Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Part of the Falls Avenue entertainment complex, the water park is across from the American Falls, in the heart of the Niagara Falls action. It is located in a dome-like structure on top of the parking garage that is next to the Brock Plaza hotel.
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From Buffalo: I190W to the Peace Bridge Border Crossing (Exit 9). Follow the QEW to HWY 420 East. Take 420 East to Falls Avenue.
- Casino Niagara
- MGM Studios (nothing like the Walt Disney World version; this is a motion simulator theater)
- Marvel Adventure City (Spider-Man interactive dark ride, mini-golf, arcade games)
- WWE Niagara Falls (PileDriver drop tower ride, retail store)
- Themed restaurants, including Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe, and Hard Rock Cafe
Marketing materials boast that Fallsview is North America's largest water park and hotel complex. The water park is not the largest in square footage, nor does it have the greatest number or breadth of attractions. But the complex is the largest, its owners say, because it it includes 1200 hotel rooms. Read more about water park claims: A Lotta Water: Many Water Parks Claim to Be the Biggest.
The rooms are divided among the four hotels that are part of the Falls Avenue complex. At most indoor water park resorts, the park is the focal point and admission is built into the hotel rates. Falls Avenue hotel guests receive a significant discount, but must pay extra to use the park.
Getting to the park is an adventure. Access is via two small elevators located off the lobby of the Brock Plaza that are also used for the parking garage and service employees. Wait times can be long. Three of the hotels have indoor access to the park (although Sheraton guests have a winding route that takes them through the Hard Rock Cafe). Folks making plans to visit Fallsview in the winter may want to think twice about staying at the Hampton Inn. It's located across the street, and getting to and from the park may involve boots, jackets, and hats.
Except for a few plastic palm trees and some tropical birds, there is no discernible theme at the park. While there is a decent wave pool, a thrilling speed slide, a bowl ride, and a large interactive water play center, Fallsview is lacking some of the water park standbys such as a lazy river and activities for toddlers. (The "Tiny Tots Splash Park," which consists of two water cannons and some fountains, is not really geared to young children.) And for a park of its size, Fallsview doesn't have any marquee attractions such as a water coaster or a FlowRider surfing ride. The activity pool is located outside and will likely be off-limits during the colder months. The owners say that they do have plans to expand the attractions.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodations for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
