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There are many reasons why people choose Niagara Falls as their favorite vacation destination. Of course the falls themselves play an important role in that choice but there is so much more to it than that. The shopping, the dining, the wineries, the kid-friendly attractions, and more go into making the decisions to vacation at Niagara Falls year after year.
But is Niagara just a waterfall surrounded by restaurants and gift shops?
The answer to that question is absolutely not. Niagara also sports another side to it that draws a different kind of traveler and this is partially due to the unique geology of the region that actually played a part in creating the falls themselves. More and more adventure travelers are visiting Niagara to take part in the wealth of outdoor activities available.
If you like your vacations with a side of adventure these are five things you can do in Niagara Falls that will let you get a glimpse of Niagara’s wild side.
1. Cycling
Cycling is a very popular activity for visitors to Niagara Falls. You can get away from the hustle and bustle surrounding the falls and explore the beautiful countryside of the Niagara region. Niagara is also an extremely bike-friendly area with bike racks on local buses and the Falls Incline Railway lets cyclists take their bikes from the Niagara Falls hotel area down to the Niagara Parkway.
The Niagara Parkway is 53 kilometers of paved trail that will take you to various areas around the Niagara River and beyond. This is a fantastic way to see the beauty of the area and get away from the crowds. And if you don’t travel with your own bike there are plenty of rentals available.
2. Hiking
Hiking along the Niagara River and beyond is another wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of Niagara without the crowds. The Niagara Parks system maintains a number of trails suitable for most fitness levels and ages and most of these trails begin at the Niagara Discovery Center.
If you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or will be hiking with young children try the Great Gorge Scenic Overlook trail which takes about an hour. For children over 8 and hikers looking for more of a challenge the Devil’s Hole Rapids and Giant Rock trail is a great choice.
3. Horseback Riding
For those who love to ride or anyone looking for a new perspective taking a horseback tour through the Niagara countryside can be the highlight of your trip. Horseplay Niagara offers a number of trail rides for riders six years of age and older.
They offer a few different rides, each featuring some unique aspects of Niagara Falls. One of the most popular rides takes you along the shores of Lake Erie. They are open year-round and also offer private rides for more experienced equestrians and for special events.
4. Fishing
For the travelers who are also anglers, Lake Ontario and the Niagara River provide some of the best fishing in North America. No matter the time of year you visit there are many different types of fish that are caught throughout the year. Local fishing outfitters provide all the equipment you need and can handle groups large and small. However, you do need to buy a fishing license on your own.
During the spring you can fish for Chinook and Coho salmon as well as trout on Lake Ontario. In the fall and winter months steelhead trout are abundant in the Niagara River. The boats used for these trips are smaller and can usually accommodate just three people so make your reservations well in advance.
5. Rock Climbing
While the Niagara region does lack the sheer faces that some climbers prefer there are many opportunities for bouldering in areas along the Niagara River, which are easily reached via the Niagara Parks trail system.
The Niagara Glen area is the most popular, with nine major areas that are popular with climbers. The different sections that have been mapped go by colorful names like Bizzaro, Land of Oz, the Romper Room, and more. Please note that a top rope ban is in effect.
There’s always something fun to do in and around Niagara Falls and this is especially true if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. Put these activities on your list for your Niagara Falls vacation and make it one to remember.
The post 5 Outdoor Activities for the Adventurous Traveler in Niagara Falls appeared first on Pommie Travels.
Source: pommietravels.com