Niagara Falls Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a Canadian twin of the U.S. city by the same name, located in Niagara County, New York, just across the Niagara River spanned by the Rainbow Bridge. The two cities are named for the same world-famous Niagara Falls, one of the most extreme, awe-inspiring waterfalls on earth.

The area of Niagara Falls was originally named "Ongiara", after the indigenous Ongiara people, an Iroquois tribe, who had inhabited the region before European settlers moved in and turned it into an important site for trade and commerce. The city's economy began to grow in the mid-to-late 19th century following the development of hydroelectric power from the falls, and it has since become a popular tourist destination. The latter fact prompted the construction of hotels, parks, and numerous attractions designed to draw visitors to the natural wonder jokingly described once as "the hanging tongue on the face of the earth, drooling endlessly over its own beauty."

More commonly, however, Niagara Falls is seen as the Niagara River's vast expression of power, whose roar is like thunder and whose mist is like rain. It is truly an unforgettable experience! Thus, it is only natural that whoever visits the city is eager to get the best possible view of the falls itself. Luckily, quite a few spots in the town offer exactly that, such as the 520-foot-high Skylon Tower and Niagara Sky Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel located on Clifton Hill, a bustling entertainment district.

Other popular attractions on Clifton Hill include Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, a museum of oddities and curiosities; the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, a massive indoor water park with slides, wave pools, and other water attractions; and Birds of the Lost Kingdom, an aviary featuring exotic birds from around the world. Also, Queen Victoria Park, a 52-acre manicured garden, features platforms offering views of American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls.

Indeed, Niagara Falls must be seen to be believed. But if you're interested in more than just natural beauty, Niagara Falls has a lot to offer in terms of historical and fun-packed attractions, too. This self-guided introductory walk is proof of that.