Visiting the Canadian Side of Niagara Falls

However you view Niagara Falls, it’s an unforgettable sight. That being said, on the Canadian side, you’ll get a panoramic view of both the American Falls and the magnificent Horseshoe Falls, as well as more chances to get up close and experience the falls. Families traveling to Niagara Falls find more activities to engage children on the Canadian side.

Begin by seeing the falls from Table Rock, where you’ll find the Visitors Center and a viewing platform. This is a good place to explain to children how the falls formed by water pouring from melting glaciers and plunging over the escarpment of solid rock. Over the 12,000 years since, the force of water eroded the rock further, tearing away great segments and continually changing the shape of the falls.

Feel the power of the falls — and get a little wet — on a Niagara Hornblower Cruise that goes right to the base of Niagara Falls on a 20-minute catamaran ride. This is as close as you can get to the mighty waterfalls.

To view the falls from another angle, ride Wildplay Zipline to try flying alongside Horseshoe Falls at 40 mph, more than 200 feet in the air. The 1.5-hour thrill ride is suitable for children aged 7 and older.

Families preferring to remain earthbound can go Behind the Falls, riding an elevator underground to a tunnel leading outside to a platform behind Horseshoe Falls as it roars past in a wall of water. Like the boat ride, this adventure comes with a disposable poncho to keep clothes dry in the mist.

Two more experiences will make sure your kids never forget their adventures here. The Whirlpool Aerocar takes you over the rapids and whirlpool of Niagara Gorge in an open-air cable car and the Niagara Skywheel is a giant Ferris wheel that rises to a viewpoint overlooking both the Canadian and American falls.