Clifton Hill

Anyone who has pictured the loud, neon-lit, slightly absurd side of Niagara Falls is picturing Clifton Hill. The street slopes steeply from the Niagara Parkway near the river up to the main tourist district, and every storey of it is covered with signs, towers, giant sculptures and flashing lights. The name goes back to Clifton, the older name for the community on the Canadian side of the falls before the town took the name of the cataract. Today the hill is the amusement centre of Niagara Falls, Ontario, packed with attractions that have almost nothing to do with the waterfall itself and everything to do with having a good time.

Waxwork museums, haunted houses, mini-golf courses, arcades, restaurants, candy shops and rides crowd both sides of the street. The Great Canadian Midway is among the largest arcades, and haunted attractions such as Creepy Castle Ghost Blasters compete for screams. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! operates a museum nearby, and the Niagara SkyWheel, a 175-foot observation wheel, lifts riders above the roofs with a view of the falls. At the top of the hill, Skylon Tower provides a more traditional lookout. Go-karting at Niagara Speedway offers a dash of speed, and bundled tickets are sold for combinations of the attractions at a discount.

Recent years have seen the street change owners, themes and signs many times, and buildings come and go. While some operators have replaced older motels and hotels with new rides, ownership of the main blocks has passed between several property companies. The consistent thread is the mood, which is playful, noisy and aimed squarely at families, teenagers and anyone who likes a carnival.

Evening is the best moment to go, when the lights are brightest and the crowds peak. Summer weekends are very busy, and weekday mornings are calmer. The Falls themselves are a short walk down toward the Niagara River and Queen Victoria Park, so most people combine the two. A few attractions open year-round, while others run seasonally.

Clifton Hill suits visitors travelling with children and anyone wanting a break from natural scenery. Prices and hours are set by each attraction, so check them in advance.