Clifton Hill

Clifton Hill Review

This is undeniably the most crassly commercial district of Niagara Falls, with haunted houses, more wax museums than one usually sees in a lifetime, and fast-food chains. But for kids the entertainment is endless—especially kids who enjoy arcade games—and the SkyWheel is interesting for all ages. Attractions are typically open late (midnight-2 am in summer, 11 pm off-season), with admission ranging from about C$10 to C$16. For the most part, the right-side-of-street attractions as you face the falls (SkyWheel side) are superior to those on the left side, many of which are looking shabby. Here are some of our favorite attractions: The 175-foot SkyWheel (4950 Clifton Hill 905/358-4793 www.skywheel.ca), has enclosed, heated, and air-conditioned compartments. The Great Canadian Midway (4950 Clifton Hill 905/358-3676) is a 70,000-square-foot entertainment complex with arcade games, a bowling alley, air hockey, and food. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum (4960 Clifton Hill 905/356-2261 www.ripleysniagara.com) is creepily fascinating. Movieland Wax Museum (4960 Clifton Hill 905/358-3676) has such lifelike characters as Harry Potter and Barack and Michelle Obama. The Hershey Store (5685 Falls Ave. 800/468-1714 www.hersheycanada.com/en/discover) is 7,000 square feet of truffles, fudge, and the trademark Kisses, marked by a six-story chocolate bar at the base of the hill.