Family adventure and fun in Niagara Falls, Canada

Enjoy kid-friendly restaurants and accommodations, family-oriented indoor and outdoor activities, exciting attractions and, of course, the natural world wonder of the Horseshoe Falls.

And the best part? You’ll love how much further your dollar goes in Ontario, Canada.

Day 1: Niagara Falls, Canada

• Approximate distance and travel time: from Windsor 236 miles (380 kilometres), 3 hours 50 minutes and from Sarnia 185 miles (300 kilometres), 3 hours

The number one reason to visit Niagara Falls is, of course, the world-famous falls. The actual falls themselves are made up of three waterfalls between Niagara Falls Canada and Niagara Falls, New York—the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Travel tips: 

• Save time and money with the Niagara Falls Explorer Pass that combines admission to two attractions, Journey Behind the Falls and Butterfly Conservatory with a single-day parking pass.
• Park your car and get around on WEGO, a hop-on, hop-off visitor transportation system that connects all Niagara Parks locations and hotels.
• If you’re sightseeing by car, the Niagara Parks Parking Pass makes it easy and affordable with unlimited parking at almost every Niagara Parks parking lot along the Niagara Parkway.

Where to stay in Niagara Falls

Located near Clifton Hill, the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel offers rooms with great views of the falls, and is connected to the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark. The hotel has a parking garage on-site.
Location: 5875 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls

More than a hotel, Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls is a destination unto itself. The property features an indoor water park resort and attractions to keep the whole family entertained day and night. Free self-parking is included with all bookings.
Location: 3950 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls

Located on the historic Lundy’s Lane, Americana Waterpark Resort & Spa is a family favourite. It features a beach entry wave pool, activity pool, toddler pool, spa, hot tub and water slides. Secure parking is available on-site.
Location: 8444 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls

The Crowne Plaza Hotel is a four-star property located steps from the falls. The hotel is home to Prime Steakhouse (Niagara Falls’ #1 rated restaurant) and shares a direct indoor connection to the Falls Avenue Resort, which has an incredible indoor waterpark. Secure on-site parking is available.
Location: 5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls

Things to do in Niagara Falls

Falls experiences

Start your day with a ride on the WildPlay Niagara Falls MistRider Zipline attraction at Grand View Marketplace. Riders soar on four parallel lines 220 feet (67 metres) above the Niagara River Gorge and glide 732 yards (670 metres) past the American Falls to an observation deck at the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Location: 5920 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

Challenge yourself on three self-paced obstacle courses with dozens of climbing, ziplining and jumping circuits at the Whirlpool Adventure Course. Free parking is available on-site.
Location: 3500 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

No visit to Niagara Falls is complete without taking the iconic 20-minute Voyage to the Falls boat tour from Niagara City Cruises. This mist-filled journey delivers stunning views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Location: 5920 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

The Niagara River Parkway Recreation Trail runs along the Niagara Parkway and is used by pedestrians and cyclists and is also wheelchair accessible. Note the stories of freedom and courage with Niagara Parks’ displays and monuments honouring Black Canadian history.
Location: 3350 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

Journey Behind the Falls offers a unique vantage point of the world-famous falls. At this attraction, you’ll descend 125 feet (38 metres) by elevator, then walk through a short tunnel to access two outdoor observation decks and viewing portals, located directly behind the falls.
Location: 6650 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

Bring a blanket and check out the Niagara Falls annual summer fireworks, every night at 9:00 p.m., weather permitting. Parking can be found nearby at the Table Rock Centre.
Location: Queen Victoria Park, 6345 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

Zip around town and explore Niagara Falls by electric bike from Snap E Bike. Bikes can be booked in advance to ensure availability.
Location: 4239 Park Street, Niagara Falls

Take a ride on Canada's largest observation wheel, the Niagara SkyWheel. Towering 175 feet (53 metres) you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Horseshoe and American Falls from glass-enclosed gondolas. Parking is available in the nearby Clifton Hill public lot.
Location: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls

Places to eat in Niagara Falls

Start the day with breakfast at Scoops Restaurant on Lundy’s Lane. If you’re travelling in a group, ask for the “Family Breakfast Feast”, available for four or six people.
Location: 8123 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls

Dine with a 360º view of Niagara Falls, 775 feet (236 metres) up at the Skylon Tower Revolving Dining Room. In addition to the spectacular backdrop, the restaurant offers gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dining options. Paid parking is available at the base of the tower.
Location: 5200 Robinson Street, Niagara Falls

Enjoy all the family favourites like burgers and sandwiches in a recreated rainforest setting complete with volcanos, thunderstorms and exotic wildlife at the Rainforest Café.
Location: 4915 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls

Find Italian cuisine for the whole family at Carpaccio Restaurant on Lundy’s Lane. Carpaccio also offers a good selection of locally sourced Niagara wines.
Location: 6840 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls

With family-style Italian meals, pizza, wings and more, Mick & Angelo’s Kitchen & Bar is a crowd-pleaser. Get 20% off the entire menu every Tuesday.
Location: 7600 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls

Stop by Sweet Jesus at the Sheraton Hotel, for an Instagram-worthy ice cream experience. Parking is available in the hotel’s self-parking garage.
Location: 5875 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls

Satisfy your sweet tooth with an iconic, Canadian pastry at BeaverTails®.
Location: 4967 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls

Day 3: Niagara-on-the-Lake

• Approximate distance and travel time: 15 miles (25 kilometres), 25 minutes

After a fun-filled couple of days in Niagara Falls, spend some time exploring historic Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Travel tips:

• Niagara-on-the-Lake is the heart of Niagara’s wine industry, with numerous tours and tasting opportunities in the area. Some wineries are also kid-friendly, offering grape juice and local foods for them to snack on.
• Find parking meters around Niagara-on-the-Lake. Note that these machines do not accept credit card payments—you can pay by cash or by credit card through the Honk mobile app. Check the parking meter for rates.

Places to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake

A classic family-friendly motel with modern upgrades and vintage décor, the Kent Motel is within walking distance of hiking trails, Brock’s Monument and multiple attractions in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This motor inn also has free on-site parking.
Location: 19 Front Street South, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Close to wineries, restaurants, bike trails and the Shaw Festival Theatre, the Best Western Colonel Butler Inn offers comfortable, budget-friendly accommodations with complimentary breakfast and parking.
Location: 278 Mary Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Hilton Garden Inn features an indoor pool, on-site restaurant and free parking, located across the highway from the Outlet Collection at Niagara.
Location: 500 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Staybridge Suites Niagara-On-The-Lake keeps kids entertained with an indoor pool and putting green. Suites are equipped with full kitchens. Breakfast and parking included. Also located close to Outlet Collection at Niagara.
Location: 524 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake

History and nature

Step back in time at Fort George Historic Site with re-enactments of military and daily life during the War of 1812. Paid parking is available on-site.
Location: 51 Queen's Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Don’t miss a visit to The Landscape of Nations. This living memorial is dedicated to the contributions and sacrifices made by Six Nations on Queenston Heights and throughout the War of 1812.
Location: 14184 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

The fully accessible Butterfly Conservatory features over 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Hourly parking is available.
Location: 2565 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Enjoy the outdoors with a picnic in McFarland Park. In addition to two large picnic pavilions, the park also houses a children’s splash pad and various walking trails.
Location: 15927 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Shopping

Take a stroll downtown and visit Greaves Jams & Marmalade. This mainstay offers jams and preserves made with fruit grown in the heart of Niagara’s fruit belt. Metered parking is available along Queen Street.
Location: 55 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Just Christmas is Canada’s oldest year-round Christmas emporium with just about everything you need to make the holiday season festive.
Location: 34 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Shop for the entire family at the Outlet Collection at Niagara. This open-air outlet mall offers brand-name fashion and lifestyle retailers at outlet prices.
Location: 300 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Places to eat in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Indulge in a European Chimney Sandwich at Budapest Bakeshop.
Location: 118 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Family-friendly Sunset Grill serves all-day breakfast, along with other traditional diner dishes like burgers and sandwiches.
Location: 62 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Grab lunch to go at Walker’s Country Market along the Niagara River Parkway. Find hearty sandwiches, homemade bakery goods, delicious jams, jellies and preserves, all from a family farm that’s been in operation since the 1930s.
Location: 15796 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Enjoy lunch or dinner made with fresh locally grown ingredients at local favourite, The Epicurean. During summer months, enjoy some time outside on their spacious patio, with seating under a butternut tree.
Location: 84 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Cool down in farm country and enjoy the region’s finest homemade ice cream at Avondale Dairy Bar, a family-operated dairy farm since 1955.
Location: 461 Stewart Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake