niagara falls grad trip

Niagara Falls , Ontario

Niagara Falls is a popular destination for overnight student trips and graduation day trips. Students and teachers alike enjoy the variety of options Niagara Falls has to offer with it's beauty, attractions, activities and many educational opportunities.

• Hornblower Cruises Classic Cruise to the base of the Falls
• Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour
• Botanical Gardens
• Whirlpool Aero Car
• Clifton Hill
• Butterfly Conservatory
• The Greg Frewin Theatre - Magic Show
• The Bird Kingdom
• Fort George (Niagara on the lake)
• Niagara's Fury Attraction
• Imax Theatre
• Nightmare's Fear Factory
• Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum
• Skylon Tower

Niagara Falls 1 Day Graduation Trip Itinerary Sample Itinerary

A.M. Arrival for loading of your Deluxe Highway Coach, meet your Tour Manager and depart for Niagara Falls Arrive at Niagara-On-The-Lake & Guided Tour of restored Fort George Transfer to Queenston Heights Park to eat your packed lunches from home. A Covered Pavilion has been reserved for your group

AFT. Choice of Activies from:

• Butterfly Conservatory Visit
• Imax Theatre Presentation on Niagara Falls
• Niagara Falls Fury Attraction
• Niagara Falls Aviary Tour and Educational Program
• Whirlpool Aero Car Ride over the Niagara Gorge and back
• White Water Walk

EVE. Buffet Dinner at a local restaurant & Departure for your school Early evening arrival at your school

Niagara Falls Itinerary

2 Days / 1 Night

3 Days / 2 nights

Other Canadian Destinations

• Mont Tremblant
• Quebec City

Our Most Popular Educational Tours

• 3 Day Ottawa Tour
• 1 Day Niagara Falls
• 4 Day New York City
• 1 Day Toronto Tour
• 4 Day Quebec City Tour

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• 1 Day Montreal
• 1 Day Stratford
• 1 Day Kingston
• 1 Day Ottawa
• 1 Day Quebec City

Educational Multi-City Tours Canada

• 4 Day Ottawa & Montreal
• 4 Day Montreal & Quebec

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Niagara Falls Student Tours

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Niagara Falls Student tours

2 Days / 1 Night

Whether you choose to float besides, soar above, journey behind or ride its rapids, the Horseshoe Falls is a Canadian landmark that you must see, hear and Feel.

Experience Niagara Falls with your student group!

Take a school trip to see this natural wonder beautifully carved during the ice age more than 12,000 years ago. Begin your student trip adventure by getting up close to the falls with a Hornblower boat tour, feel the thundering roar, awesome power and amazing mist on your Journey behind the Falls, then take a seat at the IMAX and learn the history of this Wonder of The World, including the death-defying stunts performed by daredevils or see soldiers in redcoats fire muskets at Fort George.

Take a stroll on Clifton Hill’s, Niagara Falls Street of Fun! There are so many attractions to experience: Discover the strange at Ripley’s Believe it or not, venture through the Nightmare Fear Factory House, experience action-packed water fun at the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, take in the view of Niagara Falls at 175 feet on Niagara SkyWheel, to name just a few of the student-friendly attractions Niagara Falls has to offer.

Let Great Adventure Tours be part of your next class trip to Niagara Falls.

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Fax: 1 (519) 727-6988

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12324 Riverside Drive East

Tecumseh Ontario Canada

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4-Day Niagara Falls Graduation Trip

Looking to make a splash on your graduation trip? Look no further than our 4-day Niagara Falls adventure!

Day 1 You'll See:

• Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises
• Niagara Falls State Park
• Niagara Aerospace Museum

Day 2 You'll See:

• Table Rock Center
• Clifton Hill Fun by the Falls

Day 3 You'll See:

• Six Flags Darien Lake

Day 4 You’ll See:

• Discovery Pass (5 attractions listed below)

Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises- Set sail on this 2-hour narrated tour! As you float down the Erie Canal, enjoy all the sights and learn more about the area! Cruising under lift bridges and then being lifted up and lowered back down 50 feet into the Locks.

Niagara Falls State Park- Feast your eyes on some magnificent views! This state park is truly unique and comes with exciting attractions, immersive exhibits, and more!

Niagara Aerospace Museum- Finally, we wrap up day one by visiting the Niagara Aerospace Museum! Take a tour and learn more about the history and preservation of aviation design and creation in west New York!

Marineland- Rides and marine animals…let’s go! Set on two acres of land, this will definitely be a highlight of your trip!  Experience the fun of riding their amusement park rides and then travel over to one of their marine attractions such as Artic Cove, where you can get up close and personal with beluga whales!

Table Rock Center- Next we will take you somewhere you will really enjoy. Here you can actually travel inside 130-year old tunnels BEHIND the falls! Or maybe you want to try the zipline or take a trip 3,500 feet over the Niagara Whirlpool!

Clifton Hill Fun by the Falls- End your day with even more fun! The Clifton Hill Fun Pass includes access to a wax museum, rides, an immersive 3D zombie ride and more!

Six Flags Darien Lake- Spend the day riding roller coasters and enjoying the true Six Flags experience!

Discovery Pass-  This pass gives you access to the following attractions:

• Cave of the Winds- Ride an elevator 175 meters down into the Niagara Gorge and follow your tour guide to be within 20 feet of the raging falls!
• Maid of the Mist Boat Ride- Ride this historic boat and experience the falls up close and personal! This voyage was even scene in Hollywood’s Bruce Almighty!
• Safari Niagara- 150 acres of pure animal madness!
• Erie Canal Discovery Center- This museum features art and history about the Erie Canal.
• Aquarium of Niagara- Perhaps you can meet a seal while here, this aquarium also specializes in rescuing marine mammals!

Are you looking for an affordable, customized group trip?

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Niagara Falls School Trips

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Great Adventure Tours Inc. Email: [email protected] Phone: (800) 638-3945 Fax: (519) 727-6988

Starting from $199.00 CND per student based on quad occupancy.

** Conditions Apply ** For more details contact us or take a few moments to fill out our Online Request for Quote. Great Adventure Tours is a proud member of SYTA (Student Youth Travel Association)

Planning a student field trip?

Planning a Niagara Falls class field trip, school trip, educational tour, or student tour? Let Great Adventure Tours experienced staff plan all of your student travel needs.

Niagara Falls is not only one of the World's most Spectacular Natural Wonders; it's a fun place for students to visit as well!

These days it is hard enough being a teacher without also having to be a "travel agent", that is why we are here !

When you book your class field trip to Niagara Falls with Great Adventure Tours we offer 'One Stop Shopping For Teachers' , one call, one contact, one bill, it's that easy! Just give our experienced travel staff a call and let us design a customized class trip for you that will meet you and your schools needs.

Students can take a boat ride on the World Famous "Maid of the Mist" in the churning waters of the Niagara River and see the falls up close and personal, or perhaps see the falls from a different angle, from the inside out, as you take the "Journey behind the Falls" . Students will love their ride on the "Spanish Aero Car," which will take them high above the Niagara Whirlpool or the excitement of the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour (featured on the Amazing Race) .

Your students may choose to add to your class trip a visit to the IMAX Theatre , Skylon Tower , museums of Clifton Hill , a visit to the Hard Rock Café or Planet Hollywood , whichever they choose Niagara Falls has it to offer !

Niagara Falls is both astounding and mesmerizing, a memory your students will carry with them forever !

Featured Atractions & Services:

Step on guide for an overview tour of the Niagara area. The best way to find out about Niagara Falls's many attractions, both man-made and natural, is to delve in and explore. Start with the Falls. See them up close. Drive by the hustle and bustle of Clifton Hill. Your Guide explains the natural history of the Gorge and Glen, the Old Scow and much more. This region is truly an Ontario jewel.

Maid of the Mist - is a must for any visitor to Niagara Falls. Get up close and personal with one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.

Journey Behind the Falls for a fantastic view of the Horseshoe Falls. An elevator takes you through solid rock to viewing portals behind the cascading water.

IMAX - Experience the amazing discovery, legendary myths, heroic acts and death defying stunts. See the wonders of the Falls up close like never before with the spectacular IMAX film – "Niagara; Miracles, Myths and Magic."

Butterfly Conservatory –featuring over 2,000 free flying butterflies in this lush tropical rain forest setting.

Whirlpool Jet Boat ride . Just a mile and a half down stream from the falls, experience the rush of whitewater as you blast through the Niagara River Gorge. and enjoy a rare view of some of the area's most breathtaking scenery from the safety of the powerful "Whirlpool Jet Boat".

Niagara Aero Car . Experience the turbulent rapids of the Whirlpool from the safety of this sturdy cable car. Water, descended from the Falls, is forced through the narrowest turn in the river with unrelenting force.

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Niagara Falls:

Historic niagara student tour, request a quote.

Discover the majesty of the Horseshoe Falls during your 2-day student tour to Niagara Falls. Step back in time at Fort George as soldiers prepare for the War of 1812, journey behind the falls to see power generated from the rushing water, and grab a selfie with the largest floral clock in the world. Experience this natural wonder with your students on this school trip and inspire their passion for travel.

Tour Highlights

• Fort George
• Brock's Monument
• Clifton Hill
• Illumination of the Falls
• Table Rock Lookout
• Bird Kingdom

Activities bring history and ecology of our landscape to life. Niagara Fury, Journey behind Falls and Fort George continue to be among the favourites.

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Best Niagara Falls Tours & Attractions

Guided tours.

Experience Niagara Falls’ power for yourself with these guided tours of the natural wonder.

American Falls Tour With Maid of the Mist & Cave of the Winds

Starting From

• Location:  Niagara Falls, NY (USA)
• Duration:  Plan For 4.5 Hours
• Age Limit:  For All Ages

Niagara Falls At Night: Illumination And Fireworks Cruise

• Location:  Niagara Falls, Canada (Offers pick ups on both sides of the border)

Epic Niagara: All Inclusive American & Canadian Falls Tour

• Location:  Niagara Falls USA & Niagara Falls Canada
• Duration:  Plan For 7 Hours

Power of Niagara, the American Story

• Duration:  Plan For 3 Hours

Niagara Falls Cross-Border Adventure: Winter Tour & Attractions

• Location: Niagara Falls, USA or Niagara Falls, ON (Canada)

Canadian Side: Helicopter Tour Of Niagara Falls

• Location:  Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada
• Duration:  9 minutes
• Height Limit:  Must Be 40" In Height To Fly

American Side: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour

• Location:  Niagara Falls, New York USA
• Duration:  45 minutes
• Age Limit:  For Ages 4 Above

Canadian Side: Bird Kingdom

• Duration:  Plan For 1 Hour

American Side: Helicopter Tour Of Niagara Falls

• Duration:  Plan For 18 Minutes

American Side: Underground Railroad Heritage Center

American side: vortex arcade fun pass.

• Location: Niagara Falls, New York USA
• Duration:  As long as you can

Attractions

Exploring the Falls isn’t the only thing to do in the Niagara area. Don’t miss these shows and attractions!

Offering Premier Niagara Experiences Since 1996

Make niagara falls your event backdrop, niagara falls adventures made simple, let gray line niagara handle the details, frequently asked questions.

United States and Canadian citizens ages 16 and older must present one of the following travel documents at the border:

• Valid U.S. or Canadian Passport
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
• U.S. Passport Card
• Trusted Traveler Program Card / Nexus

United States and Canadian citizens under the age of 16, or under the age of 19 traveling with a school, religious or other youth group, must present one of the following travel documents at the border:

• Original or certified copy of birth certificate
• Naturalization Certificate
• Consular report of birth abroad
• Canadian Citizenship Card

Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States must present a Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”, INS Form I-1551) at the border.

Residents of nations other than the United States and Canada may require a Canadian Visa along with their passport to enter Canada. Contact your national consulate before leaving home. International visitors will require passports to cross the border. Citizens of some countries may require a Canadian Visa as well. Be sure to check with our staff when booking your tour.

For the most up-to-date border crossing information, please access the following website: www.cbp.gov (Subject to Change)

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NIAGARA FALLS ADVENTURE TOURS

Best of niagara falls: maid of the mist + cave of the winds + trolley pass + guided tour, the original adventure tour + maid of the mist boat ride.

• LO MEJOR DE LAS CATARATAS DEL NIÁGARA: PASEO EN EL BARCO FAMOSO MAID OF THE MIST + CAVE OF THE WINDS + PASE DE TRANVÍA TURÍSTICO + VISITA GUIADA EN ESPAÑOL
• LAS ICÓNICAS CATARATAS DEL NIÁGARA: VISITA GUIADA DE 1 HORA EN ESPAÑOL + PASEO EN EL BARCO FAMOSO MAID OF THE MIST
• 1-Hour Guided Walking Tour and Cave of the Winds Admission
• THE DAREDEVIL TOUR
• CHRISTMAS IN JULY SANTA TOUR WITH MAID OF THE MIST + CAVE OF THE WINDS + TROLLEY PASS
• GUIDE TO NIAGARA FALLS

Tours with unique views and untold stories

Experience the best niagara falls tours, niagara falls tour packages.

Make the most of your visit to Niagara Falls with this immersive sightseeing experience that includes our award-winning 1-hour guided tour.

• Expert Local Guide

The Daredevil Tour

The best activities in niagara falls.

Few places on earth can match the sheer power and beauty of Niagara Falls — and lucky for us, this natural wonder teems with things to do. From thrilling activities to scenic viewpoints, don’t miss all that the Falls have to offer.

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE

Adventure tour, daredevil tour, mobsters & mayhem, why choose us, fit your schedule, passionate guides, convenience and ease.

From meeting points to itineraries, everything we plan is designed to help you have an easy, fun-filled day. All you need to do is show up!

A TRUE LOVE OF THE FALLS

For us, the best activities in Niagara Falls aren’t just tourist attractions. They make up vital parts of our community. 

OUR RECENT BLOG

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Journey Behind the Falls: Experience Niagara From the Other Side

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Niagara Jet Adventure: A Ride to Remember

One thing that you simply can not skip out on when you’re visiting Niagara Falls is taking a ride with Niagara Jet Adventures. Let’s be honest, how many times have you looked at Niagara Falls and imagined yourself right out there, in the water? And wasn’t it thrilling? Well, it’s

Skylon Tower – A Dining Table With a View

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6 Best Places to Get Wings in Niagara Falls

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Duration of tours may vary due to weather and size of the group. While Niagara Falls Adventure Tours will endeavor to conduct the tour as indicated, all tours are subject to change without notice.  Please note that tour duration may also vary due to peak visiting times of year and holidays.

We are not responsible for damaged personal items.

100% of our tours begin and end in the United States. If you are looking to do a walking tour in Niagara Falls, Canada, we recommend Walk Niagara Falls Tours : https://www.fallstour.com/

Read what our guests are saying about their Niagara Falls Adventures. Gain insights into unforgettable experiences, passionate guides, and the convenience that sets us apart. Our reviews reflect the genuine satisfaction of those who have explored the Falls with us.

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There's More to the Niagara Falls Region Than the Iconic Waterfall — Here's How to Plan the Perfect Trip

Most travelers venture to Niagara Falls for the picture-perfect view, but a host of new visitor experiences can help you see this world wonder in a whole other light.

As we drove past North America's largest waterfall, Lezlie Harper, the founder of Niagara Bound Tours told the story of a sign that once hung in downtown Niagara Falls, Ontario.

"It read 'Don't forget to see the falls,' " she said with a laugh, before gesturing to the majestic cascade in front of us. "As if you could miss it!" I laughed, too, but the truth is that, for many years, I had blithely driven past this wonder of the world with barely a glance.

When I was a kid growing up in a Toronto suburb, Niagara Falls was the place I begrudgingly visited when relatives flew in from out of town. I didn't know then that it is actually a trio—Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls sit side-by-side along the Canada-U.S. border—or that the charms of the region extend far beyond its main attraction.

But last autumn, I took a four-day trip with a girlfriend, Viji, and was reintroduced to the landmark and the city—along with its quaint little sister about 25 minutes north, Niagara-on-the-Lake. And on this visit, I found a new appreciation for the place I thought I knew.

Viji and I started at—where else?—the falls. Over lunch at Table Rock House Restaurant (entrées $24–$38), which is perched at the edge of Horseshoe Falls, we oohed and aahed at the crashing curtain of water right in front of us. Next, we took a short stroll to the Niagara Parks Power Station , which used the falls to provide electricity to much of the region for a century, beginning in 1905. It reopened in 2021 as an interactive museum that highlights the lives of the people who worked at the plant.

As we stood in the shadows of the turbines we'd learned about earlier, projections brought the workers and machinery to life.

We also took a hard-hat sneak peek at an upcoming attraction, which has since then opened. As of July 2021, a glass elevator takes people 180 feet underground into the old Tailrace Tunnel. The descent mimics the route the water once took through the power plant. After disembarking at the bottom, guests are able to stand on an outdoor platform for an entirely new vantage point of the falls.

That evening, we had dinner at AG Inspired Cuisine (prix fixe $89), a restaurant set in a former creamery in downtown Niagara Falls. The menu—which included a winter-squash bisque, juniper-roasted deer loin with a vegetable cassoulet, and a cranberry poached pear—celebrates Niagara terroir, and much of the produce comes from the restaurant's own farm 10 minutes away.

Later in the night we returned to the power station to experience Currents: Niagara's Power Transformed, an immersive indoor light and sound show. As we stood in the shadows of the turbines we'd learned about earlier, projections brought the workers and machinery to life and helped convey the importance of the plant to the region and the province. Afterward, we retired to the historic Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel (doubles from $159), located steps from the water.

On our second morning we met Harper, our guide for a tour that followed the journey of the enslaved Africans (including Harper's own ancestors) who made their way to Canada. Most history books stop with their arrival via the Underground Railroad , but Harper shared what happened in the decades that followed. She told us about Josiah Henson—a once-enslaved man who found his way to freedom along with his wife and four children, inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, and became a founder of one of the most successful Black communities in southern Ontario. Harper also talked about the predecessor of the NAACP, a civil rights organization called the Niagara Movement, which had its initial meeting in 1905 in Fort Erie, a town on the Niagara River. As I looked out at the powerful waters, I found it hard not to become emotional at the thought of the men, women, and children who risked their lives to cross over to freedom.

More Trip Ideas : The 12 Best Small Towns in Canada

Viji and I continued our drive along the river to meet Tim Johnson at the Landscape of Nations . He is the director of the Landscape of Nations 360° Indigenous Education Initiative, a nonprofit that aims to educate Canadians about the contributions of Indigenous peoples. Johnson walked us across the site of the War of 1812's pivotal Battle of Queenston Heights. We paused just outside a collection of rails meant to symbolize a longhouse, an Indigenous style of dwelling, before following a stone trail through a memorial built to acknowledge the Six Nations' aid in the war.

Visitors can enter without a guide, but being with Johnson allowed Viji and me to ask questions and reframe the history we'd been taught as kids. I made a mental note to book a full Indigenous Niagara Living Museum tour in the future.

Afterward, we wound north to Niagara-on-the-Lake and checked in to 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa (doubles from $209) . Our apartment-like two-bedroom suite sat above a row of shops, offering views of the old-fashioned main street below. Recent renovations added a lounge for both guests and locals, plus a hydrotherapy-focused spa.

As I looked out at the powerful waters, I found it hard not to become emotional at the thought of the men, women, and children who risked their lives to cross over to freedom.

After a long day, we were thankful to be just steps from Treadwell Cuisine (prix fixe $95), an upscale restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake's Old Town. I ordered steak frites with a Cabernet Franc from the local Stratus Vineyards, while Viji went for a Sauvignon Blanc from nearby Five Rows Craft Wine to pair with her pan-seared scallops. From our window booth, we watched a parade of shoppers wander the street outside and remarked on how rarely we take the opportunity to sit and absorb the scenes around us. It was a simple pleasure to do just that.

This is wine country—there are more than 50 vineyards in the Niagara region along Lake Ontario—and Niagara-on-the-Lake is particularly renowned for its ice wines. We began our tasting tour just outside of town with lunch at the intimate Two Sisters Vineyards (entrées $17–$40) . As it turns out, sipping Cabernet Francs and Rieslings while nibbling a delicate beef carpaccio and crisp pizza is a good way to spend an afternoon.

What seemed like just a couple of hours later, we were back at the table, this time indulging in a dinner of roasted Ontario duck breast at Trius Winery & Restaurant (prix fixe from $66) . Winemaker Craig McDonald paired his award-winning vintages with chef Frank Dodd's creations, which included butternut-squash soup and a spiced-pumpkin blondie dessert.

After dinner, we experienced one of Niagara-on-the-Lake's most beloved attractions: the Shaw Festival , which began in the early 1960s as an annual event that celebrated the works of George Bernard Shaw, but now includes a variety of productions in three theaters. We saw Desire Under the Elms, Eugene O'Neill's complicated, tragic love story, and made plans to return to see Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest in the spring.

On our final day, Harper's words not to forget the falls were on my mind, so we headed back to where our journey began. We were ready for some downtime, so we booked sessions in the Hydrotherapy Infinity tub at Christienne Fallsview Spa .

As I sank into the steaming waters and stared at the falls and the gardens that surround them, I thought of the little girl who'd once underappreciated this gem. No longer. This, I thought as the bubbles worked their magic, was the postcard memory I came for.

A version of this story first appeared in the February 2022 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline Surprise and Delight.

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Must Do Canada

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The 21 Best Niagara Falls Tours

May 9, 2023 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

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As one of the most iconic natural attractions in Canada, there are so many amazing Niagara Falls tours to choose from. Since most people come here to see one of the largest waterfalls in the world, many of the Niagara Falls tours centre around that. However, Niagara Falls is more than just Horseshoe Falls– it’s a lively destination with a vibrant tourism industry, filled with great food, exciting nightlife, and plenty of activities for thrill-seekers and nature-lovers alike.

So whether you’re looking for a Niagara Falls helicopter tour, a Niagara Falls boat tour, a Niagara Falls wine tour, or one of the many other tours in the area, we’ve got you covered in this guide to the best Niagara Falls tours in Ontario , Canada!

Niagara Falls Tours Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means when you make a purchase, we get a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use and they help keep these travel guides free. It’s a win-win! For more information, visit our  privacy policy.

Don’t have time to read the entire Niagara Falls Tours article? These are our four favourite tours overall:

• Best Comprehensive Tour of Niagara Falls : There’s a reason this tour has more than 300 5-star reviews. It combined many of the top Niagara Falls attractions, including a helicopter tour, a boat cruise, lunch at the Skylon Tower, and more!
• Best Helicopter Tour of Niagara Falls : It’s not too often that you’ll find yourself near one of the world’s most famous waterfalls, so why not go all out and opt for a 20-minute grand helicopter tour?
• Best Comprehensive Tour of Niagara Falls with No Helicopter : If you’re looking to experience many of the top attractions in Niagara Falls without a helicopter tour, including Canada and the USA, this is it.
• Best Day Trip Tour from Niagara Falls : When you’ve had enough of the falls, take this tour to Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of the most famous wine regions in Canada.

1. Niagara Falls Canada Tour + Helicopter Ride and Skylon Tower Lunch

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars (342+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 Hours | 🚀  BOOK NOW

We’ve been to Niagara Falls so many times and have seen the waterfalls from many different angles and one of our favourite things to do is take a helicopter ride over the falls. It gives you such a different perspective of this truly amazing natural wonder. However, they’re also incredible from the ground, so that’s why we recommend this thrilling small-group sightseeing tour .

This is the best tour we could find that combines so much of what we love about Niagara Falls. You get to fly around and over the mighty falls on a helicopter ride, travel to the edge of the Horseshoe Falls and back on the iconic Hornblower Cruise, feel the power of the water on the “Journey Behind the Falls” walk, and enjoy lunch in the Revolving Dining Room at Skylon Tower. Does it get any better?

Danny was our guide from Sightseeing Tours and he did an exceptional service to our group. We kept us on time, took pictures, was friendly and took us to all the spots. The helicopter tour is fantastic and the food at the Skylon was superb. I had the Salmon and it was good. I recommend this tour 100% -Guadalupe ( see more reviews )

This 5-6 hour Niagara Falls tour includes:

• Round-trip transport from the downtown Niagara Falls area
• 12-minute helicopter ride
• Hornblower Boat Cruise (seasonal)
• Journey Behind The Falls
• Lunch at Skylons Summit Suite Buffet
• Professional guide

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

2. Niagara Falls in 1 Day: Tour of American and Canadian Sides

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars (3,574+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  7 Hours | 🚀  BOOK NOW

Do you want to see the American side of Niagara Falls or the Canadian side of Niagara Falls? If you answered both, this is the tour for you!

Get the full experience from both sides of the border on this deluxe tour of everything Niagara Falls has to offer . Visit all the must-see Niagara Falls attractions, including the thrilling Maid of the Mist boat cruise, the exciting Cave of the Winds walk, take a trip to the top of the Skylon Tower, and much more. All attraction and admission fees, plus hotel transfers and road tolls are included. Food and beverages are at your own expense.

I highly recommend this tour. Our tour guide, Dayna, was funny and informative. She kept the tour going with great stories. We had hotel pickup and drop off which was very easy and convenient. Dayna, knew all the employees at each stop so we got the star treatment. Wait times were minimal and parking was great. We enjoyed all the sights. Dayna also gave us recommendations of shopping, restaurants and directions from our hotel to walk and see the falls at night. -Michelle ( see more reviews )

Marvel at Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls from both the American side and the Canadian side on this comprehensive tour of Niagara Falls.

This 7-hour Niagara Falls tour includes:

• 6-7 hour guided tour of Niagara Falls
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from the Niagara Falls area (not from Toronto or Buffalo)
• Maid of the Mist Boat Ride (late April- November, can vary due to weather)
• Journey Behind the Falls (replaces Maid of the Mist when not operating)
• Cave of the Winds with Hurricane Deck (mid-May- early November)
• Cave Gorge Trip & World Changed Here Pavilion (replaces Cave of the Winds when not operating)
• All road fees and bridge tolls

3. Best of Niagara Falls Canada Small Group w/Boat & Behind Falls

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars (1,404+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 Hours | 🚀  BOOK NOW

This is another one of the most popular comprehensive Niagara Falls tours. This 5-hour, small-group tour is led by a local guide who will take you to some of the area’s top attractions. Check out the view from the top of the Skylon Tower, a Hornblower cruise, or a thrilling Journey “Behind the Falls”. These are some of the top attractions in the area. Different options take place depending on the season. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Martina was a great tour guide! She included lots of city details which was awesome. She delivered us right on time and walked us to the entrance to all the attractions and we were well informed on what to do. Behind the falls and the boat ride are great. -Eric ( see more reviews )

This 4-5 hours comprehensive tour of Niagara Falls includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in the downtown Niagara Falls area
• Transport by minivan
• Admission to: Journey Behind the Falls and Skylon Tower Hornblower Cruise (seasonal, operating April-November only) Admission to Niagara’s Fury and Butterfly Conservatory from December – April

4. Niagara Falls Canada Day + Night Small Group Tour w/Falls Dinner

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars (100+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  7 Hours | 🚀  BOOK NOW

Experience beautiful Niagara Falls by day and night on this all-inclusive full-day tour . Ascend the Skylon Tower, feel the falls’ mist aboard a Hornblower cruise, and visit Journey Behind the Falls. This is where most tours end. But not this one. After the sun sets, settle in for a gourmet 3-course meal at a restaurant offering dramatic views of Horseshoe Falls lit up by bright lights before heading to the tower where the spotlights are mounted to change the colour! Hotel transport is included on this small-group tour that is limited to seven people.

The entire day/night was amazing. The boat ride up to the falls was so much fun. Changing the lights on the falls was pretty cool. Dinner at Rock Table was very nice with a spectacular view of the falls. Watching the fireworks at the top of Skylon Tower was great. Our tour guide Khalid was super. He was so accommodating, informative, and all around a great host. We highly recommend this tour. -Teresa ( see more reviews )

This full-day Niagara Falls tour includes:

• Free hotel pickup and drop-off in the downtown Niagara Falls area
• Professional driver/guide
• “I Lit Up Niagara Falls” Certificate
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• All taxes and fees

5. Niagara Falls Canadian Side Tour and Maid of the Mist Boat Ride Option

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (2,233+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  6 Hours | 🚀  BOOK NOW

Get to know the best of Niagara Falls on this 6-hour tour . Visit some of the area’s top attractions, such as the Skylon Tower, and cross the border into the United States for an iconic cruise on the Maid of the Mist. During the off-season when Maid of the Mist is not running, you’ll get to embark on the thrilling Journey Behind the Falls excursion. This is a great way to see some of the top highlights while stepping foot in two countries! Hotel pickup and drop-off in Niagara Falls (Ontario and New York) are included.

Randy made this an awesome, memorable experience! A must do if you’re traveling in this area. The views are unbelievable we saw so much more than we would have on our own -Deborah ( see more reviews )

If you’re looking for a quick tour that combines two of the top highlights in Niagara Falls, this is a popular option. Visits also include Canadian Horseshoe Falls, Table Rock House, and Queen Victoria Park.

This 6-hour tour of Niagara Falls includes:

• Maid of the Mist Boat Ride* (early May- late October)
• Return trip up Skylon Tower
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

6. Niagara Falls Grand Helicopter Adventure

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (424+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  20 Minutes | 🚀  BOOK NOW

If you’re interested in a helicopter tour, few places compare to beautiful Niagara Falls. This is your chance to experience Niagara Falls like never before, from an entirely new perspective, on this scenic 20-minute helicopter journey . Enjoy the incredible sight of the American, Bridal Veil, and Canadian Horseshoe Falls from high above, along with a mesmerizing view of the many landmarks and renowned wine country of the Niagara region. The view is unforgettable, but bring a camera to capture the moment—and a friend—because a minimum of two people is required.

This was a brilliant experience which was worthwhile and thoroughly enjoyable. Ryan was the helicopter pilot, he was extremely helpful, very friendly and put us all at ease. The helicopter ride was smooth and gave a fantastic view of Niagara Falls and surrounding area. This was a memorable trip which my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed – thank you Ryan you were fantastic. -David ( see more reviews )

Soar over Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake aboard a state-of-the-art helicopter while soaking up panoramic views of the falls, historic landmarks, and wine country.

This 20-minute Helicopter tour of Niagara Falls includes:

• Full view of the entire Niagara Region

7. Niagara Falls CANADA Helicopter Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (530+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  12 Minutes | 🚀  BOOK NOW

As you can probably tell in this guide to the best Niagara Falls tours, we’ve featured many helicopter tours. This is because it was one of the highlights of our trip to Niagara Falls back in 2017. All of them offer spectacular views, so it really comes down to budget and the amount of time you want in the air. This particular helicopter tour of Niagara Falls is only 10-12 minutes, giving you more than enough time to see the waterfalls from the sky for the least amount of money.

Enjoy the incredible sight of the American, Bridal Veil, and Canadian Horseshoe Falls from high above, along with a spectacular view of the many landmarks along the way, like the Niagara River and Whirlpool Rapids. Each passenger receives an individual headset that provides interesting and educational commentary about the falls during the flight.

Experience of a lifetime. Perfect service, perfect pilot and everything else was just perfect. We had to wait a few hours due to weather but as soon aswe got the green light, we were on the first flight. We loved every moment of it -Vinil ( see more reviews )

This 10-12 minute Helicopter tour of Niagara Falls includes:

• 10 minutes in flight 12 minutes including loading and photos (Approx).
• Taped commentary via speakers in Airbus H130 aircraft

8. Experience Niagara Falls in Three Hours

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (107+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 Hours | 🚀  BOOK NOW

Short on time but want to make the best of it? When it comes to Niagara Falls tours, this is one of the best for truly making the most out of your time with admission tickets to the Hornblower boat cruise, Whirlpool Observation Deck, tunnel system behind the waterfalls, and Souvenir City included. In addition to round-trip transport from select hotels, your guide ensures a stress-free tour and provides commentary at stops along the way.

Our Guide was John from magnificent tours, he was friendly and upbeat and had loads of interesting facts and stories. He was great with the kids who loved the tour. Great to skip some queues for attractions and 3 hours was just right for us. -Sheena ( see more reviews )

This 3-hour Niagara Falls tour includes:

• Transport by private coach

9. The Best All-Inclusive Walking Tour of Niagara Falls

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars (25+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 Hours | 🚀  BOOK NOW

Experience the great wonder of the world like never before with the top must-do Niagara Falls attractions! You’ll get as close as possible to this powerful natural icon on this all-inclusive walking tour led by an experienced and friendly tour guide. You’ll start the tour by meeting in the morning at the base of the Skylon Tower, making sure that you’re one of the first in line at every attraction.

If you’re looking for a guided tour that combines many of the top attractions in addition to great value, this 3-hour tour of Niagara Falls is for you. You’ll get spectacular views of all three falls (Canadian/Horseshoe, American and Bridal), ride up the Skylon Tower for an aerial view of Niagara Falls, jump on a hornblower cruise and get super close to Horseshoe Falls, learn fascinating stories about the history of Niagara Falls, feel the thunderous vibrations of Niagara Falls from behind them, and see and learn about over 20 other landmarks along the way.

We booked this tour after having done similar excursions in Europe. This was by far the best tour we have ever been on!! The tour guide was professional, punctual and very knowledgeable of the area. The stops and attractions were well planned and organized. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who wants a first class experience in discovering Niagara Falls! -Dino ( see more reviews )

This 4-hour walking tour of Niagara Falls includes:

• All Fees and Taxes
• Priority access
• Expertly guided tour of Niagara Falls by a local and licensed guide
• Niagara Falls coupon pack with over $150 worth of savings
• Skylon Tower
• Hornblower Boat Tour

10. Niagara Falls CANADA, Open-Top (Wet) Jet Boat Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars (417+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  45 Minutes | 🚀  BOOK NOW

Now for something totally different. Niagara Falls produces a lot of water, so why not enjoy a wet and wild adventure on the Niagara River on this Niagara Falls open-top jet-boat ride ? Jump aboard your powerful speedboat and strap in for a thrilling ride. Zoom across the rolling waves as your river tour guide shares entertaining commentary, and get soaked as you enjoy the ultimate Niagara experience.

The people were so nice and friendly. We felt very safe and well taken care of. They do an excellent job making sure you hit all the waves and get super wet. The most fun I’ve had in a long time! 🙂 10/10 recommend! -Shannon ( see more reviews )

Admire the beautiful scenery and swirling waters of the Niagara River on this thrilling open-top jet-boat ride. Ponchos are provided but you will still need a change of clothes.

This 45-minute adrenaline-packed tour of the Niagara River includes:

• 45-minute jet-boat ride
• Safety equipment
• Pre-trip briefing and safety orientation
• Live commentary on board
• Local taxes
• 6% fuel surcharge

11. Niagara CANADA, Domed (Dry) Jet Boat Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars (101+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  45 Minutes | 🚀  BOOK NOW

If the thrill of a jet boat ride sounds amazing but you don’t want to get wet, this is the tour for you! Experience the swirling currents of the mighty Niagara River without getting wet on this Niagara jet-boat adventure . Hop aboard our domed jetboats and ride the choppy river with your guide. Please note that you do not see Niagara Falls on these tours. The only boat that goes to the falls is the Hornblower Cruise and Maid of the Mist.

Going through rapid crazy waves!!! Super fun experience! Fall foliage was gorgeous! Staff was very nice and made the experience even more fun!!! -Karen ( see more reviews )

Discover a different side of Niagara Falls on this 45-minute jetboat tour that includes:

• 45-minute jet boat ride
• Life-jacket

12. Clifton Hill Fun Pass: Top 6 Attractions

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (140+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1-6 Hours | 🚀  BOOK NOW

Similar to places like Las Vegas, Niagara Falls has lots of tourist attractions, many of which can be found on Clifton Hill. If you’d like to enjoy attractions like the Niagara SkyWheel (Canada’s largest observation wheel), Wizards Golf or Dinosaur Adventure Golf, and the Movieland Wax Museum of Stars, the Clifton Hill Fun Pass is a great pass to buy .

Great deal for these attractions. We enjoyed the wax museum & Zombie ride the most. We loved doing the ferris wheel at night to see the falls lit up. Definitely recommend buying off Viator. -Roseanne ( see more reviews )

The Clifton Hill Fun Pass includes:

• 6 Top Attractions in Niagara Falls

13. Niagara SkyWheel Admission Ticket

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (306+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  8 Minutes | 🚀  BOOK NOW

If you’re looking for one of the best ways to admire the beauty of Niagara Falls, take a spin on the Niagara SkyWheel, which stands 175 feet (53 metres) tall, making it Canada’s largest observation wheel. Enjoy a breathtaking journey on this giant Ferris wheel, with incredible views of the famed Horseshoe and American Falls, the Niagara skyline and other landmarks from the safety and comfort of an enclosed, climate-controlled cabin. Take pictures in every direction and listen as a narration details the sites below. This economical sightseeing attraction is available year-round, in any type of weather, making it one of the top attractions in Niagara Falls.

Sky wheel was a great fun experience for everyone. Staff where friendly and helpfull. Zero line up, and 3 full rotations stopped at the top and got great views of niagra. -Karen ( see more reviews )

Soar above Niagara Falls for stunning views of the Niagara River, Niagara Parks and Clifton Hill on this 8-minute tour that includes:

• Niagara SkyWheel Admission
• Fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondola
• Optional audio narration

14. Zipline To The Falls in Niagara Falls, Canada

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars (453+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 Hours | 🚀  BOOK NOW

If you’re looking to combine an incredible view of Niagara Falls with some excitement and adrenaline, enjoy this unique zipline experience across Niagara River Gorge! Strap on your gear and head up to the launch deck before soaring down 2,200 feet (670 metres) of cable near the mighty Horseshoe waterfall. Feel this incredible force of nature and enjoy the views before landing safely on the other side.

The whole experience was awesome. The employees all very friendly and wete very knowledgeable. Would love to do it again next time I come to the Falls. -Geoff ( see more reviews )

This 1.5 Hour zip-lining experience includes:

• Safety helmet and comfortable harness with a pouch for personal effects.
• All necessary instructions safety and enjoyment.
• Falls viewing and photo opportunity at Falls Landing and Observation Deck.
• Return to the top via an open-air shuttle

15. Skylon Tower, Niagara Falls Ontario Observation Deck Admission

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (484+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 Hour | 🚀  BOOK NOW

As you can see from the photo, the Skylon Tower offers one of the best views you can get of Niagara Falls. It can be busy, however, so it’s best to prebook your admission ticket to the Skylon Tower and soak up stunning views of Niagara Falls. A glass-enclosed elevator—‘Ride to the Top’—speeds you up to the observation decks in seconds. From 775 feet (236 metres) above the falls, you can snap unbelievable photos of Horseshoe and American Falls, the Great Gorge, and Niagara River. The Revolving Dining Room and the Summit Suite Buffet offer sumptuous meal options as well, so you can always pair it off with a meal as well. Visit at night to see the illuminated falls or check out the seasonal fireworks displays. We had a great time in Niagara Falls! Was a great vantage point from Skylon Tower. Would recommend to anyone visiting Niagara Falls. -Kevin ( see more reviews )

This 1-2 hour experience in Niagara Falls includes:

• Skylon Tower Admission
• Incredible Views

16. Half-Day Wine & Cheese Tour – Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (290+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 Hours | 🚀  BOOK NOW

Once you’ve had enough of the main attractions in Niagara Falls, you may want to join a tour over in nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of the top wine regions in Canada. During this small-group wine tour , you’ll discover the highlights of Canada’s burgeoning Niagara wine region while travelling in a comfortable minibus. You’ll visit three or four top-rated local wineries, enjoy numerous tastes, discover how wine is made, tour the vineyards, and even enjoy a wine-and-cheese pairing at one of the stops. At the end of your adventure, return directly to your hotel.

Outstanding trip! We went on this tour knowing very little about wine. By the time we finished our tours we learned so much. The wine itself was very enjoyable and the staff were incredibly friendly. I will be recommending this to EVERYONE -Sion ( see more reviews )

This 4+ Hour wine tour includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (Niagara Falls & Niagara On The Lake)
• Driver/guide
• Bottled water
• Tasting Fees at Wineries
• Hand Sanitizer

17. Niagara-on-the-Lake Cycle and Wine-Tasting Tour with Optional Lunch

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars (171+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  6 Hours | 🚀  BOOK NOW

If you’re interested in touring one of Canada’s most famous wine regions, this tour is a great option. Enjoy the quiet country bicycle trails and vineyards of scenic Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is super close to Niagara Falls, on this guided biking and wine-tasting tour . Choose from the 6.5-hour tour, complete with a two-course lunch, or the half-day 4-hour tour. Pedal over mostly flat and simple biking routes to the region’s best wineries to taste unique Canadian wines , including Ontario’s famous ice wine.

The whole tour was fantastic, Chris J was a great guide, very informative and we loved every minute. Group was small so we got to know everyone and wine tasting was well organised and different at each of the 4 vineyards. Lincoln was nice and bikes were good, definitely worth every penny! -Linda ( see more reviews )

Taste unique Canadian wine varietals, including Ontario’s famous ice wine, at wineries ranging from large-production to boutique on this 4-6 hour biking tour that includes:

• Professional, local guide
• Wine-tasting fees and vineyard tour
• Fuji cruiser bicycle and helmet
• 2 Course Lunch (Full-Day Tour Option)
• Pickup and delivery of purchases back to HQ
• Customers do not have to carry purchases on the bikes
• Small Cheese & Charcuterie Box (Half-Day Tour Option)

18. Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars (86+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 Hours | 🚀  BOOK NOW

Experience the beautiful scenery and the delicious wines of Niagara-on-the-Lake on this full-day small-group wine tasting tour . This is a great introduction to the region for first-timers or can also be a wonderful day out for locals as this tour includes all your transport, allowing you to sample all the different wines without worrying about driving. You’ll also get to enjoy a cheese board and charcuterie at one winery and have some time to explore the beautiful Olde Towne. This is such a wonderful tour for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Niagara Falls.

Marko was our guide and made this experience very special from the time he picked us up until the time he dropped us off. A wonderful group of couples and a single lady who we thoroughly enjoyed tasting wine and having conversation with between wineries. Awesome experience and so glad booked this tour. -Rhonda ( see more reviews )

This 5-hour wine-tasting tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake includes:

• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Round-trip private transfer
• Wine tasting

19. Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars (411+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | 🚀  BOOK NOW

As you can see, there are lots of tours around Niagara-on-the-Lake and that’s because it’s one of the top wine regions in Canada. Don’t miss out on the chance to discover Niagara-on-the-Lake, the birthplace of Ontario’s modern wine industry, on this guided, small-group wine-tasting tour . Sample the area’s wide variety of world-class wines, including Ontario’s famous ice wine. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included (on afternoon departure only).

When I tell you I had the time of my life on this tour. My husband and I ended up the only ones which was very cool. Our guide Peter was so great, patient, and enthusiastic. My God the wines…. My husband who formally claimed he wasn’t a fan of wine and didn’t like red left a different man! I swear he enjoyed it more than I did Haha All the wineries were lovely. The staff were awesome. Never felt rushed or pressured. There is no way you can leave disappointed! -Cassidy ( see more reviews )

This 4-Hour wine tasting tour includes:

• Morning Tour is 3 – 3.5 hours (9.45 am – 1 pm)
• The afternoon Tour is approximately 3.5 – 4 hours (1.30 pm – 5 pm)
• Wine-tasting tour through Niagara-on-the-Lake wine country
• Professional and knowledgeable guide
• Afternoon Tour – Hotel pickup and drop-off from Niagara-on-the-Lake Hotels or Niagara Falls Hotels

20. Premium Tasting Experience Transportation and Wine Tastings

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars (72+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 Hours | 🚀  BOOK NOW

Interested in more than wine? Get a taste of the Niagara-on-the-Lake region on this winery, distillery, and brewery tour . This small-group tour brings you to three different properties to taste the wines of the region (with a choice of beer, whiskey, or wine tasting at the Wayne Gretzky Estate.) Learn about the properties’ histories and production methods on this interactive half-day tour.

My husband and I had a great time on this wine tour. Mark was punctual, extremely friendly and informative. Best wine tour we have been on yet! Emily’s tour at Peller Estates Winery was very informative and enjoyable. Loved their wine and ice wine. We enjoyed the wine at Trius and wine and food at Wayne Gretzky Estates. We will be back Mark!! -Lori ( see more reviews )

This 5-6 Hour tour around Niagara-on-the-Lake includes:

• Alcoholic Beverages

21. Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tour with Lunch -Private Tour in Classic English Cab

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars (39+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 Hours | 🚀  BOOK NOW

If you’re looking for a truly unique way to enjoy the wine region of Niagara Falls, this tour is for you! Enjoy an in-depth and indulgent introduction to the esteemed Niagara wine region on this private tour in a classic London black cab . Meet your guide at your Niagara Falls or Niagara-on-the-Lake hotel, hop aboard your vehicle for the day, and head out to try some of Ontario’s best wines. You’ll get an introduction to winemaking and will enjoy a tutored tasting. Following a multi-course lunch at a gourmet restaurant, or an outside picnic lunch (weather dependent), venture to four other wineries to sample numerous other varietals.

I have done several wine tours and this was by FAR the greatest one. Tom, our driver, was very knowledgeable of the area, took us to see beautiful sites when we had extra time between wineries and took wonderful care of us! The novelty of touring around in the English can was totally worth it – so fun! I highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves NOTL or is looking to experience it for the first time! A+ -Kathleen ( see more reviews )

This unique wine-tasting tour near Niagara Falls includes:

Looking for more cool tours?

Whether you’re looking for more wine tours or exploring other parts of Ontario, we’ve got you covered. Check out these travel guides below:

• The Best Niagara wine tours
• The Best Toronto Tours
• The Best Montreal Tours
• The Best Calgary Tours

About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Niagara Falls – What to Do + MAP

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | Niagara Falls (US) | The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Niagara Falls – What to Do + MAP

Visiting Niagara Falls  is something you must do at least once in your life. Since Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother celebrated his honeymoon here more than 200 years ago, the place has been crowded with tourists. Even after all these years, this is one of the most impressive places on earth and something you must see with your own eyes.

If it’s your first time  going to Niagara Falls , be aware that the falls are on the Niagara River between Ontario, Canada, and New York state. The American side consists of the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, while the Canadian side boasts the 164-foot Horseshoe Falls.

The ultimate guide to visiting Niagara Falls

Besides being beautiful, Niagara Falls also has an interesting history, as it was the first state park in the United States. In 1895, the world’s first large hydroelectric power station opened here, and just a year later the famous engineer Nikola Tesla unveiled his direct current (DC) system, changing the way Buffalo, NY lit up at night.

If you are thinking of traveling here, this article will include information about  what to do in Niagara Falls  so you can make the most of your visit.

How to visit Niagara Falls – Plan your Niagara Falls vacation

First, you should know that you can  visit Niagara Falls  from the United States or Canada . We visited them from both sides, and if you have time, I highly recommend doing it this way.

On the American side of Niagara Falls , you can enjoy beautiful natural areas, while the Canadian side of Niagara Falls has the best views of the most famous waterfall in North America.

If you don’t have time, don’t worry, because there are awesome attractions on each side that you can add to your  Niagara Falls itinerary .

In this Niagara Falls guide you’ll find:

Where is Niagara Falls?

• Which side of Niagara Falls is better?
• Niagara Falls map
• Things to do in Niagara Falls

Tours to Niagara Falls

Best niagara falls hotels.

Moreover, at the end of the article, you will find the most frequently asked questions related to a Niagara Falls vacation .

If you’re not sure  where Niagara Falls is located , it’s within the course of the Niagara River, specifically between the province of Ontario, Canada, and New York State. From the United States, the closest city to Niagara Falls is Buffalo, NY, about 20 miles away. To go to Niagara Falls from New York City , you will have to travel about 400 miles, which is about a 7-hour drive. But it’s completely worth it since it’s one of the best things to do in New York State .

Most people who take a  trip to Niagara Falls, Canada  do so from Toronto, which is a little over 90 miles away. That said, the cities of Hamilton and Mississauga are a bit closer, so they’re two other options .

Which side of Niagara Falls is better? – American side vs. Canadian side

If you’re short on time and can only visit one side of the falls, don’t worry. There are plenty of  things to do in Niagara Falls  on both the American and Canadian sides.

There is a huge push for  tourism in Niagara Falls , so below I’m including the highlights for each side. If you can, I recommend booking  this full-day tour , which goes to the most popular attractions in Niagara Falls, New York, and Ontario. Just remember to bring your passport and/or visa to cross the border.

Niagara Falls Canadian side

If you’re interested in sightseeing, a  Niagara Falls tour of the Canadian side  is your best choice. Not only are most of the tourist attractions there, but the views of the falls are better.

There are many  unique things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada , which is why many tourists say it resembles an amusement park. The mix of entertainment venues and leisurely outdoor spaces is a hit with visitors.

In Ontario, you can stand directly in front of the falls, and there are several hotels and casinos nearby. While these large accommodations are a bit imposing on the natural environment, the waterfalls provide a great backdrop while you’re staying overnight.

Niagara Falls U.S. side

For those who want more outdoor recreation and nature activities, a trip to  Niagara Falls, USA  won’t disappoint.

While the views of the falls aren’t as spectacular on the American side, there are still plenty of things to do around this beautiful natural environment.

For example, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the country, so it’s worth visiting. I’ll share more  Niagara Falls tips  later, but keep in mind that the New York side offers more opportunities to connect with nature and get some fresh air away from the crowds .

Niagara Falls map – your best guide for visiting Niagara Falls

To help you  plan your trip to Niagara Falls , you’ll want a map of the attractions on each side. This  map of Niagara Falls will help you quickly locate the most popular activities and landmarks in Ontario and New York.

Niagara Falls map – Your best guide for visiting Niagara Falls

As you can see on the map, if you’re  visiting Niagara Falls  for entertainment and tourist attractions, the Canadian side is best, while the U.S. side is much more natural .

Things to do and places to visit in Niagara Falls

If you’re still not sure where to  go in Niagara Falls , check out these main attractions in Canada and the United States.

Things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada

We also have more  Niagara Falls tips  in our guide to  visiting Niagara Falls, Canada . To make the most of our trip, we booked   this tour , which includes a heli-tour, Voyage to the Falls boat ride, a meal at Skylon Tower, and a few other activities. It was the best way to see the falls as a first-time visitor, so I highly recommend it.

Voyage to the Falls, the official Niagara Falls boat tour on the Canadian side

A  Niagara Falls boat tour  is one of the best ways to see the majesty of the falls. If you’re on the Canadian side, Voyage to the Falls is the best attraction, and you can get your ticket  here .

This tour gets you as close to the Horseshoe Falls as possible, giving you a one-of-a-kind view of the rushing waters. The boat goes through the Niagara Gorge and passes the American and Bridal Veil Falls before inching closer to the Horseshoe Falls.

The ride will leave you speechless, and you can either stay inside the cabin or put on a poncho and go out to the deck. If you’re interested in Voyage to the Falls and other attractions on the Canadian side, I recommend booking the  full-day tour  I mentioned earlier.

Journey Behind the Falls, the best way to get close to Niagara Falls

Journey Behind the Falls  is one of the top Niagara Falls tourist attractions. As the name suggests, it takes you just behind the Horseshoe Falls, offering one of the  best ways to see Niagara Fall s up close.

You’ll enter at the Table Rock Center next to the falls, then take an elevator 130 feet down to the underground tunnels. This is one of the most striking experiences that you can’t replicate anywhere else, so be sure to  book your ticket  in advance.

Have dinner at the Skylon Tower, the best thing to do at Niagara Falls

While you’re on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, be sure to visit Skylon Tower .

This  Niagara Falls observation tower  is nearly 520 feet tall, so it offers the best panoramic perspective of the waterfalls. Even the elevators, locally known as “Yellow bugs,” are fully paned in glass so you get stellar views.

If you are going to visit the Skylon tower you have two options:  reserve your ticket  to the 360° viewpoint, or dine at the Tower’s Revolving Dining Room or Summit Suite Buffet. Both restaurants have a great menu; we ate at the buffet and would go again, for sure.

We had dinner as part of this  combo tour , which also included the Hornblower cruise, Journey Behind the Falls, and a helicopter ride.

Zipline to the Falls, a fun thing to do at Niagara Falls

Soaring over the water on a zipline is one of the  top things to do at Niagara Falls , and an experience you won’t ever forget.

The Niagara Falls zipline travels almost 2,200 feet across the Niagara Gorge to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. While it can seem terrifying and not the best for people who suffer from vertigo, it’s completely safe and even has an automatic braking system.

You can take photos from the observation platform and even fly down the zipline at the same time as your friends. Just be sure to  book in advance  so you’re sure you can experience this activity when you visit!

Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour, the best way to visit Niagara Falls

For another aerial perspective, consider a  Niagara Falls helicopter tour .  This 12-minute flight  soars over the Niagara Whirlpool and the Rainbow Bridge, which connects the Canadian and American sides. You’ll also be able to see Queen Victoria Park, Skylon Tower, and all of Toronto from a birds-eye view.

A helicopter ride is one of the top activities that I recommend, and you can also embark on this adventure  from the American side . Personally, we went with the  combo tour  that also included a boat ride and dinner at Skylon Tower.

Enjoy the views from the Niagara SkyWheel

A trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario is not complete without a ride on the  SkyWheel . At nearly 165 feet tall, it’s the largest observation wheel in Canada. It’s in the nearby entertainment district of Clifton Hill and boasts amazing views of the falls and beyond.

A ride on the Skywheel lasts about 10 minutes, and the cabins are fully enclosed and climate-controlled, so you can ride comfortably all year round. If you’re wondering  where to view Niagara Falls at night , the Skywheel is the top choice.

It’s also a popular place to see the famous Niagara Falls fireworks, so I recommend  booking a ticket  in advance, especially if you want to ride at a specific date or time.

Things to do in Niagara Falls, NY

If you want to  visit Niagara Falls , NY, there are a few points of interest you shouldn’t miss. During our trip, we opted for  this tour  because it included all the iconic spots in just a few hours. We also have a guide to   visiting Niagara Falls, USA   that you can check out.

Terrapin Point at Goat Island, the best place to see the Horseshoe Falls

One of my to p Niagara Falls tips  is to get off the beaten path and check out  Terrapin Point Lookout on Goat Island . Since the lookout is on the western end of the island, you’ll get awesome views of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and Niagara Gorge.

Goat Island is on the Niagara River, so you have to cross a bridge to get there. While you’re there, spend some time on the walking trails or check out the Cave of the Winds, another popular place for  tourism in Niagara Falls , which I’ll mention later.

Maid of the Mist, the official Niagara Falls boat tour on the American side

One of the best ways to experience  Niagara Falls, USA  is by taking a boat tour. The American tour is called the  Maid of the Mist  boat ride and is one of the most popular attractions on this side of the falls.

You’ll travel along the Niagara Gorge and make your way out into the Canadian waters briefly to get a spectacular view of the waterfalls before returning to the  Niagara Falls U.S. side .

The boats depart every 15 minutes, and the trip takes about 20 minutes. I suggest reserving a spot in advance or booking  this tour , which also includes access to the Cave of the Winds.

Cave of the Winds, the best thing to do on Niagara Falls’ U.S. side

The  Cave of the Winds  is another popular  Niagara Falls U.S. attraction . It’s a series of platforms that lead to the base of the Bridal Veil Falls, behind which you can see a natural cave that was discovered in the 1830s.

As you traverse the wooden bridges and stairs, you’ll make your way across the Niagara Gorge. Wear shoes with good traction and keep your poncho handy because you will get wet. The conditions as you approach the falls are similar to those of a hurricane, and the observation platform is aptly named Hurricane Deck.

Before descending 165 feet to the wet and windy platforms, you can explore The World Changed Here Pavilion, a multimedia exhibition that explains the history of Niagara Falls. We enjoyed this attraction and did it as part of this  half-day tour .

American Falls, one of the best places to visit in Niagara Falls

While the Horseshoe Falls in Canada are the most famous, the Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls are also very beautiful.

The  American Falls  are nearly 100 feet tall and are quite an impressive sight from the  U.S. side of Niagara Falls . The best place to see them is from the Prospect Point viewing area. You should also check out the view from Luna Island since it’s between the American and Bridal Veil Falls. The island isn’t that big or crowded, so it’s a unique place to see the U.S. waterfalls.

Old Fort Niagara, a must-see on Niagara Falls’ U.S. side

Old Fort Niagara  is another interesting place to visit on the U.S. side. It’s located in Youngstown, where the Niagara River flows into Lake Ontario. It’s about a 20-minute drive to get there, or you could book  this tour , which includes an optional Maid of the Mist ride.

The fort is a colonial fortification built by the French Empire in 1726. Along with the historic building, there is also a visitor center that functions as a museum. Everything is contained within Fort Niagara State Park, which supports  tourism in Niagara Falls . If you’re looking for some more natural sightseeing, this area is great, as there are several nearby hiking trails.

The best time to visit Niagara Falls

You might be wondering  when the best time is to go to Niagara Falls , but the truth is that this place is beautiful any time of the year. Depending on what you want to do and which attractions you want to see, one season may be better than another.

For example, all the tourist attractions are open in the summer, but it’s also the most crowded time to visit and it can get pretty hot. You’ll have to book your accommodation and tour tickets months in advance, and even then, it’ll be quite expensive.

If you decide to visit in the spring, you’ll be able to see some of the tourist attractions as well as get a cheaper price for a hotel. While it’s less crowded this time of year, the weather is unpredictable. We visited in May and were lucky, but you never know.

Fall is the  best time to go to Niagara Falls  if you’re more interested in the natural surroundings. The autumn colors and foliage are gorgeous, the weather is nice, and there aren’t many tourists.

Finally, you might not think that a winter trip to Niagara Falls is a good idea since most of the attractions are closed. However, when it’s cold and the falls freeze over, it makes for one of the most extraordinary sights, and it’s something we hope to see for ourselves soon!

How to get to Niagara Falls – parking at Niagara Falls

If you’re not sure  how to visit Niagara Falls , the easiest way is by car. Most people who  travel to Niagara Falls  in Canada arrive from Toronto, which is about 90 miles away. That said, the cities of Hamilton and Mississauga are closer, so those are two other options.

If you’re wondering  how far Niagara Falls is from New York City , it’s about a 7-hour drive. Those who visit the American side usually come from Buffalo , which is just 20 miles away from the falls. That isn’t to say that you can’t take advantage of a trip to NYC by also visiting Niagara Falls. Just be aware that it’s a very long drive and it may be better to book a tour. We’ll list some options below.

You can get a rental car for your trip or go in your own vehicle, but you’ll run into the problem that parking isn’t free at Niagara Falls. On both the American and Canadian sides, you must pay for parking, unless your accommodation has a free parking lot. Considering this, it might be easier to book a tour that includes transportation or hotel pick-up and drop-off .

If you don’t have your own car or don’t feel like driving, you can get to Niagara Falls from Toronto, New York, and Buffalo by booking a tour that includes transportation. Here are the best options :

Niagara Falls from Toronto

There are two  Niagara Falls tours from Toronto  that I recommend.

If you want to go straight to the falls, I recommend  this tour , which goes to the most iconic attractions like Skylon Tower, Niagara Parkway, and the Niagara Whirlpool. Along with incredible views of the falls, you’ll also get a wine tasting.

Another option is  this night tour  with a boat cruise. In addition to seeing the falls up close, you’ll experience Niagara Falls’ magical evening lighting. The tour also includes a few tourist attractions and a wine tasting, so it’s the perfect choice if you don’t mind returning to Toronto after dark.

Niagara Falls from New York City

There are several great  Niagara Falls tours from New York City , depending on how much time you have.

My first choice is this  one-day bus tour   with admission to the Maid of the Mist and a few other attractions.

For those who have more time, I recommend  this two-day tour . Along with a ride on the Maid of the Mist and other interesting attractions, on your way to Niagara Falls you will stop at Watkins Glen State Park. This package also includes a nighttime viewing of the falls and an overnight stay at a hotel.

Finally, you might be interested in   this three-day tour , which includes a visit to Niagara Falls and several Toronto attractions.

Niagara Falls from Buffalo

Lastly, if you’re looking for a  bus to Niagara Falls from Buffalo , NY,  this  is the best option. Unlike the tours from Toronto and NYC, this booking is for transportation only, so you’re free to visit the falls and attractions that interest you.

I suggest spending at least one night in Niagara Falls so you can enjoy the beautiful lighting and fireworks. Seeing the falls in the evening is a totally different experience that you shouldn’t miss. If you’re looking for  hotels in Niagara Falls , here are the top recommendations.

Hotels in Canada at Niagara Falls

We stayed overnight  at a Niagara Falls hotel in Canada , the  Sheraton on the Falls , and the views from our hotel room were incredible. As this is one of the top accommodations in Niagara Falls, I suggest booking your room in advance.

Here’s more information on the Sheraton and other top  hotels on Niagara Falls’ Canadian side :

Sheraton on the Falls

I have to start with the  Sheraton on the Falls  because it really blew us away. The rooms are great and some of them offer spectacular views of the waterfalls. While these particular rooms are a bit more expensive, it was worth it to us to get stunning views from the comfort of our bed.

Sheraton on the Falls, one of the best hotels in Niagara Falls, Canada

Also, the hotel is home to the  Fallsview Restaurant , which serves buffet and a la carte meals. The accommodation’s facilities also include shops, a spa, and a Starbucks. Plus, the hotel connects to the  Niagara Casino and Fallsview Indoor Water Park , so on top of a great location, you’ll have all the amenities you want.

We loved staying here and think it’s one of the most beautiful hotels on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview

If you’re looking for luxury, the  Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview  is a perfect choice. The accommodation is just 300 feet from the falls, so it offers a convenient location and unbeatable views.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview, another hotel in Niagara Falls, Canada

The hotel also boasts awesome amenities like a breakfast buffet and complimentary drinks and snacks. Besides the hotel rooms, the facilities include a couple of restaurants (TGI Fridays and Keg Steakhouse), a Starbucks, an indoor pool, and a gym.

From the hotel, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the Skylon Observation Tower, so this is one of the best places to stay if you want to be close to the action.

The Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls

The  Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls  is aptly named, as it provides wonderful views of the Canadian falls. The hotel has an observation room where you can enjoy incredible views without the crowds.

The Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls, a hotel overlooking Niagara Falls, Canada

It’s next to the  Falls Incline Railway , which connects to  Table Rock  and  Journey Behind the Falls . Along with its nice location, this accommodation has rooms with waterfall views, although they cost a bit more.

That said, if you stay here, you can take advantage of some great amenities, such as a living room with a fireplace, an indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and a fitness center. There is also an Applebee’s on the premises.

Tower Hotel at Fallsview

The  Tower Hotel at Fallsview  is another beautiful accommodation in Niagara Falls, Canada. Along with comfortable rooms, the hotel also has a decent restaurant, so it’s quite a bargain for the price.

Tower Hotel at Fallsview, fine lodging in Niagara Falls, Ontario

If you’re not sure  where to go in Niagara Falls, Ontario  for more quiet lodging, this hotel is the best choice. You’ll get the rest you want, and you won’t have to pay too much.

Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and Suites

The  Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and Suites  is another top hotel in Niagara Falls, Canada, that I recommend. It’s centrally located so you’ll have easy access to the area’s attractions and restaurants. Some of the rooms have views of the falls, too.

Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and Suites, another good hotel in Niagara Falls, Canada

This hotel also connects to the Fallsview Casino, so it’s a great place to stay if you plan on visiting the casino in the evening.

Hotels in Niagara Falls, NY

We also stayed at a  Niagara Falls hotel  in New York. which was nice because we arrived at night. We spent a restful night in our hotel room and got up early in the morning so we could go straight to the attractions.

Our room was at the  Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino , and although the views weren’t as impressive as the Canadian hotel, if you ask for a room on a high floor, you’ll get beautiful views of the falls. You can even see the Niagara Falls fireworks without leaving your room.

Here’s more information about the Seneca resort and other top  hotels on Niagara Falls’ American side :

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

The   Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino  is one of the best hotels to stay in while visiting New York’s Niagara Falls. The resort includes a casino, fitness center, sauna, massage services, a hot tub, an indoor pool, a cafeteria, and several restaurants. Our room was beautiful and immaculate. It’s all-around one of the best hotels on the American side of Niagara Falls.

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, one of the best hotels in Niagara Falls, NY

Best of all, it only took us 20 minutes to walk to Terrapin Point, one of the top  places to visit near Niagara Falls, USA . If you stay at this hotel, I suggest requesting a room on an upper floor. While you can’t see the falls directly from the hotel, you’ll get beautiful views. Plus, you can see the nighttime fireworks from your room, which is convenient if you don’t feel like going out!

Hyatt Place Niagara Falls

If you’re looking for another good hotel to stay at in Niagara Falls, USA, the   Hyatt Place Niagara Falls  is a great option.

This accommodation is located a little closer to Niagara Falls on the U.S. side, which is very convenient. Also, it is next to Old Falls Street, a small entertainment district where you’ll find great good, shopping, shows, and family activities. If you’re not sure  what to do in Niagara Falls, New York , you can always go there.

Hyatt Place Niagara Falls, a good hotel in Niagara Falls, USA

Hyatt Place Niagara Falls is also close to the Rainbow Bridge, which you can take to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

While the prices are similar, this hotel isn’t as nice as the Seneca Resort, but it’s still a good option if you need a place to stay overnight.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York

The   DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York   is another accommodation that I recommend on the American side of Niagara Falls. While it’s a bit further away than the previous two hotels, the location is still very good.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York, another hotel in Niagara, New York

The rooms come with nice amenities and they’re very spacious. Some of the rooms offer lovely views of the Niagara River, while others overlook the city. I suggest requesting a riverside room, as it’s a more pleasant view.

Overall, this is a hotel in Niagara Falls, USA, that you can book without hesitation. It’s comfortable, affordable, and clean.

Sheraton Niagara Falls

The   Sheraton Niagara Falls   is one of the hotels in Niagara Falls, New York, that I recommend if you want to be close to the falls without breaking the bank. While it’s not the cheapest option, the price is quite good for the location.

Also, the hotel has a connective corridor to the Seneca Resort, so it’s super easy to go to the casino and enjoy some of the facilities.

Sheraton Niagara Falls, a place to stay in Niagara Falls, USA

The unique thing about the Sheraton hotel is its Reed Beach Club, which has the largest indoor pool in Niagara Falls. So, not only is this a good place to get some rest, but it’s got plenty of amenities to keep you entertained during your stay.

Wyndham Garden at Niagara Falls

The last hotel that I recommend is the  Wyndham Garden at Niagara Falls , which is a great option for travelers on a budget.

Wyndham Garden at Niagara Falls, decent lodging in Niagara Falls, NY

For an inexpensive hotel in Niagara Falls, USA, the location isn’t bad at all. Plus, it’s the best choice if you’re planning on walking over to the Canadian side of the falls since it’s just five minutes from the bridge.

8 Tips to visit Niagara Falls

If you’ve read this far, you should have all the information you need for a  trip to Niagara Falls . Still, I’m including some final tips here so you can make the most of your visit.

1. Plan to visit both sides of Niagara Falls

Instead of wondering  which side of Niagara Falls is better , plan to visit both the American and Canadian falls.

The easiest way to see both sides is by crossing the Rainbow Bridge. That said, you’re still crossing an international border, so you need the proper documentation, such as a passport,  visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorization . You can check below what type of documentation you need.

If you’re renting a car, check first to see if they allow you to enter another country with the rental vehicle.

2. Book at least two days to visit Niagara Falls

Both sides of the falls are interesting and worth visiting, so make sure you book plenty of time. At least, I recommend spending two days visiting Niagara Falls, and that should give you time to check the most important attractions.

3. Stay in a hotel with a view of Niagara Falls

While there are different  Niagara Falls hotels  on the Canadian and American sides, I highly recommend booking a room with a view of the falls. Fortunately, several hotels offer waterfall views, so try to reserve one on a higher floor.

On the Canadian side, the hotels with the best views are the  Sheraton on the Falls ,  Embassy Suites ,  The Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls ,  Tower Hotel at Fallsview , and  Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and Suites .

If your  Niagara Falls itinerary  includes an overnight stay on the American side, I recommend the  Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino . Just be sure to reserve a room on a higher floor so you can fully see the falls.

4. Leave everything that can’t get wet in the car/hotel

There are some areas where it’s impossible not to get wet by the  Niagara waterfalls , even if you wear a poncho. That said, don’t let a bit of splash and spray deter you from getting an impressive view of the falls.

One of the best  travel tips for Niagara Falls  is to leave behind anything that could be damaged by water. Either keep it in the car or your hotel room or seal it in a waterproof bag if you’re keeping it on you.

5. Take the helicopter tour of Niagara Falls

A  helicopter tour of Niagara Falls, NY  is an unforgettable experience and the best way to get a good look at the falls. I recommend  this tour  from the American side. While it’s only a 10-minute flight, every second is mesmerizing and you can get a sense of the falls’ magnitude.

If you’re on the  Canadian side of Niagara Falls , I suggest booking  this tour . The 12-minute flight soars over the Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls, and the helicopter is one of the quietest of its kind.

6. Arrive early to find a good spot to watch the Fireworks

The Niagara Falls fireworks are one of the most popular things to see on summer evenings. The show starts every night at 10 pm, although you’ll want to find a spot 30-40 minutes beforehand. If you’re not sure where to view Niagara Falls at night , I suggest the Skywheel (at the Canada side) or Prospect Point (at the American side).

7. Treat yourself to a Niagara Falls buffet dinner

Most Canada  Niagara Falls itineraries  include a visit to Skylon Tower. Besides being a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the falls, the Tower has two excellent restaurants: the Revolving Dining Room and the Summit Suite Buffet.

We ate dinner at the buffet, and we would definitely eat there again. It’s one of the  top things to do at Niagara Falls , so be sure to  book a ticket  to the Tower in advance. Or do what we did and take  this lunch tour  with a helicopter flight and boat cruise.

The Top of the Falls Restaurant is another place where you can eat while enjoying incredible views of the falls. This one is on Goat Island, on the American side.

8. Come back to Niagara Falls in winter

As I mentioned, the  best time to go to Niagara Falls  depends on what you want to do and see here. While the summertime is popular with most tourists, there is something special about visiting in the winter.

There are way fewer tourists, the prices are lower, and the atmosphere is calmer and more peaceful. That said, I don’t recommend a winter trip for your first time in Niagara Falls since most of the attractions are closed.

Is Niagara Falls worth visiting?

If you’re still wondering if a  visit to Niagara Falls  is worth it, I would say, without hesitation, yes!

While the  best time to visit Niagara Falls, NY  is in the summer, this is also when it’s the most crowded. If you’re  planning a trip to Niagara Falls, Canada , budget enough money and days so you can get to everything.

Despite all the planning and calculating involved, this is a place that you must see at least once in your life.

FAQs about visiting Niagara Falls

While our guide to Niagara Falls includes everything you need to know, check these frequently asked questions if you have any other concerns.

Where did Niagara Falls get its name?

The name ‘Niagara Falls’ originates from the Iroquois language of the indigenous peoples of North America. Niagara means “thunder of water” and refers to the thunderous sound that falling water makes.

Where is Niagara Falls located?

Niagara Falls is between Canada and the United States in North America, specifically within the course of the Niagara River.

How tall are the Niagara Falls waterfalls?

There are actually three waterfalls at Niagara Falls: the Horseshoe Falls (164 feet), the American Falls (99 feet), and the Bridal Veil Falls (79 feet).

Where does Niagara Falls’ water come from?

Niagara Falls’ water comes from four of the five great lakes: Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior.

Will Niagara Falls run out of water?

No, unless the course of the river changes, Niagara Falls will not run out of water.

When did Niagara Falls stop flowing?

Niagara Falls dried up in 1969 when the United States Corps of Engineers diverted the river that flows into the falls.

How often does Niagara Falls freeze?

It is very difficult for Niagara Falls to freeze completely, although the temperatures have dropped low enough four times for this to happen. During the winter months, you can see blocks of ice and snow on the falls.

Where can I view Niagara Falls at night?

If you want to enjoy Niagara Falls at night, two of the best places are Queen Victoria Park in Canada and Goat Island in the United States.

Now you have all the information you need to start planning your trip to Niagara Falls. If you have any questions, you can leave a comment below, and I will try to help you as quickly as possible. Remember that we also have a specific guide to Niagara Falls in Canada and another about Niagara Falls, New York .

I know that you’ll enjoy your visit to Niagara Falls; just don’t forget your raincoat! Safe travels!

Ascen Aynat

10 replies on “ The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Niagara Falls – What to Do + MAP ”

Is it more cost effective to book tours or do the activities on your own? We like to move at our own pace and not sure a tour itinerary is worth it.

Good question. It depends on what you want to see. Visiting the attractions on your own is generally cheaper, but there are many tours and excursions that offer discounted rates and additional benefits like guides, snacks, etc. Hope that helps!

I am so happy after reading this information because I like to enjoy traveling too much. But this time I will decided to enjoy cheap tours las vegas with family.

That sounds great! Believe it or not, there are lots of family attractions in Las Vegas , so I’m sure you’ll have a great time!

Greetings! I’m planning to go to Niagara Falls this summer. How can I obtain a free travel guide? Please let me know. Thanks. God bless! 🙂

Hi Ricky, You can request a free travel guide to the U.S. side of Niagara Falls and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls via this website .

What’ is like in May to visit & west are Covid restrictions if any? Are booster shots & vaccines mandatory? What’s the closest airport to the Canada side Marriott or Hilton at the falls?

Hi Eileen, May is a wonderful time to visit! The weather won’t be as hot and there should be fewer crowds. Niagara Falls is following current COVID restrictions, but proof of vaccination isn’t mandatory. The closest airport is the Niagara Falls International Airport.

Is everything still open like the first week in September? Or should we plan for an August trip? This will be our first trip to Niagara Falls.

Yes, everything will be open the first week of September. Enjoy your visit to Niagara Falls. You’re going to love it for sure!

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The Ultimate Niagara Falls Trip Planning Guide

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Niagara Falls can be described as many things. It is a legendary tourist attraction, an awe-inspiring natural wonder, and most notably, a must-see for any bucket list. The falls tend to become any visitor’s favorite destination instantly, and after your trip, we have no doubt it will be one of yours. Here is the ultimate Niagara Falls trip planning guide to help you out!

The majestic (and massive) falls have captured the imagination and attention of thousands, so it’s a no-brainer for any cross-country trip in North America and Canada .

The falls themselves and the surrounding areas genuinely feel like a different world. Epic views, breathtaking sights, and unforgettable attractions make Niagara Falls unique.

Whether you’re looking for a more outdoor and rustic naturist escape on the US side of the falls or an amusement park-style vacation on the Canadian side , Niagara Falls won’t disappoint.

So, shall we plan your ultimate Niagara Falls trip?

Niagara Falls Trip Planning | The Ultimate Guide

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

A Brief History of Niagara Falls

Before planning any adventure, it’s always important to know as much as possible about your destination. And with history and origin like Niagara Falls, there is a lot to know. 

Here’s a quick crash course on the interesting history of your next dream vacation – Niagara Falls, Canada & US.

It is estimated that roughly 12,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, during a massive melt-off and the extreme flow of water caused by this, the falls we know today came into existence. 

And since then, the interest and fascination with the falls have only grown. Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother celebrated his honeymoon at the falls about 200 years ago, and Charles Dickens wrote in 1842 how the falls stunned him into silence.

Essential Niagara Falls Trip Info

Planning your trip to Niagara Falls will take some careful consideration. Factors such as the time of year, the forecasted weather patterns, and travel requirements are just some things you need to know. 

Here’s our breakdown of the whens, wheres, and how-tos make visiting Niagara Falls convenient, enjoyable, and most importantly unforgettable.

The Border Crossing at Niagara Falls

Composed of several large waterfalls on the Niagara River, the Niagara Falls span across the eastern coast of the United States and Canada. What makes the falls unique is that they sit right on the border of these two countries.

If you choose to visit both sides, you will be crossing international borders so remember to check your visa requirements as border control is strict.

Now separated by the border between the USA and Canada, the largest of the three, the Horseshoe Falls, is situated on Canadian soil. The other two, the Bridal Veil and American Falls, are on American soil.

With the distinct geographical history and elements of the falls, you can choose to visit them from either country or, even better yet, plan a trip to include both. Visiting the American side of the falls and crossing into Canada if you’re a US national will require no visa. 

If you are a non-US citizen you will need the appropriate Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization Visa). For all your visa questions, iVisa offers the perfect tool.

When to Visit Niagara Falls

Deciding on the best time to visit the falls and their surrounding areas can make or break your trip. And, as with any other natural attraction, tourist influx during certain months also affects your experience.

A quick online search will tell you that the summer months in the region are ideal for any planned trip. For Niagara Falls, this means June, July, and August. The reasoning behind this is the result of higher day-to-day temperatures.

Although higher temperatures sound great, we are on the fence about this as the mists and breeze from the falls will make you doubt the actual temperatures most of the time.

What the summer months do, however, is cause a massive wave of tourists flogging the falls and the surrounding attractions, towns, and accommodation.

The falls are immensely popular, that’s for sure, but overcrowding everywhere you go can ruin a good vacation.

Winter is from November through to the end of February. Heavy snowfall occurs during December and can continue into January. The falls, in a sense, ‘slow’ down and might even freeze over in the extreme cold. Although this is also a beautiful sight to behold, many attractions at the falls shut down.

We recommend you plan your trip for the shoulder few months. These fall in Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September and October). Temperatures are excellent, usually mid-to-high during the days and comfortable at night.

Prices are reasonable for accommodation, restaurants, entertainment venues, and attractions due to fewer tourists. 

How to Get to Niagara Falls

Traveling to Niagara Falls can be done in a variety of ways. Most visitors opt to fly to one of the airports near the falls. On the Canadian side, this is Toronto Pearson International Airport, which is about an hour’s drive from the falls. 

If you choose to fly on the American side, you’ll head for Buffalo Niagara International Airport, which is in Buffalo and about a 30-to-40-minute drive from the falls.

Niagara Falls also has its own train station with commuter and travel lines coming in from Toronto, New York, and several other cities. To make your trip more exciting we recommend spending at least one day in Toronto .

Once at the falls, it’s worth renting a car from the many car rental agencies around to make getting around as easy as possible and for added freedom.

But, with cab services in the area and short walking distances between most things (on either side of the falls), renting a car isn’t a necessity.

Read: Road trips from Toronto Ontario

Exploring Niagara Falls

Any trip to Niagara Falls will be unforgettable, and that’s a fact. Regardless of which side of the falls you visit, you’re in for a good time and a great adventure. Both the Canadian and American sides have their own unique charm and highlights.

The main focal point of your trip is the falls themselves, and while both sides more than meet any expectation you could have, each is distinct and worth a visit. 

Explore from Canada: Niagara Falls Activities

On the Canadian side sits the largest of the falls – the Horseshoe Falls. Being the largest of the three falls, it’s a breathtaking scene, and seeing the falls for the first time will remain in your memory forever. 

Experience Niagara Falls, Canada

The Canadian Niagara Falls experience is quite different than on the US side for several reasons. On this side of the falls, you can expect a more urbanized approach to the adventure, with a number of amusement park-style attractions close to the falls. 

The falls remain the highlight, but what sets the Canadian side apart is its focus on tourism and tourist attractions. This translates into various sightseeing options, different accommodation types, classic streetside cafes, high-end restaurants, and more.

Top Attractions

Treating yourself to some entertaining attractions on the Canadian side of the falls is a must. From Toronto, you can choose from a number of sightseeing tours, unique attractions aimed at family fun, or adventures specifically for you and your significant other.

There are some exceptional options when it comes to attractions. 

Niagara Falls Private Sightseeing Tour

If you’re looking for a scenic and private tour of the area and Niagara Falls, this private sightseeing tour comes top-rated. It boasts the best coverage of the area meaning you’ll get the most out of your trip.

Falls by Day and Night

For a full-day tour of Niagara Falls, Falls by Day and Night stands out amongst others as it is aimed at giving you a proper experience of everything the falls have to offer. It also includes dinner served after the tour ends.

Skylon Lunch Tour

Another great option that pays homage to the setup of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is the Canada helicopter, boat ride, and Skylon lunch tour. It’s an excellent choice to get in as much of the falls and the city as you can.

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

The top pick for seeing the falls in all their beauty would have to be the royal Canadian tour and Maid of the Mist boat ride. This is a five-hour day trip that takes you up close to the falls for an exceptional view and feel of the falls.

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls Trip Planning Guide

As far as accommodation choices go, the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is a treasure trove of amazing places. The towering heights of the Hilton Niagara Falls or the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa in Fallsview offer stunning views of the falls in a deluxe hotel setting.

Or, choose a more boutique accommodation option, the Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel , which is only a few minutes from the falls. The Redwood Bed and Breakfast is also an excellent option for a more intimate experience.  

And if you’re bringing the whole family, we recommend the Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark Resort . It has several family suites and an indoor and outdoor waterpark – perfect for some excitement away from the falls.

Explore from the United States: Niagara Falls State Park

The remaining two falls that makeup Niagara Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the American Falls, sit on the border between New York State and Canada. Although not as large as the Horseshoe falls, these two are both equally as beautiful.

Experience Niagara Falls, USA

Where the Canadian side of Niagara Falls fulfills the need for urban tourism, the side of the falls in the US showcases a totally different perspective.

Visiting Niagara Falls on the US side means you’ll get in touch with nature a bit more than you would on the Canadian side. 

Both falls on the US side sit within Niagara Falls New York State Park, making for a more rustic and outdoorsy experience. It’s perfect for nature lovers and those wanting a scenic escape from city life.

The best part is you will get amazing views of the falls and some peace and serenity at the same time.

Just as impressive as the Canadian side of the falls, on the US side, you’ll find some super attractions as well. 

Boat Cruise and Cave of the Winds Tour

To get you close to the falls and for a mesmerizing tour, we recommend the USA boat and cave tour . A trip to the Cave of the Winds, which is a series of platforms that lead right to the base of Bridal Veil Falls, is a must.

Guided Falls Walking Tour

With its layout and terrain, the US side of the falls has the advantage of once-in-a-lifetime walking tours as well, our top pick being the guided walking tour of the falls. 

Maid of the Mist Tour

Another excellent choice is the Maid of the Mist and Adventure Walking Tour , which combines both a memorable boat trip and an exciting walk around the falls.

Wine Tasting & Vineyard Tour

And if you’re looking for a little bit of relaxation and fun, try the half-day winery tour that features wine tastings at the State Parks vineyards and an optional lunch. Including this in your Niagara Falls trip offers the perfect blend of countryside and waterfront fun.

Where to Stay

Now we must admit, although the US side of the falls focuses more on nature, the accommodation on offer covers every potential type you might want. First, for a luxurious and entertaining hotel choice, we recommend the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.

Other luxurious hotel options include The Hampton Inn Niagara Falls , which offers a variety of room types including suites. Or The Giacomo in downtown Niagara Falls is the perfect blend of luxury and urban accommodation.

Travel Guide Tips for Your Niagara Falls Vacation

Here’s our insider’s list of top Niagara Falls vacation travel tips.

• To get the most out of Niagara Falls, we definitely recommend planning your trip for a couple of days. By doing so, you can visit both sides of the falls, and the convenience of the Rainbow Bridge helps with that. 
• When heading out on any of the tours of the falls, remember one thing, you will get wet. The best tip for this is to instead leave everything that can get damaged by water at your hotel or have a waterproof bag for your items.
• There are many world-class restaurants at the falls featuring cuisine from all around the world. Plan your trip to include some of these.

Final Thoughts – Is Niagara Falls Worth a Visit?

In short, yes, Niagara Falls is without a doubt worth any traveler’s visit. Not only are the falls majestic and out of this world to see in person, but the entire region (on both sides of the border) also stuns and excites.

So if you haven’t already planned your trip to Niagara Falls, best get to it, and with this guide by your side, it will be a trip you’ll never forget.

Pin: Niagara Falls Canada & USA trip planning guide

Mayuri Kashyap is an Indian Canadian traveler, writer and photographer based in Alberta. She moved to Toronto as a student in 2009, and has been calling Canada home ever since. She started the blog - Canada Crossroads - to share her travel and living experiences in the Great White North!

A History graduate and an MBA, Mayuri is a destinations marketing expert. She loves traveling with her husband, Salil and soaking in experiences across Canada, India and Europe.

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One day in Niagara

One Day in Niagara

Niagara Falls is an exciting, year-round destination with no shortage of things to do. Aside from the obvious draw that attracts visitors from around the world, you’ll find authentic attractions, fascinating heritage sites, pristine natural spaces and locally sourced culinary experiences. It can be a lot to take in, especially if you’re short on time!

While a longer stay is ideal, a short visit to Niagara Falls can still be unforgettable. Here is a suggested itinerary to experience the very best of Niagara Falls in one day.

8:00 AM - Start with the best part

Let’s get right to the point. You’re here to see Niagara Falls, so what better place to start your day than at the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls? This breathtaking spot features a pedestrian promenade next to the historic Table Rock Centre. Grab a coffee and step out into what will surely be the most memorable moment of your trip. The sight, sound, smell and feel of Niagara Falls is unforgettable.

9:00 AM - Now journey below

Now that you’ve seen the brink of the falls, how about a trip to the base? Just inside Table Rock Centre, Journey Behind the Falls takes you down into the bedrock next to the Horseshoe Falls. You’ll descend 125 feet and explore 130-year-old tunnels with openings behind crashing sheets of water. On the lower observation deck, you’ll see up to 2,800 cubic metres of water plunge down from 13 storeys above you. If you thought the falls were loud from above, wait until you’re standing beneath them!

11:00 AM - Feel the charge of the Niagara Parks Power Station

Discover Niagara’s newest landmark attraction, the Niagara Parks Power Station ! Step inside this once-dormant building for an in-depth look inside the first major hydropower plant on the Canadian side of the Niagara River. From the most towering turbine to the tiniest detail, uncover fascinating stories hiding within this historic building. Explore this engineering marvel on your own, or hear about its fascinating story as told by one of our expert guides.

You don’t want to miss this must-see attraction named one of the Best New Things to See and Do in Canada by the Globe and Mail.

1:00 PM – Lunch at Table Rock Market

There’s no shortage of options for places to eat at Niagara Parks. What’s more, you’ll find something for every budget. Looking to grab something quick and casual? Take a break from exploring Niagara Parks to recharge with delicious and convenient culinary delights just steps from the bring of the Horseshoe Falls at the all-new Table Rock Market , inside Table Rock Centre. There, you’ll find a selection of café and deli favourites, mouthwatering comfort foods, fresh sushi and much more! Table Rock Market offers something for everyone.

There's More

Discover the story of Niagara Parks and all of the must-see Canadian experiences found along its 56-kilometre parkway with our digital visitor guide!

3:30 PM – Enjoy special moments in nature

You won’t want to miss an opportunity to step inside one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America! At the Butterfly Conservatory , you can explore stunning tropical gardens while admiring the beauty of over 2,000 vibrantly coloured butterflies fluttering freely around you. Meander 180 metres of winding pathways filled with lush vegetation and trickling waterfalls.

Then, spend a mindful moment outdoors in the spectacular Botanical Gardens where you’ll find 99 acres of meticulously maintained gardens, including Niagara Parks’ world-famous rose garden featuring over 2,400 roses.

5:00 PM - At the river’s edge

It’s ancient history, but years ago the falls weren’t where they stand today. Take a walk along a boardwalk next to some of North America’s fastest rapids at White Water Walk . This quarter-mile boardwalk offers incredible views of the Niagara River’s Class 6 whitewater rapids and an opportunity to learn more about the unique geological history of the Niagara Gorge. Get an up-close and personal view of nature’s power and feel the thrill of being at the river’s edge!

This best-kept-secret is a short drive or moderate walk north from the core of Niagara Parks. Get there on the hop-on, hop-off WEGO bus system or take your own car (parking is free with admission to the attraction). There are also racks nearby if you’re exploring Niagara by bike.

6:00 PM - Dinner with a view

Finish off the day in grand style with an incredible meal at Table Rock House Restaurant , the closest you can dine to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Chef Elbert Wiersema and the Niagara Parks Culinary team are always hard at work designing and preparing locally sourced dishes to try and compete with the view of the falls only a stone’s throw away.

CONTINUE YOUR ESCAPE

Cycling in niagara.

From Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, find out why Niagara Parks is a renowned destination for cyclists from around the world.

THE FROZEN FALLS

Do the falls actually freeze? Discover how cold winter temperatures transform the falls into a beautiful frozen spectacle.

WATCH THE FALLS COME TO LIGHT

Every day after dark, Niagara Falls comes to life with sights, sounds and experiences to last a lifetime.

WHAT IS TABLE ROCK?

Learn about the history of Table Rock Centre, the iconic building next to the Horseshoe Falls.

AWAY YOU GO!

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Going Awesome Places

Detailed itineraries + travel guides

A 3 Day Niagara Falls Itinerary That Goes Beyond Just The Falls

Last Updated January 10, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » A 3 Day Niagara Falls Itinerary That Goes Beyond Just The Falls

The might, power, and thunder of Niagara Falls is mesmerizing and there are so many different ways of seeing it! For first-timers to the area, it’s easy to feel like you should spend all your time in the popular Fallsview Boulevard, Lundy Lane or Clifton Hill District, but for those that are hungry for the outdoors, seeking out delicious food and wine and looking to spend time in a charming and picturesque town, I’m here to show you how you can plan a Niagara Falls itinerary on the Canadian side and dive deeper than just the falls.

This is a Niagara Falls itinerary where you can check out the highlights of my recent trip, and also get inspired to carve out your own adventure in the close by postcard-perfect town.

Read more about Ontario

• Best Niagara Falls winery tours
• Best restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Where to book yurts in Ontario
• 12 of the best easy hikes in Toronto
• Top free things to do in Toronto
• Canada Travel Guide

Where to stay in Niagara?

• The Prince of Wales Hotel is older than the country of Canada itself, having opened its doors in 1864.   Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, this property is highly recommended and one of the most popular in the region.

Table of Contents

Looking for something specific in this itinerary?  Jump to what you want to read.

In This Article

3 Day Niagara Falls Itinerary Highlights

Trip planning map, day 1 – the falls and gorge, day 2 – ride and splash, day 3 – wakeboarding, where to stay in niagara, recommended activities to book, a quick niagara canada travel guide, the whole experience.

Whether you’re planning for a long weekend, a summer getaway or a couple of days to spare when passing through the region, this 3 day Niagara Falls itinerary is packed with things to do when looking to go off the beaten path. From the adventure of its spectacular outdoors and renowned wine to the farm-to-table cuisine and charming landscape, these are what make the Niagara Region a favourite to so many.

Here were my top 5 highlights of the Niagara region:

• Whirlpool Jet Boat
• Niagara Glen Gorge
• Prince of Wales
• Wakeboarding
• Winery tour with Zoom Bikes

Things To Do In Niagara Ontario – A 3 Day Itinerary

There’s a wealth of things to see, do and eat in Niagara’s Canadian side, and with a limited number of days to work with, it can be a challenge to fit it all in, but with planning and inspiration from this 3 day itinerary, you’ll make the most out of your vacation!

I get it, trip planning isn’t easy and that’s why at Going Awesome Places I focus on creating in-depth guides and itineraries to make it a piece of cake.  Whether it’s Canadian content like the 4 day Richmond BC itinerary , 3 day Calgary itinerary , or the super popular top ramen in Tokyo guide , I ensure Google Maps is a key component to each. I use these maps when travelling and find they really help to put perspective on each location and their surroundings.

Tip:  View the Niagara 3 day planning map in full screen and create a copy (this step is key) for yourself.  Make tweaks for your own trip in Google Maps, you’ll be able to view it by going into the menu, selecting “My Places” and the “Maps” tab.

Back to the top

No matter how many times you’ve seen it, the majesty of Niagara Falls never gets old.  Follow the water as it gently rolls from your view along the railing until the roar of the water gets louder and louder.  Soon, the swift current splashes in trepidation and at the crest, it disappears into a wall of white mist that erupts into the sky.

Start your first day in Niagara Falls getting right up close to the action at, in my opinion, the best place to see it—adjacent to the Table Rock Welcome Centre .  From here, you’re right by where the water thunders downwards and at the same time you can peel back and see the entirety of Horseshoe Falls.  This area is also what I affectionately call the “splash zone” because there’s intermittent waves of refreshing water.

Spend the morning exploring this area, take a ton of photos, and roam left and right of the Welcome Centre. There’s also a perfect viewing platform here that you should definitely take advantage of.

When your stomach starts to growl, make your way up to the Table Rock House Restaurant for lunch. With a panoramic view overlooking the Falls, this restaurant serves up an internationally inspired menu focused on bringing locally sourced ingredients and offering a number of vegan and vegetarian options.  The striploin steak, cured Atlantic salmon, and prosciutto with fresh burrata are great choices. You’ll find it hard to leave because of the view.

TIP: Make a reservation and request a seat by the window to ensure you get a great view.  Lunch is usually a great time to go because it’s not too packed.

PARKING: The most convenient place to park is at the lot right across from Table Rock Welcome Centre, but expect to pay at least $25 for it.

Need a car rental from Toronto or Buffalo? 

If you require a car rental from the airport, I highly recommend you book with Avis who has one of the largest fleet of vehicles.  Use coupon  MUWA056  to save $15 off $125.

COPY CODE & GO

This is the last time you’ll be in the downtown Niagara Falls area, and from here on out you’ll be exploring other areas of the region that not everyone is aware of.

Ever wonder where those trillions of gallons of water rushing down the falls go?  Start your journey with White Water Walk , which will get you right in that same water you just saw over lunch.

Take an elevator down the escarpment and end up on a self-guided boardwalk with several points where you can view the water funnelling through a narrow part of the Niagara River, creating the highest class of rapids – the Class 6.

There are two viewing platforms that jut out closer to the water, and as you watch in disbelief at the Falls themselves, you’ll focus on one area of the river and be dumbfounded by just how ridiculously fast and powerful the water is moving through.  You can’t help but feel the power and adrenaline of the rapids here.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  4330 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 6T2

Hours:  9AM-8PM during the summer but varies quite a bit during the off-season so it’s best to check the website.  This is a seasonal attraction open April to mid November weather permitting.

Price:   $14 for adults (13+) and $9 for children (6-12)

Website:  White Water Walk

Parking:    There is street parking right by the entrance to White Water Walk but it is metered and not free.

Tips:  

• It’s recommended you book your tickets in advance to save you the extra time needed to purchase them at the gift shop but you can only do that if you purchase the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass  which bundles a number of activities together.
• Since there is only one elevator that goes down, there is inevitably a line to go down.  This line is first-come-first-serve so account for some time to get down.

READ THE REVIEW

Continue along the way towards Niagara-on-the-Lake and eventually, you’ll see the Niagara Glen Nature Centre on your right.  This one is easy to miss, but if you love the outdoors and are looking for a unique way to see the region, this is not to be missed.

Located in the Niagara Gorge, you’ll be taking the stairs down to the base of the cliffs which then opens up to 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) of rugged hiking trails that are extremely well marked. Twisting through jagged rock, prehistoric geological formations, the forest and wild flora and fauna, it’s a perfect way to escape and connect with the natural landscape.

There are a number of trails to choose from, but the best by far is the River Trail, which follows the Niagara River with a number of lookout points and canopied peek-throughs.  A great point to take a break is right at Cripps Eddy where the Eddy Trail and River trail meet.

Address:  3050 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E

Hours:  10AM-5PM May to October but for specific dates, make sure to check their website.

Price:   Free

Website:  Niagara Glen Nature Centre

Parking:    There is a large parking lot in front of the visitor centre but it is metered and not free.  Pricing is $1.25 per hour or a maximum of $10 per day (covering 8 hours).

• Make sure to drop by the visitor centre to grab a map because that will help you navigate the various trails and icon markers.
• If you are interested in bouldering, you can pick up a day-permit at the visitor centre.
• Daily guided hiking tours are available in the summer at 11AM and 2PM.  You need to call for more information and availability.
• The hiking trails aren’t necessarily difficult but there are inclines and of course the staircase that takes you down and up the escarpment.  Good hiking shoes are recommended.
• While well-marked, there are a few forks in the trail that can get a little confusing.  Always be on the lookout for the icon markers for the trails.  If confused, go a little bit further down a trail to figure out whether it’s the right way.  If you don’t see anything, turn back and go the other way.

Take the scenic tree-lined parkway towards Niagara-on-the-Lake and get yourself situated by checking in to your hotel, in the case of our trip this was the Prince of Wales Hotel .

Get changed and be ready for a night on the town affectionately known as NOTL.  Teeming with a spectrum of colours from the impeccable landscaping, lush greenery from the nearby Simcoe Park and restored 19th-century houses now converted to charming eateries and boutiques, you’ll want to take a peek into everything you pass by.

Eventually, make your way to the award-winning Treadwell Restaurant, one of the restaurants that’s also featured in our guide of the best restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake .  Celebrated for its farm-to-table, it’s well-known for its status as one of the best restaurants in the region.  The father-son duo, Stephen (father, chef) and James (sommelier, son) have created a dining experience that is all about emphasizing the best artisan producers from Niagara in memorable dishes that’ll have you coming back for more.

While there is an outdoor patio and roomy tables, the best seats in the house are right up at the bar where you have full view of the performance happening in the open-kitchen.  As hungry as you’ll feel, your eyes will be darting back and forth between the chefs sautéing fresh asparagus and poaching eggs to the grilling of perfect cuts of beef, the sizzle of scallops, and finally the plating steps as the head chef barks out orders to his disciples acknowledging with “Yes Chef!”

Both the Seared “Icy Waters” Arctic Char and Roasted “VG Meats” Beef Striploin were superb. The fish cooked perfectly with crisped skin and filled with a lobster surprise that boasted delicious flavours. The striploin, another fantastic offering, cooked to perfection and balanced with potato rosti and that hint of truffle.

What you’ll see:

• Niagara Falls
• Table Rock Welcome Centre
• Niagara-on-the-Lake

What you’ll do:

• White Water Walk
• Niagara Glen Nature Centre

Where you’ll eat:

• Lunch – Table Rock House Restaurant – An exceptional restaurant with the perfect view of the Falls.
• Dinner – Treadwell Restaurant – Foodie heaven with farm-to-table creations that are of the highest quality paired, with the best selection of wines.
• Dessert – COWS Niagara on the Lake – Ice creamery that is udderly  fantastic thanks to its ingredients and 16% butterfat that originated from Prince Edward Island.  This is the only COWS in Ontario so take advantage!

Start your day off right with breakfast at the Prince of Wales with a quality selection of fresh bread, pastries, and favourites such as waffles, eggs benedict, and more.

It’s not a secret that Niagara-on-the-Lake is best known for its bounty of vineyards and world-class wines, and so it’d be remiss to not have this included in your 3-day Niagara Falls itinerary. What better way to see a few of these wineries than to rent a bicycle and take in the lush scenery that allows the grapes to grow so well.

Whether you pick up your bikes from Zoom Leisure Bikes at their office or have them delivered, you’ll head out on the road and make your way to your first stop, Peller Estates.  Along the way you’ll be rolling along Queen’s Parade and pass by Fort George National Historic Site.

Address:   431 Mississauga Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0

Hours:  Open April to October 31, 7 days a week, 8:30AM – 7PM

Price:   Half Day (up to 3 hours) for $20 and Full Day (up to 24 hrs) for $30

Website:  Zoom Leisure Bikes

Parking:  There’s free onsite parking and additional free street parking on William Street.

Delivery service: If you’d like to pick up your bike from your hotel, they can arrange for a special drop-off there for a $20 flat fee.

• During your planning, you may get a little confused between Zoom Leisure Bikes and  Zoom Bike Share .  They are both owned by the same company but Zoom Leisure Bikes runs more like a traditional bicycle rental company whereas Zoom Bike Share is app-based and is a completely different from a pricing standpoint and where you can pick-up and drop-off.
• E-bikes and tandem bikes are available to rent as well.
• The comfort cruiser is quite comfortable.  They come with a handle bar bag and the height of the bikes can be manually adjusted without a wrench.  That said, if you plan on buying a lot of wine, make sure you bring a backpack.  Also, don’t forget to bring tons of water.
• For convenience, reserve bicycles with Zoom Leisure Bikes and have them deliver them straight to your hotel so you can start riding right away.

READ THE REVIEWS

Peller Estates is one of the most prestigious winemakers in Niagara-on-the-Lake, having won numerous awards. As a winery, Peller offers a great tasting and dining experience and is often included in many top Niagara wine tours .

When you’re here you can decide to do one of the many tours they offer or head up to the Estate Room for a tasting of their premium vintage wines.

The Estate Room is by appointment only and is a smaller exclusive space with comfortable chairs.  The list of wines that you can try here are also different than what is available on the main floor and you’ll also get more personalized service here from the wine consultants.  Trust me, this is the way to go if you come to Peller Estates.

If you prefer sweeter wines, make sure you ask about their Sparking Ice Cuvée and Cabernet Franc Icewine, both of which are quite unique in their class.

Address:  290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada L0S 1J0

Hours:  

• Summer Hours – Sunday to Thursday: 10AM to 9PM | Friday & Saturday: 10AM to 10PM
• Winter Hours – Sunday to Thursday: 10AM to 7PM | Friday & Saturday: 10AM to 9PM

Price: varies depending on the experience.  The Estate Room wine tasting is $15 per person.

Website:  Peller Estates

Parking:  There’s plenty of free parking onsite.

• Make sure to book your experiences ahead of time as they do fill up quickly.
• You can also do wine tasting on the main store floor which is cheaper but your won’t be able to access to the finer vintages.

When you’re done, grab your bike and hit the trail again.  This time you’ll ride towards another famous winery called Inniskillin, a household name when it comes to Niagara wines.

The Inniskillin Wine Estate is one of the pioneers of Canada’s wine industry, first starting off in Niagara-on-the-Lake, now grown to having a winery in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.  With 35 years of history under their belt, they carry some of the most respected VQA wines (Canada’s regulatory system for wines) thanks to their progressive and artisanal winemakers.

Depending on how you feel, you can go for another flight of wines in their tasting room, go on a tour or just have a relaxing lunch on their outdoor patio called Market Grill.

The Market Grill boasts a selection of menu items that are uniquely Canadian with favourites such as the all-Ontario beef brisket and pull pork sandwiches, Canadian cheeses and smokehouse poutine topped with wine-inspired sauces.  All you have to do is pair it with a refreshing glass of Rosé and you can recharge while looking out at the vineyard.

Address:  1499 Line #3, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada L0S 1J0

• Summer/Fall Hours  (May – October) | 10AM – 6PM | Daily
• Winter/Spring Hours  (November – April) | 10AM – 5PM | Daily

Price: Public wine tasting is $10 for a flight of 1 oz. glasses.  You can also join one of their tours.

Website:  Inniskillin

• There are a number of public tours available that I highly encourage reservations for.  You can find them here .   There are also private tours that can be booked .
• The Market Grill menu shows the type of food that you can order for the outdoor patio.

It’s now time to switch gears (pun intended) and get your heart pumping.  Drop off your bike at your designated point and call an Uber to where the next adventure will begin.

Save on Uber

All you have to do is create a new Uber account with code  willt1234ue   and receive $10 off your first ride.

I thought I had an idea of what the most extreme jet boat could be like based on the top things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand .  Zipping through canyons at blazing fast speeds and pulling 360 spins like they were nothing was on my mind, and so when I got a glimpse of the rapids during our Niagara Glen Nature Centre hike and seeing some of the jet boats go by, I was worried that this would be a weak experience.

Let me tell you, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours is anything but weak.  With 600 horses strapped to the back of these custom-made jet boats, you set out to the Class-5 rapids.  You’ll return with a true appreciation for the power of that water.

Things start off pretty easy with the captain spinning you around near the towering hydropower plants.  You actually start by riding against the current of the rapids which gives you a sense of what’s to come but you really have no idea what’s in store until you make your very first run.

All I’m going to say is that with every dip into the swells a battering wave of water clobbers everyone on the boat (those in the front more-so than in the back).  You think it’s over with the first smash as you make your first gasp of air and wipe the dripping water off your eyes, and BAM, you get hit with another splash.  The onslaught keeps coming and at the end of it all, you’re ear to ear smiles. The jet boat makes another run upstream and let’s just say there are a couple more runs in the tank to keep you soaked.

The jet boat makes another run upstream and let’s just saw there’s a couple more runs in the tank to keep you soaked.

The focus here will be for the Wet Jet Tour but I’ll touch on the other options as well.

Address:  55 River Frontage Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0.  This is the primary Canadian location.  Alternatively, you can check-in at the Floral Clock at 14004 Niagara Pkwy, Queenston, ON L0S 1L0.

Hours: There are time slots for tours from 10AM – 4PM during the summer.

Price:   $69.95 for adults and $45 for children 12 and under ( save $5 with code 1051 )

Website:  Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

• What’s the difference between the two tours? There are currently two boats, one is the standard boat they have that they call the “Wet Jet Tour” which is not covered.   The other is a fully covered that’s under the “Jet Dome Tour” and this means that smaller children can ride and you won’t get wet.
• Is there a bathroom onboard?  No.
• Is this okay for those that get nauseous easily?  My wife gets nauseous easily but didn’t throughout this trip so I think it’s safe!
• How long does the tour actually take?  The tour is 45-60 minutes.
• Are there restrictions for children?  Children must be at least 44 inches tall (112cm) to participate in the Wet Jet Tour and at least 40 inches tall (102cm) to participate in the Jet Dome Tour.  Anyone under the age of 18 must have an adult to sign for them to ride the boat. Guests aged 16 and 17 are able to ride without adult accompaniment but must have a parent or guardian present to sign their participation form.
• Is safety gear provided? Life jackets are provided.
• What if it’s too cold? They do provide extra layers such as fleece if the temperatures are low.
• Are there lockers? Free lockers are available to store your change of clothes and other gear.  No coin deposit is required.
• Are there change rooms?  Yes, there are change rooms.
• What do I need to bring? You’ll need a change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, waterproof camera, and appropriate wear.
• Are shuttles available? Yes, they offer complimentary shuttle at the Floral Clock on the Niagara Parkway to the docks which means you can get there via the bus if you need to.  To be clear, you need to make your own way to the Floral Clock of the docks.
• Arrive early – You should plan to be at the docks or  Floral Clock at least 45 minutes ahead of time.
• Expect to get fully soaked – The ponchos they provide have the illusion of some protection but you will get very soaked so I recommend you wear sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting fully wet.  There are “waterproof” pouches near the grab handles in front of you for your sunglasses and hat but it’s not water-tight so they might get wet but they will at least keep them secure.
• Bring sunscreen – You’ll be soaking in all the UV rays on top of the water so I would recommend putting this on before you head out.
• Photography – They’re not too strict here as they only ask waterproof cameras have a wrist strap but my recommendation is to bring a GoPro on a hands-free mount for the best experience.
• More action is in the front – If you really want an intense water splashing experience, try your best to get up front.  The line up is a bit of a free for all and once you get to the boat you can decide which row you want to be on depending on what’s left.
• Photo and video package – They take photos pre-trip and have the GoPro running on the boat.  You can purchase everything for $49.95 or just photos for $29.95.

SAVE $5 WITH CODE 1051

Heads up: The dock area is a black-zone for cellular reception so you may need to schedule an Uber ahead of time or walk around to find a signal.  Also, since you’re right across the border, your phone may start switching to data roaming so turn that off if you don’t want to inadvertently chew through data.

Catch another cab ride back into Niagara-on-the-Lake and freshen up before getting done up for dinner at another local favourite, Zee’s Patio and Grill .  They’re located right across from the Shaw Festival Theatre and has a nice mix of patio, open-porch, and interior seating depending on what you’re feeling.  Most of their food is also farm-to-table so expect a welcoming casual dining experience with fresh dishes to delight.

• Peller Estates
• Zoom Leisure Bikes
• Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
• Lunch – Inniskillin Market Grill – Outdoor patio that serves up BBQ-fare that has a twist of Canadiana and wine.  Personally, I thought the food was just average but it’s a quick bite for those that are on-the-go like we were with our bikes.
• Dinner – Zee’s Patio & Grill  –  A restaurant with chill vibes and a menu filled with fresh seafood, delicious appetizers and tantalizing dinner options.

It’s time to say goodbye to Niagara-on-the-Lake early on your last day because there are big surprises for you coming ahead.  Most people know Niagara to be this combination of the Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake because the name shows up in both places, but the municipal region itself covers a vast part of land that includes many other cities.

One of those cities is Port Colborne.  Most people that travel through don’t know about this lovely little city, but since you’re here, I’ll let you in on a little secret.  Known mostly for being one of the outlets for the Welland Canal into Lake Erie, there’s a company known as Boarder Pass that runs a wakeboarding centre right at Sugarloaf Marina.

Now typically wakeboarding involves being dragged by a boat like you would in jet-skiing except replace the skis with a board, and riding the waves (aka wake) created by the boat, but since that is expensive and harder to learn, straight-line cable wakepark was created to make the sport more accessible.

Before doing this trip, we had never done wakeboarding before and so there was a little bit of nervousness heading into it, but once we got our training, suited up, strapped into the board and hit the water, it was surprising how quickly we were able to pick it up.

The magic happens once you figure out how to carve your wakeboard at the end of the line, so by the time the pulley turns the other direction, your momentum brings you around.  It’ll take a few tries, but I eventually got it and had quite the accomplished feeling.

Overall, it’s a thrilling activity that looks a lot harder than it actually is when it comes down to the basics.  You’ll fall into the water your first few times, but in no time you’ll be gliding along the glistening water and shouting “yee-haw” like I did if you watch the video .

This is the perfect activity to learn something new, take in the fresh outdoors and stay cool with the inevitable splash into the water.

Address: 3 Marina Dr, Port Colborne, ON L3K 6C6.  You’ll notice that this isn’t well-marked on Google Maps but you can also easily find them on the  trip planning map .

Hours:  Tuesday – Thursday: 1PM to 7PM and Friday – Sunday: 11AM to 7PM during the summer months.

Price:   20 minutes for $35 (with rental) or $30 (without rental), 10 minutes for $25 (with rental) or $20 (without rental)

Website:  Boarder Pass Port Colborne

• Are there change rooms?  Yes, the marina facilities has bathroom and change room facilities.
• Is 10 or 20 minutes enough? If there’s anything I learned, you get tired really quickly on the water.  This is plenty of time especially if its your first time.
• Are there lockers?  Since Boarder Pass itself doesn’t really have any built-in facilities other than picnic bench and pop-up gazebo, the rest is the open marina park.  Since there aren’t a lot of people around, keeping things near the picnic bench is pretty safe especially since the instructor sits near there to control the pulley.
• Bring sunscreen – There is no cover when you’re on the water so make sure you’re fully protected before you start.
• You will be sore – I’m not going to lie, my arms and upper body was sore the few days after but that just means this is a really good work out right?

The last thing on this 3-day Niagara Falls itinerary is a visit to a brewery in the nearby Ridgeway.  Wine isn’t the only thing that’s produced in this region and this is your chance to sample some of the best craft ales in a really unique setting.

Your last stop is Brimstone Brewing Company , located in a re-purposed 20th-century church.  Here, the basement is used as the brewery and a large garage extension built out as a patio, they’re most well-known for their Sinister Minister IPA, but they also have quite the line of beers that range from easy-drinking to hop forward, and experimental.

While you’re here, definitely order their flight of beers served on a wooden cross and pair it up with their Niagara peach flatbread or Reuben sandwich.

When you’re done, it’s time to head home or your next destination!

• Boarder Pass Port Colborne
• Lunch – Brimstone Brewing Company  – Craft brewery in an unexpected part of the Niagara Region and set in an old church.

Looking for deals?

When it comes to looking for a place to stay in Niagara Falls, my personal opinion is that basing yourself in Niagara-on-the-Lake is a much better choice because you get access to the best dining options, not to mention all of the wineries.  That said, you have a lot of choices here so let me share with you four different accommodations that I think you’ll like.

I STAYED HERE

 PRINCE OF WALES HOTEL

This historic hotel right in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake is in a location that doesn’t get any better. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and their staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.  It’s a classic for a reason.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

CLOSE TO THE FALLS

HILTON NIAGARA FALLS

This is one of the best properties in Niagara Falls. Connected to Fallsview Casino by a walkway, this hotel boasts 3 on-site restaurants, on-site restaurants, walking distance to Clifton Hills, and faces right out to Horseshoe Falls.

ULTIMATE B&B

CASA BLANCA BOUTIQUE B&B

A charming family-owned B&B where the rooms are extremely comfortable and breakfast incredible.  Free parking is available and the location of this property is only 500 metres from Jackson Triggs.

AFFORDABLE NOTL 

HILTON GARDEN INN NOTL

The means a reliable stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake where you know you’ll get a high quality room, free breakfast if you have Gold status, indoor swimming pool, free parking, and free wifi.

As you’re planning your itinerary, the places and activities I’ve mentioned may not be exactly what you’re looking for so I’ve compiled a few tours here that I recommend.

Hornblower Niagara Falls Boat Tour  – Most locals think of “Maid of the Mist” but this is actually a misnomer because this is not the cruise that leaves from the Canadian side.  Hornblower Cruises is the Canadian boat that goes as far as they can into the Horseshoe Falls where you’re relentlessly misted by the Falls and the thunder of the water will blow you away.

Niagara Falls Zipline – There’s only one place in the world where you can ride a 670 metre past the American Falls to the Falls Landing and Observation platform at the base of the mighty Canadian Horseshoe Falls at a soaring height of 67 metres.  Skip the line and save money with this ticket!

Niagara Falls Wine Tour with Cheese Pairing – This is a half day Niagara-on-the-Lake small-group tour that includes multiple wine-tastings at world-class wineries that’s topped off with Ontario’s famous ice wine and cheese pairing.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Cycle and Wine Tasting Tour  – This is a guided biking and wine tasting tour where there’s the option of doing a 6.5 hour tour that includes a picnic lunch or a 4.5 hour tour that includes a specialty cheese pairing.  Pedal through flat and easy biking routes to the region’s best wineries. For other ideas, make sure to read the best Niagara Falls wine tours .

Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour – Experience Niagara Falls in a way that you’ve never seen it before – from the sky.  This is a thrilling 10-minute scenic helicopter ride that leaves from the Niagara Falls Heliport where you’ll get a birds-eye-view of American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.

Money –  The Niagara region is credit card friendly so you’ll be fine to not carry too much Canadian cash.  That said, one thing to keep in mind is that many local shops might not take American Express.

When is the best time? – As a local, Niagara is honestly great to go any time of the year because each season brings out a different side to the Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake.  Summers are of course great because everything is open to visitors including the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours , wakeboarding and White Water Walk which typically run from May to October.  This is also during high-season so expect crowds.  Fall colours are a magical time to come especially around Niagara Glen Gorge so October is a great month to come for that.  The winter months are of course cold but there’s something magical about being here with the snow and snuggling up to the cozy fireplace during that time of the year.  Lastly, spring is exciting too because of the flowers blooming and foliage coming back in.

Getting here –  Toronto is only 1.5 hours away and Buffalo is only 40 minutes away, each of those cities has a major international airport (YYZ and BUF) for those coming from further away.  If you’re coming from Toronto and looking for a day trip, there are day trips from Toronto that you can consider.

 How do I get around the region? – If you’re looking to explore the whole region, having a car is going to be your best bet.  If you’re going to be requiring a car rental from either Toronto or Buffalo airports, I highly recommend that you check out my car rental coupon code resource to save a ton of money.  Otherwise, public transit within the Niagara Falls area has been greatly improved thanks to WeGo .  They have 4 lines including a shuttle to Niagara-on-the-Lake and only costs $9 for 24-hour unlimited usage.

 Where should I stay?  – The most comprehensive platform for bookings based on personal experience was Booking.com .  They had everything from hotels, hostels, and guesthouses and we always managed to find an awesome place for a great place.  As an alternative, there’s also Expedia and Airbnb .

Do I need travel insurance? – As always, travel insurance is highly recommended.  My philosophy is that you want to make sure you’re covered in case the unknown happens.  With the amount of travel that I do, I always get basic travel insurance that’s good for multiple trips and lasts the full year.   World Nomads  is the best balance of coverage and price for anyone looking for travel insurance. Make sure to read our  full review  of why and a breakdown of how they work. For a more broader look at travel insurance, make sure to  read this .

As someone that’s been to Niagara Falls countless times, this is an itinerary that is meant to show you a different side to the region – one that’s an adventure of the culinary arts, outdoors and decidedly gorgeous landscapes.

Over the course of this 3 day Niagara Falls itinerary, you start off by not burying the lead and seeing the main attraction, but from there you peel off to do sights and attractions that are off the beaten path.  Intermingled between beats of adrenaline such as wakeboarding and jet boating, you can have a relaxed and romantic stroll on Queen Street with a cone of Cow’s ice cream in your hands, or have a string of wine tastings in Ontario’s best.

So what are you waiting for?  It’s time to explore the Niagara Region and make all of your friends and family jealous along the way.

This trip was in collaboration with Tourism Niagara but all opinions and thoughts are my own.

Got questions for your own trip to Niagara Canada? Let me help by simply  dropping a comment down below !

What you should read next

• Best Restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Top 15 Niagara Falls Wine Tours
• 16 Popular and Secret Weekend Trips from Toronto
• 3 Wineries to Visit on the Niagara Wine Trail
• 3 day Calgary itinerary – City, Caves, Mountains, and Lakes

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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An Unforgettable Road Trip from New York to Niagara Falls

If you are looking for postcard-perfect scenery, there are only a few other sights that are as majestic, and easily recognizable, as Niagara Falls on the planet.

A great road trip from New York to Niagara Falls will take you past Kingston, Woodstock, Catskill Mountains, Albany, Schenectady, Syracuse, Finger Lakes, Rochester and Buffalo. You can complete this 530-mile drive in 9 hours and 20 minutes.

Another amazing route goes through Ithaca and Seneca Falls. Keep reading until the end to learn about all of these two routes, where to stop off overnight, and the best time of year to make this trip.

To make your decision and planning easier, we have summed up what makes each New York to Niagara Falls itinerary special below:

How far is Niagara Falls from New York and how long will the road trip take?

Spanning a distance of 420 miles, a road trip from New York to Niagara Falls on the Finger Lakes Route will take you about 7 hours and 50 minutes. It is a relatively easy journey to complete in a day.

But with so much to see and do on the journey over to Niagara Falls, we would recommend taking at least three days to give you the opportunity to explore the many cities, landmarks, and points of interest along the route.

The other alternative, the Catskills Route, is slightly longer at 530 miles. This option will take 9 hours and 20 minutes to drive but makes up for the extra miles with its stunning mountain and river views.

Best road trip route from New York to Niagara Falls

Deciding which route to follow on this New York to Niagara Falls road trip won't be easy because both Finger Lakes and Catskills Routes have so much going on for them with scenery, beautiful towns and amazing new places to discover on the way.

The Finger Lakes Route takes you through the heart of New York's famous wine country with several popular wine trails to follow as you make your way to the Finger Lakes Region. You will also get to visit Ithaca, known for its gorges and waterfalls.

You will get to admire beautiful lake views as you visit the towns of Seneca Falls, Geneva, Canandaigua on this route and then continue on to spend some time in the more urban atmospheres of Rochester and Buffalo before you reach Niagara Falls.

The Catskills Route, on the other hand, is a photographer's dream, taking you through the rugged beauty of the Catskill Mountains. Not only that, but you will also get to stop at the bohemian town of Woodstock and experience its creative spirit firsthand.

As you might imagine, you will have plenty of hiking options, from exploring the Sundown Wild Forest to exploring the scenic town of Catskill at the mountain's base. This route will also take you to Rochester and Buffalo before you reach your destination.

Whether you're flying into New York or you simply don't have your own transport in the city, renting a car for your road trip is something you'll want to take care of ASAP.

For an easy-to-compare view of rental options for your road trip from New York to Niagara Falls, take a look at our partner site, RentalCars.com .

Itinerary A: The Finger Lakes Route from New York to Niagara Falls

1. Drive from New York to Mt Pocono

90 miles (1 hour 50 minutes)

Leave the iconic sight of New York's cityscape behind and set off on your road trip to Niagara Falls on Interstate 80 (I-80). You will soon get to make a stop at the cute amusement park, Land of Make Believe , which is a great place to visit especially if you are traveling with family.

You might not expect stunning landscapes to be this close to New York City's urban hustle, but Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is just a stone's throw from the city and a beautiful area to spend some time at during the first leg of your drive.

Once you arrive in Mt Pocono, take in the rugged mountain views that surround this charming small town, which is almost at the mountain's summit.

If you'd like to take in the scenery, we recommend visiting Fieldstone Farm Tank Creek Nature Preserve , which is a really photogenic park with beautiful old farm ruins.

2. Drive from Mt Pocono to Binghamton

90 miles (1 hour 25 minutes)

From Mt. Pocono, continue your journey northwest on I-380 and you will soon reach Scranton, where you can visit Steamtown National Historic Site , especially if you are a train enthusiast like us!

On this section of the route, you will also get to make a short detour to take in the views of the beautiful Tunkhannock Viaduct before arriving at Binghamton.

Once you arrive in Binghampton, head to the Roberson Museum and Science Center . If you have a little more time on your hands and love animals, Ross Park Zoo is a great place to see them up close and learn more.

3. Drive from Binghamton to Ithaca

50 miles (1 hour)

The drive from Binghamton to Ithaca on I-81 and NY-79 is relatively short, so take your time to make as many detours as your schedule allows you.

We recommend visiting the beautiful Shindagin Hollow State Forest and stretching your legs on the North Trail of the scenic Roy H Park Preserve .

Once you arrive in Ithaca, you can park your car, put your keys away and head to one of the wineries that make this region so famous. One of our favorites is Ports of New York Winery , where you can enjoy wine tasting and a guided winery tour.

A short drive from Ithaca, Taughannock Falls State Park is a stunning place to visit with a beautiful waterfall. You will be in for a visual treat, especially if you visit this state park in the fall.

While visiting Ithaca and Taughannock Falls State Park, there is no better place to stay than the beautiful Inn at Taughannock Falls . This inn is housed in a Victorian building constructed in 1873 that is located directly in the state park, which is accessible via a guests-only trail from the hotel.

4. Drive from Ithaca to Seneca Falls

40 miles (1 hour)

On this short drive from Ithaca to Seneca Falls on NY-89, you will simply follow the shoreline of Cayuga Lake. If you have a designated driver, or planning to make another stop by the lake, make sure to check out Cayuga Lake Wine Trail .

Ulysses Historical Society , a short detour in Trumansburg, is also an interesting place to visit on this leg of the journey, especially if you are a history buff.

Once you arrive in Seneca Falls, you can start by learning about the role this town played in the Women's Rights movement at the Women's Rights National Historical Park and read the revolutionary words of the Declaration of Sentiments.

If you'd like to spend some time outdoors, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful wildlife haven.

5. Drive from Seneca Falls to Rochester

From Seneca Falls, you will head west on US-20 to Geneva, which sits on Seneca Lake, and then make a stop at Canandaigua. Here, you can make a stop and explore the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail .

From here, hop on NY-332 and then I-490. You can visit Mendon Ponds Park , where you can enjoy fishing and even camping if you want to spend a night under the stars before reaching Rochester.

Once you arrive in Rochester, one of the best places to visit is the Strong National Museum of Play, especially if you are traveling with little ones, or feel young at heart like we do! Another great place to visit for curious minds is the RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center) .

6. Drive from Rochester to Niagara Falls

90 miles (1 hour 40 minutes)

The drive from Rochester to Niagara Falls is the longest leg of your journey to Niagara Falls, so you can expect plenty of things to see en route. A great place to take a break and stretch your legs is Akron Falls Park , which will be a welcome change from all the driving.

Following I-90, you will soon reach Buffalo, where you can visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House before continuing onto Niagara Falls.

Once you arrive in Niagara Falls , make sure to book a spot on the Maid of the Mist boat tour to admire the majestic waterfalls up close. Keep in mind that you will most likely get wet, so pack water-proof clothes. This tour is seasonal and only runs from April to November.

Niagara Falls is a popular destination, so there are many accommodation options in the area. That being said, Butler House Bed & Breakfast is one of the best and most homey options, with the majority of the other hotels being chain options.

Niagara Falls State Park is just a short walk from the B&B. The American Falls and International Rainbow Bridge, if you want to see the beautiful waterfalls from the Canadian side, are both just a mile away.

Itinerary B: The Catskills Route from New York to Niagara Falls

1. Drive from New York to Woodstock

110 miles (2 hours 10 minutes)

Start your exciting journey from New York to Niagara Falls by driving north out of the Big Apple and crossing the Hudson River. You will drive past Harriman State Park and get on I-87 and follow the river up north.

On the way, you will find plenty of interesting places to visit, such as the quirky Motorcyclepedia Museum in Newburgh.

Once you arrive in Woodstock, you might think that you are going to see where the famous festival in 1969 has taken place - but guess again! The actual festival did not take place in Woodstock but in neighboring Bethel.

To learn more about the legacy of this bohemian town, you can visit the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum or head to the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra for a spiritual experience during your stay.

2. Drive from Woodstock to Catskill

80 miles (1 hour 50 minutes)

This leg of the itinerary will spoil you with stunning views of the Catskill Mountains. As you head deeper into the forests towards Shandaken on NY-28, you will get to visit Big Indian Wilderness and then the stunning Kaaterskill Falls on your way to Catskill.

Once you arrive in Catskill, take in the views. This area is especially stunning in the spring and fall. Once you have had your fill of the beautiful scenery, you can visit Thomas Cole National Historic Site to learn more about the artist and environmentalist who once called Catskill home.

If all the driving has made you hungry, you can head to the Crossroads Brewing Company for a bite; but keep in mind that they only serve food when the food trucks are there.

When looking for a place to stay in the stunning Catskill Mountains, you might want to find an option that embraces its surroundings.

AutoCamp Catskills does exactly that; this hotel actually consists of log cabins and tents, giving you the feeling of camping under the stars while also providing great amenities like kitchenettes in select rooms and a delicious breakfast option.

3. Drive from Catskill to Albany

30 miles (35 minutes)

The drive from Catskill to Albany on I-87 is really short, so you will have plenty of opportunities to make detours. After all, what is the point of hurrying from one place to another if you have the time?

Some of the amazing places to visit en route on this leg include the historic Bronck Museum and Hannacroix Creek Preserve to enjoy some scenic hikes by the Hudson River. The landscape will soon change from forests and mountains to urban views of Albany.

Once you arrive in Albany, one of the first places we recommend visiting is The New York State Museum . As the state's capital, Albany is also home to the New York State Capitol , a great place to visit for the beautiful architecture of the building alone.

4. Drive from Albany to Syracuse

140 miles (2 hours 10 minutes)

As you leave Albany, hop on I-90 to head west. If you'd like to enjoy spending some time in the great outdoors in between your drive from one city to another, Albany Pine Bush Preserve is home to nearly 20 miles of officially marked trails, and is the perfect stop for easy hikes.

After your visit, continue driving on the interstate to reach Syracuse.

Once you arrive in Syracuse, make the Everson Museum of Art one of the first places to visit. This museum is home to a permanent collection and ever-changing exhibits.

If you are traveling with family, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is a great place to visit during your city break. This zoo is home to many fascinating animals from majestic elephants to adorable red pandas.

5. Drive from Syracuse to Buffalo

150 miles (2 hours 20 minutes)

To reach Buffalo from Syracuse, you will continue driving west on I-90 and drive past the beautiful Finger Lakes region. If you are interested in extending your trip to visit the famous wineries here, you can find more information on the Finger Lakes Route itinerary above.

If not, you will drive on the interstate and have the opportunity to visit Richmond Aqueduct Ruins without detouring to Seneca Falls. Then, you will keep heading west to Rochester. Here, you can visit the Strong National Museum of Play before following the interstate into Buffalo.

Once you arrive in Buffalo, you can visit Buffalo AKG Art Museum for an educational afternoon. From works of Delacroix to sculptures off Henry Moore, you will be amazed at how extensive this museum's collection is.

For something different, Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum is home to antique vehicles, including bicycles, and historic automobilia.

6. Drive from Buffalo to Niagara Falls

20 miles (25 minutes)

The Buffalo to Niagara Falls drive is the shortest leg of this itinerary, but don't think that it will just be a commute. On the way, you can visit amazing places like Niawanda Park and Buckhorn Island State Park as you drive north on I-190.

Once you arrive in Niagara Falls, you probably will want to visit the actual waterfalls - after all, they are the stars of the show! How about seeing them from a different perspective by taking a Maid of the Mist boat tour ?

This seasonal tour only runs between April and November and does fill up quickly, so make sure to book ahead!

Once you are ready to call it a day, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is one of the best places to stay in Niagara Falls. In addition to boasting a stellar location, the hotel also has an on-site casino, spa and various dining options.

Best time to go on a road trip from New York to Niagara Falls

While this road trip from New York to Niagara Falls passes through mountainous areas, depending on which route you choose, the scenic drive can be taken year-round since more of the journey takes place on well-maintained roads both on Finger Lakes and Catskills Routes.

While Niagara Falls State Park is open 24 hours a day year-round, summer months are undoubtedly the most popular times to visit. The average daily temperature reaches over 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and you will find all attractions on either route open.

If you are traveling on the Finger Lakes Route in July, make sure to take a look at the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance 's program.

That being said, prices and visitor numbers are higher during the summer. If you would prefer to avoid the crowds, you might want to wait until September to visit Niagara Falls or plan your trip in early spring when you'll also get to enjoy the trees and flowers in bloom.

You can expect temperatures in the spring to be between 25 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you travel during May, you will get to enjoy the Lilac Festival in Rochester on both routes.

Fall will see temperatures in Niagara Falls between 35 to 70 degrees. During this season, the Catskills Route transforms with stunning fall foliage throughout the Hudson Valley. This is also a great time to set off on the Finger Lakes Route, because of the grape harvest season.

You will get to see the wineries as they come to life with events and tasting schedules. If you travel during the fall, we recommend checking out the Woodstock Film Festival in October. You will also get to listen to some great music at the Niagara Falls Blues Festival in September.

If you visit between May and October, you'll have the chance to see the spectacular daily fireworks held at Niagara Falls.

Winters at Niagara Falls can be very cold with average temperatures being between 28 and 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite being cold, winter does give you the opportunity to see the falls partially frozen or covered in snow.

Things to see and do on a road trip from New York to Niagara Falls

There are so many things to see on your road trip from New York to Niagara Falls that you could easily spend a month or so checking them off your to-do list.

But if you are pressed for time, we have put together a list of major highlights and attractions that you may wish to visit during your journey:

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Related posts

Niagara Falls Road Trip – The Best of the Niagara Parkway

Written By: The Planet D

Canada , Road Trips

Updated On: February 19, 2024

A  Niagara Falls  road trip isn’t often associated with peace and quiet. The giant waterfall is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ontario filled with throngs of people clad in yellow or blue rain ponchos vying for a view of the magnificent Horseshoe Falls.

But a drive along the Niagara Parkway takes you away from all that. The region is quickly turning into a quiet getaway where people can sip wine by candlelight, stroll through secluded paths, and step back in time in a historic village.

Table of Contents

A Road Trip to Niagara Falls

Our Niagara Falls Road Trip began in Woodstock Ontario where we loaded up our Toyota RAV4 Limited kindly on loan to us from Toyota Canada.   With coffee in hand, I pushed start, quickly adjusted my seat preference and put it in sport mode to drive on the highway.

We hit the 403 on-ramp to Hamilton and then hopped on the Queen Elizabeth Way towards the Falls. You can take the QEW all the way into Niagara Falls , but our road trip took us on a detour to wine country.

So what do you see on a Niagara Falls Road Trip? A lot.

When taking your road trip, make sure to give at least two full days, (preferably three) in Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake. We love both Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake, and we like to combine the two destinations to make for the perfect blend of peace and quiet with top attractions. You can either start in Niagara Falls and see all the tourist attractions there or leave it for the end. Whatever you do, don’t miss seeing Niagara Falls, it’s an extraordinary sight and lives up to the hype.

• Check out Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
• Things to do in Niagara Falls
• Romance in Niagara Falls, Ontario’s Best Weekend Getaway

Niagara Falls Road Trip Itinerary

We started in Niagara on the Lake and made this your home base for at least a night. We turned off at highway 55 leading directly to Niagara on the Lake where within minutes we saw our first winery – Jackson Triggs.

If you don’t have a map or GPS all you have to do is follow the “Wine Route” signs and they’ll lead you to spots where you can pick up a bottle or two for a nightcap after your day exploring.

Day 1 – Niagara on the Lake

Ontario’s wine country is located all around the historic town of Niagara on the Lake. Wineries have popped up everywhere and not only do the wineries offer tours and tastings, but they are also lovely places to go for a stroll in a picturesque setting. We love visiting this part of Ontario filled with vineyards where we can stock our wine rack with award-winning vintages and enjoy the quiet countryside.

Not having a plan, we decided to take random turns along back roads leading us through more vineyards and farmland. It’s a small area and it’s difficult to get lost. In Niagara on the Lake, you can take carriage rides and old town tours, book a ticket to see professional theatre productions at the Shaw Festival, and try some fine dining at the Cannery Restaurant located in the Pillar and Post; Ontario’s only 5 Star Country Inn. Read: 15 Amazing Things to do in Niagara on the Lake – Canada

Whirlpool Jetboat

Niagara on the Lake is also home to the Whirlpool Jetboat Tour. It is one of the most thrilling things to do in Niagara Falls and it leaves right from the dock downtown. Be sure to add this attraction to your Niagara road trip itinerary. You can either choose a covered boat tour or an open tour where you’ll get very wet. We’ve done both and prefer the inside tour.

Things to do at Niagara on the Lake

For the quieter side of your road trip, Niagara on the Lake is the place to be. It’s easy to spend days here taking hikes in the forest, or cycling along the Niagara Parkway. You could end up parking your vehicle for a couple of days before setting off to explore again.

Be sure to book a winery tour for an afternoon. Park the car and hop on a guided tour to vineyards for some wine tasting. There are several to choose between from cycling tours, bus tours, and private drivers. But make sure that you do continue the road trip, there’s still a lot to see! Read more: 7 Valentine’s Day Getaways in Ontario

Where to Stay in Niagara on the Lake

There are plenty of B&Bs in Niagara on the Lake to choose from. Some of our favourite places to stay over the years are:

The Pillar and Post Inn and Spa – is a Niagara on the Lake institution renovated in a historic building. It has full modern amenities with indoor and outdoor pools, and exotic hot springs pool at 100 Fountain Spa.

The Prince of Wales – is another favourite set in a Victorian landmark downtown. With pool, fitness centre and spa, it is a perfect choice for an elegant vacation in Niagara on the Lake.

AirBnB – There are plenty of luxurious AirBnBs in Niagara on the Lake. This one is a lovely cottage that is two blocks from downtown’s main street.

Day 2 – Sights to See on the Niagara Parkway

The Niagara Parkway is one of the prettiest Sunday drives in Ontario with many scenic stops along the way. It’s a short strip of road that packs a lot of punch. To see everything along the route takes an entire day.

The first time Dave and I drove this, we bee-lined it to Niagara Falls missing all the attractions along the route. We learned our lesson though and have now explored every nook and cranny. After picking up some local fruit and cheese: (fitting for our Niagara Road Trip), we set our satellite radio to Entertainment Weekly Radio (we love catching up on all the gossip) and settled into a fantastic day trip along the Niagara Parkway.

Fort George

The first stop out of Niagara on the Lake is Historic Fort George. A key battleground during the War of 1812, you’ll be transported back two centuries to watch the fife and drum core bands play while soldiers give musket demonstrations and if you want, let you shoot one as well. For more information on the stops along the Niagara Parkway, visit Niagara Parks Canada  

McFarland House

There are many historical sites along the Niagara Parkway. McFarland House dates back to 1800 and is one of the oldest homes in the area. You can take a guided tour of the rooms that have been restored to their original decor or have afternoon tea at the very popular Conservatory Tea Room. It gets busy in there, reservations are highly recommended.

Keep your eyes peeled for quirky stops along the Niagara Parkway, just a few minutes out of Fort George, we spotted the cutest little chapel across the street. The Living Water Wayside Chapel is located right beside a fruit stand where you can pick up some fresh produce and steal a kiss in front of the chapel. After all Niagara Falls was the Honeymoon Capital of the World.

You cannot visit Niagara on the Lake without visiting one of the many Vineyards. Niagara Wineries like Pellar Estates, Jackson Triggs, and Trius call the area home. If you want to partake in sampling some wine, book a room at Niagara on the Lake and park your car for the day.

There are bus tours that will take you from vineyard to vineyard as you sample food and drink from the region. If you are driving, make sure to stop in to enjoy the beautiful architecture of the vineyards and buy one of their premier vintages. Check out the Niagara Ice Wine Festival and snowshoeing a Niagara Winery

River Brink Art Museum

It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but this house located on a bend of the Niagara Parkway is filled with priceless works of art from the likes of Tom Thompson, Emily Carr, The Group of 7, and Degas.

Laura Secord House

Most people have heard of Laura Secord chocolates. They’re popular here in Canada. But Laura Secord played a key role in the War of 1812 and she lived right here between Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake. In June of 1813, Laura Secord rode 30 km into enemy territory to warn British soldiers of an impending attack by the American army.

Traveling 30 km alone anywhere was dangerous enough at the time, but to ride through enemy territory with valuable information was extremely courageous. We learned of Laura Secord in our history classes thanks to women of the early 19th century championing her story to put it into the history books.

Mackenzie Printery & Newspaper Museum

I have heard the name William Lyon Mackenzie many times. But in all honesty, I didn’t know a lot about this historic figure. Seeing the Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum made me dig deeper into the history of Toronto’s first mayor. You see, we don’t learn and memorize the names of our past Prime Ministers like the American’s do.

I don’t know many of Canada’s early leaders. I always assumed Mackenzie was a Prime Minister. Boy was I wrong. He tried running for office after his tenure as mayor of Toronto , but he was defeated.

This museum is from the time before Mackenzie’s political career where he published the Colonial Advocate. Mackenzie was a hot-headed activist whose publication became the leading voice for the reform government that called for responsible government opposing the colonial regime. He ended up leading failed rebellions, he was sent to exile in the US, and even spent a year in prison there.

Eventually, he was pardoned and let back into Canada where he continued his career in journalism. So that’s a little history, but you can go into the museum to see one of the few original wooden presses remaining in the world!

Brock’s Monument

Brocks Monument is an impressive 55 meter (165 foot) tall statue located on the Niagara Parkway dedicated to Major-General Isaac Brock. The celebrated chief and commander of the British forces was killed at this site in the Battle of Queenston Heights. Located in Queenston Heights Park it’s a pleasant stroll to learn more about our Canadian History. Read more about Niagara Falls at a Niagara Weekend, Winter Getaway

Niagara Glen

Niagara Glen is an excellent spot for those who love to hike. We first visited Niagara Glen during our rock climbing days to go bouldering on its giant rocks located deep in the gorge. There’s a metal stairway that takes you down to the 4.5 km of trails.

This national historic site takes you right up close to the raging river and through quiet trails that take you through 450 million-year-old rocks and caves. It’s the lowest point on the Niagara Escarpment and is not to be missed. Wear proper shoes and bring water. If you want to do some bouldering, make sure to get your permits at the office and bring a crash pad.

Whirlpool Gorge

If you want to see the mighty Niagara Whirlpool, you can take the cable car that goes over the river. But if you want a free view, you can pull over at the lookout just up the road from Niagara Glen towards Niagara Falls. It gives an aerial view of the class 6 rapids and you’ll be able to see the cable car and even the whirlpool jet boats passing by.

Floral Clock

The floral clock is a strange site on the Niagara Parkway. I never really understood why everyone stopped for a photograph. But it is the largest floral clock in the world and it is an interesting site. If you want to visit it, arrive early as tour buses stop there all day long and you’ll end up sharing the view of it with hoards of tourists. I still can’t say why it’s such an attraction, but it’s on the Niagara Parkway, so it’s a must stop on your Niagara Road Trip.

Continuing our Niagara Falls Road Trip, I took control of the wheel and loved the fact that I could raise my seat to see over the steering wheel and make use of the front fenders that are subtly raised to help drivers orient themselves. It’s a bonus for a short person like me!

Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens are a quiet reprieve from Niagara Falls. If you buy a Niagara Falls Attraction pass it’s included in  your fare and you can be transported around by the WeGo bus. If you are on a Niagara Falls Road Trip like us, you’ll need to pay $5 parking fee.

The entrance to the gardens itself is free. If you don’t want to pay the $5 park down the road at the whirlpool and walk 10 minutes or so along the Niagara Parkway to the gardens and you don’t have to pay a cent.

The gardens have some displays that are worth seeing, but it’s not one of the most beautiful we’ve seen. I would visit more for the butterfly museum than the gardens themselves and I think that’s the plan that Niagara Parks had in mind. The Butterfly Conservatory is an extra steep fee of $16 per person, but it’s a wonderful stop to walk through the tropical setting and have butterflies land on your shoulder.

Tonight you can either go back to Niagara on the Lake or head to Niagara Falls for a stay on Clifton Hill or in the Fallsview Area.

Our Favourite Hotels in Niagara Falls

Mariott on the Falls – It has excellent views of the falls and one of the best places to eat for a falls view is located inside. It is connected to the Embassy Suites by Hilton which houses the Keg Restaurant.

Sheraton on the Falls – Great views of the US and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. It’s connected to the casino and the Fallsview indoor waterpark. There is an indoor midway for the whole family and rooms are elegant.

Hilton Niagara Falls  – this is a big spectacle of a hotel with huge suites with jacuzzis and fireplaces. Indoor pool and spa. It has another amazing restaurant in Niagara Falls, the Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse that offers authentic  Brazilian barbecue.

Day 3 – Niagara Falls

A visit to the area would not be complete without seeing Niagara Falls. We say day three here, but we suggest spending two days in Niagara Falls if it’s your first time or if you really want to take it all in. It takes our breath away every time we see it. The best spot to view the falls is early in the morning at the lip of the Horseshoe Falls.

Here you can see feel the raging water and get so close it’s actually quite frightening. One slip and you are over the edge. Be careful here, a few years ago, a Japanese tourist was swept over the edge as she stood on the safety wall for a ridiculous photograph. We have an entire article with all the things to do in Niagara Falls that you can read here.

If you visit Niagara Falls, there are many attractions to do here.

It’s worth staying in town for two or three days and buying an attractions pass . Passes can be bought in advance at  Get Your Guide  where you can  book a complete pass  to attractions on both the US and Canada side of the falls.

The pass covers the Wow attractions like the Hornblower (Formerly Maid of the Mist) that takes you almost directly up to the falls by boat, Journey Behind the Falls, Whitewater Walk, Whirlpool Aero Car.

Niagara Falls Attractions

With your attractions pass in hand, you can get up close and personal with Niagara Falls by hopping on the Hornblower to go into the falls horseshoe. Be prepared to get wet.

The Hornblower is an amazing attraction in Niagara Falls that lives up to the hype. Your heart pounds as you make your way to the center of the Horseshoe Falls and feel the thundering water all around you. Rain ponchos are provided to help keep you dry, but on a hot summers day it feels divine.

Journey Behind the Falls

Once you are finished see it from the outside, go inside behind the falls and walk through caves and passagesways as you journey within this natural wonder.

Whitewater Walk

Walking along the whitewater walk is a thrill as you see class 6 rapids swirl before your eyes.

Clifton Hill

We even love checking out the wax museums and haunted houses on Clifton Hill. It’s cheesy and crowded but filled with so much energy and excitement.

Fallsview Casino

We end our Niagara Falls Road Trip at the Fallsview Casino area where the hotels are quieter, more luxurious and offer extraordinary views of both the American Niagara Falls and the Horseshoe Falls.

If you want a romantic getaway, this is the place to be.

Do you have any favourite stops on the Niagara Parkway during your previous Niagara Road Trips?

• Favourite Attractions at Niagara Falls
• California Road Trip: The Perfect Two Week Itinerary
• Alberta Road Trip – Following the Cowboy Trail

This post is in partnership with Toyota Canada where we test drove the Toyota RAV4 Limited. All opinions are our own.  For more information on the RAV4 Limited visit Toyota Canada  for more details.

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10 thoughts on “Niagara Falls Road Trip – The Best of the Niagara Parkway”

The place looks amazing and road tripping is an awesome idea!

A road trip in Canada is the only way to go!

A falling on road trips it is deserving on website.

Lovely post. I’ve not yet been to that corner but as far as the Niagara Whirlpoolis are concerned, I fear that I might just take my photos from the side of the road rather than the cable car. It looks rather shaky LOL!

Niagara Falls Road Trip sounds like a great idea for a familiar vacations if you want to explore and have a good time with your close people

Niagara Falls Road Trip – Its my romantic trip with my boyfriend before 2 year.

Stunning photos! When you mentioned the vineyards, i though it would have been hard for me to tear myself away from them. Then i saw your pictures of the falls, and can’t wait to visit!

I love the Niagara Falls area – can’t wait to go back and try the vineyards! This post made me very homesick – might be time to book a flight to Canada!

Also, we’ve hired a Rav4 for our PCH roadtrip later this year – how did you find the space in the back? We’re going to have quite a few bags and are worried they won’t fit.

We found the Rav4 very roomy. My parents have a large Prius that they thought would be suitable for them, but after seeing the space in the Rav4, they were sold. They spend half a year in Florida and are always carting things back and forth from Canada to Florida and they said it would do the trick. We liked how it had the privacy cover so that you can’t see the bags as well. Plus the windows are tinted in the back, so it’s more difficult to see in.

Did a similar trip with my parents many years ago after visiting the falls. Thanks for the memories.

How to Plan an Adventurous Niagara Falls Road Trip

By: Author Lora Pope

Posted on Published: May 20, 2020  - Last updated: January 11, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking and making a purchase through the links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclaimer for more information. This and display ads allow me to keep the site up to date and give back .

If you love waterfalls and vineyards, then you should start planning a Niagara Falls road trip! I remember visiting here for the first time as a kid, marveling at the sheer amazement of the power of Niagara Falls. Returning as an adult, coming here still brings up those same powerful feelings of wonder and awe.

Over the years, I’ve made countless road trips to Niagara falls with friends, boyfriends, and family. It’s a quintessential Canadian road trip that makes for a perfect day trip or weekend getaway. This Niagara Falls road trip planner has everything you need to know about visiting this world wonder!

Toronto to Niagara Falls Road Trip

Niagara Falls is just 128 KM from Toronto , but it’s likely going to take you at least two hours to drive to Niagara Falls because traffic leaving Toronto is notoriously awful. So if you can, avoid driving to Niagara Falls between 7-10 am or 3-6 pm. You’ll end up saving so much time.

If you don’t have your own car, regular bus tours run there from Toronto. You can also book a ticket with Busbud.

If you’re looking for places to stop on the way to Niagara Falls from Toronto, you could make a detour in Hamilton. It’s known as the world capital of waterfalls with over 100 that you can see hiking the Bruce Trail, so this is a great place to stop for nature lovers!

From Hamilton, it’s just an hour’s drive to Niagara Falls.

Things to do in Niagara Falls: Adventure Activities

Niagara Falls is a city in Ontario, Canada, but across the border/river, there is Niagara Falls, New York. Confusing! For this article, I’m going to focus on the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada, since this is where I’ve spent most of my time.

If you are coming from the American side – you can get to Canada in ten minutes by following the rainbow bridge. Just remember your passport!

Marvel at the Wonder of Niagara Falls

One of the best things to do on a Niagara Falls road trip is to go and marvel at this world wonder. There are three different waterfalls, Horseshoe Falls ( the Canadian Falls), American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

The cool thing about visiting from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is that you can see all three waterfalls at once – not to brag or anything.

Every evening beginning at sunset, Niagara Falls is transformed into an incredible, multi-colored water and light masterpiece. You can see the falls illumination schedule for the year here.

During the summer, they also put on regular fireworks which make it even more magical. It can get hectic around this time, so you’ll want to arrive early (around sunset) to secure a spot.

Although I’ve since seen many other world-wonder waterfalls , including Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Victoria Falls in Zambia , Niagara Falls is still one of my favorites.

While the falls are lovely to look at it (and free to visit), you wouldn’t expect me to leave it at that. This is an adventure travel blog after all!

Here are some ways you can truly experience the wonder of Niagara Falls, inside and out.

Niagara Hornblower Cruise – Voyage to the Falls

The Niagara Hornblower Cruise , or as I fondly remember it the Maiden of the Mist, is a boat cruise that takes you up close and personal with horseshoe falls.

It’s a 20-minute journey and you can expect to get very, very wet. Don’t worry, they provide ponchos! It’s so much fun to feel the spray of this powerful waterfall.

Go on a helicopter tour of Niagara Falls

Riding a helicopter is truly a remarkable way to see a waterfall. I took a helicopter over Victoria Falls, Zambia , and the birds-eye view was unlike anything else I’ve experienced – you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

You can do the same at Niagara Falls by taking a helicopter ride which will give you epic views of the waterfall and surrounding region.

Zip-line over the falls

If you want a quick dose of adrenaline, take a zip-lining tour over the falls . Starting at 67m high, you’ll soar right past the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the left, then land on the observation deck at the base of Horseshoe Falls with speeds up to 70 kph+.

The entire experience takes about 60 seconds. While not as long as some of the epic zip line adventures in Costa Rica , it’s a pretty memorable way to see Niagara Falls.

Journey Behind the Falls

You’ve flown above it, you’ve gotten next to it, what else could there possibly be left to do?

Get behind it!

Yes, it’s possible with this very cool tour.

The experience starts with a 125 ft descent down an elevator where you’ll land behind horseshoe falls.

You’ll then walk through 130-year-old tunnels in the bedrock, coming out on an observation deck right next to the falls where you can witness them in all their glory.

Jet Boat through the River

Ride an open-air jet boat through Niagara Falls class five rapids. While scenic, don’t expect a relaxing ride. These boats cut through the water at high speeds, which will leave you soaking wet. Although not as wet as I was after river rafting class five rapids on the Zambezi River in Zambia!

Can’t decide which adventure you want to go on? Do multiple of them! On this epic half-day tour, you’ll get to ride the Hornblower Niagara Cruise, descend 125 feet underground and explore the tunnels below the Horseshoe Falls at the Journey Behind the Falls, and ride on the yellow bug elevators at Skylon Tower to enjoy a breathtaking vista!

Relaxing Things to do on a Road Trip to Niagara Falls

While the waterfalls are the main attraction in the Niagara region, there are a few other ways to enjoy the nature of this area.

Butterfly Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Visit the Butterfly Conservatory and you can feel like you’re walking through a rainforest. This climate-controlled room is full of thousands of butterflies that will most likely land on you. They like human sweat; it’s weird.

Next to the butterfly conservatory is a beautiful botanical garden where you can stroll around and admire the gorgeous flora and fauna.

Hike or Rock Climb on Niagara Glen Nature Reserve

Just a few km away from Niagara Falls is the stunning Niagara Glen Nature reserve. This is the perfect spot to go day-hiking with several trails that overlook the whirlpool on the Niagara River.

Niagara Glen Nature reserve is also a great place to go rock climbing. Bring your own crash pad as there are many bouldering spots along the escarpment.

The best part about the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve is that it’s completely free to visit, which you may appreciate after a night at the casino.

Bike through Vineyards at Niagara-on-the-lake

Niagara Falls is part of the greater Niagara Region, which includes Niagara on the Lake. It’s a well-known wine-producing region, so taking a wine tour is the perfect thing to do here.

The easiest way to get to Niagara on the Lake is by driving; it’s just a half-hour drive from Niagara Falls. As you leave behind the falls, you can see the landscape change from the Niagara escarpment into the stunning vineyards of Niagra on the Lake. If you don’t have your own car, you can join a guided wine tour.

After visiting the vineyards, take a stroll into the town of Niagara on the Lake. It’s super cute and has some great restaurants for eating out! There are also many B&B’s and hotels to stay in Niagara on the Lake.

Eating and Drinking in Niagara Falls

The hub of nightlife in Niagara Falls is around Clifton Street. It attempts to be like a mini-vegas, with casinos for adults and arcade palaces galore for kids. That said, if you take it for what it is, Clifton street can be an enjoyable time, especially with a group of friends.

There is a Ferris Wheel on Clifton street which you can go on for some lovely views.

While we were walking the streets the night before my birthday, my friend sneakingly bought tickets for us to take the Ferris wheel at midnight. There’s just something perfect about turning a year older on top of a Ferris wheel; I recommend it if you happen to be there on your birthday!

You can drink inside the casinos, and there are clubs to go out to afterward. But to be honest, I didn’t find any of them particularly impressive. If you’re a craft beer lover, check out Niagara Brewing Company on Clifton street.

Best Restaurants in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has an eclectic restaurant scene where you can get food from about any region in the world. Napoli Ristorante Pizzeria has delicious pizza and fresh pasta, while the Kasbah serves delicious farm-to-table Mediterranean food, including vegetarian options.

If you’re looking for a restaurant with good food and a view of the falls, then check out the Rainbow Room in Crown Plaza. IHOP also has an excellent view of the falls, but remember that you will be paying for that view in the food price!

The only bummer about celebrating a birthday in Niagara is that many businesses don’t honor the free birthday gifts they usually give you (I’m looking at you, Boston Pizza). If you happen to be in Niagara on your birthday, Denny’s does provide complimentary breakfast.

If you want a sweet treat, hit up Sweet Jesus for a delicious Ice Cream cone.

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has a ton of accommodation options for all budgets. If you’re looking for one with a great view, check out Marriott on the falls . My ex brought me here to ask me to be his girlfriend, and it was pretty swoon-worthy. In the end, we weren’t a great match, but it was a very romantic weekend!

View this post on Instagram Room with a view 👀🏩 💦 A post shared by Lora 🇨🇦 Solo Adventure Travel (@explorewithlora) on Apr 14, 2019 at 9:55am PDT

Other hotels in Niagara Falls known for their views are Raddison Niagara Falls, Hilton Niagara Falls, and Sheraton on the Falls. While these are all big-name hotels, you can score surprisingly good deals, especially if you are traveling during the off-season or in the week.

Another way to save money on accommodation/tours in Niagara Falls is to buy a package on Groupon. Even though these seem marketed towards couples, I recommend doing this with a friend.

On my 28th birthday, me and a friend bought a Groupon and set off for a romantic night at the falls. We got a sweet hotel room at the Travelodge with a heart-shaped hot tub; it even came with a box of chocolates and a bottle of wine. It was cheesy AF and the perfect way to turn 28.

Best Time to Road Trip Niagara Falls

The falls can be visited year-round, but the most popular is during the summer (June-September). This is when Ontario gets its best weather, so it’s a good time to enjoy the outdoor adventure activities. However, it’s also when the falls will be most crowded.

That said, visiting Niagara Falls is one of my favorite things to do in Toronto in the summertime.

I’ve visited the falls during winter and still enjoyed it. They were half frozen, which was pretty magical to see. Although it was cold, the fact that the hotels were half the price and there were hardly any other tourists made up for it. It’s one of the best places to go in Ontario in winter!

Just note that the weather can be unpredictable in Canada during the winter , which may delay your plans and driving time.

I’ve also been to Niagara Falls in spring/fall and experienced similarly low prices and fewer crowds. Fall is a beautiful time to visit because you can see the leaves change color, which is perfect if you want to go hiking around the Niagara Glen area.

Getting Around Niagara Falls

If you’re staying in downtown Niagara Falls , you will be able to walk almost everywhere, as this is where many of the top attractions are. A WEGO Bus can take you to the major attractions if you don’t want to walk. Niagara on the Lake is about half an hour away, but tours will take you there if you don’t have a car.

How Long to Spend in Niagara Falls + Sample Itinerary

While you can drive to Niagara Falls as a day trip from Toronto , t here’s so much to do here that I would spend at least a night, and ideally a weekend.

As a sample weekend itinerary, you could drive up to Niagara Falls from Toronto on a Friday night and spend that evening exploring Clifton Street and watching the nightly light show on the falls. The next day, set off for a day of adventure at the falls. You could zip-line, take a boat cruise, and Journey behind the falls all in one day. At night, enjoy dinner with a view at one of the cities restaurants.

The next day, check out of your hotel and head out to visit the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve for a light hike, then visit Niagara on the Lake for a winery tour. Return to Toronto that evening, feeling satisfied with a weekend of adventure.

FAQ: Road trip to Niagara Falls

When is the best time to visit niagara falls.

The summer season is the most popular time to visit Niagara Falls, as this is when you’ll get the warmer weather. However, visiting Niagara Falls during the winter should not be overlooked as you may get the chance to see the falls frozen over which is magical!

Is it free to go to Niagara Falls?

Yes, it’s free to see Niagara Falls, and it’s open 365 days a year!

Which Niagara falls view is better?

Call me biased, but I think the Canadian side is where you get the better view! There you can see gorgeous panoramic views of the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. On the American side, you’ll get a closer look at American and Bridal Veil Falls.

Which country owns Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls is owned by both America and Canada. The American and Bridal Veil Falls are entirely in the US, but Horseshoe Falls flows in both countries are the more popular tourist attraction.

How many days do you need for Niagara Falls?

To fully enjoy Niagara Falls and its surrounding attractions, plan for at least two days. This allows time to experience the falls from various perspectives and explore nearby activities.

Where do you stop on the way to Niagara?

On the way to Niagara Falls from Toronto, consider stopping in Hamilton, known as the world capital of waterfalls, or the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, famous for its vineyards.

What is the best road to go to Niagara Falls?

The best road to Niagara Falls from Toronto is the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). It offers a direct and scenic route to the falls.

Which side of Niagara Falls is prettiest?

Many argue that the Canadian side of Niagara Falls offers the most picturesque views, allowing a panoramic view of all three waterfalls: Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Is it worth going to Niagara Falls on the US side?

Yes, visiting Niagara Falls on the US side is worth it, especially for the up-close views of the American and Bridal Veil Falls and unique experiences like Cave of the Winds.

What do you need to cross the Canadian border by car 2023?

To cross the Canadian border by car in 2023, you need a valid passport or other approved travel document, and it’s advisable to have proof of vaccination against COVID-19, auto insurance, and a clear travel itinerary.

Final Thoughts: Niagara Adventure

And there you have it, fellow travelers – your ultimate guide to a Niagara Falls road trip! From the breathtaking views on the Canadian side to the thrilling experiences on the US side, this journey promises a blend of awe and excitement. Whether you’re marveling at the falls from a Hornblower Cruise, zipping over them, or savoring local flavors in Niagara-on-the-Lake, each moment is a story waiting to be told.

Remember, Niagara Falls isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience. It’s about the mist on your face, the roar of the falls in your ears, and the thrill of new discoveries. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and set off on this unforgettable adventure. And who knows? You might just find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even left. Safe travels and enjoy every moment at Niagara Falls – where every second is a spectacle! 🌊✨🚗

If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway from Toronto, then Niagara Falls is a perfect choice.

Traveling in Ontario? Check out these posts!

• 9 Best Things to do in Toronto in Spring [2024]
• 101 Fun Things To Do in Toronto in Summer 2023
• 14 Best Toronto Food Tours and Experiences
• 12 Magical Places to Visit In Ontario in Winter
• 101 Fun Things To Do in Toronto This Winter [2023]
• Best Places To Be a Digital Nomad in Spain
• 23 Best Road Trips from Toronto for Summer 2023
• 9 Unique Places To Stay In Ontario [2023]
• 12 Best Neighborhoods in Toronto To Explore
• Best Boutique Hotels in Toronto
• Fall In Toronto: Best Events and Activities

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Lora is a full-time digital nomad on a quest to visit every country in the world and pet as many dogs as she can along the way. Over the last 15 years, she has traveled to 70+ countries and six continents solo. She currently calls Puerto Vallarta, Mexico home and enjoys ending each day with sunset and tacos on the beach.

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NYC to Niagara Falls Road Trip Itinerary With Essential Stops

There’s nothing quite like the beauty of Upstate New York . That’s why if you’ve got Niagara Falls on your Bucket List for a Lifetime, there’s no better way to make the trip than by driving from New York City.

With the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley, Adirondack Mountains, and the shoreline of Lake Ontario to experience, the drive to Niagara Falls will be just as memorable as the final destination. The entire family will have a blast on this epic road trip to Niagara Falls from New York . 

They’ll love doing things like traveling deep into the caves of Howe Caverns, riding scenic railroads, and exploring historic towns before experiencing the power of Niagara Falls.

Distance From New York To Niagara Falls

How long is the drive from new york to niagara falls, best time of year to drive from new york to niagara falls, hudson valley (beacon, poughkeepsie, kingston), niagara falls, ny & on, more tips for road tripping new york to niagara falls.

The distance from New York City to Niagara Falls is just over 400 miles. Depending on which route you take it could be even over 500 miles. But no matter how you get there, the drive to Niagara Falls will take you through the gorgeous landscape of Upstate New York. 

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If you’re looking to get to Niagara fast, it could be done in just over 6 hours. But that’s if you’re planning to drive when no one is on the road (like the dead of night) and without stopping. Let’s be realistic, though. That’s no fun! 

Making it a true road trip to Niagara Falls from New York is the way to go. This way, you can stop and enjoy the wonderful places along the way, like the Hudson Valley and Lake Ontario. So, instead of putting the pedal to the medal, it’s recommended to take anywhere from three days a week to drive to Niagara Falls. 

The best time of year to do a road trip to Niagara Falls from New York has to be the summer. You’ll be able to escape the stifling heat in the city and head up into the beautiful, cooler landscape of Upstate New York. Summer is also the best time to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and enjoy Mother Nature on the drive to Niagara Falls. 

Another fabulous time to consider driving from New York to Niagara is autumn. You’ll love the cooler temperatures and the gorgeous fall foliage throughout the entire drive.  

Best Stops on a New York to Niagara Falls Road Trip

On this epic road trip from New York to Niagara Falls, we’ve mapped out the best stops to make along the Hudson Valley, through Albany, and along the coast of Lake Ontario. 

Just to the north of New York City is the incredible Hudson Valley. Indeed, this beautiful place starts only about 50 miles north of the city, but depending on traffic, it might be the best place to get out and stretch your legs after a few hours in the car.

Cherished for its gorgeous landscape on the banks of the Hudson River, there are several lovely places to visit in the Hudson Valley.

Beacon has a bustling village center with quaint boutiques, antique shops, and places to eat. Go for a hike on Mount Beacon for a great view of the valley. Dia Beacon , a contemporary art museum, is a must-see for anyone interested in the arts. 

Home to three different colleges, including Vassar and Marist, Poughkeepsie is a must-stop on any New York to Niagara road trip. There are plenty of places to eat, shop, and explore, including the Walkway Over the Hudson. For a bit of history, check out Locust Grove Estate, home to inventor Samuel Morse. 

Kingston is a city with a vast history and character in the Hudson Valley. Not only does it date back to the 17th century, but it was the first state capital of New York. Today, you’ll find tons of great shops, restaurants, and bars. Consider taking a ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad or a Hudson River sightseeing cruise.

Pro Tip: Everyone knows there’s going to be traffic getting out of NYC. So, no matter what time of day or night you plan to go, use a navigation app to avoid massive delays. And if you get stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, don’t lose your cool. Just go with the flow. You’ll get there, eventually. 

One hundred and sixty miles to the north of New York City the next major stop on this New York to Niagara Falls road trip is Albany, the state’s capital city. To learn all about the impressive building and state legislation, you can take a tour of the State Capitol building.  

The New York State Museum has something for everyone, including a hands-on center for kids. The Crossings at Colonie is a great park where everyone in the family can have fun hiking, biking, and being kids on the playground.

Stroll the colorful Lark Street, which is full of shops, restaurants, and galleries. To get into the beautiful wilderness of Upstate NY, don’t miss the Albany Pine Bush Preserve , one of the remaining pine bushes in the country.

As a major city, there are plenty of places to stay in Albany on your drive to Niagara Falls, like the Morgan State Inn or the Renaissance Albany Hotel. Folks who are RVing check out Thompson’s Lake Campground at Thacher State Park. 

Nestled at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains is the city of Utica. Although the drive west from Albany takes about an hour and a half, it’s totally doable, with a couple of super cool stops along the way.

In less than an hour’s drive west of Albany, you’ll be able to travel deep underground to discover the wonders of Howe Caverns . Fun for everyone in the family: seniors and children enjoy discounted tickets. Children four and under are free. Just make sure to reserve tickets ahead of time. 

Another great stop-off on the way to Utica is the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Open daily, you’ll love learning all about the history of America’s pastime and seeing priceless artifacts. Discounts are offered for children, seniors, and veterans. Active military and children 6 and under are free.

Once in Utica, it’s easy to find tons of stuff to do. If you’re hoping to see more of the beautiful landscape, hop on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad . Kids will also love seeing the animals at the Utica Zoo .

Known as “The Port City,” Oswego is a beautiful city on Lake Ontario with history, culture, and fun. History buffs will love exploring Fort Ontario and learning about its long history. Open Wednesday through Sunday, from spring until early fall.  

Other cool things to do in Oswego include checking out the murals along the Oswego River Walk and experiencing the awesome view from Flat Rock. Let the kids be kids at the Children’s Museum of Oswego , which is open Tuesdays through Sundays. 

Families looking to max out the fun in Oswego on a drive to Niagara Falls should consider staying at Splash Indoor Water Park and Resort. The fun never stops at this Clarion Hotel with its indoor water park and arcade. 

Heading west from Oswego towards Rochester, definitely make a stop at Chimney Bluffs State Park . With incredible land formations and views of the lake, you’ll be happy you made time for this awesome park. Entry fees are $5 per vehicle and only collected April 1–October 31.

Traveling west along Lake Ontario for only an hour and a half, you’ll arrive at the next destination on this New York to Niagara Falls road trip, Rochester. There’s always something interesting to do in Rochester. That’s why it’s a no-brainer when deciding where to stop when driving from New York to Niagara Falls. 

Kids of all ages will love spending time at The Strong National Museum of Play (open daily), the Seneca Park Zoo (open daily), and the Rochester Museum & Science Center (closed Mondays). 

For outdoor adventure, head out on Lake Ontario or kayak on the Genesee River. There are plenty of places to stroll or walk in Rochester, like walking along the Erie Canal and enjoying Cobb’s Hill Park. 

To appreciate the magic that is a camera (even if it is just a simple function on your smartphone), definitely visit the George Eastman Museum while in Rochester. You’ll learn about how, as the founder of the Eastman Kodak Company, he revolutionized photography. 

Discounted tickets are available for children, students, and seniors, but make sure to reserve tickets in advance. If you’re looking to camp or RVing on your New York to Niagara Falls road trip Webster Park and Hamilton Beach State Park are great options in Rochester.

Once you’ve had your fill of Rochester, it’s time to hit the road again, onto the final destination: Niagara Falls. Although it’s been an epic road trip driving from New York to Niagara, there’s nothing quite like getting to see the incredible falls and experiencing everything the area has to offer. 

There are so many different ways to experience the falls. You can see it from observation decks, boat tours, or even venture behind the falls for a truly unique experience. 

For a full bird’s eye view of all three falls, head up to the Niagara Falls Observation Tower on the New York side of the falls. Or get your adrenaline pumping by ziplining over the falls on the Canadian side. No matter which way you choose to experience the falls, you’ll be making memories to last a lifetime. 

Another awesome idea is to hike the Niagara Gorge State Hiking Trails. With various hikes, from beginner to challenging, just about everyone in the family can enjoy the beauty of Niagara on foot.

When considering where to stay in Niagara Falls, great options are available on both the US and Canada sides. The same goes for places to eat, too. If you’re looking to try your luck, there are several casinos in Niagara Falls, Canada.  

Pro Tip: There’s so much to see in Niagara Falls on either side of the border. So, it’s highly recommended to bring your passport on this road trip from New York to Niagara Falls. This way, you can easily cross the Rainbow Bridge without problems. 

• Get up-to-the-minute road conditions throughout the drive to Niagara Falls on 511NY.org
• Remember to bring your passport. Even if you don’t plan to cross the border into Canada, it’s always nice to have that option. 
• Know the rules and regulations for crossing the US/Canada border in Niagara Falls – Rainbow Bridge (cars and pedestrians).

© Family Road Trip

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Niagara Falls School Trips

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Great Adventure Tours Inc. Email: [email protected] Phone: (800) 638-3945 Fax: (519) 727-6988

Starting from $199.00 CND per student based on quad occupancy.

** Conditions Apply ** For more details contact us or take a few moments to fill out our Online Request for Quote. Great Adventure Tours is a proud member of SYTA (Student Youth Travel Association)

Planning a student field trip?

Planning a Niagara Falls class field trip, school trip, educational tour, or student tour? Let Great Adventure Tours experienced staff plan all of your student travel needs.

Niagara Falls is not only one of the World's most Spectacular Natural Wonders; it's a fun place for students to visit as well!

These days it is hard enough being a teacher without also having to be a "travel agent", that is why we are here !

When you book your class field trip to Niagara Falls with Great Adventure Tours we offer 'One Stop Shopping For Teachers' , one call, one contact, one bill, it's that easy! Just give our experienced travel staff a call and let us design a customized class trip for you that will meet you and your schools needs.

Students can take a boat ride on the World Famous "Maid of the Mist" in the churning waters of the Niagara River and see the falls up close and personal, or perhaps see the falls from a different angle, from the inside out, as you take the "Journey behind the Falls" . Students will love their ride on the "Spanish Aero Car," which will take them high above the Niagara Whirlpool or the excitement of the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour (featured on the Amazing Race) .

Your students may choose to add to your class trip a visit to the IMAX Theatre , Skylon Tower , museums of Clifton Hill , a visit to the Hard Rock Café or Planet Hollywood , whichever they choose Niagara Falls has it to offer !

Niagara Falls is both astounding and mesmerizing, a memory your students will carry with them forever !

Featured Atractions & Services:

Step on guide for an overview tour of the Niagara area. The best way to find out about Niagara Falls's many attractions, both man-made and natural, is to delve in and explore. Start with the Falls. See them up close. Drive by the hustle and bustle of Clifton Hill. Your Guide explains the natural history of the Gorge and Glen, the Old Scow and much more. This region is truly an Ontario jewel.

Maid of the Mist - is a must for any visitor to Niagara Falls. Get up close and personal with one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.

Journey Behind the Falls for a fantastic view of the Horseshoe Falls. An elevator takes you through solid rock to viewing portals behind the cascading water.

IMAX - Experience the amazing discovery, legendary myths, heroic acts and death defying stunts. See the wonders of the Falls up close like never before with the spectacular IMAX film – "Niagara; Miracles, Myths and Magic."

Butterfly Conservatory –featuring over 2,000 free flying butterflies in this lush tropical rain forest setting.

Whirlpool Jet Boat ride . Just a mile and a half down stream from the falls, experience the rush of whitewater as you blast through the Niagara River Gorge. and enjoy a rare view of some of the area's most breathtaking scenery from the safety of the powerful "Whirlpool Jet Boat".

Niagara Aero Car . Experience the turbulent rapids of the Whirlpool from the safety of this sturdy cable car. Water, descended from the Falls, is forced through the narrowest turn in the river with unrelenting force.

Copyright © 2009 Gati. All Rights Reserved.

Woman's Day

25 Affordable Girls' Trip Ideas That Will Convince You to Finally Plan That Getaway

Posted: May 31, 2024 | Last updated: May 31, 2024

Remember the old days, when getting the girls together for a getaway was as easy as piling in the car with a few bathing suits, some snacks, and a sense of adventure? These days, it's not so easy: Often, female friendships require intricate coordination with spouses, kids, jobs — and all the trappings of serious adulting. (Womp, womp.)

But travel is the ultimate bonding experience for best friends and an amazing way to recharge and refocus. So it's a goal well worth prioritizing, despite the challenges involved with logistics and coordination. These girls' trip ideas include something for every group — whether you're all about adventure, relaxation, city sightseeing, or wandering off the grid. Our picks include both far-flung destinations, and plenty of domestic travel options that require no passport (or jet lag) at all. And these girls trip ideas include options for every group's budget , from wallet-friendly road trips to bucket-list international travels.

No matter where you go, you're sure to have a life-affirming, laughter-inspiring, friendship-rejuvenating good time. So get to booking and make it happen — no excuses!

Ready to get packing? Don't forget to check out our picks for the best luggage on Amazon , and best travel dresses to pack for every destination.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas has long been a hot spot for bachelorette parties and wild girls' nights out on the town and for good reason. The Strip is only a few minutes from the airport and home to upscale hotels, the must-see dancing Fountains of Bellagio , mainstream restaurants, and no shortage of shows. Get the girls together for a baller group stay at Sky Suites at Aria , with its own food and drinks lounge and airport transportation included.

Rome, Italy

Focus on the “eat” of an eat, pray, love-style getaway with a girls trip to the Eternal City. Visit the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel, and more — all with ample stops for pizza, pasta, gelato, and vino, of course. Stay at the Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese with its Settimo restaurant and lounge bar on the roof terrace, overlooking all the splendor of the city.

Maui, Hawaii

The beaches and turquoise waters make for a dreamy and relaxing getaway, and the lively dining, pool, and shopping scenes combine for the ultimate girls trip. Stay at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea to live out The White Lotus experience IRL. And make a plan for the new experience, A Wayfinder's Journey , led by the distinguished female Hawaiian navigator Kala Baybayan Tanaka aboard a private catamaran.

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Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs and its environs all around the Southern California desert region make for a girls trip packed with fun under the sun and swaying palms. (Definitely pack that SPF!) The Thompson Palm Springs hotel is readying for a chic opening. Or in Indian Wells, get your splash on in the lazy river with two enormous water slides at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells . (Don’t forget to snap your social media selfies in front of the “Desert Vibes Only” neon wall!)

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New York City, New York

There's a lot to see in NYC. Luckily, you can see almost all of it from the observation deck at The Edge . And if you and your girls are looking for a real thrill, you can even sign up to scale the building . It's the perfect bonding moment for any group dedicated to new challenges and conquering fears. Then, spend the rest of the trip exploring the various shows, restaurants, and boat tours available.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The iconic Rocky Steps , photos at the Liberty Bell , and drinks at the bar in the Four Seasons Hotel are all great stops for a girls' trip in Philly.

For a bucket list trip, Fiji is more accessible than you think: It’s the same distance from the U.S. West Coast as London via nonstop flight. Stay at Vomo Island Fiji for spa, scuba, snorkeling, and incredible South Pacific cuisine.

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Baltimore, Maryland

When it comes to sightseeing, you can't go wrong with a stop at the Baltimore Inner Harbor , home to the Maryland Science Center , the National Aquarium , Top of the World Observation Level , and amazing seafood dining.

Downtown Dubai isn't just home to the world's tallest man-made structure, the Burj Khalifa. It's home to a guaranteed glamorous girls' trip experience, with modern architecture, luxury shopping, and pristine beaches. It's also home to plenty of Real Housewives lore, if your group loves Bravo. And it's where Beyoncé famously performed at the opening of the new Atlantis The Royal .

Ocean City, Maryland

If your friend circle consists of mom friends who are sick of cleaning up after other people, they'll enjoy the beaches of Ocean City. The locale is ranked amongst the cleanest in America. For oceanfront and in- ocean dining, Seacrets is a local favorite.

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Lighthouses, The African American Heritage Trail , and access to seafood make this charming location a top pick for a trip with the girls.

Newport, Rhode Island

Those who dream about living the mansion life will love a trip to Newport to expand on that fantasy. The town is famous for the mansions along Bellevue Avenue . Book a stay at Gurney's Resort for some R&R and Instagram-worthy photos lounging by the pool.

Savannah, Georgia

Friend groups dreaming of living like a Southern belle won't be disappointed with a trip to Savannah. People come for the Southern charm and stay for the horse-drawn carriages, bed and breakfasts, and river boat cruises.

Charleston, South Carolina

Cobblestone streets, boardwalks, and The Pineapple Fountain are amongst the landmarks great for tourists and girlfriends looking for some fun photo spots.

New Orleans, Louisiana

When a hit movie called Girls Trip takes place in this travel hot spot, it only makes sense you follow suit with a girls' trip of your own. Besides being home to the Essence Festival , New Orleans is known for the sounds of soul and the infusion of French cuisine. In short, there will never be a dull moment on a trip here.

Catalina Island, California

Just off the coast of California, this getaway is well known by natives of the state and the perfect place to head to for anyone who prefers to escape the crowds of Los Angeles (...for island crowds, when summertime demand swells the lively beaches and restaurants here). The 22-mile island is easily traveled by foot or golf cart. It's home to diving, paddling, a casino, several spas, and plenty of reasons to relax and disconnect.

Houston, Texas

Houston may be well known for its space center and museums, but it's also the perfect spot for hitting the trails. The Buffalo Bayou has several hundred acres of park land. Rent a canoe, see the hidden art, and paddle through downtown Houston as you admire the natural beauty. If you and your girls are kids at heart, take the hour and a half drive down to adults-only waterpark The Cove at BearX . Or, enjoy a wine tasting at Pur Noire Urban Wineries or Sable Gate Winery .

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is home to rooftop bars, rich history, and a captivating architecture boat tour that's sure to impress. The best part is, its central location makes finding direct flights a breeze for the most part. For friends looking for a high-class experience, a stay at the Sofitel Chicago and shopping along the Magnificent Mile can provide a healthy dose of luxury.

Pigeon Point, Tobago

For the crew who's had enough of the typical Caribbean tourist attractions, Tobago is a hidden gem not to be missed. It's located north of the main island of Trinidad and home to Buccoo Reef and lush rainforests perfect for bird watching. Not to be missed is the Nylon Pool — a naturally made pool surrounded by white sand in the middle of the ocean safe enough for visitors to swim in and enjoy. Spend the night at the secluded Bacolet Beach Club after indulging in some curry chicken and roti.

Nassau, Bahamas

The Bahamas is a no-brainer decision for friends living on the East Coast. The ease in finding short direct flights makes planning a stress-free experience — something all busy friends can appreciate. Once there, head to the Junkanoo Museum to learn more about Bahamian culture.

Barcelona, Spain

A girls' night in your hometown at a favorite restaurant surrounded by tapas and drinks isn't an uncommon experience, so why not experience them where it all started? Book the Original Tapas Crawl Adventure to find out more about (and taste!) the local food and drinks.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Dining at juice bars, surf lessons, and experiencing the butterfly conservatory are among the popular activities for girlfriends to engage during a getaway to magical Costa Rica.

Niagara Falls, Canada

Niagara Falls has no shortage of splash zones and adventures. Zip lining, Maid of the Mist boat tours, and a trip to the observation deck leave little room for boredom. Raise a glass to the memories made over a glass of the popular Canadian varietal, ice wine.

Charlestown, Nevis

Anyone who is addicted to the soundtrack from the Broadway musical Hamilton (and who isn't?) is in for a surprise during a girls' trip to the island of Nevis. Lovers of the show will appreciate the opportunity to visit the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, known as The Hamilton House . Then, relish in the rich history that led to the captivating story during an amazing West Indian dinner at Bananas restaurant .

Riviera Maya, Mexico

If staying at an all-inclusive resort is a must for your girlfriend getaway, look no further than Mexico. Dreams Resort , Excellence , and Grand Palladium are some of the top choices for all-inclusive stays in the area.

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