The Secret Islands of the Niagara River: Hidden Gems Beyond the Falls

Most people come to Niagara for the roar—the mighty Horseshoe Falls, the Maid of the Mist, the fireworks and floodlights. But what if I told you that just upstream and downstream from all that noise are quiet places few tourists ever notice?

The Niagara River is home to a string of islands—some wild, some wooded, some barely more than rocky outcroppings. And together, they hold secrets older than the Falls themselves.

Islands You’ve Never Heard Of

Everyone knows Goat Island, nestled between the American and Horseshoe Falls. But how many know about Strawberry Island? Or Navy Island? Or Motor Island, sitting like a ghost in the mist?

Goat Island

Sure, tourists walk this one—but even here, there are corners left unexplored. Trails twist through old growth forest and past Civil War-era stone walls. Look closely, and you’ll find hidden plaques, ancient trees, and the exact spot where Nikola Tesla once lit up the world.

Strawberry Island

Floating quietly upstream from Grand Island, Strawberry Island is a bird sanctuary now, off-limits to the public. But once it was farmland, and even hosted wild parties in the early 1900s. Today, you can paddle near it and spot herons, osprey, and bald eagles hunting over the water.

Navy Island

Just a stone’s throw from the Canadian shore, Navy Island was once the site of British shipyards. Later, it became a rebel stronghold during the Upper Canada Rebellion. Today? It’s abandoned. Uninhabited. Owned by Canada, watched by ghosts.

Motor Island

This tiny speck between Tonawanda and Grand Island once hosted a yacht club, but now it’s wild again—home to the largest heron rookery on the river. You can only see it by boat, and you should go quietly.

Why It Matters

These islands are more than rocks in a river. They’re reminders that Niagara is not just a destination—it’s a living landscape, rich with history, wildlife, and mystery. Some of the islands were once sacred to Native peoples. Others hosted bootleggers, inventors, even revolutionaries. Most people drive right past them without a second thought.

But if you know where to look—and how to listen—you can still find the wild heart of the river.

Come Explore With Us

At Go Niagara, we don’t just show you the Falls. We show you what’s behind the curtain—the places without fences, the stories without plaques. Our guides know where to go, how to tell the history, and how to make sure you leave feeling like you saw something real.

Come kayak with us. Come walk with us. Come explore the hidden Niagara.