The Whirlpool Aero Car, which takes visitors over the white waters of the Niagara River, celebrates its centennial year.
After the famous photo op, make time for butterflies, bike rides and cable cars
As Ontario attractions go, Niagara Falls is the most legendary. Everyone from Prince William to Marilyn Monroe and even Charles Dickens has been drawn to these walls of turbulent water careening 52 metres down slick rock at 168,000 cubic metres per minute.
Today, an estimated 20 million tourists visit every year, taking in the thunder of the falls and magnificent views. And while no one can ever say the falls actually ever get old, in truth, there are only so many selfies a person can snap among the crowds before a question inevitably gets asked: "What's next?"
In a word? Plenty.
In fact, according to Ryan Moran, senior manager of marketing for Niagara Parks Commission, visitors willing to venture beyond the falls will find at least a week's worth of activities, attractions and events to keep them hopping.
Heritage sites? Check. Outdoor recreation? Check. Shopping, golf and wine? The Niagara region has got them all. "We're a 56-kilometre outdoor adventure museum," says Mr. Moran.
To avoid parking headaches when travelling though, leave the car at the hotel and use WEGO, a hop-on-hop-off bus service. The BusTime online service lets riders know exactly when the next bus is coming.
Explore the waterworks
Once you've taken in the power and beauty of Canada's Horseshoe Falls, see the natural wonder from other views. Start by visiting the neighbouring Table Rock Centre to purchase tickets for Niagara's Fury, the 4D show that explains how the falls were created 10,000 years ago. Or head downstairs for Journey Behind the Falls and follow tunnels to emerge onto an observation deck behind the roaring water.
Want to see the sights from a whole different viewpoint? Hit White Water Walk and follow a boardwalk that runs alongside one of the world's fiercest whitewater runs. Or head down river and take to the skies in the Whirlpool Aero Car. The antique cable car hangs from six sturdy cables above the Niagara River and is still going strong. Built in 1916 (but refurbished, thankfully, to pass all safety tests), it's celebrating its centennial this year.
Living history
The Aero Car isn't the only piece of living history in the area though. The Laura Secord Homestead is worth a visit. Costumed guides take visitors through the restored home, where War of 1812 heroine Laura Secord lived – and fled from to warn the British of an American surprise attack.
Then take a walk down the street to visit the Mackenzie Printery. This was firebrand editor William Lyon Mackenzie's home and now Canada's largest operating printing museum. It contains the Louis Roy Press, one of the few remaining wooden printing presses in the world.
McFarland House, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, also offers house tours and a coveted afternoon tea. Reservations are highly recommended.
Bike, hike and climb
For a more active vacation, rent a bike from Zoom Leisure, then peddle along the 56-kilometre paved Niagara River Recreational Trail. Or head to the Niagara Glen Nature Centre for a daily hiking tour at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. during high season. Hikes through the Niagara Glen can include steep and rugged terrain so skip the flip flops.
For a surprise workout, climb the 235 steps of Brock's monument in Queenston Heights Park. The tall tower was built in honour of Major General Sir Isaac Brock and marks the end of an interpretive walking trail that describes the first major battle in the War of 1812.
Or take a gentler stroll through the nearby Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and its Butterfly Conservatory, where over 2,000 multi-hued winged insects fly freely. Don't forget to check out the emergence window, where you can watch young butterflies materialize from their chrysalis and prepare for flight.
Refuel and fireworks
When visiting Niagara there's no avoiding great food and wine. To experience them from your hotel, visit niagarasfinest.com and select the hotel that suits you best: The Shaw Club, Harbor House and The Charles Hotel can't be beat for comfort and cuisine.
After dinner, you may find the falls calling you back. Why not cap off the night with free pyrotechnics? Niagara Parks hosts Canada's longest-running fireworks series, with the show on display at the falls every Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and holiday from May 1 until Oct. 31.
"With the Canadian exchange rate the way it is, this is the year to do a nice backyard road trip," explains Mr. Moran. "Like the rest of Ontario, there's just so much to do here."
This content was produced by The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.