Niagara is definitely one of the ultimate attractions worldwide – every year countless tourists flock to see the waters fall and take pictures at the iconic site. Since there is some competition between Canada and the US about who has the best part of the Niagara Falls (spoiler alert: it is definitely Canada!), many US friends who have visited over the years have been keen to explore this wonder of nature.

If you are a Canadian with lots of international friends, chances are you have seen the Falls many times – so how could you make your next visit there a bit more interesting? Whether you are a casino enthusiast or just plain love butterflies, Niagara is the place for you!

Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls. Photo by Linda Aksomitis

Explore the Falls in an Alternative Way

There are actually a lot of things that you can do in Niagara once you are done with the Falls. First of all, as I said, it is a cross-point between the two countries – which means you can easily turn it into a travel adventure with a twist of history.

Don’t forget to have your passport with you and any other documentation required so that you can cross the borders and enjoy both sides of the Falls – your ID will also get you into the casino that is on the border if you want to play baccarat or slots. If you are hosting American friends, visiting the US side means they get to act as the tour guide for a little bit, too!

Horseshoe Falls from the helicopter tour at Niagara Falls. Photo by Linda Aksomitis

Pay a Visit to the Butterfly Conservatory

No matter how many times you have seen the Falls though, the Journey Behind the Falls is always worth your while. You get to go 125 feet deep behind the waterfall and explore the scenery thanks to the old tunnels that are carved into the bedrock. You might get a bit wet, but you will see the Horseshoe Falls from a completely new perspective!

Another amazing attraction just across the Waterfalls is the Butterfly Conservatory. In an environment that imitates a rainforest, complete with a pond and its very own waterfall, you can see more than 2,000 tropical species of butterflies roaming around. You can even catch a glimpse at pupae and colorful butterflies testing their wings for the first time! Extra tip: the conservatory is fully accessible – it has even won the Breaking the Barrier Award in 2007 and 2008.

Butterflys. Reused with a CC0 license from Pixabay.

Take a Walk on the Fancy Side at the Niagara Casino and Sheraton

If you are into more fancy things and would like to put a glamor spin on your trip, then you could try out the Casino Niagara – located right on the US-Canada border. It is probably one of the best casinos anywhere in Canada but the fact that you can combine it with the spectacular scenery really sets it apart. It has over 1,700 machines with fun slot games across its two floors and 60 gaming tables for roulette, blackjack and poker enthusiasts.

It also has a great restaurant but if you would like to enjoy some laidback time and enjoy the Falls from afar, then I would thoroughly recommend the Sheraton On the Falls Hotel nearby, with several dining options. For those on a budget, you can enjoy a great meal from the Fallsview Buffet while taking in the breathtaking view.

Niagara Falls – Horseshoe Falls – Photo by Linda Aksomitis

So, next time you pay the Falls a visit, stick around a little bit – who knows what else you might discover!

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