Ontario Tourist Destinations - Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls – Vacation Destination

The encyclopedia describes Niagara Falls as massive waterfalls on the Niagara River, straddling the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York. Composed of two major sections: the Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side of the border and American Falls on the US side.
Although this description is certainly accurate, Niagara Falls has much, much more to offer than just this natural phenomenon.
It is a world-class vacation destination with something for everyone. The Niagara area offers a thriving night life, a one-of-a-kind sightseeing experience and adventure for all ages. Family activities like the Maid of the Mist and Marineland are long-time traditions, while new Niagara attractions continue to develop.
The best views and the largest bulk of the attractions are located on the Canadian side of the International border. Crossing this border is quite a simple process and should not deter you from enjoying the best the area has to offer.
There is no shortage of organized tourist attractions to visit in the immediate falls area. Some of these are the Maid-of-the-Mist boat ride, the IMAX Theater, the Journey behind the falls and of course the nightly illumination. Starting at dusk the falls are lit in the colors of the rainbow by powerful floodlights.

Touring Niagara for families on a budget is easy. The Niagara Region has a variety of attractions with little or no admission charge and affordable family accommodations.

A short drive along the Niagara Parkway north from the falls will bring you to Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was awarded the "Canada's Prettiest Town" title in the 1996 Communities in Bloom competition. The town, washed by the waters of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario is defined by historic sites, unique shops, fine dining, and incredible flower gardens, all surrounded by lush orchards and vineyards which produce Niagara’s award-winning fruits and wines.

You and your family can also journey back in time at the side-by-side communities of Niagara-on-the-Lake and Queenston. Both towns were major battlefields during the War of 1812.
Just minutes away is located historic Fort George, a reminder of the area’s past history. Fort George is a living museum where you can watch soldiers in period uniforms perform drills. Not far from Fort George, you can enjoy a cruise on the Mighty Niagara River with an exciting whitewater Whirlpool Jet Boat trip. You will also find the Laura Secord Homestead near Queenston, the heroine who walked her way into history.

Another nearby attraction is the Mackenzie Heritage Printery Museum, the first in Upper Canada. It is located in the restored home of William Lyon Mackenzie. Mackenzie published the newspaper, the Colonial Advocate. Visit the press room, print shop and second floor gallery.
Along the beautiful Niagara Parkway you will also pass by the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, North America's largest collections of free-flying butterflies, and the 80 acre botanical gardens. Both are excellent family adventures.

Only a few miles away from Niagara-on-the-Lake you will marvel at a great engineering achievement - the Welland Canal. Watch massive freighters from around the world pass through locks on their way to the Lakes Erie and Ontario. The Welland Canals Centre and St. Catharines Museum are located at Lock 3. See the ships "climb the mountain" from the viewing platform overlooking the canal and visit the Museum.
These few lines have only touched on a very small number of the many educational and awe-inspiring sights that Niagara has to offer. The Niagara Peninsula is truly one wonder after another and should be on your short list of family vacation destinations.
Experience Niagara's beauty, power and natural history for yourself.

Check out Affordable Family Accommodations in Niagara on the map below.