Skylon Tower, Niagara Falls

Skylon Tower may have two restaurants, a shopping mall, an entertainment center, and a theater, but at 775 feet above the roar of Niagara Falls, perhaps its best feature is its view. Visitors ascend the tower in just 52 seconds aboard a glass-enclosed exterior elevator, which gently dispenses them at the top to take in views of the Falls, the Great Gorge, the Niagara wine district, and two city skylines—in different countries—atop the observation deck.

The spectacular sights don’t stop during dinner. For more upscale environs, the glass-lined Revolving Dining Room—named for its once-hourly silent rotation above the Falls—treats palates to gourmet racks of lamb, seared sea scallops, and surf ‘n’ turf platters of filet mignon and lobster tail as diners take in the view, which only becomes more awe-inspiring as the sun sets and illuminates the water in shades of pink, blue, and yellow.

Away from the aromas of steak and seafood, the Skylon Family Fun Center entertains families with rides, interactive games, and carnival-inspired amusements. Afterward, groups can venture over to the 3-D theatre, where they slap on goggles and learn about the history of Niagara Falls, including the evolution of the Great Lakes Basin, the formation of the Falls, and the people who went over the edge in a barrel in order to search for their spouses’ dropped wedding bands.