Clifton Hill is Niagara Falls, Ontario's premier entertainment strip, packed with wax museums, haunted houses, mini golf, arcades, go-karts, and live shows โ all within easy walking distance of the falls. It's ideal for families with kids of any age and can easily fill a full day of fun beyond the waterfall itself.
- Clifton Hill is located on the Canadian (Ontario) side of Niagara Falls, just a short walk from the brink of the Horseshoe Falls.
- Combo passes and attraction packages available through cliftonhill.com can save families significant money compared to paying per attraction.
- Most Clifton Hill attractions are fully indoor, making the strip a great backup plan on rainy or cold days in Niagara Falls.
If the falls are the heart of Niagara, then Clifton Hill is its pulse โ a buzzing, colorful entertainment strip that transforms an already magical destination into a full-blown family adventure. Whether your kids are begging for one more round of mini golf or you're daring each other to enter a haunted house, Clifton Hill delivers hours of laughter, thrills, and memories that go well beyond the waterfall itself.
What Is Clifton Hill and Where Is It?
Clifton Hill is a vibrant street located on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, Ontario, running from the Niagara River Parkway up toward Lundy's Lane. It's often nicknamed the "Street of Fun" โ and for good reason. The strip is within easy walking distance of the iconic Horseshoe Falls viewpoints, making it effortless to combine a morning at the falls with an afternoon of attractions.
Visitors coming from the American side can cross via the Rainbow Bridge on foot or by car, making Clifton Hill accessible whether you're based in Niagara Falls, NY or Niagara Falls, ON. Just remember to bring your passport for the border crossing.
The Must-See Attractions on Clifton Hill
The official Clifton Hill website manages a collection of the strip's most beloved venues, and there's genuinely something for every age group. Here's a look at the highlights:
- Movieland Wax Museum โ Come face-to-face with eerily realistic wax figures of celebrities, movie characters, and pop culture icons. Kids love the interactive photo opportunities, and adults tend to linger longer than expected.
- Clifton Hill Haunted Houses โ Multiple haunted experiences cater to different scare levels. The Haunted House and Zombie Attack are perennial favorites, though they're best suited for kids 8 and up.
- Dinosaur Adventure Golf โ One of the strip's most popular outdoor mini golf courses, set among life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. It's as theatrical as it is fun, and the roars from the T-Rex never get old.
- Wizard's Golf โ An indoor mini golf experience tucked inside a fantasy-themed castle, perfect for younger children or when the weather doesn't cooperate.
- The Niagara SkyWheel โ Rising 175 feet above Clifton Hill, this giant Ferris wheel offers panoramic views of the falls, the gorge, and the surrounding skyline. It's especially stunning at dusk when the illumination of Horseshoe Falls begins.
- 5D Moving Theater โ A short, action-packed ride experience where the seats move in sync with the on-screen adventure. Great for the whole family and a solid 20-minute break from walking.
Arcades, Go-Karts, and More Active Fun
Beyond the headline attractions, Clifton Hill is loaded with additional options for families who want to keep the energy high:
- Midway Arcade โ A massive, classic arcade featuring hundreds of games, prize redemption counters, and carnival-style skill games. Budget some extra tokens โ it's hard to leave quickly.
- Kart Racing โ Electric go-kart tracks deliver fast-paced fun with minimum height requirements, so check before you go if you're visiting with very young children.
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! โ Just steps from the main Clifton Hill corridor, this globally recognized attraction brings together bizarre artifacts, optical illusions, and interactive exhibits that fascinate curious minds of all ages.
Practical Tips for Visiting Clifton Hill
Getting the most out of Clifton Hill is all about planning smart. Here's what experienced visitors recommend:
- Buy a combo pass. The Clifton Hill Fun Pass bundles several attractions at a discounted rate. Compare options before you arrive to find the package that fits your family's interests.
- Go on a weekday if possible. Clifton Hill gets busy on summer weekends and holidays. Visiting Tuesday through Thursday typically means shorter lines.
- Evenings are magical. The strip transforms after dark with neon lights, illuminated signage, and a festive atmosphere. Even a casual evening stroll is an experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You'll cover a surprising amount of ground, and the strip involves stairs, ramps, and plenty of walking between venues.
- Check height requirements in advance. Some rides and attractions have minimum height restrictions, so review these before building expectations with younger children.
- Parking is available in nearby lots and garages, but arriving by foot from nearby hotels on the Canadian side is often the easiest option.
Combining Clifton Hill with the Rest of Your Niagara Trip
Clifton Hill works beautifully as an afternoon or evening component of a broader Niagara Falls itinerary. Pair a morning at the falls โ including a ride on the Hornblower Niagara Cruises or a walk along the Niagara Parkway โ with a post-lunch deep dive into the strip's attractions. If you're staying multiple days, it's also worth exploring the quieter, nature-focused side of Niagara, including the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve and Queen Victoria Park, to balance the sensory excitement of Clifton Hill.
Whether you spend two hours or an entire day on the strip, Clifton Hill ensures that your Niagara Falls visit is about far more than just a waterfall โ it's a full-scale family adventure. Head to cliftonhill.com to browse current hours, attraction pricing, and combo pass deals before your trip, and get ready for a seriously fun day.
Part of our complete guide: Complete Guide to Niagara Falls Attractions & Activities for Every Visitor