5 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls (That You Might Not Know About)

Looking for fun things to do in Niagara Falls? Here are five fun lesser-known attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada that will appeal to those looking for unique things to do.

Last updated: August 29, 2024

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Canada and with good reason. The Niagara region is jam-packed with attractions and activities for visitors of any age. I previously shared my family’s Top 10 Things To Do in Niagara Falls With Kids but there are other fun activities and attractions in Niagara Falls that are less well-known that visitors of all ages should check out.

If you’re looking for lesser known things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada then add these attractons to your list!

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1. White Water Walk

We didn’t know the White Water Walk along the Niagara River even existed before we visited for the first time but it was included in our Niagara Parks attractions pass so we decided to check this self-guided experience out and I’m glad that we did.

Visitors access the 305 metre (1/4 mile) boardwalk along the Niagara River via elevator and tunnel. There are also stairs to two observation decks which provide a close up look at one of the world’s fastest stretches of white water.

The water rushes through the rapids here at speeds around 48 km/hr (30 miles/hr) making it a Class 6 rapids which is generally considered unrunnable. It’s quite incredible to witness this powerful force of nature up close!

Located at 4330 River Road. Open seasonally from late April to mid-November – hours of operation may depend on the time of year visiting. On-site parking is available. Admission may be purchased on-line or at the attraction although timed entry tickets purchased in advance are recommended.

Tickets are available for the attraction separately or as part of a Niagara Parks attractions pass (Niagara Falls Pass, Adventure Pass Classic or Adventure Pass Plus). Check website for current pricing. Children 2 and under are free.

2. Niagara Parks Power Station

There’s a good chance that you haven’t heard about the newest must-see attraction in Niagara Falls. Officially opened in 2021, the Niagara Parks Power Station provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to visit the only fully intact, decommissioned hydroelectric power plant of its era in the world which was the first major power plant on the Canadian side of the Niagara River.

Learn about how the power of water was harnessed to generate electricity through the use of an immersive self-guided audio tour while exploring artifacts, interactive exhibits and installations then descend 180 feet in a glass-paneled elevator and explore the 2,200-foot long tunnel which leads to an observation deck at the river’s edge.

There is also a night experience available which includes a sound and light show and amazing views of the illuminations of Horseshoe Falls from the Power Station’s observation deck.

Located at 7005 Niagara Parkway (between Table Rock Welcome Centre and the Floral Showcase). Open year-round. Access to the observation deck may be limited due to inclement weather. Fully accessible. Check website for current hours and admission pricing.

3. Niagara Adventure Theatre

Movie fans should attend a screening of Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic at Niagara Adventure Theatre (formerly known as IMAX Niagara) for an introduction to the history of Niagara Falls. The theatre uses a 4K resolution and 24,500 lumens projector to project onto a large 40′ wide by 20′ high screen that will make you feel like you are standing at the brink of the Falls watching the action.

The film highlights the early myths and legends surrounding Niagara Falls, miraculous stories of survival of people who have accidentally gone over the Falls, and a few of the daredevils who attempted to take on the Falls in a barrel.

Located within walking distance to the falls at the Greg Frewin Theatrical Centre, 5781 Ellen Avenue. Free parking. Open 7 days a week with multiple showtimes. Tickets can be purchased online. Check website for admission pricing. Children under 4 are free with a paid adult admission.

4. Niagara Falls History Museum

My family loves visiting museums so I have no idea why we had never visited the Niagara Falls History Museum until recently. The museum, which was renovated and expanded in 2012, has two permanent exhibits and one temporary exhibit space which provide a great introduction to the history of the area and many oportunities for interactive hands-on learning experiences.

Kids will love trying on a replica uniform while exploring the Gale Family War of 1812 Gallery which houses a collection of important artifacts relating to the war.

The Community Gallery on the 2nd floor highlights various aspects of the community of Niagara Falls and also offers several fun interactive exhibits. During our visit, we had a great time exploring the museum’s temporary exhibit “No Vacancy” which looked at motel culture and how it affected the development of Niagara Falls.

Located at 5810 Ferry Street. Closed on Mondays. Open 10am – 5pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Open 10am -9pm on Thursdays. Check website for current admission prices. Accessible by Niagara Falls transit and WEGO transportation system and parking available behind the museum off Sylvia Place. Check website for holiday closures.

5. Niagara’s Fury

September 2, 2024 will mark the final day of operation for Niagara’s Fury to make way for a new experience coming Summer 2025.

Niagara’s Fury is another family-friendly attraction that I never would have considered visiting if we hadn’t been using a sightseeing pass. The attraction is described as a mult-sensory 4-D experience but I had no idea what that really meant. When we were handed ponchos on the way in I assumed there might be a bit of misting water. We were indoors so how wet could it really get?!?

The experience starts with a cute animated character named Chip the Beaver who is working on a project about how Niagara Falls was formed during the Ice Age. When this 8 minute animated pre-show is over the audience moves into a specially-designed 360 degree theatre with drains in the floor where the multi-sensory aspect of the experience becomes clear. The temperature drops, the floor moves and the drenching begins – a few minutes later (6 to be precise!) you will feel like you have gone over Niagara Falls! My daughter loved it!!

Niagara’s Fury located in the Table Rock Welcome Centre at 6650 Niagara Parkway is open year-round – hours vary depending on time of year.

The next time you are in Niagara Falls and looking for fun things to do, check out some of these lesser-known attractions – you won’t be disappointed!

My family received complimentary media passes to visit the above-mentioned attractions. Opinions expressed are, as always, my own.