The free viewing platforms offer excellent close-up views
Observation platform, US side
Credit Shutterstock.com/Ruslan Kalnitsky
Observation platform, ‘Cave of the Winds’ experience, US side
Head to the top pf the Skylon Tower for great views
Credit Shutterstock.com/JuliaDorian
Hop into a helicopter for an incredible bird’s eye view…
Credit Shutterstock.com/LMspencer
There are some historical monuments – like the old fort- worth a stop
The world-class wines of the Niagara Peninsula are a short drive away
Stop in at vineyards for tours and tastings
Credit Shutterstock.com/JHVEPhoto
If you have time, stop by the pretty town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Credit Shutterstock.com/Kiev.Victor
Last updated: 09 July, 2023
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There’s only one reason most people come to this Ontario city straddling the border of the United States and Canada, and that’s to see the remarkable Horseshoe Falls waterfall. It’s one of the world’s greatest natural wonders – on many a bucket list – that justifies the hype, making Niagara a bucket list destination.
Beyond the waterfall, there’s the inevitable mass-market tourist fare of entertainment venues, theme parks and casinos – but there are other worthy sights & activities to be found here. There are some wonderful walks, and just outside the city is the Niagara Wine region, home to world-class vineyards.
Orientation
The Falls straddle the US and Canadian border, so you’ll hear references to the ‘Canadian side’ or the ‘US side’ depending on which country you are in.
The Canadian side of the falls – more powerful than the American – is probably the better side from which to experience them, but both offer a wide range of (fantastic) experiences.
The city built around them is also called ‘Niagara Falls’, leading to endless confusion with the waterfall itself.
One block from the Falls is Clifton Hill, a district packed with (touristy) entertainment venues, restaurants and shops. Great fun for families visiting the Falls, but there’s nothing authentic or different about it, so more cultured travellers should avoid it like the plague.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a separate town, a 30-minute drive north of Niagara Falls city. It’s the gateway to the picturesque vineyards of the world-class Niagara Wine Region.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers
From Toronto: Niagara Falls Day Tour with Optional Boat Cruise
Toronto
Embark on a guided tour of the Niagara Falls and marvel at the magnificent waterfalls with breathtaking views. Delight in the historical commentary from your knowledgeable and licensed local tour guide.
Start with a scenic drive through along the Niagara River and view Queenston Heights and Brock's Monument. Enjoy a stopover and see the hydroelectric power station, Whirlpool Rapids, and Floral Clock. You will arrive at Niagara Falls to explore the falls at your leisure for 4 hours.
Enjoy a free maple syrup tour and tasting where you can indulge in treats like fudge, poutine, maple beer, or Niagara's famous ice wine (optional).
Make your tour more memorable by feeling the thunder of the Journey Behind the Falls or get panoramic views from Skylon Tower. Visit Niagara's Fury, Zipline, Hershey's Chocolate Factory, Botanical Garden, and the Butterfly conservatory. Explore Clifton Hill and partake in activities like the Niagara SkyWheel, Casino, Ripley's Believe it or Not, and more!
Enjoy a day trip from Toronto to Niagara Falls that includes stops at Niagara Falls, the Floral Clock (seasonal), the Niagara Whirlpool, and a viewpoint overlooking the Niagara River. You'll travel aboard a modern coach and have a minimum of three hours in Niagara Falls to explore independently. Tours are conducted by licensed Niagara Parks Commission Tour Guides, so you'll learn interesting information with commentary given throughout the day. On the day of the tour, you have the option to purchase a Niagara Hornblower City cruise up the Niagara River to the base of Niagara Falls. You will also have the option to go up the Skylon Tower giving amazing views overlooking Niagara Falls from above.
Niagara Falls Day Tour From Toronto with Niagara Cruise
Toronto
Experience the Thrill of Niagara Falls on this small group day tour from Toronto.
Skip the lines on Hornblower Niagara boat cruise and enjoy a Niagara falls guided bus tour. This tour includes Toronto downtown hotel pickups and drop off, Niagara cruise boat with fast track tickets, Helicopter ride over the Falls(addon), lookout at Whirlpool Rapids Golf course, see the Falls from the Edge of Canadian side, Visit the Ontario's Finest Maple Syrup Factory for tasting and touring!
Niagara Falls Tour From Toronto with Skip-the-Line Boat Cruise
Toronto
Enjoy a small-group tour of Niagara Falls with a licensed tour guide in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus or van. Pick-up is available from central hotels and locations in Downtown Toronto and Mississauga. Depart between 7:45 - 8:20 AM and return by 5:30 PM for an evening event in the city.
Arrive in Niagara Falls at 10 AM. Enjoy extra free time in Niagara Falls with about 4 hours to maximize your trip. This includes time for sightseeing at the Horseshoe Falls, 1-2 optional attractions and the iconic Clifton Hill strip. Optional attractions include a boat tour in the summer and Journey Behind the Falls and Niagara's Fury in the winter. Get lunch at a local restaurant or have a picnic by the waterfalls.
Next, enjoy some special local treats with maple syrup and chocolate fudge tasting! You can also shop for local souvenirs here.
Continue your travels with a scenic drive across the Niagara Parkway. Stop and take photos at iconic landmarks such as the whirlpool and floral clock.
Niagara Falls One Day Sightseeing Tour from Toronto
Toronto
YOU SHOULD BOOK WITH US FOR 3 VERY IMPORTANT REASONS;
1st...WE OFFER THE BEST TIMED TOUR!
As international travelers ourselves we understand & respect your vacation time is well earned and valuable. This tour does stop not at forced souvenir shops. Every other tour will bring you to a souvenir shop that gives them lucrative commissions in exchange for your time. The direct benefit to you our valued passenger is a timely return into Downtown Toronto before the major traffic begins. You will have plenty of time to relax before your exciting evening plans in the city!
2nd...WE ARE THE FUNNIEST & MOST RELEVANT TOUR!
tired of the same old 'look to you left', 'look to your right' boring tour scripts?
I know we are, so we have upped the WOW factor on this tour! Our tour guides take great pride in their daily unscripted & hilarious performances.
Regardless of nationality or language barrier, you will be laughing & learning from pickup to dropoff!
3rd...EXCELLENT VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!
Niagara Falls Canadian Side Tour and Maid of the Mist Boat Ride Option
Niagara Falls
While you're visiting Niagara Falls, take a morning or afternoon tour of the spectacular attractions on the Canadian side of the Falls. Highlights include an exhilarating ride aboard the famous Maid of the Mist boat at the base of the majestic Horseshoe Falls, and a trip up the Skylon Tower for a bird's-eye view of the Niagara region.
Please note: The Maid of the Mist portion of this tour departs from the US side of Niagara Falls. All customers booking this tour must have appropriate documentation to enter the United States and Canada.
Niagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto with Boat, Lunch& Winery Stop
Toronto
This full-day tour from Toronto to Niagara Falls includes a wine tasting and free time to explore Niagara Falls including a meal overlooking the falls and a Niagara Hornblower Cruise or another Niagara Attraction when the Hornblower Boats are not running ( Winter months) Sit back, relax, and let your guide show you the magic of Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls in 1 Day: Tour of American and Canadian Sides
Niagara Falls
Don't let the border stop you from experiencing all of Niagara Falls' glory! On this deluxe 6-hour tour, visit top Niagara Falls attractions on both the Ontario side and the New York side. Take a ride on the famous 'Maid of the Mist' boat, view the falls from atop Skylon Tower, feel the falls’ thunder at the Cave of the Winds and much more. All attraction fees, admission fees, hotel transfers and road tolls are included!
Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour With Boat Cruise & Dinner (optional)
Toronto
We offer Award winning Tours of Niagara Falls for last 25 years.
Experience the Falls with our Trained and Professional Tour Guides. We are premiere Niagara Falls Bus Tour company in Toronto, Ontario. We'll help you create the perfect once in a life time Sightseeing trip from Toronto to the Niagara Falls. We are offering complete full tour packages that fits in your vacation budget. Experience the wonder, the beauty, and the history of Niagara Falls we offer highly-rated, exclusive yet affordable guided tours to Canadian side of the Niagara Falls. Tours depart daily from Toronto throughout the year. End your day with an exciting (and explosive!) show of Fireworks & Illumination! The Niagara Falls Fireworks is famous for its technical brilliance and for its continued creative energy for many years. Fireworks are scheduled We have designated parking close to the Falls there which offers beautiful view of Lights and Fireworks.
Best of Niagara Falls Canada Small Group w/Boat & Behind Falls
Your first stop is Skylon Tower, you’ll head up 520 ft. in a glass elevator to the observation deck where you will be treated to an incredible, birds-eye view of all three Niagara Falls, the Niagara River & surrounding area.
At your next stop you will descend 125 ft to explore cave-like tunnels at Journey Behind the Falls. This experience is a treat for the senses as you’ll be able to not only hear the falls, but feel them as well.
Next jump aboard the Niagara City Cruises Voyage To The Falls Boat Tour (seasonal, operating Apr-Nov. only, replaced with Niagara's Fury & Butterfly Conservatory from Dec.-Apr.). You will sail around the Niagara gorge, get as close as possible to the Falls and feel the refreshing mist.
During the final portion of your tour, your guide will take you on a narrated driving tour of the city. Your guide will take you to several points of interest including the Dufferin Islands, the International Control Dam, the Old Scow, Whirlpool Rapids and the Floral Clock
Luxury Small-Group Niagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto with Hornblower Cruise
Toronto
With an average of just 8 guests and a maximum of 15 guests, our small group tours of Niagara Falls allow more time for sightseeing. No long queues! We’re unique in offering both a dedicated driver and a licenced guide. Our award-winning tours are packed full of photo stops. Canada’s captivating Falls are a world wonder! Be dazzled by the thundering Falls on the Hornblower boat cruise. Enjoy an optional lunch with stunning views of the Falls. Be wowed by the riverside vistas, Whirlpool Rapids, and Floral Clock along the scenic Niagara Parkway enroute to
enchanting Niagara-on-the-Lake. Truly memorable!
Toronto to Niagara Falls Early Bird Small Group Tour w/Boat Ride
Toronto
A visit to Niagara Falls makes for the perfect day trip from Toronto. This tour highlights the best experiences that Niagara Falls has to offer in one day and includes round-trip transportation from Toronto.
You’ll get up close to the Falls on a Niagara City Cruises Voyage To The Falls Boat Tour (seasonal, operating April - November only, replaced with admission to Niagara's Fury and Butterfly Conservatory from December - April), behind and underneath them at Journey Behind the Falls and from up above at the Skylon Tower. You’ll also enjoy some free time to explore on your own and a narrated driving tour through the city that highlights the area’s unique geography and history.
During the winter months, the Niagara City Cruise will be replaced with another attraction. For the 2023 season, the Voyage To The Falls Boat 2023 schedule is as follows:
May 6 - June 13 Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays 10am-6:20pm
June 17 - October 10 Daily 8:30am-8:30pm
Niagara Falls Canada Day + Night Small Group Tour w/Falls Dinner
Get the best of both worlds – a day and night tour of Niagara Falls.By day you’ll enjoy a scenic driving tour of the area, get behind the Falls at Journey Behind the Falls and catch a birds-eye view in the Skylon Tower. As the day turns to evening you’ll get as close as possible to the Falls on the Voyage To The Falls Boat Tour, followed by dinner with a view at Table Rock House where you will dine with your tour group, and a visit to Illumination Tower to change the lights on the Falls.
Your guide will also take you on a scenic, narrated drive of Niagara Falls, passing multiple points of interest including: the Dufferin Islands, Old Scow, International Control Dam, Whirlpool Rapids and Floral Clock.
For the 2023 season, the Voyage To The Falls Boat schedule is as follows:
May 6 - June 13 Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays 10am-6:20pm
June 17 - November 27 Daily 8:30am-8:30pm
Niagara Falls Private Half Day Tour with Boat and Helicopter
Toronto
Visit Niagara Falls in the Comfort of your Private Vehicle with Licensed Niagara parks Tour guide.
Customize the entire day to your preferences and Take a preset Private Half-Day Tour itinerary showcasing the Highlights of Niagara Falls including Niagara Cruises, a Helicopter ride over the Falls, and a Fresh Canadian-cooked Lunch.
Escape the rush of crowded and tight buses with our luxury private day tour.
Minimum 2 persons are Required for this Tour.
Niagara Falls Canada Tour + Helicopter Ride and Skylon Tower Lunch
Experience Niagara Falls from top to bottom on this activity-filled tour of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Be wowed on an exciting helicopter ride; feel the power of the water on the Journey Behind the Falls; get up close to the thundering stream on a Voyage To The Falls Boat Tour (seasonal, operating Apr - November only, replaced with admission to Niagara's Fury and Butterfly Conservatory from December- April); and visit several viewpoints for various perspectives of the whole site. Plus, have lunch at the Summit Suite atop the Skylon Tower! Our air conditioned mini-vans will allow for a comfortable experience with easy maneuverability around the area - getting to areas where other tours cannot reach.
For the 2023 season, the Voyage To The Falls Boat schedule is as follows:
May 6 - June 13 Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays 10am-6:20pm
June 17 - October 10 Daily 8:30am-8:30pm
The Falls are most powerful after the spring thaw – May to July. Crowds are heaviest during July and August, but the site is so large, there is always plenty of space.
Viewing platforms are open daily all year round, but in winter boat tours don’t run.
Getting there and away
Niagara Falls is an hour’s drive from Toronto, with free parking at the Visitor’s Centre. Alternatively, the daily train service from Toronto’s Union Station takes 1hr 56 and deposits you just moments from the Falls.
On the US side, Buffalo Niagara International Airport in New York is the closest airport, about a 30-minute drive away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle. There are also bus tours available from various cities, and Amtrak trains stop at Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Getting around
Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the tourist district. Taxis and rideshare services are plentiful and readily available. Biking is another popular option, with bike rentals available.
The Niagara Falls Incline Railway provides a scenic ride between the Fallsview Boulevard area and the Table Rock Welcome Centre. WEGO, the local bus system, offers regular service to major attractions, hotels, and shopping areas.
The Rainbow Bridge connects the two sides of Niagara Falls. The bridge is open to people on foot, on bikes, and in cars 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Where to stay
Most visitors will stay in and around the Falls, but if you do, expect bland, touristy hotels (and food). For a more genteel, atmospheric stay, consider the charming Niagara-on-the-Lake, 30 minutes from the city. Not only is it away from the crowds, it’s also an ideal base to explore the surrounding. wine region.
