Along this 34-mile (55-kilometer) route, day-trippers get views of the churning rapids, Horseshoe Falls, and popular attractions such as a butterfly conservatory and botanical gardens. Take a spin along a designated scenic highway that traces the banks of the Niagara River. But it only takes veering off into one of the historic neighborhoods or heading out for a scenic drive into Niagara Gorge to get a truer sense of the region’s local character.

Beyond the falls, the city’s oddball museums and kitschy attractions bring out crowds, especially in the Clifton Hill area. Put on a waterproof poncho for a close-up cruise, climb through a tunnel behind the falls, or see them tumble as you gaze from the deck of the observation tower. Here you’ll find three separate waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, the largest and most famous, on the Canadian side of the border, and the smaller but equally spectacular American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the United States side.

Unsurprisingly, it’s this misty spectacle that draws the vast majority of sightseers to this busy little city - also known as Niagara Falls - on the western banks of the Niagara River. Count them among North America’s top wonders: Niagara Falls’ trio of thundering cascades show off the sheer force of nature with dramatic flourish and, of course, plenty of rainbows.

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