Experiencing Niagara Falls for a day

Located on the western shore of the Niagara River, Niagara Falls is the city with the famous waterfalls of the same name, linked to the U.S. by the Rainbow Bridge. It’s a destination filled with unique attractions, natural wonders and a lively nightlife — here I break down how to spend a day out in Niagara Falls:

Breakfast - $15

For breakfast, consider heading into the Blueline Diner. Open since 2012, the Blueline Diner serves a wide variety of breakfasts and lunches in a diner setting decorated with a ludicrous amount of sports memorabilia (if that’s your thing). If you’re not into sports then the diner’s delectably delicious breakfast menu makes it worth the visit anyway. You can’t go wrong with their specialty omelettes, breakfast sandwiches or banana pancakes for your first meal of the day.

See The Falls - Free

You’re in Niagara Falls, go check out the extraordinary beauty of the enormous cascading Falls with your eyes. Even a cursory glance at this natural spectacle would satisfy. Stroll by the Falls or drive along Niagara Parkway to witness the sight from the inside of your car, either option is free. Make sure to check them out again after it gets dark out. When night falls, the waters become illuminated by bright lights, with the night sky and stars acting as a backdrop — It’s a magnificent sight.

Niagara Speedway - $12/Driver & $4/Rider

Towering over 42’ high, the Niagara Speedway is Canada’s first ever elevated go-kart race course. Combing the high-stakes adrenaline of kart racing with the thrill-inducing experience of a roller coaster ride, the Speedway is a remarkable attraction. Test your driving skills on the straight away, maneuver through hair-pin turns and climb to epic elevations in a race for the checkered flag at the Niagara Speedway.

Lunch - $25

Eat till you burst at the all-you-can-eat Japanese and Thai restaurant WIND. Located by the intersection of Lundy’s Lane and Royal Manor Drive, WIND is known for its unique decorum, ambience and the food. The menu is made up of appetizing soups, salads and noodles (udon & rice). Of course, there is also the sushi menu, this includes maki sushi, hand rolls alongside their sushi bar special maki rolls which features must-try cheese prosciutto rolls, mango tango rolls and soft shell crab rolls.

Dufferin Islands - Free

Located just south of the Falls on the Niagara Parkway, the Dufferin Islands is a popular attraction area for locals that’s comprised of 10 acres of several small islands that are connected by bridges and footpaths. It’s a quiet and secluded natural area, featuring bird feeding stations and picnic areas. Additionally, the Winter Festival of Lights is hosted here from November to January each year.

Get Closer to the Falls - Between $7.50 and $45, depending on package

Experience the thundering waterfalls from the water by taking a boat cruise up to and back from the Falls. Hornblower Niagara Cruises is the official operator of boat tours in Niagara Falls, located along the Niagara Parkway at the base of Clifton Hill. Additionally, you can get a different perspective with Journey Behind The Falls, which takes visitors on a unique tunnel tour in order to catch a view of the Falls from behind. Journey Behind The Falls is located beside the Horseshoe Falls in the Table Rock.

Dinner/Drinks - $35

Get a little taste of Ireland while in the heart of Niagara at Doc Magilligan’s Restaurant & Irish Pub, serving modern pub fare and comfort food classics. Try the Irish Nachos, Doc’s Award Winning Burger or Magilligan’s Fish & Chips. The pub also boasts the largest whiskey selection in Niagara with over 100 different bottles from Ireland, Scotland and North America available from their bar. Additionally, enjoy live music with your meal and drink every Thursday through Saturday night.

Fireworks - Free

Watch fireworks explode across a night sky over the Niagara Falls. It’s truly a sight to behold. You can catch Canada’s longest running spectacular fireworks show around the waterfalls throughout the summer and during the Winter Festival of Lights, and select other holidays throughout the year. Check out the fireworks schedule online when you plan your next visit.

Casino Niagara - Varies on you

Test your luck at this 95,000 square foot casino located at the bottom of Clifton Hill. Experience fun and excitement across two floors of gaming. From blackjack tables to slot machines, roulette and more, Casino Niagara’s got it all. However, if gambling isn’t your thing, the casino does also contain an atmospheric lounge and various eateries. Enjoy a night out at Casino Niagara at your own discretion.