Places to Visit in Niagara Falls, the Niagara Glen and Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Niagara Parks has protected the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and its surroundings since 1885. Today it spans 56 kilometers along the Niagara River from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. This guide covers five places to visit: Journey Behind the Falls, the White Water Walk, the Niagara Glen, Fort George with Butler's Barracks, and the Shaw Festival. Each section lists addresses, seasons and visitor rules drawn from Niagara Parks and the site operators.

Journey Behind the Falls at the Horseshoe Falls

Journey Behind the Falls is located at 6650 Niagara Parkway, on the first floor of the Table Rock Welcome Centre. It is open year-round. Visitors go 125 feet underground into bedrock tunnels that reach about 46 meters behind the Horseshoe Falls. The tunnels lead to an observation deck at the base of the falls.

The experience takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Recyclable ponchos are provided, and strollers are not allowed. Confirm current hours and ticket details with Niagara Parks before visiting.

Niagara Parks reports that up to 2,800 cubic meters of water flow over the edge of the Horseshoe Falls every second, at speeds reaching 65 km/h. Visitor access into the Niagara Gorge here dates to 1832. That year, the first staircase was cut into the gorge to reach what was then called the 'Sheet of Falling Water'.

White Water Walk on River Road

The White Water Walk is at 4330 River Road. An elevator descends 70 meters to a quarter-mile riverside boardwalk at the base of the Niagara Gorge. The boardwalk runs next to Class 6 rapids.

The Whirlpool Rapids run at 48 km/h past rock layers that are 410 million years old. The attraction is seasonal and operates from April to November. Exact dates and hours are not listed here, so confirm with Niagara Parks before planning a visit.

Strollers are allowed on the White Water Walk. Travelers pairing this stop with Journey Behind the Falls can plan around the different seasons. Journey Behind the Falls is open year-round, while the White Water Walk follows its April to November season. Confirm parking and ticket details with Niagara Parks.

Niagara Glen and the Niagara Glen Nature Centre

The Niagara Glen sits at the edge of a rare Carolinian ecosystem with glacial boulders, ancient rock formations and dense forest. Niagara Parks describes it as home to one of the region's last remaining old-growth Carolinian forests.

The Niagara Glen Nature Centre is at 3050 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls. No ticket is needed to visit the Nature Centre, and pay-and-display parking is on site. Rugged trails lead from the Nature Centre into the gorge through glacial boulders. Niagara Parks naturalists lead guided hikes in spring and summer. The 'Rekindling All Our Relations' Indigenous audio tour is available as an app.

Niagara Parks states the Niagara Glen is internationally known for bouldering. A bouldering permit is required for all climbers and must be bought online in advance. Trail conditions and guided hike schedules should be confirmed with Niagara Parks.

Fort George and Butler's Barracks in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Fort George National Historic Site is at 51 Queens Parade in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was a military post that defended Upper Canada against American attacks in the War of 1812. The site has costumed interpreters, blockhouses, a historic powder magazine and cannons.

Fort George does not stay open all year. Travelers planning a trip should check current opening dates with Parks Canada before adding it to an itinerary.

Butler's Barracks National Historic Site is a historic military complex of five wooden buildings. It stands at the edge of the Commons behind Fort George. Together, the two sites show part of the military history of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Visitor access, hours and any tours at Butler's Barracks should be confirmed with the site operator.

Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake stages a seasonal program of plays. Venues include the Festival Theatre, Court House Theatre and Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre.

Recent programs have included holiday shows in November and December. Titles, venues and run dates change from one season to the next, so check the festival's schedule to see what is playing during your visit.

Performance times, seating and ticket details should be confirmed with the festival. Travelers visiting late in the year can pair a show with the Winter Festival of Lights, held each winter at multiple Niagara Parks locations. Niagara Parks posts the current dates for that event. The Falls Illumination is also listed by Niagara Parks as a year-round event at Queen Victoria Park.

Key points

• Journey Behind the Falls, at 6650 Niagara Parkway, is open year-round and takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
• The White Water Walk at 4330 River Road is seasonal from April to November and allows strollers.
• Bouldering in the Niagara Glen requires a permit for all climbers, bought online in advance.
• The Butterfly Conservatory, with its Pollinator Playground exhibit, sits alongside the 99-acre Botanical Gardens, and Niagara Parks says its 56 km parkway welcomes riders of all levels.
• The Shaw Festival runs a seasonal program at three Niagara-on-the-Lake theaters, and Fort George closes for part of the year, so check current dates before you go.

Frequently asked questions