Niagara Falls: Adventure Beyond the Falls

But today I want to cover some of the more “tourist-y” aspects to the Niagara region, some of the truly fun and adventurous things to do on the Canadian side of the falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Let’s begin with Clifton Hill. This is the main tourist area and at night, reminds one of the Las Vegas strip. The neon glows with a warm, inviting light and the sounds of excitement and thrills from arcades and theatres abound. At the very top of the hill, you will find all of the Ripley’s family of entertainment activities. There is a moving 3-D theatre and of course the famous Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum. Allow yourself at least a couple of hours to tour that, you will find everything from shrunken heads to a car made of pennies. The exhibits change regularly so this is worth a glance every time you visit the falls.

Further down the hill, you will find the wax museums. There is the Movieland Wax museum and Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks are filled with many of Hollywood’s finest. From Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart through to Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings, there is something for everyone here. You’ll be amazed at how lifelike the statues are, right down to their garments, shoes and even hair. These are a "must see" in my opinion.

Then there is the Guinness World Records Museum. Here you will find accounts of some the most amazing yet true things that have happened in our world. There are incredible displays, interactive games, trivia and themed galleries. I suggest this as a rainy day activity as one can easily be engrossed for 4-5 hours here.

One other "must see" on the hill is Greg Frewin’s Las Vegas Magic Review Show. Enjoy an evening of Las Vegas style entertainment complete with tigers and show girls. The lighting and special effects keep you on the edge of your seat. Quite a spectacular show.

At the foot of Clifton Hill, is the Maid of the Mist Steamboats. Where else in the world can you get on a old fashioned steamboat, don a rain poncho, cruise right up to the edge of an awesome falls, and walk away unscathed? Everyone from celebrities to your next door neighbor can grasp the awesome force and splendor of the falls through this unique view.