Looking for fun things to do in Niagara Falls? Here are five fun lesser-known attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada that will appeal to those looking for unique things to do.
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Canada and with good reason. The Niagara region is jam-packed with attractions and activities for visitors of any age. I previously shared my family’s Top 10 Things to Do in Niagara Falls with Kids but there are other fun activities and attractions in Niagara Falls that are less well-known.
I have visited Niagara Falls many times over the years but visited these 5 attractions for the first time recently. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada then add these to your list!
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1. White Water Walk
If we hadn’t been using a Adventure Pass on a visit to Niagara Falls last summer then I wouldn’t have even known that the White Water Walk along the Niagara River existed. Since the attraction was included, we decided to check it out and I’m glad that we did.
Visitors access the 305 metre (1/4 mile) boardwalk along the Niagara River via elevator and tunnel. There are also stairs to two observation decks which provide a close up look at one of the world’s fastest stretches of white water. The water rushes through the rapids here at speeds around 48 km/h (30 miles/hr) making it a Class 6 rapids which is generally considered unrunnable. It’s quite incredible to witness this powerful force of nature up close!


2. Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Theatre
Our family loves theatre so we were very excited to learn about the Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Theatre which celebrated 20 years in Niagara Falls in 2014. This light-hearted musical celebration of Canada is performed in a log cabin theatre and features characters such as a Mountie, a French lumberjack, and Anne of Green Gables singing popular Canadian tunes.
Dinner is served family-style during breaks in the on-stage action with the young actors from the show doubling as wait staff and serving up favourites such as French-Canadian Pea Soup, PEI potatoes, and Maple Chocolate Cake.
The show is fun for all ages but is particularly good for families with older kids who need something to do in the evening in Niagara Falls. We loved the show from start to finish and it’s now definitely one of our highlights of Niagara Falls!


3. IMAX Movie and Daredevil Exhibit
Anyone who enjoys the IMAX movie experience should attend a screening of Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic at Niagara Falls IMAX. The 6 story high screen and surround sound will make you feel like you are standing at the brink of the Falls watching the action.
The film highlights the early myths and legends surrounding Niagara Falls, miraculous stories of survival of people who have accidentally gone over the Falls, and a few of the daredevils who attempted to take on the Falls in a barrel.
If you are intrigued by these thrill-seekers then be sure to check out The Daredevil Exhibit which is in the lobby of the theatre to learn more about their stories and see some of the actual barrels on display.
4. Niagara Falls History Museum
My family loves visiting museums so I have no idea why we had never visited the Niagara Falls History Museum before this. The recently-renovated museum has two permanent exhibits and one temporary exhibit space which provide a great introduction to the history of the area and many opportunities for interactive hands-on learning experiences.
Kids will love trying on a replica uniform while exploring the Gale Family War of 1812 Gallery which houses a collection of important artifacts relating to the war.
The Community Gallery on the 2nd floor highlights various aspects of the community of Niagara Falls and also offers several fun interactive exhibits. During our visit, we had a great time exploring the museum’s temporary exhibit “No Vacancy” which looked at motel culture and how it affected the development of Niagara Falls.

5. Niagara’s Fury
Niagara’s Fury is another family-friendly attraction that I never would have considered visiting if we hadn’t been using a Niagara Falls Adventure Pass. The attraction is described as a multi-sensory 4-D experience but I had no idea what that really meant. When we were handed ponchos on the way in I assumed there might be a bit of misting water. We were indoors so how wet could it really get?
The experience starts with a cute animated character named Chip the Beaver who is working on a project about how Niagara Falls was formed during the Ice Age. When this pre-show is over the audience moves into a specially-designed 360 degree theatre with drains in the floor where the multi-sensory aspect of the experience becomes clear. The temperature drops, the floor moves and the drenching begins – a few minutes later you will feel like you have gone over Niagara Falls!

The next time you are in Niagara Falls and looking for fun things to do, check out some of these lesser-known attractions – you won’t be disappointed!
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The Roaming Family
This is fantastic! OUr family loves to travel and sometimes I forget about classic family vacation spots. We have traveled all over SE Asia and the Middle East and we have yet to see places that are right in our own country! Thanks for this!
The Adventure Ahead
This is such a comprehensive article – some great ideas for non traditional activities! We hope to make a trip out there soon, and I will be keeping these ideas in mind! Thanks!
Lisa Goodmurphy
It’s a trap that we all fall into. Hopefully your family has a chance to visit Niagara Falls soon!
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thank you!! I hope you get to Niagara Falls soon – it’s such a great destination!!
Gil
Just learned more about Niagara Falls than I did the times we went there. No mention of being able able to buy fireworks. That was a big deal for my my younger brother and me.
Leigh
Great suggestions Lisa. We used to hike along a lower section of the Niagara River that few people knew about – not as terrifying as some sections but still very awe inspiring.
Leah
Thanks for this. We are headed to Ottawa next month and I debated about a stopover in Niagara because it is such a touristy place, but after learning more about the White Water Walk, I think we need to make a visit. 🙂
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thanks for your comment, Gil! Unfortunately, I don’t know anything about whether or not you can buy fireworks. There is a spectacular series of fireworks over the Falls that is held every year though – it’s definitely worth seeing!!
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thanks, Leigh! I didn’t realize that it was possible to hike along the Niagara River – the views must be amazing!!
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thanks for your comment, Leah! There is no doubt that Niagara Falls is a touristy place but it is still so incredibly beautiful that it’s worth a stop. If you have time then stop by Niagara-on-the-Lake as well – it is such a pretty little town!
Nancy
We took your advice on our trip to Niagara Faalls with our granddaughters, 6 &8th, and it was invaluable. Thank you so much for your blog!
Lisa Goodmurphy
Nancy, thanks so much for coming back to let me know that you enjoyed visiting Niagara Falls with your granddaughters! I love hearing that readers have found my advice useful and that it helped to plan a successful trip!
Nancy
I just stumbled across your article. We are planning a trip up north and would LOVE to see the Falls. Do you and your family typically stay on the US or Canada side? I think I am going to purchase the Adventure Pass – – but want to make sure we are staying close enough to use it and the buses. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Lisa Goodmurphy
Hi Nancy, I’m only familiar with the Canadian side as we live in Canada and I haven’t spent any time on the American side. I think the general consensus is that there is more to do on the Canadian side, however, it might be fun to do both as I think there are different activities available around the Falls on each side. The Adventure Pass that I referred to is available on the Canadian side. Here’s the link to an article from another writer I know about things to do in Niagara Falls, NY. http://www.familytravelmagazine.com/niagara-falls-ny-kids/ Hope that helps – enjoy your trip!
Melissa
Are you a wine lover? Another great thing to do is visit a local winery! Book one here with King’s Court Estate Winery, in St.Catharines! Just a 20minute drive from Niagara Falls.
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thanks for the recommendation, Melissa!
Diane
Great tips, thank you so much! This is very helpful! Any other ways to help save money? We hope to see many attractions but need to keep to a budget of course. Thanks!