Niagara Fall, Canada

Niagara Falls is a major attraction, drawing 16 million visitors each year, the Falls are acknowledged as one of the world's natural wonders and are indeed Canada's most important tourist attraction.

There are actually 2 waterfalls, the smaller American Falls, near the E bank on the US side, and the much larger, more impressive Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. Both can be viewed from any part of the long pedestrian promenade built high above the river bank, which is punctuated by elevated viewing platforms and ranks of coin-operated telescopes.

This ramshackle, easy-going town is undergoing something of a transformation, with high-rise, upmarket hotels, a convention centre and the Minolta Tower Casino being welcome additions. Plenty of parkland, botanical centres, vineyards and minor theme parks provide alternative interest for visitors staying for more than a couple of days.

This destination is suitable for anyone wishing to experience one of the world's most spectacular natural settings.

There is a mixture of unsophisticated hotels to upmarket bracket, plus various motels and cheap B&Bs dotted along the riverfront road and in elevated positions overlooking the Falls.

Niagara Falls

 1) Niagara Falls - Horseshoe Falls:

Canada's section of Niagara Falls is known as The Horseshoe Falls which drop about 173 feet (53 m) and is Canada's biggest tourist attraction which bring in around 20 million visitors per year. The Horseshoe Falls are about 2,600 feet (790 m) wide. Peak numbers of visitors to the Horseshoe Falls occur in the summertime, when Niagara Falls are both a daytime and evening attraction. From the Canadian side, floodlights illuminate both sides of the Falls for several hours after dark (until midnight). The oldest and best known tourist attraction at the Horseshoe Falls is the Maid of the Mist boat cruise, named for an ancient Ongiara Indian mythical character, which has carried passengers into the rapids immediately below the Falls since 1846. Cruise boats operate from boat docks on both sides of the falls.

2) Skylon Tower:
The Skylon Tower standing at 160 metres (520 ft) is the tallest structure that overlooks Niagara Falls with views over the American Falls and the larger Horseshoe Falls, from the Canadian side of the Niagara River. The tower has two restaurants at the top level, the lower Revolving Dining Room and the upper Summit Suite Buffet. The Revolving Dining Room seats over 250 people and revolves through 360 degrees over an hour. An observation deck sits at the tower's summit and the base of the tower features a number of gift shops, fast food restaurants and a large amusement arcade.

Skylon Tower