Rises in the Falls: A guide to Niagara Falls, Ont., attractions
The glitzy tourist attractions of Niagara Falls, Ont., can be just the thing to scratch that itch for escapist entertainment. Here are some starting points.
As Western New Yorkers, we’ve all been to the falls a million times. But although the cataracts’ natural beauty is the draw for us — and our out-of-town visitors — there’s no avoiding the bustling strips of tourist-centric attractions.
Yes, these places are hokey. Yes, many are overpriced. And no, the booming neon palaces will never be confused with the rich cultural institutions we have throughout our region. But sometimes these morsels of escapist entertainment, though aimed at entertaining tourists, satisfy the cravings of us locals.
There’s little doubt that the Canadian side of the falls — for better or worse — outdoes its American counterpart when it comes to shear numbers of flashy entertainment options. But as the Niagara Falls, Ont., landscape gets more and more crowded, it’s increasingly difficult to uncover the gems worth visiting. Here, we highlight a variety of attractions, events, restaurants and bars that should be on your radar when you travel across the border. Bring your wallet — all prices listed are Canadian — and a willingness to embrace some cheesiness.
Niagara SkyWheel 4946 Clifton Hill cliftonhill.com, (905) 358-4793
Paying $10 for a ferris wheel ride that will last for 10 minutes, 15 at best, might seem like a waste of cash. But if you plan to splurge on any short-lived entertainment, you can’t go wrong with the SkyWheel. The enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas alone are worth the money, but as you’re lifted 175 feet above Clifton Hill, you experience the falls as you never have before. Towering above the water, the view is truly breathtaking, and the city looks beautiful from the sky as well. Adults are $9.99, children 10 years and under $5.99.
The Wild Mushroom Sports Bar & Grill 5633 Victoria Ave. (905) 357-2788
Remember Cory and Topanga’s favorite hangout, Chubbie’s, on “Boy Meets World?” That’s the best way to describe the Wild Mushroom. The casual sports bar’s ceiling is nearly covered with $1 bills autographed and decorated by customers, and though it’s certainly not the most sophisticated spot at the falls, boy, does it have character. The Wild Mushroom generally hosts a 19-to 25-year-old crowd, and it is the perfect place to enjoy a beer and a round of pool with friends.
Spicy Olive Bar and Grill 5026 Centre St. (905) 371-2323
The Spicy Olive just screams “fun.” It’s hard to walk by without wanting to go in. With a great space, affordable (and good) food and drinks and frequent live music, the Spicy Olive is one of the best surprises at the falls. Set back on Centre Street, it’s actually possible to enjoy conversation, food and drinks without being blinded by the neon lights of Clifton Hill.
Great Canadian Midway 4946 Clifton Hill (905) 358-3676
Centrally located on Clifton Hill, the Great Canadian Midway is potentially the most fun you can have with the least amount of cash. The 70,000-square-foot space boasts more than 300 arcade games (including lots of skeeball!) to keep adults and kids entertained. The prizes either require so many tickets that they’re out of reach, or they’re simply nothing to be excited about. Regardless, winning is always fun, even if it’s just a plastic ring.
Located within the arcade is Ghost Blasters, an interactive ride through a haunted house, where you shoot ghosts with lasers. Also within the arcade is FX Ride Theatre, a motion simulator that moves along with a movie, submersing you in the story. However, neither of these activities offers a lot of bang for your buck. Ghost Blasters is $4.99 per person, FX Ride Theatre is $6.99 per person; at 5 minutes and 8 minutes, respectively, $1 per minute of fun seems a little too high.
17 Noir Inside the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, 6380 Fallsview Blvd. (888) 325-5788, 19 years and older
Swanky, swanky, swanky. 17 Noir, located within the Niagara Fallsview Casino, has one of the hippest atmospheres of any restaurant near the falls. The red, yellow and black decor, filled with ultra-modern furniture and a chic bar, is reason enough to stop there for a meal, not to mention it has a great view of the falls. But the menu is further encouragement; the dining room offers a wide variety of sophisticated meat and seafood dishes. The prices, however, are as high as 17 Noir is luxurious. Most dinners cost at least $40, so it’s definitely a splurge. If you’re in the mood for Asian food, visit the Noodle Bar or the Sushi and Oyster Bar, two adjuncts of 17 Noir. Both are open late and are pricey — a jumbo shrimp stir-fried dish has a price tag of $31.83. Dragonfly Nightclub Inside the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, 6380 Fallsview Blvd. dragonflynightclub.com, (905) 356-4691
Dragonfly rivals 17 Noir when it comes to swank. The 12,000- square-foot nightclub features state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, Asian-inspired decor and a hip ambience for young twentysomethings. If you’re planning a night out, check out the Web site first and put you and your friends on the guest list — this way, you can bypass the line if a crowd’s forming outside. Special occasion? Make VIP reservations and enjoy private seating and bottle service for the night. Dragonfly is regularly open Tuesday and Friday nights to those 19 and older and Saturday nights to those 21 and older. Cover charges range from $5 to $20, but drinks are more affordable than you would expect, ranging from $4 to about $7. A strict dress code is enforced, so dress to impress. It might all seem a little pretentious, but it’s probably the closest to Les Deux the area will ever get.
Rumours Nightclub 4960 Clifton Hill www.rumoursnightclub.com , (905) 358-6152
Oh, Rumours. Undeniably one of the most popular teen to midtwentysomething hangouts in Niagara Falls. The line on the weekends is frequently out the door and down the stairs, packed with young men heckling girls as they walk by. The atmosphere outside the club may encourage you to find another hangout spot, but once inside, it’s not so bad. Affordable drinks and cover charge, loud music, a large bar and generous dance floor provides a fun, but crowded, atmosphere. Rumours also enforces a “dress to impress” dress code, but it’s a bit more casual than Dragonfly’s.
Remingtons of Niagara 5657 Victoria Ave. www.remingtonsniagara.com , (905) 356-4410
Remingtons of Niagara is recognized as one of the area’s best steak and seafood restaurants, but it brings something else to the table: singing servers. Enjoy the entertainment and new martini bar as you take in the Montana-countryside- inspired atmosphere. Menu items have an average price of $25, but children under 12 eat free (two children per guest).
Greg Frewin Show 5781 Ellen Ave. www.gregfrewintheatre.com , (866) 870-3002
Recognized as the International Grand Champion of Magic, Greg Frewin has won every major magic award across the world, and now entertains audiences in Niagara Falls with seven performances a week. His show features 105 minutes of illusions, and he even uses tigers in his act. After the show, audience members can get their photo taken with a tiger (for an additional cost of $20). Held at the Las Vegas-style Greg Frewin Theatre, audience members can also choose to dine before the performance begins. Pricey? Yes. But you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. Adult prices range from $40 to $60, children $20 to $30; dinner is an additional $25 for adults, $12.50 for children.
Nightmares Fear Factory 5631 Victoria Ave. www.nightmaresfearfactory.com , (905) 357-FEAR
Be forewarned: Nightmares is a serious haunted house. Just walking up to the front door is enough to make you run screaming down the street. As legend has it, Nightmares sits on the site of the Cataract Coffin Factory, whose proprietor was killed in the building and haunts its halls to this day.
Your time in Nightmares may last 15 minutes or 15 seconds — if you get too scared, scream “Nightmares!” and you’ll be removed from the house. To date, more than 90,000 visitors are said to have headed for the hills. While there are no refunds, those who chicken out will receive a pass for re-entry if they suddenly feel brave at a later time. Those who make it out alive can purchase a photo of themselves, terrified, taken within the haunted house. Admission is $13.95 for adults; children 12 and under are $9.95.
The Haunted House 4943 Clifton Hill www.falls.com , 905-357-2200, Ext. 6612
If you chicken out at Nightmares, give the Haunted House a shot. It’s much more kid-friendly, but still features enough ghosts and ghouls to give you a good scare. With no live actors, the Haunted House uses animation and motion-sensored popups to give you a good fright as you walk by, and maybe a good laugh, too. Less scare costs less money; the Haunted House is noticeably cheaper than a number of scare factories in Niagara Falls, with adults charged $7.99, children $6.99.
Oh Canada, Eh? Dinner Show 8585 Lundy’s Lane www.ohcanadaeh.com , (800) 467-2071
If you’re looking for a night of food and entertainment and are willing to spend a bit more money, check out the “Oh Canada, Eh?” dinner show. The musical and comedic performance features singing lumberjacks, hockey players and Mounties, all set in a rustic log cabin. In between the five-course family-style meal, take part in the interactive performance as cast members, who also serve the food, invite the audience to join in. Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than hitting up the arcade for the evening. Adults are $59.55, children are $29.95. Purchase tickets online and receive one free child ticket per adult ticket purchased.
Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks 5709 Victoria Ave. www.ripleysniagara.com , (905) 374-6601
If haunted houses aren’t your thing, check out the second-creepiest attraction near the falls: a wax museum. Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks features more than 120 figures of your favorite stars and movie characters, and photo ops are available with all of them. Pose with Sarah Jessica Parker and Oprah, or even hang out in the DeLorean with Marty McFly. Adults are $12.99, children 6 to 12 are $6.99 and children under 5 are free.
Falls Fireworks and Illumination
Free entertainment at the falls? Not likely, but there are a few things you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Grab a spot at the Oakes Garden Theatre and enjoy fireworks over the falls at 10 p. m. every Friday and Sunday through Aug. 31. If you miss the fireworks, don’t worry; the falls will still be illuminated with light and color every evening from 9 p. m. to midnight.
