Clifton Hill

The Basics

The bustling promenade of Clifton Hill is one of Niagara Falls most attraction-packed thoroughfares. Many visitors to the falls will find themselves here at some point, whether en route to a Hornblower Cruise or to visit one of the many other attractions based here.

Visitors can pre-purchase tickets for Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum and for the Niagara SkyWheel, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the Horseshoe and American falls, Niagara River, and Niagara Parks. If you plan on visiting a few of the major attractions here, consider opting for a multi-attraction Clifton Hill pass, which will get you access to the Niagara SkyWheel, Movieland Wax Museum of Stars, the Wild West Coaster ride, the Zombie Attack experience, the Ghost Blasters Dark Ride, and either Wizards’ Golf or Dinosaur Adventure Golf.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Clifton Hill is a must-do for families and thrill-seekers.

• Lots of restaurants, bars, and cafés are located along the strip.

• Some of Clifton Hill’s attractions, including the Niagara SkyWheel, Wild West Coaster, and Wizards Golf, are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Clifton Hall is located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, connecting River Road on Niagara Parkway to the intersection of Victoria Avenue. To get there, ride the WEGO red, blue, or green line buses to the Clifton Hill/Hornblower Niagara Cruises stop.

When to Get There

Clifton Hill is fun to visit in any season, with attractions, like the Niagara SkyWheel, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, and the Fun House, open throughout the year. Summers are when Clifton Hill is liveliest and arguably most atmospheric, though in winter, the Winter Festival of Lights helps ensure it’s never dull. Visit Clifton Hill early in the morning, while other sightseers are just waking up, to avoid the biggest crowds.

How to View the Niagara Illuminations from Clifton Hill

To get the most out of your Clifton Hill experience, wait until night to go up the SkyWheel. Once it’s dark, you’ll be able to see the Falls Illumination, during which Niagara Falls is lit up with twinkling LED lights. During the summer months, you may even get to see the Niagara Falls Fireworks spectacle from the pod of the Ferris wheel, which rises 175 feet (53 meters).

Ways to explore

Clifton Hill is essentially the main drag of a theme park, with shops, restaurants, and attractions lining the street. It’s free to explore, and there are plenty of options when it comes to accessing the various rides and activities. The Clifton Hill Fun Pass lets you mix and match, granting entrance to six different attractions, while the Great Canadian Midway Play Card offers deals on games at the massive indoor arcade.

Accessibility

The Clifton Hill area is largely wheelchair accessible, and the majority of its businesses are as well. For specific information, check the attraction websites. Some rides and activities may have flashing lights, which could affect photosensitive visitors.

Age limits

There are age limits for specific rides, but the area is very family-friendly, with plenty to see and do for all ages.

What to pack

Water, snacks, credit card, sunscreen

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, casual clothes

Not allowed

Drones, pets (inside restaurants or attractions)

Amenities

Lockers (inside the Great Canadian Midway), paid parking, ATMs, restaurants, shopping

Address 

For visitors staying in central Niagara Falls, Clifton Hill will likely be a short walk or bike ride away. If you’re coming from outside of town, you’ll find paid parking near the Niagara SkyWheel, and can also catch public transit from Toronto.

Driving

Clifton Hill is 80 miles (130 kilometers) from downtown Toronto, and it takes about 1.5 hours to reach by car. Follow Queen Elizabeth Way until you can take the ON-420 exit toward Niagara Falls, then turn right onto Stanley Ave. Turn left onto Ferry Street, and continue until you see a large sign for parking.

Public transportation

At Bay Street, take the Niagara Falls Megabus to the Niagara Falls Bus Terminal. From there, transfer onto the 204 bus toward Victoria Ave – Main & Ferry, and get off at the Victoria Avenue and Centre Street stop, at the top of Clifton Hill.

Best times to visit

It’s always a good idea to start early, before temperatures rise and lines get too long. If you’re staying in town, make the most of the easy access.

Best days to visit

Clifton Hill stays consistently busy throughout the week—because the majority of the area is outside, check the weather to see what the best day will be for you.

Best months to visit

September and April are shoulder seasons for the region, when the weather is mild and you’ll be able to enjoy slightly quieter streets.

Special events

There’s always something new happening on Clifton Hill—the winter Hot Chocolate Trail makes chilly nights worthwhile, countless concerts are happening throughout the year, and the summer firework season is always fun, too.