Niagara Falls is arguably one of the most iconic Canadian destinations. The “Horseshoe” Falls live up to the hype and should definitely be on your bucket list. I’ve been fortunate to visit several times and am always in awe of the power of the cascading water. It’s truly mesmerizing. Visitors looking to spend a day in Niagara Falls will be spoiled for choice. There are plenty of the traditional favourites like ordering a sugary Beaver Tails or snapping a selfie beside the roaring giant, however don’t forget to check out the rest of what the city has to offer.
Whether indoors or outdoors, there are loads of options from family-friendly attractions to those just for adults, not to mention all of the delicious food, bizarre sights, and adrenaline-pumping activities. Niagara Falls may be a small town of less than 100,000 residents, but it is as mighty as they come, welcoming approximately 12 million visitors each year. Is anyone else’s mind completely boggled by that fact?!
In 2024, Niagara Parks introduced several new (and some newly revitalized) attractions. I had the pleasure of visiting in partnership with them alongside my colleague and friend Lindsay this summer and I can’t wait to share everything with you below.
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This is a sponsored blog post in collaboration with the Niagara Parks tourism board. All opinions here remain my own.
Why Visit Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada?
The United States may claim many superlative titles worldwide, however the Canadian Horseshoe Falls is the larger of the two. Though it’s not a competition, it is a fun fact to kickstart this question. So why else visit Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada? As mentioned earlier, it is a remnant of the last Ice Age, a fact that will grab the attention of any science or history buff. Facts and figures not your thing? Just know that pictures will not do this place justice and it’s one you must see up close and personal yourself.
The waterfalls may attract you to this border town, but there are plenty of other reasons to stick around for a day or two. For example, there’s the panoramic views from the SkyWheel, to thrill of ziplining toward the Falls, and the calm delight of the Butterfly Conservatory, not to mention all of the activities I’ll outline for you in this blog post. There are also several very cool and unique evening activities so maybe consider staying for the weekend.
Pro Tip: To get the most bang for your buck, purchase a Niagara Falls Pass and visit several attractions! They’ve introduced a physical passport which is fun for kids and adults to get stamped at each exciting location.
Niagara Falls Travel Guide FAQ
Where is Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada?
You’ll find Niagara Falls in southern Ontario, on the border of the similarly named Niagara Falls, New York, USA.
When is the Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls?
Depending on if you crave the burning sun or a little chill in the air, your idea of the “best time of year” may differ. That being said, there are high, shoulder, and low seasons that will raise and lower the prices, crowds, and temperatures. I’ll break each of those down for you below. Whenever you visit, Niagara Falls will capture your attention and leave a lasting memory.
Naturally, the summertime is high season. Students are out of school for the summer, parents take time off, and tourists from around the world arrive by the bus load. From June to August, temperatures sit in the mid-20s (Celsius), although they can easily reach into the 30s. Prices will be the highest at this time, specifically for accommodation.
Pro Tip: To avoid crowds as much as is possible, schedule your summer visit on a week day. To avoid getting hangry while waiting in long food lines, pack snacks and water in reusable containers.
Spring and fall are the shoulder seasons. April, May, September, and October bring cooler temperatures and somewhat relaxed prices. The real star is the fall foliage in the autumn. From November through March we’ve got off-peak season thanks to cold Canadian winters. Bundle up, dress well, and enjoy what Niagara Falls has to offer in the winter! Events like the Winter Festival of Lights are fantastic to check out and seeing the magnificent falls frozen over is another item to put on your bucket list. Of course, there are exceptions to the off-peak prices, such as Christmas, New Years, Valentine’s Day, and March Break.
What Should I Pack for a Trip to Niagara Falls?
Layers, layers, layers! Regardless of your destination, always pack layers. In the warmer months, hats, sunscreen or long clothing, and reusable water bottles are absolutely must haves. It can be chilly at night with the spray and wind from the waterfalls, so pack a pair of jeans or pants and bring a long-sleeve to maintain warmth once the sun’s gone down. For winter, layers are your best friend. Make sure to pack a hat, mittens, scarf, warm coat, and solid boots to keep you toasty and dry. No one likes to sightsee when they’re cold and wet. Wear the right clothes and you’ll have an awesome trip, no matter the weather.
If you’re looking for a water bottle, my favourite are the foldable Vapur water bottles. I’ve been travelling and using them daily them since 2017. I love how lightweight and flexible they are. You can buy them in a variety of colours and sizes, and there are options for dogs as well. Since I love these water bottles so much, I reached out to Vapur to see if we could get you a little discount on your own water bottle! Shop with code “travelwithtmc” for 15% off.
Transportation in Niagara Falls
By Foot
Wherever you can, wander by foot. It slows you down, allowing you to take in all of the details of a place. It’s also environmentally-friendly and good for the body! Park your car once you arrive in Niagara Falls and leave it for the day. Some parking spots are free, though it may be wiser to plan to pay for parking just in case. If you’re planning to stay for more than one day in Niagara Falls, verify that you have overnight parking with your accommodation or download the Honk mobile app.
By Bus
Public transportation in Niagara Falls, Ontario is called WEGO. With year-round service that stops at all major Niagara Parks attractions and various downtown hotels, it’s an easy and affordable way to bop around from spot to spot. WEGO buses welcome people with disabilities on board with accessible kneeling buses that accommodate one manual wheelchair and one scooter. Each stop is signalled by audio and video announcements. Cyclists will be happy to know that there are front-mounted racks on each bus to accommodate 2 bikes. If you are travelling with a small (non-service) dog, it’s okay to bring on the bus as long as it’s in a carrier that’s placed on your lap.
A 24-hour pass is $13 for an adult and $9 for children, while a 48-hour pass costs $17 for adults and $13 for children. All Niagara Parks attractions, Welcome Centres, and some local retailers (listed on the Niagara Parks website) sell WEGO passes.
Travel Pro Tip: Niagara Falls Passes (Adventure, Pass, and Adventure Pass Plus) include a 2-day WEGO pass. The Niagara Falls Adventure Pass Plus also includes a round-trip ticket for the Niagara-on-the-Lake shuttle.
Getting To Niagara Falls
By Car
If you’re travelling from Toronto to Niagara Falls by car, it’s a short 2-hour ride. Start on the 401 and take it to the QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way). Traffic can be brutal and backed up on both highways so make sure your podcasts and playlists are ready to go and download the “Waze” app to help you save time. Québecois visitors can plan for about 7 hours on the road, travelling on the 401 to Highway 3. If you’re coming from west of Toronto, hop on the 401 like everyone else and then jump onto the QEW in Hamilton.
By Bus
There are 2 intercity bus options: Flix and Onex. I haven’t travelled on either of them, however I saw that they provide a variety of Ontario routes. At the time of publishing, Onex doesn’t travel directly to Niagara Falls, however you can combine a Flix route if necessary. Both bus services provide wifi. For more information or to buy tickets, head to their webite.
Travel Pro Tip: A fantastic app and website to help plan transportation is Rome2Rio.
By Train
The Go Train travels every day of the week, year-round, to and from Niagara Falls. Another train option, particularly for those arriving from outside Ontario, is Via Rail. If you’re in or close to Toronto, there’s also a direct line connecting the two major cities. The train station in Niagara Falls is wheelchair accessible with 48 hours notice. There are phones, a washroom, and a waiting room, however no staff are on site. There’s also no luggage storage. Both train options offer onboard wifi. Tickets can be purchased through each respective website.
Travel Pro Tip: Keep your eyes out for promotions with WEGO and the Go Train to save money on getting to your destination and travelling between Niagara’s attractions.
By Plane
The closest major Canadian airport is Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ). It’s 122 km from Niagara Falls, which is around an hour and a quarter drive. In the US, the closest airport is the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, only 42 km from the border.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
Hotels
If you’re keen to wake up with the best hotel views in the city, the closest hotels on the Canadian side are the Marriott Fallsview, the Embassy Suites Fallsview, and the Niagara Tower Hotel. If nighttime views are your jam, book your stay at the Sheraton Fallsview which is closest to the American Falls and the best for taking in the nightly fireworks show. Aiming for a double views whammy? The best views of the Canadian and American waterfalls are found in the Hilton Fallsview Resort‘s north tower. A budget hotel that’s in the thick of the buzz is the Travelodge at the Falls. Keep in mind that noisy nights aren’t unusual here due to the location, in the middle of Clifton Hill aka the tourism district.
Airbnb, VRBO, Bed and Breakfasts
Niagara Falls has over 500 Airbnb accommodations. It almost begs the question, “where do the locals live?”. The choice pool varies from everything from luxurious homes to shared rooms. A similar accommodation option is VRBO, or Vacation Rental by Owner. Locally-owned and operated B&Bs (Bed and Breakfasts) help support the local economy and give you a taste of true hospitality. Head to the official Visit Niagara website or this Bed and Breakfast Guide to research where you’d like to stay overnight.
Travel Pro Tip: There are no hostels in Niagara Falls, Ontario. To help save on accommodation costs, travel with friends or family or check any professional associations or workplace discounts that you may have access to.
Where to Eat and Drink in Niagara Falls, Ontario
Two iconic dining spots in Niagara Falls can be found across the hall from each other at Table Rock, which is also the building you enter to check out the Journey Behind the Falls attraction. Both of these dining options are along the Niagara River Parkway, which is where you’ll find most of the attractions and activities below.
Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar
The newest addition to dining waterfall-side in Niagara and the closest open-air rooftop patio to the Falls is Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar. The upscale casual dining restaurant is FeastOn Certified and 100% fabulous. I highly suggest trying the lobster roll and one of the flavourful mocktails. Absolutely superb!
Table Rock House Restaurant
The closest restaurant to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls is right across the hall from bistro. Like its neighbour, the Table Rock House Restaurant is also Feast On Certified. The upscale casual dining restaurant is wheelchair accessible and takes reservations and walk-ins all year long.
The Falls Salad is a surprising stunner of an appetizer and was my favourite item on the menu. It must have been the cheese! The Summer Berry Spritzer mocktail was also fantastic. Of course, I couldn’t go without ordering dessert. And, in true chocoholic fashion, I chose the Triple Chocolate Mousse. Deeelish!
New Attractions to Check Out on a Day Trip to Niagara Falls
Alright! We’ve gotten through all the logistics to help make your visit a smooth and enjoyable one. Now let’s get to the exciting stuff! Below you’ll find way more than you can fit into one day (trust me!). With the information and ideas I’ve provided you’ll be able to create your own 1-, 2-, or even 3-day itinerary. I’d love to hear what catches your eye in the comments below.
White Water Walk
Who doesn’t love a refreshing walk to greet the morning? To kick off a fantastic day in Niagara Falls, head over to the White Water Walk with your NP passport in hand. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and several photo op/viewing platforms beside the Class 6 whitewater rapids of the Niagara River. The earlier in the day that you go, the bigger the contrast you’ll feel between the calmness of your walk and the raging water parallel you. Leave this one til later though and you may be rubbing shoulders with the crowds on the walkway.
Make sure to check out the informative plaques along the way of this self-guided walk. You’ll learn plenty about the landscape of the Niagara Gorge, as well as the flora and fauna that coexist in this magnificent part of the province. It was so cool to read that remnants of life from 400 million years ago can be seen at the Niagara Glen Nature Centre. That’s absolutely mind-boggling!!!
Niagara Parks Power Station
After the White Water Walk, park your vehicle at the Falls Lot A by the Table Rock Centre. It’s right across the street from your next stop, the Niagara Parks Power Station formerly known as the Canadian Niagara Power Company. This is also where you’ll want to be for quite a few awesome evening activities. The Power Station is between Queen Victoria Park and the iconic Horseshoe falls, at the top of the road leading to the rest of the waterfall attractions.
In the early 1900s, hydroelectric power plants helped usher in the Industrial Revolution. Thanks to an enterprising American lawyer named William Birch Rankine, and fellow investors J.P. Morgan, John Jacob Astor IV, and the Rothchilds, the Canadian Niagara Power Company was born. With pickaxes, shovels, and dynamite to lead the way, construction on the hydroelectric power plant began on May 23, 1901 and was completed 4 years later. In 1905 the power station opened with 5 generators. Over the next 12 years, the building expanded to accommodate 5 more to increase production. The final generator was added in 1924. A century later, in 2006, the power plant was shut down. Today, these now dormant giant engines welcome you into the hall where they once transformed the river’s force into electrical energy for thousands of homes.
Despite the amazing technological and engineering advancements to bring the Power Station to fruition, all was not rosy. In fact, a heavy darkness clouds that year. Around the time of the opening, William married Annette Kittridge Norton in Niagara Falls, New York. Unfortunately, while on their honeymoon, William succumbed to congestive heart failure and died of a heart attack at only 47 years old. Local lore says that Annette never recovered from her grief, trying many times to connect with him on the other side through mediums. In 1921 her body was discovered in the Niagara River. Now she haunts the power station in a fur coat, searching for her beloved William.
Today, the Niagara Parks Power Station is open to the public thanks to a very successful test opening at the 2019 Doors Open event. Between 2017 and 2021, a massive reconstruction took place to get the building up to code and prepare it for the public. With overwhelming interest and public support, this intriguing and integral attraction officially opened on July 1, 2021. Alongside Science North and the Niagara Parks Heritage team, there are a plethora of ways to explore and immerse oneself in the history and culture of the Power Station.
There are several exhibits, tours, an audio guide, café, and gift store in the fully accessible Niagara Parks Power Station. Wheelchairs are available, but on a first-come first-serve basis, so maybe be prepared with alternate options. There are also benches available to sit and rest on and some seating in the café.
Free Audio Self-Guided Tour
There are several exhibits in the Generator Hall, like the self-guided bilingual audio tours which are included with general admission. Hear behind the scenes stories from past employees and learn about the science and technology of this engineering marvel, all while exploring the historic building at your own pace.
Tesla Coil Demonstration & Interactive Activity
Another new activity in Niagara Falls is a triple-sensory experience. Walk to the back of the Generator Hall and look up to find a large Tesla coil hanging from the ceiling. At 45 minutes past the hour, every hour, there is a live electricity demonstration set to music. In addition to the audio-visual show, tickle your sense of touch by playing with the mini tesla coil situated off to the right in a glass box.
In case you’re like me, who had no idea what this was before checking out the exhibit, the Tesla coil is a high-frequency transformer. It produces high voltage at a low current and helped develop radio technology. It was invented by Nikola Tesla in 1891.
Currents: Immersive and Engaging Storytelling
I’ve got to say, this nighttime show was my favourite part of the whole Power Station experience. Niagara Parks, in collaboration with the Montréal office from Thinkwell, created the most stunning multimedia experience to tell this important story. To give you an idea of how impressive it was, this is the company that worked on Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime Show and with Cirque du Soleil, among many other phenomenal acts.
I won’t give away much else. Just make sure you don’t miss it! There’s no extra cost when you purchase the Power Station at Night ticket or have the Niagara Parks passport. The show runs in the main generator hall with seating on the benches, on the ground or you may stand.
The Niagara Parks Power Station Tunnel and Viewing Platform
Another new attraction in Niagara Falls is the Power Station Tunnel, which you can explore during the day or in the evening for 2 very different experiences. Descend 180 feet underground in a glass elevator as the attendant shares the working history of the tunnel. Along the way you’ll get a glimpse of the machinery on each level. It’s pretty wild! Then, walk down the 2,200-foot long tunnel that used to release the water back into the Niagara River from the Power Station.
You don’t need to book a time to go onto the viewing platform. This activity is included in the normal admission price for the Power Station. Both the tunnel and viewing platform are fully accessible. To learn more about the daily fireworks and the Falls light show, check out the blog I wrote on evening activities to do in Niagara Falls.
Travel Pro Tip: Bring a warm layer and the recyclable Niagara Parks poncho to wear! The temperature is considerably lower inside the tunnel and there’s a good chance you’ll get wet outside on the viewing platform.
Floral Showhouse
Away from the steady rumble and spray of the waterfall is a calm oasis. While the Floral Showhouse itself isn’t new – it’s been around for over 60 years – the ever-changing colourful exhibits are a delightful reason to keep you returning. More on them later. There are 3 main buildings onsite that play host to multiple annual floral shows and community events. Horticulturalists will appreciate the wide variety of plants that are housed there throughout the year.
On the grounds outside, meander around taking your time to smell the flowers, hug the trees, and breathe in the fresh air. In the Artists’ Garden there are benches for you to rest on and chat to a stranger or people watch, if that suits your fancy.
Travel Pro Tip: Bring a full water bottle. It’s hot in the greenhouses and there’s nowhere to fill up.
The “new activity” at the Floral Showhouse are the magical outdoor shows and exhibits. This summer, Niagara Parks collaborated with Mosaïcultures Internationales de Montréal and the Atlanta Botanical Garden to craft the most wonderful fairytale plant sculptures. From Japan, to Belgium, to Gatineau, over the past 26 years Mosaïculture has crafted whimsical and innovative floricultural art installations. If you visit their website, you’ll see what a visual treat you’re in for at the Floral Showhouse in Niagara Falls.
Journey Behind the Falls
This is one activity in Niagara Falls that I’m itching to check out in the wintertime. Journey Behind the Falls is just that – your window into the power and magnitude of the waterfall from behind the rushing hydro curtain.
Take the elevator down 125 feet to the underground tunnel. With 2 outer observation decks and 2 viewing portals that lay behind the Falls, you’re definitely going to want to wear the provided biodegradable recyclable poncho. The views are unbelievable, but it’s another thing altogether to hear and feel the power of the waterfalls overtop and in front of you. I’d suggest checking out both the Cataract and Great Falls Portal, as well as the upper and lower observation decks since they all provide very different perspectives.
Travel Pro Tip: Use the washroom upstair before taking the elevator. There isn’t one along the tunnel or on the platforms and you don’t wait to have to wait in line to get back upstairs!
BONUS: Zipline Towards the Falls
One activity that is not on the Niagara Parks Passports is the Zipline Towards the Falls, however I’d highly suggest you give it a go! It’s a complete different way to experience the Falls and great for a wee adrenaline rush. From 220 feet up in the air, stretch out your arms and feel the wind on your face as you fly towards the wild Canadian Horseshoe. I’ve done it twice now and it’s so much fun!
Fun Free Activities for Your Day in Niagara Falls
There are many ways to explore and enjoy a day in Niagara Falls on a budget. Pack a lunch to enjoy in Queen Victoria Park, bring reusable water bottles, take pictures for souvenirs, carpool with friends or take public transportation, and purchase a Niagara Parks Pass to save money on several attractions.
Sneak Peek of A Fantastic Day in Niagara Falls
Want to see all of these awesome Niagara Falls activities before checking them out in person? Click on the image below to check out the reel I made from my visit.
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Helpful Tips for Booking Your Trips
Flights
If you want affordable flights, you must get into the points and miles game. Check out my Travel Coaching services to help Canadians fly for less than a tank of gas!
Car Rentals
To help you explore new destinations, turn to Discover Cars for a huge range of vehicle options and excellent prices.
Accommodation
There are so many options for affordable, comfortable, and unique accommodation. Some of my favourite accommodation options are housesitting and hostels. I’ve been using Trusted Housesitters and Hostelworld for years. If you prefer hotels, then check out Booking.com.
Activities
Get Your Guide is a fantastic resource for different activities to try when travelling. They have everything from walking tours, food tours, tickets to attractions, and multi-day trips, and more. Check out this super cool view I had of Helsinki when I was in Finland for the Christmas markets. My favourite GYG tour so far was the fantastic walking food tour I did in Dublin. That experience had a wild twist, but you’ll have to read this blog post to find out why!
