Niagara Falls has an extensive selection of landmarks, monuments and sites that make for worthy visits, including historical structures and religious buildings. The highlight for most people and the first sightseeing destination on their list however, is the mighty waterfalls on both the Canadian and US sides of the river.

American Falls
American Falls are smaller in total volume and area than their Canadian counterpart (although actually stand higher at 56 metres) and are straight across as opposed to the unusual horseshoe shape of their neighbour. Coloured lights illuminate the falls at night making for a highly romantic ambience which can be appreciated by all.

Cham Shan Temple
The Cham Shan Temple on River Road in Niagara Falls is one of the few Buddhist worshipping centres available to the city and is certainly the most splendid. Featuring a seven–storey high stupa and adorned with various Buddhist statues and artwork, the temple is both a fine example of South East Asian architecture and a working religious facility. Visitors are free to enter but should avoid doing so when services are in progress and should show the appropriate respect and reverence once inside.

Horseshoe Falls
Certainly the bigger and considered by many to be the better of the Falls; the Horseshoe or Canadian Falls are perhaps the city’s greatest visual attraction, drawing tourists in droves across the seasons. The awesome spectacle that the Falls provide cannot possibly be done justice by the many postcards on offer however visitors will inevitably want to get some photographs as reminders of the experience.

Konica Minolta Tower Centre
Part of the city’s skyline since 1962, the Konica Minolta Tower Centre is the city’s most established structure of this nature. An observation deck sits over 500 feet above the level of the falls providing truly stunning views across the region. A restaurant on the viewing level allows visitors to enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner while appreciating the fantastic panorama beyond the windows.

Old Fort Erie
This splendid old Fort is the only defensive structure of its kind on Canada’s side of the Niagara River and owes its existence to the British who were responsible for its construction over 200 years ago in 1764. The fort has seen its fair share of military action throughout its life, more so than any other fortification in the country. The War of 1812 saw the fort under siege, this event being seen as unique as it was the only siege situation that the country would experience throughout the war. The fort has seen a variety of famous visitors during its life, among which include General Winfield Scott, Lord and Lady Simcoe and Mark Twain of Huckleberry Finn fame.

Old Fort Niagara
Located close to the falls on a plane above Lake Ontario, Fort Niagara came into existence some 38 years earlier than Fort Erie. The fort played important roles as a defence against attacks by US, British and French antagonists who sought to gain control over North America’s Great Lakes region. The fort now enjoys National Historic Landmark status and sees over 100,000 visitors per year. The fort can be appreciated from both inside and outside, with the former giving visitors the chance to view an interesting collection of historical artefacts.

Take the Maid of the Mist ride. This is a powerful diesel-engine boat on which visitors can take an epic tour which begins at the Canadian docks and takes in the American Falls before arriving at the basin of the breathtaking Horseshoe Falls. The tour takes a total of 30 minutes and passengers are provided with blue rain ponchos to protect their clothing from the inevitable spray off of the falls. Of all the city’s attractions, this is the one you cannot afford to miss. A plaza at the end of the trip offers souvenirs and dining opportunities.

Visit Clifton Hill. A holiday in Niagara Falls is not complete without a trip to the exciting entertainment centre that is Clifton Hill. Here visitors will find more than a collection of over 35 attractions and restaurants plus shops and hotels. Among the attractions on offer, favourites include: Galaxy Golf Mini Putt, Butterfly Conservatory, Journey Behind The Falls, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Ripley’s 4D Theatre, Louis Tussauds, IMAX Theatre, Great Canadian Midway and the Movieland Wax Museum.

Take the Whirlpool Aero Car ride which begins its journey downriver from the Falls and makes its way across slowly across, giving passengers some truly awesome views of the Niagara Whirlpool. The journey takes about 10 minutes during which time the cable car travels about half a mile, taking in some fine panoramic views over the region as it reaches its highest points.

Attend the ‘Fireworks over the Falls’ displays. Visitors are presented with numerous opportunities throughout the year to enjoy the magnificent firework displays that are held over the Falls. At 10pm, the sky comes alight with vivid colours which are reflected in the waters of the Falls creating a unique and genuinely romantic spectacle.

Sample some classy vintages. Niagara is well known as a producer of fine wines and those visitors with an appreciation of such grape-inspired creations will find themselves in their element. Festivals such as January’s Niagara Icewine Festival and September's Niagara Grape and Wine Festival, offer unique opportunities to sample some of the finest vintages to come from the area else at other times of the year, visitors can request tours of local wineries and take the chance to purchase popular wines from local dealers.