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Attractions in the Falls
Butterfly Conservatory (10 minutes north of downtown Niagara Falls)
2405 Niagara Parkway
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
This is on my list of absolutely must-do. If you miss the Butterfly Conservatory, you're missing out on one of the most amazing spots in the Falls. They're under-advertised, their Website fails to show off the amazing beauty of this place, and because it's not within walking distance of downtown, I'd estimate that 90% of the people visiting Niagara Falls never go to see this. But YOU won't miss it, right?
Basically, you walk in to this gi-normous tripocal rainforest room filled with millions of different species of butterflies. They're all over the walls, the rocks, the plants, and the path in from of you. Blue ones, green ones, big ones, small ones, rare ones, friendly ones. They'll fly over your head, around your face, and even land on your body.
You'll walk along a winding path, around tropical foliage, next to waterfalls, over steams, and along rocks as you observe butterflies. Take your camera. I've never known anyone to be disappointed by this place.
There's also a museum where you can look at some educational butterfly displays (boring), gift shop where you can buy all kinds of butterfly souveniers (you can even buy dead butterflies to take home), an beautiful outdoor butterfly garden (a romantic walking area in the summer), a snack area, and lots more.
Tip: Butterflies are attracted to bright colors, especially yellow and red. They're more likely to land on you if you don bright clothing.
Another tip: It's very warm inside the butterfly area. Wear short sleeves. If it's winter and you have a jacket, there's a jacket area where you can leave your coat.
Price: $11 for adults. $6.50 for kids.
Butterfly Conservatory Website (Doesn't do justice to the place)
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
Canadian Location
61 Melville Street PO BOX 1215
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada L0S 1T0
U.S. Departure Location
115 South Water St,
Lewiston, New York 14092
Phone: 905-468-4800
Another phone: 1-888-438-4444
If you got a few extra bucks to burn, and want to do something a little more wild, then you'll definitely want to check out the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours! You'll put on a life jacket and board a speed boat that will zoom you into the Niagara gorge and through the rapids and whirlpools on the lower Niagara River.
And, when I say wet, I mean really soaked! The water splashes across your face and comes up to your knees at times. You'll get as when you're swimming.
All passengers receive water shoes and a life jacket to wear during the ride. During the winter months, they'll lend you a wool sweater and a water poncho too. The boat ride is about 45 minutes long, but allow extra time for the pre-ride safety lecture. They have a fleet of five boats that depart from the Canadian side and the American side of the falls.
Tip: The closer to the front of the boat you sit, the wetter and wilder the ride. If you're wimpy and don't want to get wet, there's also a boat with a glass dome over it that keeps everyone dry.
Caution: All participants in the jet boat rides should be in good physical health. Kids under 44 inches or under 6 years old are not allowed.
Price: $56 CAN for adults; $47 for kids
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
Phone: (716) 285-3575
Another phone: 1-800-500-4609
They call it, "The 'First Inland Oceanarium'...features more than 1,500 marine animals." I call it a small place that's about as interesting as the local pet store.
If it's too rainy to visit the outdoor attractions, then you might want to stop by the Aquarium. If you're looking for an large, world-class marine facility, then this probably isn't going to be your cup of tea. On positive note, the sea lion show is entertaining and the shark feeding is interesting to see. Otherwise, this place doesn't have much going for it.
Price: $9 for adults. $6 for kids. $7 for seniors.
Aquarium of Niagara Website
Marine Land Canada (one Mile from Horseshoe Falls)
7657 Portage Road
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
I have mixed thoughts about this place. On one hand, I've always had a problem with giant killer whales, belugas, walruses, and sea lions being kept in swimming pools so they can do tricks for visitors. On the other hand I think their shows are marvelously entertaining and the park is definitely worthwhile. Think of Marineland as Sea World Lite.
There's also a pond where you can feed fish, a petting zoo where you can feed deer, and there's a few bears on display too.
There's only a couple dozen rides, but they're good ones. The "Dragon Mountain Rollercoaster" is huge! It's spread out over 30 acres of land. They claim it's the longest non-stop steel roller coaster in the world. The "Sky Screamer" is a triple tower ride that soars you a 400 feet (137 meters) in the air and drops you a few times. There's also a variety of rides for younger kids too.
Beware: The deer in the petting zoo can be aggressive. I went there when I was a kid and got a bloody nose when a deer whacked me with its antler. Another time, the deer ate a map out of my father's back pocket.
Interesting Note: We in Western New York have to listen to their annoying, but catchy jingle all summer long on television commercials. "Happiness is... Marineland." Then we get it stuck in our headsfor the rest of the day. If you're in your hotel room and you see the commercial coming on, change the channel quick. If you don't, you'll have the tune stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
Price: ???
Aquarium of Niagara Website
White Water Walk
4330 Niagara Parkway
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
The advertisement: "Stroll along a boardwalk at the very edge of one of the world's wildest stretches of whitewater! Marvel at the relentless power and beauty of nature and see how the deep and narrow Great Gorge was created. "
My opinion: If you want to see dangerous white water rapids and water whooshing by, do it for free at Niagara Falls State Park. If you want to get up close and personal with the Niagara River, go to the the Cave of the Winds.
Here's how it works: They cram you into a tiny little elevator and send you down through the earth to the bottom of the gorge. You get out of the elevator and stroll along a quarter mile of boardwalk while you admire the swift-moving water.
Yes, it's a beautiful, relaxing, and hypnotic place. But there are better views of the river and the Falls. The walk is long. You're not really that close to the Falls. It was ok, but nothing special.
Price: Adults $8.50 CDN, Kids $5.00 CDN