Summary
Niagara Falls is a destination unlike any other. The pair of twin cities is situated on opposite banks of the Niagara River, straddling Ontario (Canada) and western New York. The river flows over the magnificent Niagara Falls, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. In addition to the river’s natural wonders, there are many other locations that draw millions of visitors each year. Some attractions in Niagara Falls include museums, souvenir shops, water parks, observation towers, high-rise hotels, and theatres.
This area is often regarded as one of the most romantic places globally, earning it the title “The Honeymoon Capital of the World.” There is an abundance of activities available in the surrounding areas of Niagara Falls. Below are 15 day trips recommended for those seeking to explore beyond the towering skyline and vibrant street life of these cities.
1. The City of Buffalo
Buffalo is the largest city in Western New York, located on the eastern shore of Lake Erie. The city is known by several nicknames, including “The Nickel City,” “The Queen City,” “The City of Light,” and “The City of Good Neighbors.”
Buffalo boasts a wealth of cultural and entertainment attractions. Its historical significance revolves around the grain, steel, and automotive industries. This makes it an excellent option for a day trip, providing ample opportunities to explore nature trails, winter wonderlands, and sailing adventures.
Every year, thousands of tourists visit Buffalo to experience the renowned Niagara Falls, situated 16 miles to the south.
2. Ellicottville
The town of Ellicottville encompasses a village that shares its name. This village is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise throughout the year. Ellicottville is famous for its ski resorts, including Holiday Valley and HoliMont. In addition to various sporting activities, Ellicottville offers a multitude of shopping and dining options.
The area is home to the Griffis Sculpture Park, which features over 250 large-scale sculptures and an extensive network of hiking trails.
The local village is so easy to navigate that a map is unnecessary.
3. Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is the smallest of the five Great Lakes and serves as the final lake in the chain. It is bordered to the north, west, and southwest by Ontario, while New York lies to the south and east, with the borders of the two areas converging in the center of the lake.
The name “Ontario” derives from the Huron language, meaning “Lake of Shining Waters.”
The lake’s primary inlet is the Niagara River, with its outlet into the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River.
Positioned at the base of Niagara Falls, Lake Ontario also features numerous bays, lagoons, and islands.
4. Albright-Knox Art Museum
This art museum features a diverse collection of artwork, with a focus on modern, abstract, and contemporary pieces. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery is situated in the cultural district of Buffalo.
The museum is named after John J. Albright, a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist.
This vibrant gallery is one of the oldest public art institutions in the United States, with its foundation established in 1890 and completion in 1905, designed by notable local architect Edward Brodhead Green.
Every visit offers something new, with a collection that spans centuries of artistic expression.
5. Letchworth State Park
This 14,427-acre state park is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Letchworth State Park spans approximately 17 miles along the Genesee River, which carves a gorge through the park’s lands. The steep cliffs of the gorge contribute to its reputation as the Grand Canyon of the East among locals.
Letchworth State Park encompasses areas in the towns of Livingston and Wyoming County, showcasing 600-foot cliffs and significant waterfalls along the Genesee River.
This park is an ideal location for picnics and hikes, offering breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Surrounded by lush forests, it hosts nature, history, and performing arts programs, along with activities such as kayaking, hot air ballooning, and swimming.
6. Finger Lakes Region
The Finger Lakes region is home to numerous wineries within its famous, picturesque landscape. Beyond the extensive vineyards, the area features abundant parks and waterfalls.
Comprising a group of 11 long lakes that resemble human fingers, the Finger Lakes cover an area of 124,000 acres. This bioregion is a favored tourist destination, leaving visitors with a lasting impression of life, nature, and culture.
While exploring the nation’s history on your day trip from Niagara Falls, make sure to toast to the artisans producing the region’s renowned wines, brews, ciders, and spirits.
7. East Aurora
Located in Erie County and part of the Buffalo-Niagara Falls Metropolitan Area, East Aurora is recognized for its safety for residents and visitors alike.
This village is home to the Roycroft Campus, an active art colony where founders of the Arts & Crafts movement once created various works, including books, furniture, and metal crafts. The historic Roycroft Campus comprises 14 buildings that continue to inspire creativity.
8. Toronto
As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is a thriving metropolitan area renowned for its diversity and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Situated on the northwestern shores of Lake Ontario, the city offers plenty of excitement for those seeking a lively experience beyond Niagara Falls.
Toronto has historically attracted immigrants, resulting in its rich cultural heritage. Some of the notable tourist attractions include the CN Tower and various historical castles.
9. Old Fort Niagara
This historic fortress, located in Youngstown, NY, offers over three centuries of military history. Constructed in 1726 by the French, the fort eventually came under British control.
After the American Revolution, the fort was secured by the US, only to be temporarily reclaimed by the British during the War of 1812, and later restored to American ownership.
For enthusiasts of military history, this day trip to the charming Old Fort is essential. The site features historical reenactments that highlight its storied past. Visitors can explore this fortification, which once governed access to the Great Lakes and routes to the continent’s heartland.
10. Darien Lake Theme Park
Darien Lake Theme Park is the largest water and theme park in New York, offering various attractions including roller coasters, bumper cars, and numerous family-friendly rides.
In addition to the amusement park, Darien Lake features a campground and on-site accommodations.
The Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, adjacent to the park, regularly showcases concerts with renowned artists, ensuring music enthusiasts have an enjoyable experience.
11. Niagara-on-the-Lake
This scenic town is located along the shores of Lake Ontario and is a popular destination for day-trippers. Situated on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, it is often abbreviated as NOTL and serves as a destination in its own right.
NOTL is central to a successful grape-growing region, known for its numerous wineries.
The town plays a significant role in regional history, featuring some of the world’s oldest Anglican and Catholic churches. Today, NOTL attracts visitors with its rich heritage, colonial-style architecture, and proximity to Niagara Falls.
12. Lake Erie
Erie is situated in the center of Pennsylvania’s shoreline next to Lake Erie. Founded in 1795, the city lies on Presque Isle Bay.
Lake Erie is one of the five Great Lakes in North America and serves as a significant tourist destination. The lake derives its name from the Native American Erie tribe, which historically inhabited the southern shore.
The lake encompasses several islands that belong to either Ohio or Ontario, which can be accessed via ferries or boats from various parts of the mainland.
13. Seneca Lake and Falls
Seneca Falls is located adjacent to Seneca Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes by volume. This lake also holds the distinction of being the second longest after Lake Cayuga.
Measuring 600 feet deep and covering 43,343 acres, visitors flock to Seneca Falls to enjoy the variety of water sports available in the region. For those eager to experience the lake more intimately, activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and boating await.
14. The Genesee Valley
The Genesee Valley, which traverses the Genesee River from its Pennsylvania origins to the outskirts of Rochester, boasts extraordinarily fertile soil, with some areas delving as deep as 10 feet. This fertility is attributed to limestone deposits formed during past glacial periods.
The valley is home to the Genesee Valley Park, established for environmental preservation purposes.
Visitors to the park can engage in various activities, including bird-watching, fishing, hiking, and canoeing.
15. Rochester
Rochester is a mid-sized city located on the shores of Lake Ontario, often referred to as “The Flower City,” “The World’s Image Center,” or “Kodak Town,” known as the birthplace of amateur photography.
Within Rochester lies the only museum in the world dedicated solely to theatrical plays. This city is indeed a treasure for the Western New York region, offering visitors a variety of museums, beaches, and waterways that captivate tourists.
Complementing modern, family-friendly attractions, Rochester also features numerous historical sites that reflect its rich culture, including a trio of majestic waterfalls in the heart of the city.
