Niagara Falls, Ontario

Sightseers have been riveted by Niagara Falls since a Belgian priest, Father Louis Hennepin, came across them in 1678, no doubt attracted by the billowing tower of spray that permanently hovers over the 52-meter/170-foot-high Horseshoe Falls and the somewhat smaller American Falls. The best ways to experience the falls are: the exhilarating boat ride aboard the Maid of the Mist; descending by elevator through the rock behind the falls, to emerge on foot through a portal beneath the cascading waters of Horseshoe Falls; or viewing the nightly symphony of colors as powerful Xenon lights illuminate the falls. Another delight is to hike, bike or ...

Sightseers have been riveted by Niagara Falls since a Belgian priest, Father Louis Hennepin, came across them in 1678, no doubt attracted by the billowing tower of spray that permanently hovers over the 52-meter/170-foot-high Horseshoe Falls and the somewhat smaller American Falls. The best ways to experience the falls are: the exhilarating boat ride aboard the Maid of the Mist; descending by elevator through the rock behind the falls, to emerge on foot through a portal beneath the cascading waters of Horseshoe Falls; or viewing the nightly symphony of colors as powerful Xenon lights illuminate the falls. Another delight is to hike, bike or drive along the scenic 53-km (35-mile) Recreational Trail that parallels the Niagara River between Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake. The city of Niagara Falls brims with attractions and activities geared to every age group. With new deluxe hotels and casinos, and the nearby Niagara Wine Trail to explore, Niagara Falls will undoubtedly maintain its reputation as “the honeymoon capital of the world."

About the Expert

Joanna Ebbutt is the author or editor of three Insight Guides to Toronto and Canada, and coauthor of Off the Beaten Track: Western Canada. She has been writing about travel for three decades, including chasing the aurora borealis in Northern Ontario.