON. In the tradition of such cities as Geneva and Edinburgh, this floral clock combines both art and utility in a tourist-friendly package. The attraction, first created in 1950, utilizes approximately 16,000 plants to achieve its distinctive appearance. The entire face is changed out twice each year to accommodate temperature variations and plant tolerance. The clock, which is 40 feet in diameter, also features an oval pool at its base and is a favorite spot for tourist photos.

 

Fort Erie 350 Lakeshore Rd, Fort Erie, ON L2E 6T2 ·

FORT ERIE. This reconstructed fort, which played a role in the War of 1812, is about 20 minutes from Niagara Falls. Its living history lesson features re-created interior spaces, mock battles, authentically dressed guides and weaponry exhibits. While visitors wander about, they can get a feel for the sacrifices inherent in nation-building and see how life was conducted in a military outpost. Also on the grounds are a gift shop, picnic areas and concessions.

 

Konica Minolta Tower Centre 6732 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3W6 ·

FALLSVIEW. Niagara's most established viewing tower, Konica Minolta was built in 1962 and has afforded fantastic views since its completion. The observation deck sits more than 500 feet above the falls, providing a panorama of the region. The Pinnacle Restaurant, housed within the tower, provides a tasty menu of steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. Plus, you get that great view while you dine. Some shopping is available as well.

 

Niagara Gorge Discovery Center Robert Moses State Pkwy, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 ·

AMERICAN SIDE. Charting geology's effects on this part of the world, the Discovery Center educates visitors about Niagara Falls and the Gorge. Interactive exhibits and displays show how the river has carved out local terrain and how, 12,000 years ago, the Falls were created. Fossils and rock formations provide clues to the long-ago event and a short film helps clarify the process. Outdoors, an overlook offers a vista of the Gorge itself and a trailhead leads trekkers directly into it.

PARKS

Butterfly Conservatory 2405 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S4 ·

If you feel there's something magical about the presence of a single butterfly, imagine having 2000 of them flying about! Thanks to tropical foliage and flowers, a waterfall and an added dose of humidity, the experience becomes downright exotic. Visitors wander the facility's pathways, watching the creatures light on flowers, flutter through the air and create a show of color and fragility. More than 65 species inhabit the space; outside, native counterparts can be found in the butterfly garden. A cafe is available and staff members present butterfly-related programs regularly.

 

Dufferin Islands Park Niagra Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON ·

Not far upriver from the Falls, this cluster of islands quiets hurried lives with ten acres of wildlife habitat and recreational opportunity. The four islands, linked by bridges, offer a swimming area, trails and picnicking locales. Incredible views add to the appeal, and bird-watching regularly attracts a good contingent of folks. In addition, catch-and-release fishing draws outdoor enthusiasts who can't get enough of the Niagara River's irresistible charms. NB This area is home to the "Winter Festival of Lights" from November to January each year.

 

Navy Island Niagra Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON ·

If you require a strong dose of nature, Navy Island can deliver it in spades. First populated by Native Americans and used variously over the centuries as a military site and base for shipbuilding, agriculture and tourism, the island now serves as a nature preserve. Lush vegetation and bird and animal populations greet visitors, who come to camp, fish and bird-watch. Access to the island is only via boat and no facilities are available.

 

Niagara Falls State Park Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 ·

AMERICAN SIDE. America's oldest state park, this popular locale encompasses not only the Falls themselves but a host of related attractions. Landscaped gardens surround the visitor center, which features a film on the history of the falls. Other attractions include a discovery center (which details the region's geology), an observation tower, and a trolley that transfers folks easily from destination to destination. You'll also find other activities and attractions, including hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, concessions and fishing. (N.B. Savvy visitors often take advantage of the park's Niagara USA Discovery Pass, which offers discounts on all park attractions and other area activities.)

 

Niagara Glen-View Park Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON ·

NIAGARA FALLS. The rugged beauty of the Niagara region is on full display at this preserved area. While the immediate entrance area is a quiet, pastoral retreat, trails that lead into the Gorge and to the river offer much more evidence of the place's past geological drama. Huge boulders, mature trees and a population of native plants and animals set the scene for nature enthusiasts to hike, fish and rock-climb. During the summer, guides lead visitors along the trails, providing informed commentary about the Glen's geology and botany.

 

Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse 7145 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON 

This somewhat futuristic-looking glass structure, dating to 1945, shelters a host of beautiful, delicate plants. Within its walls, visitors find specimens from all over the world, including orchids, lilies, cyclamen and succulents. Plants used for outdoor displays are also started in the greenhouse and seasonal flower shows are presented. As a special treat, tropical birds add extra color. Outside of the greenhouse are several beautifully kept beds, including one that caters to visually impaired visitors.

 

Oakes Garden Theatre River Rd and Clifton Hill, Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls, ON

CLIFTON HILL. Built on the site of a destroyed hotel (and incorporating portions of the ruins), this garden was completed in 1937. Remaining faithful to the lay of the land, it takes the shape of an amphitheater, and the stage, engagingly, employs the Falls as a backdrop. Formal in nature, the garden features limestone hardscaping, iron gates, a curved pergola and geometric beds. Water features and rock gardens add character as well, a fact which is not lost on wedding planners and concert promoters.

 

Queen Victoria Park Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2 ·

FALLSVIEW. Favored for incredible views of the Falls and its seasonal sweeps of floral color, this park is beautiful any time of year. Its plants hail from across the globe, and amply stocked beds are interspersed with open lawns for visual relief. Magnolia trees, tea roses, a rock garden and carefully clipped shrubs and standards create focal points amid a sea of cultivated beauty. Even in winter, the spare landscape gets a high measure of interest, thanks to the frozen offspray from the Falls.

 

Queenston Heights Park 14184 Niagara Pkwy, Queenston, ON L2G 7K3

QUEENSTON. Currently a beautifully manicured park frequented by picnickers and folks in pursuit of recreational pastimes, Queenston Heights is also regarded as Canada's birthplace. During the War of 1812, a decisive battle between the British and Yanks resulted in a British victory, halting an American attempt to annex Canada into US boundaries. Along with its leisure-time facilities, the park features monuments to significant historical figures (Major-General Isaac Brock and Laura Secord), a restaurant and a trailhead. The Brock monument is temporarily closed for refurbishment.

 

Old Fort Niagara Robert Moses Pkwy N, Youngstown, NY 14174 ·

YOUNGSTOWN. Intended to guard access to the Great Lakes, this historic fort was built by the French in the late 17th century. Thereafter, control shifted between the British and the Americans, until Old Fort Niagara was finally ceded to the US after the War of 1812. Restored in the 1920s and '30s, it continued to host active military units throughout the 20th century. These days, visitors can tour the historic buildings, learn from costumed guides and observe demonstrations of period activities. A gift shop is available and re-enactments are sponsored from time to time.

 

Whirlpool Aero Car 3850 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2Z 6P2 ·
 
Downriver from the Falls, visitors make their way over the river in this suspended cable car, which made its premiere in 1916. Its half-mile journey takes about ten minutes to complete, during which time passengers are afforded incredible views of the Niagara Whirlpool. This intriguing phenomenon is formed where river currents meet with a solid obstacle and turn sharply counterclockwise, creating a magnificent whirlpool. The car's high vantage point also promises other terrific views of the surrounding landscape. A discount coupon for the Whirlpool Aero Car is included with the purchase of the Niagara Falls & Great Gorge Adventure Pass.

 

Niagara Historical Society & Museum43 Castlereagh St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 ·

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE. Founded in the late 19th century, this museum is one of the region's oldest and its founders showed considerable foresight in their desire to preserve Canadian culture and history. These days, museum collections offer documents, photographs, maps and artifacts relating to town settlement, local agriculture, the War of 1812, furniture-making and textile production. The facility affords a fascinating browse for first-time visitors and is a valuable resource for folks researching Canada's beginnings and Ontario in particular.

 

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens2565 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S4 ·

Initially established in 1936, these botanical gardens attract nearly a million visitors each year. In fact, folks can't seem to get enough of NPBG's 100 acres of manicured beds and plantings, which are maintained by a select group of students from the Park's horticultural school. The arboretum features a wealth of specimen shrubs and trees, including flowering cherry trees. Other specialty gardens include those devoted to roses, herbs and vegetables. You'll also see rhododendrons, irises and a wide variety of perennials. NB Blooming is seasonal, of course, so make sure you call ahead.

 

White Water Walk 4330 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON ·

NIAGARA FALLS. At this location along its route, the Niagara River is channeled through one of the area's narrowest formations. The power of the water here is astounding, and visitors can catch the strength of the current from an observation platform. Geological layering is also evident from millennia of erosion. For a closer vantage point, consider making your way along the boardwalk that runs alongside the river. Better yet, take advantage of all the views to be had by purchasing a Niagara Falls & Great Gorge Adventure Pass at a discount on the individual attractions.