Why Clifton Hill Niagara Falls is a great summer tourist destination
Let’s get a couple of things out of the way up front. First, while there are some nice things to see and do on the American side of Niagara Falls, the Canadian side is built up much nicer, more for tourism, where you’re going to find many more interesting things to see and do. Second, some people may consider Clifton Hill on the Canadian side of the Falls a tourist trap, but sometimes – as a tourist – that’s exactly what you are looking for.
Growing up in Buffalo, we would frequently head over to Clifton Hill to partake in the wax museums and restaurants. Over the years, they have added many other attractions, such as a giant Ferris wheel, miniature golf, interactive rides and a two-story go-kart track!
So let’s take a look at why Clifton Hill has been a lifelong Jay’s Faves…
“Museums“
When I was a kid, these were the main attractions on Clifton Hill. From the scary to the bizarre to Hollywood royalty, the “museums” had a little something for everyone. I put the word museum in quotes because, as you will see, these are not quite your normal museum…
In the Movieland Wax Museum you can see the likes of Capt. Jack Sparrow and the Avengers. Also, not too far away, is Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, if you’d like to see more wax replicas of celebrities and characters.
Over in Ripley’s believe It or Not you will find over 500 displays about all sorts of fantastical oddities, like real shrunken heads! There are many interactive displays as well and this attraction is always a family favorite.
Looking to be scared, there are several attractions to choose from. You can get your fright on at The Haunted House, Dracula’s Haunted Castel, The House of Frankenstein or the nearby Nightmares Fear Factory. BOOO!!
Make sure to check out the small rollercoaster on the roof of The House of Frankenstein. If you don’t want to go through the whole attraction, you can just get tickets for the rollercoaster. While a quick ride, it’s a pretty memorable experience zipping around on a rooftop!
An honorable mention here is The Upside Down House. This flipped and crooked house will have you wondering which way is up!
The Upside Down House is a unique and dizzying family experience that definitely is not for those suffering vertigo. As with most things on this list, this is a very touristy thing. Some people find that it’s not worth the money as there are only a few rooms and it doesn’t take that long to get through. On the other hand, how often do you get to go inside a house that is upside down?
Rides
There are plenty of rides to check out on Clifton Hill to keep the family busy…
Niagara Skywheel
Want to get a bird’s-eye view of the falls, then get on the Skywheel. This Ferris wheel will take you 175ft above the Falls day and night. To get a great view of the area, hop on during the day. To see the Falls lit up, take a ride at night. Either way, you’ll get a beautiful panoramic view. The Skywheel cabs are climate controlled, so you can go year-round.
Go-karts
Put your racing skills to the test over at Niagara Speedway. If you think this is a normal go-kart track, then think again. sure the hairpin turns are there, but this track also has an elevated ramp. It is definitely a thrill to try to pass your opponents while zipping up a couple of levels!
Interactive Rides
There are several cool interactive rides to choose form on Clifton Hill. These include picking up your laser pistol and target shooting at Ghostblasters, Zombie Attack and Carnival Chaos (Just a word to the wise, the Zombie and Carnival rides may be too intense for the little ones). For a little more family fun, try the 4D ride Toy Store. Here you will pilot your plane through a toy store and dodge various toys – like dinosaurs – that have come to life.
Miniature Golf
You have a choice of two miniature golf courses on Clifton Hill. At Dinosaur Adventure Golf, you can step back to the Jurassic age and play 36 holes outside around 50 life-size dinosaurs. Watch out for the erupting volcano!! There is also the 18 hole Wizard’s Golf, where you play a glow-in-the-dark inside course around trolls and dragons. Fore!
Restaurants
You will have more of a difficult time choosing where to eat, as there are plenty of options in and around Clifton Hill. These options range from fast-food – like Wendy’s, Burger King and Tim Hortons – to sit-down places – like Boston Pizza, Kelsey’s and Rainforest Café.
If you are up for a little bit of a drive, you can check out one of Scuba Jay’s favorite restaurants – Swiss Chalet on Lundy’s Lane.
Other Attractions
While there is plenty to do on Clifton Hill to fill a day, there is even more things to do nearby if you’re going for a weekend. You can try ziplining in front of the Falls, go for a helicopter ride over the Falls, cool off on a hot summer day on the Maid of the Mist, or visit North America’s largest indoor waterpark & resort. For the adults who want to try their luck, there is also the Fallsview Casino.
Final Thoughts
Clifton Hill is a great spot to partake in many “touristy” things by the Falls. Trust me, the family will have a good time here and there is a little something for everyone. While some attractions can get pricy, you will find that – for the most part – the fun and uniqueness of the attractions offset the cost. With that said, look on line for more detailed reviews and see if you feel that you will get your money’s worth. You can also get a “Fun Pass” that gets each individual into six attractions, including the Niagara Skywheel, the Movieland Wax Museum and either the Dinosaur Adventure Golf or Wizard’s golf.
Clifton Hill has been a lifelong family favorite of mine. Living in Buffalo, NY, we are about 30 minutes from the Canadian border. Whenever we get to Clifton Hill, it feels like we are much further away and on vacation. I love the energy and atmosphere of this place. “O Canada” indeed!
More Of Jay’s Faves
Check out the below, if interested in more of Jay’s Faves.
“How boring would the world be if everywhere and everyone were the same. Safe travels and good adventures.” Scuba Jay
