Dave and I have been escaping the hustle and bustle of Toronto to Niagara Falls every year since 1996. While many people spend their time admiring the views of Niagara Falls, riding the Hornblower, or taking a Journey Behind the Falls, there is a street that is known as the Street of Fun in Niagara Falls, called Clifton Hill. Clifton Hill is a tourist street full of wax museums, midway rides, and restaurants. One of the best ways to really enjoy all of the Clifton Hill attractions is to purchase the Clifton Hill Pass. Today, we are going to dive into what is included in the Clifton Hill Pass to see if it is right for you and your family.
What is Clifton Hill?
It took us years to really explore Clifton Hill. Whether you’re journeying with a bunch of energetic kids, a group of close friends, or just looking for some couples bonding time Clifton Hill is a ton of fun. There are plenty of things to do on Clifton Hill and we are going to start with the attractions included in the Clifton Hill Pass. Here’s our deep dive into the Clifton Hill Pass, detailing what’s in store.
What is Included in the Clifton Hill Fun Pass?
The Clifton Hill Fun Pass costs $34.95 Canadian plus 13% tax. It includes entry to 6 attractions including the Niagara Skywheel, Zombie Attack, Cosmic Coaster, Movieland Wax Museum, and your choice of indoor glow-in-the-dark Wizard Golf or outdoor Wizard Golf.
To purchase each attraction separately, it would cost $71.70 plus tax, so that is a $30 savings. Get your Clifton Hill Pass Now.
Is the Clifton Hill FunPass Worth It?
But are the attractions worth it? We tried them to help you decide if you want to buy the attractions pass, or if you want to simply pay for one or two individual attractions on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls. So, let’s take a look at each attraction and what the savings are for each. Get your Clifton Hill Pass Now.
1. Niagara Skywheel
The Niagara Skywheel is a 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel that has climate-controlled gondolas. In the summer you will stay cool and comfortable and in the winter, warm and dry. Trips last 8 – 12 minutes giving you plenty of time to capture different views of the falls. We had about 4 revolutions during our trip around the Skywheel and it was fabulous.
The Niagara Skywheel offers a unique panoramic view of the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls. It also has fabulous city views. If you aren’t staying at a hotel with views of the falls, this is a great way to see them from above. (The other being the Skylon Tower)
The most popular time to go up the Niagara Skywheel is at sunset, but we suggest going up at 10 am when it opens to beat the crowds. There are better places for sunset in Niagara Falls. Check out these Niagara Falls Views for places to watch the sunset in Niagara Falls.
Nighttime is another great time to go on the Skywheel. Crowds are less and the falls are lit up. The Niagara Skywheel is open until 2 am, so adults will love having a midnight view before turning in for the night.
Individual tickets for Niagara Skywhell are $17.50 per person but included in the price of the Clifton Hill Funn Pass for $34.95 for adults. Purchase Here
2. Zombie Attack
Dave’s favorite (and probably mine too)! Imagine a 6D multi-sensory experience where you’re battling zombies. We did not expect to have so much fun at Zombie Attack. Going into the theater, you are handed 3D glasses and strapped in for a rip-roaring good time.
We shot at Zombies as the attraction kept score of who had the best aim. This attraction brought us right into the movie making us feel every moment like we were on an actual rollercoaster.
The adrenaline rush, the camaraderie with fellow players, and the lifelike graphics make this attraction unforgettable. If you’re into immersive games, this is a must-try!
3. Cosmic Coaster – Ride The Movie
When we purchased our Clifton Hill Fun Pass, Cosmic Coaster sounded like the tamest of the attractions, but this immersive 4D theater is awesome. We were handed our 3D glasses and held on for dear life as we whizzed through a roller coaster of movie fun.
It was a good long ride with plenty of dips. The roller coaster graphics moved fast and we felt like we were moving through space right along with it.
An adventure for all ages, the Cosmic Coaster is a delightful blend of a traditional coaster ride infused with a galactic theme. The neon lights, fun twists, and turns, accompanied by the thrills and giggles of riders, always make us feel like kids again.
4. Movieland Wax Museum
This is where the world of movies comes alive. From A-list celebrities to iconic scenes, we enjoyed strolling through this museum but if we didn’t have the pass, we probably wouldn’t have gone in.
Movieland Wax Museum was our least favorite attraction included in the pass. The movies felt a little dated with a bunch of movies, that kids wouldn’t even know about. The wax figures didn’t really look like a lot of the stars, and it seemed like it had seen better days. Some figures were even missing arms (I hope they have put them back on since our visit).
They have added a superhero section including Marvel and DC characters which was about the best part at the end. And we enjoyed the interactive parts where we sat with Jimmy Fallon, mimicked Will Farrell’s Ron Burgundy and shared some poses of our favorite stars.
Being included in the pass was worth the walk-through for a good time. It is a great escape from the heat or rain and it was fun to relive some of the old classics.
5. Ghostblasters
Ghostblasters was another attraction that surprised us. We were sure that this was going to be only for kids. While it’s not a thrill ride, it is a blast shooting at ghosts as we rode through the glow-in-the-dark sets.
Ghostblasters is a fun competition where you shoot lazers at ghosts for points. Even adults will have fun keeping score against your competitor. Who has the best aim as ghosts jump out in front of you?
Equipped with a laser gun to blast away lurking ghosts. It’s playful, spooky, and interactive, ensuring both adults and children have an equal amount of fun and frights.
6. Dinosaur Golf or Wizard Golf
To wrap up the Clifton Hill experience, you get a choice between two fun-filled golf experiences. We chose indoor Wizard Golf and it was awesome. This wizard theme is beautiful and the entire course is glow-in-the-dark, right down to the golf balls. For Instagram fun, we loved this.
You can also choose from outdoor Dinosaur Golf, with its life-sized replicas and challenging courses. Either way, it’s a win-win.
To wrap up, for just $34.95 for adults and $22.95 for children, the Clifton Hill Pass packs a punch. Considering it would cost $64.45 or $65.45 to purchase each attraction individually, that’s a huge savings of $30!
With the variety and quality of attractions offered, we can confidently say it’s well worth the price. Purchase The Clifton Hill Pass Here
Things to do on Clifton Hill – Beyond the Clifton Hill Pass
If you are spending a few days in Niagara Falls, there are other things to do on Clifton Hill. It is the street of fun after all, so to help you decide if you want to save your money for other attractions instead, here are a few things to keep an eye out for.
Nightmares Fear Factory
Nightmares Fear Factory is located on Victoria Ave at the top of Clifton Hill. This is one scary haunted house. In fact, more than 170,000 people have chickened out of Nightmares partway through the tour. The scary tour lasts about 15 minutes and you are in complete darkness. I was scared I am not going to lie. It is the darkness and small spaces that really gets me.
The cost of Nightmares is $15.94 per person.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not is a museum of oddities. You’ll see old sideshow characters from long nose man to the three-legged man and a two-headed calf. It is part of the iconic Ripley franchise known worldwide for its peculiar and extraordinary exhibits. You’ll see everything from the figure of the world’s tallest man to a jade rickshaw.
Robert Ripley, the founder of the franchise, was an explorer, journalist, and cartoonist who traveled the world in search of the bizarre and the unexplained. His legacy is evident throughout the museum, which celebrates the weird, the unexpected, and the unexplained.
Ripley’s also has other attractions in Niagara Falls, including Ripley’s Moving Theater, Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, and Ripley’s Selfie Studio. If you want to get your Instagram on, pop into the Selfie Studio for 23 themed installations where you can get the perfect selfie.
We find these pretty expensive, especially for a family, but if you like museums you can get a combo ticket for $34 that includes Ripleys Believe it or Not, Selfie Studio, and the Wax Museum. Three attractions for nearly the price of one could be worth it if you are spending more than a day in Niagara Falls.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not $29.99 Selfie Studio: $19.99 Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks: $29.00 Or get a combo ticket for all 3 at $34.99 (That’s a savings of almost $50) The combo ticket does not include the Moving Theater.
House of Frankenstein
A staple of Clifton Hill, the House of Frankenstein stands proud and centered on the hill. I have to admit, it has been years since we’ve gone in and I don’t remember it being anything special. However, there is now a roller coaster on the roof. Albeit, we haven’t ridden that either, and from what I’ve seen it doesn’t have good reviews.
For the price, we have read that it should be skipped.
Big Top Amazing Mirror & Laser Maze
Our neighbors brought their kids to this and raved about it. It is exactly what it sounds like. One takes you through a maze of mirrors and you have to find your way out and the other is a maze of lasers that you have to navigate through, ala Catherine Zeta-Jones in Entrapment. My neighbor’s 8-year-old daughter loved the laser maze, so kids may really enjoy it.
Niagara Speedway
If you are looking to go go-carting in Niagara Falls, the Niagara Speedway is located at the top of Clifton Hill. It is North America’s largest elevated go-kart track facility. It definitely looks like fun and it has been dubbed a “Mario-kart” inspired racetrack. The cost for a driver is $13.00 (Per ~5 Minute Race) and you can add a passenger for $4. It’s pricey for a 5-minute drive.
Great Canadian Midway
The Great Canadian Midway boasts 70,000 square feet of entertainment. It has classic arcade games and state-of-the-art video gaming experiences. There are over 300 games to choose from for every age from skee-ball and air hockey to the latest interactive video games.
Compared to some of the pricier attractions in Niagara Falls, spending a couple of hours at the Midway won’t break the bank. You have control over how much you want to spend, based on the number of tokens you buy. I know we have wasted a bit of time here. It’s better than the casino!
Niagara Adventure Theatre
Located just a short walk from Clifton Hill the Niagara Adventure Theatre, tells the history of Niagara Falls and the daredevils who tried to conquer it. We watched this movie years ago when it was included in one of the attraction’s passes. It is now a stand-alone attraction and I don’t think it is really worth it.
Instead, get the adventure pass, and the movie Niagara’s Fury is included in that.
After going through all of the other attractions, you can really see that the Clifton Hill Pass is worth it. We really did enjoy each attraction and once you are done checking out the falls, or looking for things to do in Niagara Falls at night, this pass is a great way to add to your Niagara experience.
Where to Eat on Clifton Hill
Rainforest Cafe has a great setting but man is it overpriced. I wouldn’t recommend eating here unless you are ready to splurge as a family. It is a fun setting for kids but save your money.
Hard Rock Cafe is our staple restaurant when we are in the Clifton Hill area. It’s typical roadhouse fare. Being in Niagara Falls it is obviously overpriced, but better value than other places in Niagara Falls.
Kelsey’s, and Boston Pizza are more affordable options but expect to pay more for a meal than you would at other Kelsey’s and Boston Pizza’s. When in Niagara Falls, prices are always elevated. There is also a Ruby Tuesday and Applebee’s on Clifton Hill. As well as Burger King, Wendy’s Tim Hortons, and midway snacks like hot dogs, and Beaver Tails.
Where to Stay Near Clifton Hill
There are plenty of hotels near Clifton Hill to suit all budgets. The Sheraton on the Falls is one of the most luxurious of hotels in this area. It has beautiful views of the American Falls with most suits having Falls views. There is a spa, restaurant and bar as well as a pool. It is connected to the waterpark. For dining with a view, eat at Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant but be warned it closes early. See it on Booking.com / TripAdvisor
The Crown Plaza Niagara Falls Fallsview also has one of the best restaurants in Niagara Falls, The Rainbow Room is located on the 10th floor where you can choose from Prime Steakhouse or Massimo’s Italian Restaurant run by Chef and Host Massimo Capra. See prices on Booking.com / TripAdvisor
Travelodge by Wyndham is the closest of the Niagara hotels that are located outside the main tourist area on the Niagara Parkway. You can walk to the Bird Kingdom and Rainbow Bridge and from there all of the Niagara Falls attractions are close. See it on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
We hope this helps you plan your trip to Niagara Falls and enjoy your time on Clifton Hill. The Falls are definitely the star attraction of a visit to Niagara Falls, but when you have exhausted all of its attractions, Clifton Hill is a fun street for the whole family.
If you do want to take advantage of the best things to do on Clifton Hill, we highly recommend The Clifton Hill Fun Pass. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. And P.S., The Planet D is not affiliated with Niagara Falls tourism and non of our trips to Niagara Falls have been comped by them. We enjoy visiting Niagara on our own and decided to review the Clifton Hill Fun Pass sharing our own thoughts and opinions.
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