20 Minutes from Niagara Falls is The Welland Canal! See Cruise Ships, Freighters & Historic Bridges! An often overlooked attraction, the Welland Canal is an amazing and beautiful piece of engineering and it's totally worth checking out if you're looking for interesting and historic things to do in the Niagara area. If you're looking for things to do away from the tourist traps of Clifton Hill, this is a great half day excursion, and it's free!