Niagara Falls was given the moniker, “Honeymoon Capital of the World,” not only because of its majestic waterfalls, but also because of its endless secluded romantic parks and trails, and now its veritable buffet of activities and experiences beyond the falls for the whole family.
Namaste Niagara
No matter how many visitors arrive each day, there is always a quiet spot for a picnic or a walk, or a yoga class.
Namaste Niagara selects uniquely beautiful locations for yoga classes along the Niagara River that might otherwise be unavailable.
Each yoga or meditation session begins at 8:00 am and is followed by a locally-sourced brunch at a Feast On certified restaurant.
WildPlay Niagara Falls MistRider Zipline
Zip along one of four parallel lines, 67 metres above the Niagara River, and 670 metres toward the Falls at speeds upwards of 70km/hr. Nothing screams family more, right?
New this year is zip-lining at night toward the rainbow of colours illuminating both the American and Canadian Falls.
I prefer my feet firmly planted on the ground, but the thrill seekers I’ve watched in awe have been ecstatic about their aerial triumph over the Falls.
White Water Walk
We take the elevator 70 metres down and walk to the river’s edge. The boardwalk is 325 metres long with several viewing platforms to get even closer to the water. It is serene and beautiful, and it feels like we’re in the tropics.
At its narrowest point, the river is just 50 metres across to the American side, but its Class 5 rapids barrel forward at 45km/hr, producing three to five-metre standing waves–the largest in North America.
This walk is such a cool respite from the summer heat, and a unique stroll to appreciate a few moments together.
Whirlpool Aero Car
Gazing out from an antique red cable car, suspended from six cables, the calm breeze belies the tempestuous river below. The views are, of course, breathtaking. We pass over the Niagara Whirlpool and Class 6 white water rapids and cross the international border four times.
This cable car has been operating for 100 years and remains a perfect perch from which to admire the force and beauty of nature.
Butterfly Conservatory
From within the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, we float to the Butterfly Conservatory. Inside this oasis are 45 species of 2,000 butterflies. Some are camouflaged and require a little more focus to see. Others, vibrantly coloured, flutter past the trees and bedazzle the path, the windows and the trickling waterfalls.
My son and I pose with outstretched arms for them to land on us—and they do. It’s beautiful and out of the ordinary. Upon leaving, my son discovers a colouring station in which to draw his own butterflies. We scan them, and then, suddenly, they appear fluttering in animation on the wall.
Clifton Hill
How many times have I driven past here and thought it was too kitschy for me. And yet, what an incredible experience! First of all, check out the Niagara Speedway. This speedway is North America’s largest elevated go-kart track. There’s a forty-foot spiral, twists and turns, and 35 other cars racing to the finish. It’s a thrill and a half.
Then there’s the Dinosaur Adventure Golf with a dinosaur and a volcano. We check everything out: the arcades, the funhouse, and the Big Top Amazing Mirror & Laser Maze. We are unsuccessful at finding the exit in the mirror maze, and frustratingly end up back at the beginning, but in the laser maze we work as a team; roll under, jump over, and contort ourselves to reach the other side of the room without touching the beams.
Purchase a Fun Pass for admissions. As a family, this is an unforgettable day that the kids love!
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