City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Niagara Falls, New York
Stretching across the border between the United States and Canada, Niagara Falls is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. While Niagara Falls, Canada tends to get more attention, the American side offers its own unique attractions and experiences.
Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and the Niagara River offer boating, kayaking, fishing and other water sports activities. The area makes an excellent day trip from private boat dock rentals in Buffalo, New York. And you don’t even need a passport. Let’s go!
Niagara Falls State Park
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One of the best ways to experience American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls is to visit Niagara Falls State Park. It’s the oldest state park in the United States and offers stunning views of the falls from multiple angles. You can take a stroll along the boardwalk, hike through the park's many trails or even take a boat tour to get up close and personal with the falls. The park offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, gift shops and a visitor center.
Cave of the Winds
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A popular attraction in Niagara Falls State Park is the Cave of the Winds. This experience takes you down into the Niagara Gorge where you can feel the power of the falls up close. You'll be given special rain gear and shoes before descending a series of wooden staircases to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. From there, you'll walk along a series of platforms that take you right up to the falling water.
Maid of the Mist
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If you're looking for an even closer encounter with the falls, the Maid of the Mist boat tour is a must-do experience. This world-famous tour has been taking visitors up to the base of the falls for more than 150 years. You'll board a double-decker boat that takes you right into the mist and roar of the falls (and maybe a “small” amount of water).
Niagara Gorge Trail
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If you're up for a hike, the Niagara Gorge Trail is a great way to explore the area's natural beauty. This trail follows the Niagara River through the gorge and offers stunning views of the river and the falls. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
Niagara Falls Culinary Institute
Photo: Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (Facebook)
Not just for students, the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute is a wonderful (and delicious) place to visit from a private boat slip for rent. The culinary school offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. You can even take a cooking class or wine tasting workshop while you're there. It's a great way to indulge in some delicious food while learning new culinary skills. There’s a fine dining restaurant, a European-style café and a culinary-themed store.
Aquarium of Niagara
Photo: Aquarium of Niagara (Facebook)
The Aquarium of Niagara is a fun and educational attraction for travelers of all ages to visit from private boat lifts for rent. This aquarium features a range of marine life, including sharks, sea lions and penguins. You can even take part in a feeding or training session to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
Old Fort Niagara
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History buffs looking for something to do from private boat docks for rent will want to check out Old Fort Niagara. Originally built by the French in the 17th century, the fort played an important role in the region's colonial history. Explore the fort and its surrounding grounds, which include a museum, historic buildings and reenactments of life in the 18th century.
We hope you’ve found some new sites to visit from private boat dock rentals in Niagara Falls, New York. Let us know your favorites.
