Attractions

The Falls

(map)

Go to the Falls website

Three falls:

• Canadian Horseshoe Falls
• American Falls
• Bridal Veil Falls

Viewpoints all accessible, wrought iron railing may cut off sitting persons’ view. All falls can be seen from Canadian side. No charge. You may get wet from the mist.

Photographs: terrific vantage points for those seated from the Grand Hall and the Horseshoe Landing Terrace beside the elevator next to the Grand Hall on the second floor of Table Rock Welcome Centre.

The falls are illuminated each evening. Please click here for falls illumination schedules. Fireworks displays over the falls nightly.

Parking: Large pay lot across from the falls. $20 for the day and your stub is good in all other Niagara Parks Commission parking lots. Tell the ticket person you need an accessible spot near the entrance to the Bridge of Flowers (that takes you over to the Falls) and they’ll direct you to the very end of the lot where the designated accessible spots are located. Please click here for more on parking at the falls.

 

Hornblower Niagara Cruises

(map)

A cruise into the base of the falls is a must when you visit Niagara Falls. Hornblower has two large catamarans, Wonder and Thunder, that are accessible and offer both protected and open viewing of the ravine and three falls as you power through the rushing waters to the base of the Canadian falls.

The ticketing plaza is located just across the road from the bottom of Clifton Hill and is within walking/rolling distance of the Table Rock Welcome Centre and the main falls viewing areas. Tours run through Nov. 30, 2014.

There is a winding ramp and an elevator to take you down to dock level. Plastic ponchos are supplied and you can ask for an extra one to cover your motor or basket.

There are accessible washrooms in the administration building to your right before you board ship and, depending on the water level and which level you are rolled onto, an accessible washroom onboard. Note though, that the washroom is accessible as far as space goes but has a very low toilet, no grab bars and, you’ll miss half the trip tied up in the washroom.

There is help boarding as you have to go up a small ramp and down another. Really just two bumps but they could pose a challenge if you have weak upper body strength and are alone. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.

This is one of the sure bets that has to be on your list of things to do when you visit Niagara Falls, Ontario. You will most likely get wet so be prepared.  A washcloth or small towel in your backpack makes a lot of sense and if you’re worried about your electric chair controls, pack a plastic bag and a few elastic bands to protect it from the spray.

 

Table Rock Welcome Centre

 (Includes Journey Behind the Falls

 & Niagara’s Fury)

(map)

Beside the Canadian Falls.
6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
The entire centre is accessible and includes:

• Information centre
• First aid
• Change tables for infants
• Wheelchairs available to borrow free providing major credit card imprint given
• Accessible restrooms with foot baths
• Large family-style washroom on second floor
• Currency exchange, ATMs
• Digital Attractions photo services
• Pop & Lolly’s Candy Shop
• Canadian Treasures for Canadian diamonds
• Roots brand clothing
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Kids Explor-it
  

  Looking up at the Falls from behind the water

• Fine dining in Elements on the Falls Restaurant (see Restaurants)
• Table Rock Food Court.

Journey Behind the Falls

Go to Journey Behind the Falls website

Entrance inside Table Rock
Wheelchair/scooter friendly except the right passageway.
See the falls from a different, exciting vantage point.
Biodegradable, plastic rain cover supplied
Elevator takes you down 38 m (125 ft) and a short tunnel (46 m or 150 ft) gives  access to two outdoor observation decks and two portals behind the falls. Stay on the straight path.

Niagara’s Fury

Go to Niagara’s Fury website

Located on the upper level of Table Rock,explains in a fun and interactive way how the falls was created 10,000 years ago.

A short animated video for the kids describes how Mother Nature created the massive great gorge.

Then into a theatre in the round, where special effects like rain and falling snow happen while you watch the film.
The theatre moving floor shakes and shudders to simulate the effects of glaciers crashing. – A special area just near the doors does not move and if you use a wheelchair or scooter, and don’t want to get it wet, you can enjoy the show from there.

 

White Water Walk

(map)

Go to White Water Walk website

Learn about the history of the white water walk
Hours may vary by season
Last elevator of the day leaves ½ hour prior to closing time listed.
Last tickets sold 30 minutes prior to closing time.
Two-miles from the falls to the White Water Walk on the Niagara Parkway.
Served by WEGO bus.
Limited parking beside the entrance. More across the road.
Buy tickets in gift shop
An elevator takes you 70 metres down into a gorge millions of years old to a 1/4 mile long boardwalk next to raging rapids. Everything is accessible except the stairs down to the lower viewing platforms. Beautiful and no rush.
A 10% discount applies at any Niagara Parks attraction that a person using a mobility device cannot experience in its entirety. Caregivers who make it possible for the person with a disability to access the attraction are entitled to free admission.

 

Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse

Fragrance Garden

(map)

Go to Floral Showhouse website

7145 Niagara Pkwy,
Niagara Falls, ON
(905) 354-1721

Parking is $5 an hour and you can also walk/roll in as it’s just a short walk from the Falls area.
Several designated parking spots
See the website for low admission fee and hours
Short trip into the greenhouse.
Double entrance doors not automatic
Small gift area featuring gardening items
The greenhouse has several features:

• Seasonal plants and flowers currently in bloom in Niagara
• Tropical plants featuring orchids, palms and cacti
• Free-flying tropical birds
• A turtle pond

Accessible washrooms

Fragrance Garden

Completely accessible fragrance garden just behind the greenhouse.
All plants tagged in Braille. Touch encouraged.
An incredibly beautiful experience in summer. Topiary as well.
Persons with allergies warned that this garden runs the full gamut of floral scents.

 

Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

(in the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens grounds)

(map)

Go to Butterfly Conservatory website

Five miles north of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls on the Niagara Parkway
Accessible except for one small detour area.
Rain forest,  waterfall and more than 2,000 free-flying butterflies.
Designated parking in the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens parking lot, $5. charge.
Accessible gift shop carries quality butterfly related items.
Accessible washrooms.
For those who cannot walk any distance and have a parking permit for the disabled, go north beyond the gardens parking lot on the Parkway where there’s a left turn that is marked as additional parking for the disabled. That will take you to the back of the gardens to a lot behind the butterfly conservatory where designated parking is free but limited.
In winter, warm up your camera before you take pictures as lenses will fog.

 

Bird Kingdom

(map)

Go to Bird Kingdom website

905-356-8888
5651 River Road
Niagara Falls, ON
A leisurely walk/roll north on River Road (Niagara Parkway) from the falls.
Features:

• A jungle, rainforest, and a towering 40-foot waterfall
• Eighty species of tropical birds in both free-flying and observational exhibits
• Daredevil Pub,
• Macaw Market

Fifty thousand square feet, fully accessible, except the Java House.
Elevator for those in wheelchair/scooters or who cannot climb stairs
See website for ticket prices.
Caregiver is free with one paid regular priced admission.
Park underground off River Road
Two designated parking spots located on the lower level only along the wall.
Parking: $2.00 per hour.
Accessible washroom

 

Niagara SkyWheel

(at top of Clifton Hill)

(map)

Go to Niagara SkyWheel website

Niagara Falls, ON
Canada’s largest observation wheel takes you 175 feet up
Located at the top of Clifton Hill. Can be seen for miles
Panorama of all three falls
Large UV protected, non-reflective glass windows perfect for picture taking
Enclosed heated/air-conditioned gondolas hold up to six, fewer if wheelchair or scooter
Completely accessible to wheelchair and scooter users
A small ramp used to push chair or scooter into gondola

 

Thompson Point

(map)

a scenic look-out overlooking the Niagara River Whirlpool
located just north of and opposite the Whirlpool Golf Club on the Niagara Parkway
One of a kind.
The Whirlpool Rapids rank highest at Class 6 – and flow at a speed up to 40 km (25 miles) per hour.  The phenomenon is caused by the huge volume of water rushing through the Whirlpool Rapids and entering a sharp ninety-degree turn at high speed. Entering the turn, it is carried past the river outlet on the right, and circles counterclockwise around the pool.
The cable car that travels high above the Whirlpool, starting at Colt’s Point and connecting just below the look-out at Thompson Point is not accessible.
There is accessible parking at th Point.

 

Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort

(map)

Go to Fallsview Casino website

6380 Fallsview Boulevard – overlooking the Horseshoe Falls
Niagara Falls, ON
1 (888) 325-5788
Always open
You must be 19 to enter the gaming floor.
Only govt. issue ID accepted.
Incredible architecture
Three thousand slot machines and 150 gaming tables
Dedicated poker room.
Galleria features numerous quality retail shops
Fifteen restaurants including a huge buffet, deli, Asian, Italian and fine dining.(see Restaurants)
Avalon Ballroom features accessible seating so theatregoers can enjoy top stars in Las Vegas-style live entertainment (see Entertainment section).
The 35-storey luxury hotel (see Places to Stay) has a full-service spa.
Valet parking, 10 floors of self-parking,  70 accessible spots, 20 good for side-loading vans.
Wheelchairs available to borrow first come/first serve basis.
Light levels low
Sound levels high
Accessible washrooms on the gaming floor.
Staff will gladly assist with special requirements.

 

Casino Niagara

(map)

Go to Casino Niagara website

Just up Clifton Hill
across from Oakes Garden Theatre, walkable/rollable for most.
More intimate than Fallsview Casino
1,600 slots and video poker machines on two levels.
Each level is accessible and all levels are smoke free.
Table games including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Baccarat.
Accessible tables for people in chairs include slots, tabletop slot machines and video tables.
Four restaurants include ribs/steaks; a buffet; bar/lounge food; coffee shop
Staff will gladly help with an elevator as escalators are the usual floor to floor transport.
Employees who speak languages other than English wear a language(s) spoken pin
Wheelchairs to borrow.
Onsite pay covered accessible parking
Light levels low

Sound levels high
No photos allowed on the casino gaming floors.

 

Clifton Hill/Murray Hill

(map)

Go to Clifton Hill website

It is the zany, loud, fun part of Niagara Falls opposite Hornblower Plaza.

The Niagara Skywheel is at the top of Clifton Hill.
Accessible restaurants all with accessible washrooms:

• Wendy’s  (through the Great Canadian Midway entrance)
• Kelsey’s (has outdoor, heated covered patio and live music at night)
• Boson Pizza
• Tim Hortons
• Ice cream cones and hot dogs (no washrooms)

plus:

• Dinosaur Adventure Golf – (outdoors) 36 holes of mini-golf featuring 50 life size dinosaurs – possible for children in wheelchairs who can be lifted up small lips but not for adults in scooters or electric wheelchairs. Open March – November.
• Wizards’ Golf – (indoors) 18 holes of wheelchair accessible mini-golf featuring dragons, fairies and wizards under the glow of black light.
• Movieland – Wax Museum of the Stars (stair lift)
• Canada Trading Company (reasonably priced souvenirs)
• Strike Rock and Bowl (arcade and bowling plus bowling rack for those who can’t hold the ball).
• Galaxy Golf (elevator to the lower level where the mini-putt is located).
• Great Canadian Midway features more than 300 arcade and redemption games (many games low enough for people in chairs and for all ages) plus XD Theater, a 6D motion ride adventure that takes you in a 4-wheel SUV through a safari in a chair that has 400 movements per second, wind and surround sound plus you’ll be wearing 3D glasses. There are ground level seats and you can move from a scooter or chair fairly easily into the seats on the end. The scooter can be left beside the person during the attraction’s run time. Also the 3D Ghost Blasters ride is in this building.

All of the above venues are accessible, some feature humps in the floor such as the mini-golf but it is surprising just how much you can do if you of you stay on the south side of the street.  There are clean, accessible washrooms in the majority of the above venues.
Ask about accessibility at various attraction box offices.
It’s worth a trip up and down Clifton Hill just for the fun of it.
Note: The hill is fairly steep and, in places, slants as well so if your scooter doesn’t have good gears or your arms aren’t strong enough to hold a manual wheelchair back, you might want to rethink Clifton Hill or have someone ready to grab your chair if you start moving too quickly.

Clifton Hill is even more fun at night because there is sound everywhere, coloured lights and miles of neon to make it more exciting.

Murray Hill

is a long slow descent from the street above the falls to Victoria Park and the falls.
steep,  very wide and noncommercial.
Must have: Good brakes on your scooter or chair or someone to hold you back if you aren’t very strong.
The Niagara Parks Commission’s Falls Incline Railway goes down the hill from the back of the Fallsview Casino to Table Rock Welcome Centre and is totally accessible. The WEGO buses will also take you down either hill.

 

Marineland

(map)

Go to Marineland website

905-356-9565
7657 Portage Rd.
Niagara Falls ON

Persons with disabilities admitted at lower rate upon request. Admission cost provides unlimited access to all shows and rides.

Special designated parking lot for visitors with disabilities. Attendants will monitor parking for side-loading vehicles.
All of Marineland’’s seasonal staff are instructed in addressing persons with disabilities.
Currently, the entire area is accessible with the only exception being the lower level of the Aquarium Dome building, which is used for walrus feeding demonstrations.
Some of the 15 or so rides are considered accessible using the exits to enter. Guests with disabilities can obtain ride bracelets and information regarding ride access/entry protocol at the guest services station located across from the bandstand.
Guests with disabilities must be able to support themselves in a sitting position in order to ride and must meet all height requirements. A companion is welcome to accompany a guest with disabilities for the purpose of providing assistance.
Clean park, paved roads, two licensed, cafeteria-style restaurants (beer only) and a number of food service kiosks throughout the park offering ice cream, waffle cones, popcorn, soft drinks, etc.
ATM machines and low pay telephones are located at the Whale Shop one of the park’s three gift shops.
Visitors are allowed to bring food and beverages into the park for a picnic but no alcohol or glass bottles.  Picnic areas available to guests within the park. There is also a picnic area at the south entrance to the parking lot off Portage Road, which is free to the public.
The guest services station offers the following:

• First Aid care
• Nursing mothers’ facilities
• Assistance in finding lost children.
• Microwave for warming baby bottles.
• All EMS (Emergency Services) are set up, including blood pressure, oxygen and diabetic services. Stroller and wheelchairs are available for rent near the main entrance. The cost of rentals: double stroller $14, single stroller $8, wheelchair $8, taxes included.
• Wheelchairs and strollers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Marine shows include walruses, sea lions and dolphins. There is a special two-tiered covered viewing area for guests in wheelchairs and scooters and a ramp available for those who wish to view from the top of the stadium.
Arctic Cove is home of the beluga whales. The underwater viewing area in this dome is the only inaccessible part as there are steps down.
Black bears, buffalo, elk, red deer and several hundred fallow deer are also in the park.
Amusement park rides include Sky Screamer: the world’s highest triple tower ride. The ride is accessible if you can manage the long sloped ramp up to the ride (482 steps). The entry gate is accessible but you would probably need to be lifted onto the ride if you are mobility impaired.
Marineland team members are not permitted to lift guests with disabilities.
The Flying Dragon requires upper body strength
Dragon Mountain, the largest steel roller coaster in the world at over a mile long, is accessible if you can lift your leg approximately 14 inches over the lip to get into the seat. Guests with disabilities always ride in the front seat.
Whether it’s the Wave Swinger, Sky Hawk, Kandu’’s Twister or Space Avenger, accessibility will depend on each person’s level of ability.
Huge arcade where you buy tokens to play.
Four washrooms located in Deer Park, the Whale Gift Shop, the Adult Ride area, and the Aquarium Theatre. Although the stalls were accessible, the only washroom with a sink cut out below is in the Deer Park.
All the washrooms have sensor sink faucets.
All washrooms have mirrors too high for a seated person and in most the toilet paper was hard to reach.
Depending on your abilities, Marineland may offer a day’s diversion.

 

Skylon Tower

(map)

Go to Skylon Tower website

905-356-2651
5200 Robinson St.
Niagara Falls, ON
Visitors who are mobility impaired using a wheelchair or scooter are eligible for a discounted rate on the Ride-to-the-Top/Observation Decks admission due to inaccessible open air observation deck, three steps down from the glass enclosed deck.
The Observation Deck is 775 feet above the falls
The elevator ride is in a glass-enclosed yellow ‘bug’ that takes you up the outside of the tower walls giving you the entire vista of the falls.
Two levels of fine dining are offered atop the tower:

• The Revolving Dining Room, silently revolves 360 degrees each hour offers lunch and dinner
• The Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room, open for brunch, lunch and dinner from May to October and Sunday brunch year round.

Dining room dinner entrees run from $40+ per person. The buffet is comparably priced.
Early bird specials are served daily at 4:30 and 5 p.m. seatings.
On the lowest level you’ll find Niagara’’s largest indoor amusement centre/video arcade with an accessible exit and elevator down to the Annex next door.
The Annex features:

• 3D/4D motion theatre
• Starbucks coffee shop
• Dairy Queen
• Mr. Sub

The only washroom for total accessibility is located in the lower games level, to the left of the elevator. There is also a family style washroom on the Summit Suite Dining Room level that would suit a wheelchair but be too tight for a scooter.
The Skylon has an accessible link between it and the Fallsview Casino Resort.

 

Niagara-on-the-Lake

(map)

Go to Niagara-on-the-Lake website

north of Niagara Falls on the Niagara Parkway (River Road)
Easy to spend an afternoon rolling the streets of the old town
Picturesque town features accessible:

• Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum (see Regional History)
• Shaw Theatre ( see Entertainment)
• Old apothecary on Queen Street, open to the public
• Fort George (see Regional History)
• Wineries (see Wineries)
• Approximately one in four shops accessible on Queen Street
• Parking and washrooms off Market Street behind the Old Court House.

A few of the many restaurants (not all accessible):

• The Epicurean, 84 Queen St., for lunch, deli-style, also have a patio. Washroom too small for scooter. Use the washroom behind the Court House.
• Fan’s Court Restaurant, 135 Queen St., excellent Chinese and it’’s accessible. Washrooms doubtful.
• The Old Winery Restaurant, 2228 Niagara Stone Road near Jackson-Triggs Winery. (see Restaurants) Washroom good.
• The Little Red Rooster, 271 Mary St., excellent breakfast and accessible.
• Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club, 143 Front St., lovely view of lake (see Restaurants)