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Attractions, List, Things To Do, Travel

10 Ways to Cool Off in Niagara Falls

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Reading Time:  6 minutes -

Ready to beat the heat and embark on an exciting adventure to Niagara Falls? Hold on tight because we’ve got you covered with a wide array of venues that will keep you cool and comfortable throughout your escape. Whether you’re yearning for relief during those scorching days or seeking a serene retreat after sunset, we’ve got it all right here, waiting for you!

Prepare to get your heart pumping as you dive into the thrilling world of water parks, ziplines, and misty boat tours that will instantly whisk you away from the heat. Brace yourself for the invigorating power of cascading waterfalls that will leave you in awe and feeling totally rejuvenated. And the excitement doesn’t stop there! Indulge in our air-conditioned attractions, treat yourself to mouthwatering ice cream at nearby parlors, and quench your thirst with ice-cold beverages on breezy open-air patios. Plus, we’ve got shaded outdoor spaces where you can kick back, relax, and unwind like a boss.

No way are you letting that heat bring you down! Embrace the countless options we have to keep you cool while you explore the wonders of Niagara Falls. It’s time to seize the moment, make the most out of your visit, and create unforgettable memories that will leave you feeling refreshed!

1. Niagara City Cruises

Feel the wind and the mist on Canada’s most up close and personal boat ride straight to the majestic Niagara Falls! Niagara City Cruises is an intimate tour that gets you as close as possible to the breathtaking flow of water, power and mist that is the magnificent Niagara Falls. Within the Niagara Great Gorge you’ll journey past the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and into the very heart of the famous Horseshoe Falls.

Address: 5920 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. L2E 6X8
Phone: 1-905-642-4272

2. Niagara Speedway on Clifton Hill

Zoom down the Speedway ramps and feel the wind in your face as you zip around in an open air go kart track! The Speedway is a world-class attraction that combines the thrill of kart racing with a roller coaster ride. The course is spread out over four acres with over 2000 linear feet of concrete racing surface, running through a four-story helical spiral followed by a two tiered coaster style ramp that runs into another spiral. The karts are powered by a large 4 stroke Honda motor, boasting 9 HP with a maximum track speed of 32 km/hr. The colourful, low profile bodies are adorned with advanced lighting systems and open leg areas for ease of loading and cooling!

Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 3N4
Phone: +1 905-358-3676

3. Journey Behind the Falls 

You can almost touch the Niagara Falls — that’s how close you will be. It’s impossible not to cool off when the water gushes all around you when you do the Journey Behind the Falls attraction. Approximately 567,811 litres of water per second run over the brink of the Niagara Falls, which create winds and mist guaranteed to get you to cool off in Niagara Falls. You will descend 150 feet in an elevator through bedrock to tunnels that lead and to the Cataract Portal and the Great Falls Portal. This is one-third of the way behind the massive sheet of water. Then you walk on to the Upper and Lower Observation Decks at the very foot of the Falls.

Address: 6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. L2E 6T2
Phone: +1 877-642-7275

4. Niagara Zipline to the Falls

The Zipline to the Falls takes you on a thrilling ride into the Falls gorge, towards the base of the amazing Horseshoe Falls. You’ll whoosh over 2000 feet past the roaring American Falls and land at the base of the misty Horseshoe Falls. The Zipline to the Falls is an open air hands-free, worry-free, and fully-guided experience like no other in the world. The entire experience from check-in to shuttle back is approximately 60-90 minutes.

Address: 5290 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2G
Phone: +1 800-263-7073

5. Niagara SkyWheel on Clifton Hill

The Niagara SkyWheel is a giant observation wheel with all the bells and whistles! Each of the 42 gondolas are cool in the summer with each one fitted with an individual air conditioner and fans for your comfort. While admiring a spectacular view, you will be seated in comfort where you can take unbelievable pictures of the Niagara Falls from 175 feet high in the sky!

Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4
Phone: +1 905-358-4793

6. Whirlpool Jet Boats 

Come on board our wet jet for the thrill of a lifetime! Prepare to get completely soaked! The fully guided tour starts on the lower Niagara River into the Niagara Gorge at 55mp/hour. We then take you up to the famous Niagara Whirlpool and through the Class 5 ‘Devil’s Hole’ rapids. Over the past 12,000 years the turbulent currents from Niagara Falls have carved out an 11 km gorge, and this is the water playground for our fleet of eight boats that are ready to take you on an experience of a lifetime!

Address: 14004 Niagara Pkwy, Queenston, ON L0S 1L0
Phone: +1 888-438-4444

7. Ice Cool Treats on Clifton Hill

On Clifton Hill, we offer a wide range of refreshing options to help you beat the heat. Whether you’re in the mood for a Tim Hortons Iced Capp™ Iced Coffee, Frozen Lemonade, or the Real Fruit Quenchers, we have you covered. If you’re craving a creamy treat, head over to the “Crunchi Creme” booth for indulgent ice cream. You can also find refreshing Chocolate or Vanilla Frosty™ at Wendy’s. Our selection goes beyond these options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4
Phone: (905) 358-3676

8. Frozen Cheesecake at the Fudge Factory

Experience the ultimate frozen cheesecake treat at the Fudge Factory on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls. Enjoy a refreshing and ice-cold cheesecake dipped in chocolate, with your choice of delicious toppings. Satisfy your sweet tooth while staying cool. This heavenly dessert combines smooth, velvety cheesecake with an irresistible chocolate coating. With each bite, the creamy and tangy cheesecake melts in your mouth, perfectly complemented by the luscious layer of premium chocolate. It’s a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. The Fudge Factory on Clifton Hill is a must-visit for dessert enthusiasts.

Address: 4848 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4
Phone: (905) 358-3676

9. Wizards Golf Clifton Hill

Step into the medieval world of our Wizard’s Golf mini putt course, located in a spacious underground cavern next to the Ripley’s Museum. Immerse yourself in the enchanting “glow-in-the-dark” environment, elevating the excitement of your mini-golf experience. Regardless of the weather conditions outside, Wizard’s Golf is open seven days a week, providing a cool and enjoyable experience year-round. Whether you seek shelter from the elements or simply want to embark on an hour of indoor entertainment, Wizard’s Golf is the ideal destination for mini-golf enthusiasts.

Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4
Phone: (905) 358-3676

10. Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse Specialty Drinks

Prepare yourself for an exceptional experience at our popular Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse on Clifton Hill. Our patio is the talk of the town, attracting a multitude of visitors. Unwind and soak up the atmosphere on our expansive and impressive patio. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of the Hill, enhanced by overhead music, while you enjoy all the amazing drink options available. Treat yourself to a delightful beverage like the Honey Peach Tea Lemonade, Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Smash, Margaritas, Mojitos, Wildberry Rose Sangrias, and an enticing selection of other cocktails. Relaxation and indulgence await you at Kelsey’s, where the patio scene is second to none.

Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4
Phone: (905) 353-0051

Bonus: Fallsview Waterpark

Get ready to have a blast at the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark! It’s an absolute gem with 125,000 square feet of non-stop water fun to beat the heat. Imagine a gigantic play area, a massive 1,000 gallon tipping bucket, and mind-blowing six-story high waterslides. Dive into the full-sized wave pool, soak up the sun on the year-round outdoor activity pool and sundeck, and get your adrenaline pumping in the plunge bowl.

Address: 5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6W7
Phone: (905) 374-4444

Feeling the heat? Don’t let that stop you from traveling to Niagara Falls. We have many venues to help cool you off during the hot days and nights!

Attractions, Things To Do

Amazing Niagara Falls Tourist Attractions You Have To See

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Reading Time:  5 minutes -With the Summer halfway through, now is the time you may be thinking of planning a quick Niagara Falls getaway. If your time is limited, here is a list of Niagara Falls tourist attractions you have to see!

#1: Hornblower Niagara Cruises

Hornblower Niagara Cruises is a thrilling way to experience Canada’s most spectacular wonder of the world. It will take you on the ride of your life with an intimate tour that gets you as close as possible to the Niagara Falls. Within the Niagara Great Gorge you will journey past the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and into the very heart of the famous Horseshoe Falls.

Currently ranked #3 of 41 “Outdoor Activities in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

Visit: www.niagaracruises.com 

#2: Niagara SkyWheel 

Are you ready for a unique sightseeing opportunity with breathtaking views of the Falls and beyond? Then head to Clifton Hill and take a ride on Canada’s largest observation wheel, the Niagara SkyWheel. Towering 175 feet (53 metres) over the Niagara Falls horizon, it is the most exciting way to see Niagara Falls. From this vantage point you will be treated to memorable views of the Horseshoe and American Falls from enclosed climate-controlled gondolas. See the Niagara River, the Niagara Parks and other landmarks.

Currently ranked #9 of 148 “Things to do in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

*Included in the Clifton Hill Fun Pass: Available year-round. 

Visit: www.cliftonhill.com

#3: Skylon Tower

Photo cred @thiagoedomingues

Get a spectacular view 775 feet above the Niagara Falls from the Observation Deck of the awe-inspiring Skylon Tower. Visitors can also enjoy dining in the “Revolving Dining Room” or the family-affordable “Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room” restaurant.

Currently ranked #21 of 148 “Things to do in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

Visit: www.skylon.com 

#4: Niagara Helicopters

Photo cred Christine Hess Photography

You can’t get any higher! The Niagara Helicopters will lift off and provide you with incredible one-of-a-kind views of the Niagara Falls and the landscape below. Beginning with the Sir Adam Beck Generating plant and the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture, the tour follows the Niagara River from the Whirlpool area, over the Whirlpool Rapids and the Rainbow Bridge. Queen Victoria Park stretches below as the helicopter passes by the American Falls and the Skylon Tower.

Currently ranked #8 of 46 “Tours in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

www.niagarahelicopters.com 

#5: Journey Behind the Falls 

Take a journey deep below and behind the heart of Niagara and stand in the mist where the Horseshoe Falls tumbles from 13 storeys above. At Journey Behind the Falls, you’ll experience the awesome spectacle of one-fifth of the world’s fresh water crashing down to the basin below. Up to over 2,800 cubic meters of water thunders over the brink every second, travelling 65 kilometers per hour!

Currently ranked #20 of 148 “Things to do in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

Visit: www.niagaraparks.com 

#6. Clifton Hill

No trip to Niagara Falls is complete without visiting the “Street of Fun by the Falls”! Clifton Hill is loaded with family-fun and attractions for all ages. Attractions, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife line this street from top to bottom.
It is the home of the Niagara Skywheel, the Niagara Speedway, Great Canadian Midway, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum and a 36-hole Dinosaur Adventure Golf course (compete with a “live” volcano) for starters! There are so many things to do on Clifton Hill that a single day is rarely enough.

Currently ranked #27 of 148 “Things to do in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

*Purchase 6 of Clifton Hill’s hottest attractions in the Clifton Hill Fun Pass for a $30 savings off the individual retail prices: Available year-round. 

Visit: www.cliftonhill.com 

#7. Niagara-on-the-Lake 

Ready for a change of scenery? It’s like stepping back in time and taking a breather from the hustle and bustle of Niagara Falls. Here, Niagara-on-the-Lake houses attractions mainly of historic sites. Fort George and the Historical Society Museum, the Shaw Festival, boutique shopping, golf courses, parks and beautiful farmland, agricultural markets and our world-famous Niagara wineries. Check out the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, or simply enjoy the comforts of fine hotels and charming bed and breakfast homes, with many varied restaurants.

Visit: www.niagaraonthelake.com

#8. Fallsview Casino Resort 

The Fallsview Casino Resort is a 2.5 million square foot complex that includes more than 3,000 slot machines and 150 gaming tables, a 368-room five-star hotel, fine-dining restaurants, 50,000 square feet of meeting/conference space, a health spa, a retail facility, a 1,500-seat theatre and much more. The Avalon Ballroom is where some of the world’s top entertainers perform. After catching a show, why not browse the collection of unique shops in the Galleria?

Currently ranked #17 of 127 “Hotels in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

Visit: www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com 

#9: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

You won’t find a single bad review regarding this thrilling attraction!  Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours speeds along the Lower Niagara River at 80 km/h in the confines of a jet boat, all while the river guide will tell you all about the fascinating history of the Niagara area and local points of interest. Highlights of your round trip will include the power plants of the Niagara Gorge, the 175 ft. stone wall canyon, and the Whirlpool Cable Car. Rest assured, you’re in professional hands as all captains and jet boats are certified by both the United States Coast Guard and Transport Canada.

Currently ranked #2 of 41 “Outdoor Activities in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

Visit: www.whirlpooljet.com 

#10: Fallsview Indoor Waterpark

The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is a must-do with the kids! Open year-round and always a tropical, warm-setting no matter the season, it is 125,000 square feet of action-packed water fun. It features a massive play area, a 1,000 gallon tipping bucket, enormous 6 storey high water slides, a full-sized wave pool, and a year-round outdoor activity pool and sundeck, plunge bowl, and two oversized adult only Jacuzzi’s!

Currently ranked #31 of 148 “Things to do in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

www.fallsviewwaterpark.com 

News

Popular Niagara Falls landmarks: What used to be there?

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Reading Time:  5 minutes -*Pictured Above: The Old Clifton Place (Bush Estate House) on Clifton Hill
Here’s a look at a couple of Niagara Falls’ most prominent spots, and a look at what used to be situated on the land where these Niagara Falls landmarks now stand.
Rainbow Bridge

*Photo taken from the Niagara SkyWheel*
The Rainbow Bridge and its famous arch structure connects Niagara Falls, New York,USA  to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada over the Niagara River gorge. It’s not uncommon to see a rainbow just upstream from the bridge, which is how the name “Rainbow Bridge” came to be.
The Rainbow Bridge began construction in May 1940, and was officially opened on November 1, 1941. This bridge replaces the “Honeymoon Bridge” (1898-1938), however it is new in that it was constructed 500 feet north of its previous position. The “Honeymoon Bridge” collapsed on January 27, 1938 after an ice jam in the river. To assure its safety, the Rainbow Bridge abutments and approach spans rest on solid rock high enough on the sides of the gorge. To ensure its safety, the girders were situated much higher 
Click here for more about the Rainbow Bridge and how it came to be.

*Pictured Above: The “Honeymoon Bridge” upon collapsing in January 1938*
Skylon Tower
 
The Skylon Tower is Niagara’s tallest structure, measuring 520 feet above ground level and 775 feet above the base of the Falls. It was inspired by the Space Needle Tower in Seattle, Washington, and was built by the general contractor, Piggott’s Construction Company. Construction began in May 1964, and was officially open to the public on September 31st 1965. It was on October 28th 1964, that the tower was officially named the “Skylon Tower”. The company president at that time, Edward Bull Jr., described the name as meaning a “space aged version of a skyscraper”.

*Pictured Above: A timeline of the Skylon Tower in 1964 to current*
Prior to the Skylon Tower, the land was leased from Mr. George Sainovich and the New York Central Railway in which it was being used as a parking lot — which only cost .50 cents to park for the whole day!
Here’s an old article from the Niagara Falls Gazette, dated  December 5, 1965 in which it tells the story of how the idea for the Skylon Tower was derived.

 
Clifton Hill
 

Long before Clifton Hill became known as “the Street of Fun by the Falls”, it owed its roots and name to one man — Captain Ogden Creighton. He was an officer in the British army who had served with the 70th and 81st Regiments in various parts of the world, including the Far East.
Around 1830, Captain Creighton came to Niagara Falls and acquired a sizeable tract of land on what is now the south side of Clifton Hill as well as the area just beyond the top of the hill. He had this land surveyed and laid out for a town site, which he named Clifton, presumably after Clifton on the gorge of the River Avon in Bristol, England. On the edge of the high bank facing the American Falls, Captain Creighton built his own residence, naming it Clifton Cottage. It stood where the Great Canadian Midway is now located. The Creighton family left Niagara Falls in the early 1840s, moving first to Toronto and then Brantford, Ontario. Captain Creighton died at about 1850.
Clifton Hill was known as Ferry Road since 1834, when small rowboats were utilized to transport people across the Niagara River between Canada and the USA (approximately where the Hornblower Niagara Cruises loading dock sits). 
In 1842, a man named Samuel Zimmerman created an estate property along the south side of Ferry Hill, and called it “Clifton Place”. On his estate, Zimmerman undertook to create many gardens and several large fountains, including the “Zimmerman Fountain” which still exists down in Queen Victoria Park. The estate of Samuel Zimmerman occupied the entire south side of Ferry Hill, and today this property is owned by HOCO (Harry Oakes Company). He was killed on March 12th 1857 in the Desjardins Canal Railway accident.
Senator John T. Bush of Buffalo, New York bought his estate, along with the adjoining properties. Senator Bush fixed up the estate and lived there with his family for over 50 years. Upon his death was when tourism really started to boom, and his wife sold their property to Sir Harry Oakes. It was shortly after then that the entire “Ferry Hill” (Clifton Hill) property started to cater to tourism. In the 1950’s the Park Motor Hotel (which eventually became known as the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill), and the Fallsway Hotel (which later became the Quality Inn, and now the site of the Niagara SkyWheel) were built on a large portion of that estate. 
In November 1965, the old Clifton Gate House located on the south side Clifton Hill was demolished to make way for the Hollywood Wax Museum. It is from approximately the mid-60’s that Clifton Hill really became known as the “Street of Fun by the Falls” with all its hotels, attractions, souvenir shops, and restaurants popping up. 

*Pictured Above: “Clifton Place”. The grassy area in the foreground now stands all the attractions on the south side of Clifton Hill (HOCO property)*

 “Journey Behind the Falls”
 
Ever wondered how the “Journey Behind the Falls” attraction came to be? The curiosity of viewing the Falls was always there, and people used to scale down walls and rock just to try and catch a glimpse of is natural wonder. In 1818 the first enclosed stairs were built, and a spiral staircase was created in 1832 making way for the “Sheet of Falling Water” attraction.
In 1885 when the Niagara Parks Commission was created in order to oversee the area, the commissioners removed the staircase and installed a water hydraulic powered elevator shortly afterwards in 1887. The first tunnels were created in 1889, and in 1902 the hydraulic lift was taken over by the Ontario Power Company. In exchange for using the elevator, the Ontario Power Company agreed to sink a shaft through the rock to create a new tunnel that an electric elevator could descend down.
The Table Rock Complex began to be built in 1925 in which this elevator was duplicated, and the “Scenic Tunnels” attraction began.
Since then, new tunnels were cut into the rock, and in 1994, the name “Scenic Tunnels” was changed to the “Journey Behind the Falls”.

*Pictured Above: Table Rock “Scenic Tunnels”  circa 1930’s (Photo cred: Niagara Falls Library)*
For some Niagara Falls facts, FAQ’s, trivia, and to learn a little bit more about the history of some Niagara Falls landmarks and its early settlers, click here.

 

Christine Lynn

clynn@cliftonhill.com

www.cliftonhill.com

Facebook: www.CliftonHill.com/fb

Twitter: www.CliftonHill.com/twt

Google+: www.CliftonHill.com/gplus

Pinterest: www.CliftonHill.com/pin

Instagram: @cliftonhillfun

 

Attractions

Niagara Falls Video of the Day: Journey Behind The Falls

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Reading Time:  < 1 minuteNiagara Falls Video of the Day: Journey Behind The Falls
From Youtube user: travelandtransitions
Added: January 04, 2008
“Finally, I had a chance to explore the great falls up close, actually as close as you can get: I walked down from the Niagara Falls Fallsview Casino to the Niagara River from where I had a great view of the American Falls. Just a few steps further I reached the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, the larger of the two. I had a quick lunch in the Table Rock Center and then headed into the basement where I started to explore a series of tunnels that terminate in two portals located behind the falls. Viewing the power of these majestic waterfalls from these openings and from the outside viewing platform is a truly awe-inspiring experience.”
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_wzfCMhSEg]