Local’s guide to Clifton Hill

Where is Clifton Hill?

Clifton Hill is the entertainment heart of Niagara Falls, only a few minutes’ walk from the famous Horseshoe Falls.

Clifton Hill runs from River Road on the Niagara Parkway through to Victoria Park. It’s easy to access this central location by car, foot, bicycle or public transport.

For visitors from out of town, there are plenty of hotels and resorts to stay overnight. Ask in advance if parking is included in the room rate.

Local tip: For those driving in, the best parking is at the Clifton Hill parking lot located at 4960 Clifton Hill. It has 700 parking spaces and is security patrolled and has two entrances and three exits.

What to see and do at Clifton Hill

Clifton Hill first started with a series of museums in the 1960s. It included the Houdini Hall of Fame, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Movieland Wax Museum and the House of Frankenstein. Today, the list of entertainment has grown to over 25 major attractions plus restaurants, tours and gift stores.

Amusement park rides

The most popular feature of Clifton Hill is the Amusement Park featuring several rides, including the Niagara Skywheel. This amazing Ferris wheel takes you up 53 metres (175 feet) for stunning panoramic views of Niagara Falls.

The Niagara Skywheel offers the best vantage point all year round, day or night, thanks to its enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas.

Find more excitement back on the ground. Head to the Niagara Speedway for your next adrenalin rush.

Race up to 32 km/hr on more than 600 linear metres of the racing track, up a four-story helical spiral and on an elevated coaster-styled track.

Parents can share their karts with younger kids or rise to the challenge in solo races. The winner can have the first choice at the nearby Great Canadian Midway, filled with arcade games and other entertainment.

Local tip: Pace yourself with the rides and balance the adrenaline rush with some easy-going activities, like the Dinosaur Adventure Golf. Play across either of the two 18-hole courses known as “Raptor” and “T-Rex”, spread out over 6503 square metres (70,000 square feet) of mini putt surface. Or head to Wizard’s Golf Mini Putt for indoor glow-in-the-dark miniature golf.

Nearby attractions

The entertainment continues beyond Clifton Hill.

Nearby Queen Victoria Park is the jewel in the crown for Niagara’s Parks, with its quiet, picturesque views of the falls.

For a closer look, book a ticket with Niagara City Cruises (formerly Hornblower Niagara) and travel along the Niagara Great Gorge past all three of the falls.

Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is the largest indoor waterpark in Canada boasting 1.2 hectares (3 acres) of family splash fun with a range of water slides and both indoor and outdoor wave pools.

Local tip: Visitors often underestimate just how much there is to do at Clifton Hill. Consider staying overnight and sharing the entertainment across two days rather than squeezing it into one. There are countless accommodation options available in the Niagara region and Clifton Hill offers a range of ticket packages, including combo passes and special family fun days.

Where to eat and refuel

Restaurants and eateries range from fast-food outlets to fine dining in Clifton Hill. Many of them offer party packages if you are visiting for a special event. Kids can also enjoy dinner and a show at the Rainforest Cafe with its vibrant immersive experience.

Local tip: Check out the Clifton Hill website for special deals at Boston Pizza. It’s a local favourite for a quick slice or a sit-down meal.

Clifton Hill is a must visit destination on your trip to Niagara Falls. From amusement park rides to mouth-watering food, this promenade is your one-stop destination for all things fun.