The Niagara Falls region is much more than the famous waterfalls. Straddling the border between the United States and Canada, the Niagara River connects a fascinating collection of cities, historic towns, parks, battlefields, wineries and scenic trails.
For visitors from Western New York, one of the best things about the region is how much there is to explore within a relatively short distance. You can stand beside one of the world’s most famous waterfalls in the morning, explore a War of 1812 battlefield in the afternoon, and finish the day walking through a historic Canadian village or enjoying the Niagara wine country.
Here are some of the most interesting places to visit around the Niagara Falls region.
Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Ontario
Perhaps the most unusual thing about Niagara Falls is that there are actually two cities named Niagara Falls, one on each side of the international border.
On the Canadian side, Niagara Falls has developed into a major tourism destination. Visitors can experience spectacular views of the Falls from the Canadian side, take a boat ride with Niagara City Cruises, visit attractions along the Niagara Parkway, or explore the many restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues that surround the Falls.
The Canadian side is particularly well known for its panoramic views of Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. The official Niagara Falls Tourism website is a useful resource for finding attractions, restaurants, accommodations and things to do.
On the American side, Niagara Falls offers a very different experience. The city was historically an important manufacturing center because industries could take advantage of the enormous amount of hydroelectric power generated by the Niagara River.
Today, tourism is one of the city’s most important industries, with Niagara Falls State Park serving as one of its biggest attractions. Established in 1885, the park is recognized as the oldest state park in the United States.
One of the most popular ways to experience the Falls from the American side is the Maid of the Mist boat tour. The attraction has been operating for more than 150 years and takes passengers into the Niagara River basin beneath the Falls.
Learn more about Niagara Falls State Park and its attractions
Travel tip: If you’re visiting Niagara Falls, consider seeing the Falls from both sides of the border. The views are dramatically different, and each side offers attractions that you won’t find on the other.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Just downstream from Niagara Falls on the Canadian side is Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of the most picturesque communities in the Niagara region.
While Niagara Falls is busy, energetic and heavily focused on tourism, Niagara-on-the-Lake has a much quieter atmosphere. Its historic downtown is filled with beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, boutique shops, restaurants and gardens.
The community has a fascinating history. Originally known as Newark, the settlement became an important center for United Empire Loyalists who came to Upper Canada following the American Revolutionary War.
The town also played an important role during the War of 1812. American forces captured Fort George and occupied the area in 1813. When they eventually withdrew, American troops burned much of the town. Niagara-on-the-Lake was subsequently rebuilt, and many of the historic buildings visitors see today date from the 19th century.
Today, Queen Street is the heart of the historic district and is an especially pleasant place to explore on foot.
Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake offers information about historic sites, shopping, restaurants, wineries, accommodations, events and outdoor activities.
Fort George National Historic Site
History buffs won’t want to miss Fort George National Historic Site, located just outside the historic downtown.
The British built Fort George between 1796 and 1803 to defend the Niagara River and the strategically important town. During the War of 1812, the fort became the headquarters of British forces in the region before being captured and occupied by American troops in 1813.
The fort was eventually abandoned and fell into ruins before being reconstructed in the 1930s using the original Royal Engineers’ plans. Today, visitors can explore the restored buildings, see military demonstrations and learn about the people who lived and fought in the region during the War of 1812.
Visit Fort George through Parks Canada
Niagara-on-the-Lake is also at the heart of Niagara wine country. Dozens of wineries and craft beverage producers surround the community, making it a popular destination for wine tasting, culinary tourism and scenic drives.
Buffalo, New York
On the American side of the Niagara River, Buffalo is the largest urban center in the region.
Buffalo is sometimes overlooked by visitors who come specifically to see Niagara Falls, but the city offers enough attractions to justify spending a day or more exploring.
Among the city’s attractions are:
- Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens
- Buffalo Zoo
- Buffalo AKG Art Museum
- Buffalo History Museum
- Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park
- Canalside
- Tifft Nature Preserve
- Historic architecture and Olmsted-designed parks
The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park is particularly interesting for history enthusiasts. Located along the waterfront, the museum is home to several historic military vessels, including the USS Little Rock, a Cleveland-class light cruiser that served during the Cold War era, as well as other naval vessels.
Buffalo’s history is also closely connected to the development of the Great Lakes and Erie Canal. Its location at the western end of the Erie Canal helped transform the city into an important transportation and commercial center.
Visit Buffalo Niagara for things to do, attractions and events
Fort Erie, Ontario
Directly across the Niagara River from Buffalo is Fort Erie.
The community is perhaps best known for Old Fort Erie, one of the region’s most significant historic sites.
The first British Fort Erie was established in 1764 after Britain gained control of the territory following the Seven Years’ War. The location was strategically important because it provided a supply depot and port connecting Lake Erie with the upper Great Lakes.
The fort played a major role during the War of 1812. American forces captured Fort Erie in July 1814, and the British subsequently laid siege to the fort. The fighting around Fort Erie was among the bloodiest of the entire war.
The fort was eventually destroyed and later reconstructed by the Niagara Parks Commission in the 1930s. Today, visitors can tour the grounds, watch historical demonstrations and learn about the soldiers and civilians who lived through the conflict.
Learn more about Old Fort Erie through Niagara Parks
Fort Erie’s location also makes it an interesting stop for visitors traveling between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. The Peace Bridge provides a direct connection between Fort Erie and Buffalo.
Niagara River Recreation Trail
If you want to experience the Niagara River beyond the major tourist attractions, the Niagara River Recreation Trail is one of the region’s best options.
The paved, multi-use trail follows the Canadian side of the Niagara River for approximately 53 kilometers (33 miles) between Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake. It passes through a mixture of parks, natural areas, residential communities and historic sites.
The trail is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists and provides opportunities to experience the Niagara River at a much slower pace.
The route can be divided into several sections, making it possible to enjoy a short ride or walk without committing to the entire distance.
See the Niagara River Recreation Trail information
Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
For visitors looking for something more natural and less touristy, Niagara Glen is an excellent choice.
Located within the Niagara Gorge on the Canadian side, Niagara Glen contains approximately four kilometers (2.5 miles) of rugged hiking trails through a rare pocket of Carolinian forest.
The trails wind through ancient geological formations and along the Niagara River, with overlooks toward the famous Niagara Whirlpool.
Carolinian forests are particularly interesting because they contain plant and animal species more commonly associated with areas farther south. The Niagara Glen is one of the remaining examples of this type of forest in the region. Niagara Parks describes the area as one of the last remaining remnants of old-growth Carolinian Forest in Niagara.
Explore Niagara Glen through Niagara Parks
The area also offers an Indigenous audio tour, providing visitors with another perspective on the natural and cultural history of the Niagara Gorge.
More Historic Sites Along the Niagara River
One of the things that makes the Niagara region so interesting is the sheer amount of history packed into a relatively small geographic area.
The Niagara Parkway and surrounding communities contain numerous historic sites connected to the War of 1812, Indigenous history, the Underground Railroad, the American Revolution and the development of Canada and the United States.
Other sites worth exploring include Queenston Heights, the Battle of Chippawa, Fort Mississauga, the Laura Secord Homestead and numerous historic markers along the Niagara Parkway. Niagara Parks maintains an extensive collection of heritage sites throughout the region.
Explore Niagara Parks’ historic sites and heritage attractions
A Region Where History and Nature Meet
The Niagara Falls region is much more than a single attraction.
From the roar of Niagara Falls to the quiet streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake, from Buffalo’s waterfront to the historic walls of Old Fort Erie, the Niagara River connects a remarkable collection of places with intertwined histories.
It’s also one of the easiest destinations for Western New Yorkers to explore because so many of these attractions are within a relatively short drive of one another.
Whether you’re interested in Niagara Falls attractions, American and Canadian history, wineries, hiking, cycling, architecture or family activities, there’s plenty to discover on both sides of the border.
And that’s really what makes the Niagara region so special: you don’t have to choose between a nature getaway, a history trip and a sightseeing vacation. Around here, you can do all three in the same weekend.
