Travel Tips

Niagara Falls And Its Family-Friendly Attractions

Locations in this article:  Las Vegas, NV Toronto, Canada

Niagara Falls familyNiagara Falls at last! Loretta Copeland and her 7-year-old daughter Noelle wrap up their Canadian adventure with a visit to the majestic falls, and reflect on their experiences that ranged from truly authentic to downright touristy.

Travelers who haven’t rented a car or who cringe at the idea of a two-hour car ride with potentially cranky kids will be pleased to know that the train is a stress-free way to reach the city of Niagara Falls.

GO Transit is Canada’s railway system and Niagara Falls rail fares and schedule are easily accessible online. Round-trip tickets from Toronto to Niagara Falls run $28CA for adults and $14CA for children and seniors. The train stops at a tiny depot from where taxis regularly depart for the Falls (about $10 each way).

If you haven’t already, read the rest of the family-friendly Canada series:

Niagara Falls Maid of the MistUpon first glance, it was clear that no photograph of Niagara Falls could ever do it justice. This really is something that has to be experienced first hand to be truly appreciated.

The roar of the water, the spray that reaches hundreds of feet, the colors of the foam and mist are indefinable, and the awe-struck, slack-jawed gasps of the people gazing upon it for the first time is not something that can be translated into any photo or the written word.

The most convenient option for newcomers may be to purchase a premium attraction package, which includes scheduled transportation. The Niagara Falls Adventure Pass is CA$39.95 for adults and $24.95 for children, and includes four of the “big-wow” sites: Journey Behind the Falls, Maid of the Mist, Niagara’s Fury the Creation of the Falls, and Whitewater Walk.

Niagara Journey Behind the FallsHowever, for families with younger kids, it can be worth purchasing entrance to each attraction individually—it costs a dollar or two more per ticket, but affords the luxury of going at a leisurely pace and being a bit more spontaneous (or even skipping an attraction if the kids get cranky).

Word of warning: Journey Behind The Falls is a little slippery, a lot wet and definitely difficult for small kids and the elderly.

Don’t plan on taking your stroller down below where there are slick walls, wet floors and many steps. Instead, we discovered the most family-friendly option to be the 30-minute Maid of The Mist boat ride. Kids were squealing in delight (and admittedly, so were the adults) and at US$13.50 for adults and $7.85 for kids, it proved to be the best bang for the buck.

Want more advice on traveling in the area? Check out our Off the Brochure Travel Guide: Toronto, Canada.

UP THE ROAD FROM THE FALLS

Sadly, or conveniently I suppose, depending upon the way you look at it, just up the road from this majestic force of nature is most likely the city’s answer to maintaining the tourism cash cow: Clifton Hill.

Clifton Hill near Niagara FallsI discovered the main drag quite by accident while making my way back from the IMAX theater in search of a taxi and wandered right into this gaudy wonderland.

I was absolutely floored and more than a bit taken aback, coming off of the high that the Falls gave me. Clifton Hill is reminiscent of Las Vegas-style casinos and Times Square lights and attractions, complete with a gigantic Ferris wheel, funhouse and wax museum, all stuffed claustrophobically in one tiny block. For weary parents staying for more than a day, I can certainly see the appeal of entertaining antsy kids after the ubiquitous tours and boat rides, but quite frankly, the entire place left a bad taste in my mouth.

As Noelle and I munched on very big, very expensive ice-cream cones on our way back to the train, we reflected on the experiences in and around Toronto, of Niagara Falls, and our accidental Clifton Hills experience, and realized an important truth: the beauty of this destination is that it relies on its natural surroundings.

Although Toronto is a sleek, modern city, it doesn’t drown out the untouched land surrounding it, and it’s genuinely impressive how Canada recognizes the need to preserve it through conservation and recycling efforts. And the locals, who were as friendly and generous as expected, appeared appreciative and protective of the beautiful place they call home.

By Loretta Copeland for PeterGreenberg.com.

Read the rest of the family-friendly Canada series:

Learn more about travel to Canada in our complete Canada Travel category.