The Solo Scale:

---

If you’re from Ontario, may I offer an earworm?

In Niagara Falls, Ontario…

We’re not going to the controversial aquatic-theme park, though. In this case, we’re exploring all that Niagara Falls has to offer. That includes the iconic views of the waterfalls on both sides of the border. With the Niagara Parks passes, it goes well beyond that. Today, there are currently three options you can pick from that best suit your itinerary. You can find more details, and purchase them, here.

Below, you’ll find a two-day itinerary, which buys the 2-day Niagara Parks pass. If you’re staying in the area, the pass comes with a WEGO bus pass for free use! Even if you’re driving in, I recommend that you park and use the bus!

Day 1

• Cruise on the Hornblower

  You can select your cruise time, so start your day whenever it works best for you. If it’s the summer months (specifically when school is out), you’re liable to wait in a bit of a longer line, but even that should only take about 30 minutes before you’re boarding the boat and heading into the mist. Cover up with that poncho and be careful about keeping electronics dry! I hadn’t set my Fitbit to a water mode and it was so wet that it actually wound up fried. It’s a lesson I learned for future water experiences!

  

  TRIP TIP: Either bring a spare pair of socks or wear a pair of sandals that will dry out quickly or you’ll spend the remainder of the day with miserably wet feet.

  

• Niagara Parks Power Station / Tunnel

  Once you’ve finished with your cruise, dry off and head past the Falls (getting a good view from the top). Then, enter the Niagara Parks Power Station. Take your time to explore their exhibits (and, in my opinion, some of the more unique and interesting merch/souvenirs you’ll find), before heading down the elevator for the long walk through the tunnel.

  

  Not only is the tunnel an incredible marvel, but you get an incredible view of the Falls (and the Hornblower you were just on!) once you exit.

• Lunch

  Take your pick of anywhere on Clifton Hill for lunch! Be warned, since it’s a tourist area, it’s going to be pricy no matter where you go, so you might as well find some food you’re going to enjoy. Grab some lunch and find a place to settle in and eat before you get back to exploring!

• Butterfly Conservatory
  
  For this next stop, you’re going to need to pick up the WE Go bus at one of the stops. Check out this site for the schedule & routes and find the stop nearest to you. You’re heading on the GREEN LINE to the second to last stop on the Northbound bus.

  

  The Butterfly Conservatory is the stop before the Floral Clock, so if you get there, you’ve gone too far.

• Dinner

  Now, it’s back towards the Falls for dinner. If you’re a gambler or like the entertainment, try one of the restaurants near Casino Niagara or Fallsview — The Keg might be a chain, but has one of the best views. Also a great option while still being reliable is Reds, a SIR Corp restaurant. If you’ve got your heart set on a particular location, make reservations so you don’t miss out!

• Clifton Hill – Mini Golf
  
  When evening falls, that doesn’t mean Niagara Falls gets quiet. In fact, it may seem busier than during the day. That’s the best time to enjoy the fun that Clifton Hill has to offer as you wait for the fireworks show over the Falls. One particular fun activity for the whole family is Dinosaur Adventure Golf, a dual-sided mini golf course around a volcano that shoots out real fire.

  

• Sweet Jesus Ice Cream & Fireworks
  
  Head to the base of Clifton Hill now for dessert at Sweet Jesus and head over to the Falls to find a spot to watch the fireworks.

Day 2

• Niagara’s Fury

  Begin with a lazy late-morning start at Niagara’s Fury puts you right in the middle of the action, because this is just past Table Rock Centre, where you can grab a leisurely breakfast before joining in to visit this experience of the past. You’ll be chilled into the ice age where the temperature genuinely drops. As the eras continue, this is when you should definitely put your poncho on. Niagara’s Fury will get you wet.

• Admiring the View

  Since you’re right by the Falls, you should step out and appreciate the fantastic views! Take your time and bask in the spray of the Falls before continuing onwards.

• Lunch

  Grab lunch at a place of your choosing! Whether it’s at the Table Rock Centre, Clifton Hill, or inside the Fallsview building, there’s plenty of options for sustenance.

• Aerocar

  You’ll need to hop on the WEGO bus for your next stops. The first is out to the Aerocar, which takes you across a basin in the Niagara River and gives you a unique view from above. If you’re afraid of heights, this may not be the experience for you as it is fairly open air and you will move during the journey to be able to get a view from both sides.

  

• White Water Walk

  This one requires another WEGO bus to take you to the White Water Walk, which will leave you in awe of the power of the Niagara River. This is a a walk along a wooden pathway. It may seem simple, but the power of the river is truly impressive. Plus, it’s shaded, which helps to fight off the heat during the summer!

  

• Ferris Wheel

  Now it’s time to take the bus back to Clifton Hill and head up to the ferris wheel. Not only will you get a fun ride, but you’ll also get a bird’s eye view of the falls. Fair warning, if you do this in the summer, it might get a bit warm in the cabins since the air can’t keep up with the sun through the glass.

• Dinner & Fallsview (if inclined)

  One last stop to finish out your fantastic weekend. Try one of the nicer restaurants in the Fallsview building. Then, if you’re inclined, spend a little money at the casino and see if you’re lucky!

And that’s a wrap on your weekend in Niagara Falls! Hopefully you’ve made some memories that you’ll always remember.

---