Day Trip To Niagara Falls from Toronto: A Complete Guide

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Are you curious about visiting Niagara Falls as a day trip from Toronto? Niagara Falls is easily one of North America’s top natural sights. You can visit these spectacular waterfalls from Canada or the USA, but the Canadian side is home to Horseshoe Falls, the largest and most impressive of the three falls, plus you can view all three falls.

The views from the Canadian side can’t be beat; therefore, the best and most popular way to see Niagara Falls is as a day trip from Toronto, Canada. 

There are multiple ways to visit Niagara Falls from Toronto, whether you are looking to DIY your own trip or want to join a tour with everything organized for you. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting to Niagara Falls from Toronto, including fun facts about the falls, the best tours on offer, and all the best things to experience once you’re there.

Niagara Falls is a dream once-in-a-lifetime experience for many; make that dream a reality and learn how to visit Niagara Falls as a day trip from Toronto in this guide!

Quick Look: Toronto to the Canadian Side of Niagara Falls

Visiting Niagara Falls is one of the best day trips from Toronto. The Canadian side offers the best views of all three falls. The falls are accessible from downtown Toronto by car, bus, or train. But the best option is a tour that takes you to all three falls, so you can sit back and relax. 

The three falls of the Niagara River are:

1. Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the three and is located in Canada. It’s also known as the Canadian Falls and contains 90% of Niagara’s volume in a fall 670 meters wide, cascading down 57 meters.
2. American Falls is located entirely in New York, United States, with an impressive jagged crest line.  
3. Bridal Veil Falls is the smallest of the falls, also located in the US, right next to the American Falls, and surrounded by green nature. 

Top Picks for Must-Dos at Niagara Falls

• The Voyage to the Falls boat tour: operated by Niagara City Cruises (formerly Hornblower), takes you into the heart of the falls. Expect to get up close and personal with the falls, get wet, and see incredible views.  
• Queen Victoria Park: a manicured garden with stunning views of Niagara Falls right from the park. 
• Journey Behind the Falls: an experience with tunnels that lead to observation portals directly behind the Horseshoe Falls.
• Suggestion: If Clifton Hill, a tourist promenade in Niagara, isn’t your vibe, head to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a charming lakeside town and wine!

Budget between 8-10 hours for a full-day trip to see the magic of Niagara Falls, and expect to get wet! Keep reading for our complete and detailed guide on how to visit Niagara Falls as a day trip from Toronto.

How to Get to Niagara Falls from Toronto

The distance from Toronto to Niagara is 131.95 kilometers one way. 

There are two main ways to visit Niagara Falls as a day trip from Toronto: independently or on a guided tour. We recommend the guided tour, as the tours include stops along the way, ensure you get to see all 3 falls, and offer options to skip the line at some of the most popular experiences, like cruising below the falls.

Best Day Tours Toronto to Niagara Falls

An easy way to explore Niagara Falls is to take a day tour from Toronto. The day tour includes pick-up and drop-off from various meeting points or hotels in Toronto, sightseeing with a tour guide, and free time. There are a few variations to different tours.

Full-day Niagara Falls tours:

• BEST tour to experience Niagara Falls, including all three falls with skip-the-line options for top attractions like the Niagara Falls boat tour, with Niagara City Cruises and/or Journey Behind the Falls. Finish the day with a chocolate and maple syrup tasting. 
• BEST tour to visit the townsite of Niagara-on-the-Lake, with wine tasting, then see the falls, and an option to cruise to Niagara. 
• BEST tour to see the beauty of Niagara Falls lit up at night, including a summer fireworks special. You can also add on an exclusive dinner with views of the falls.

Independent Day Trips to Niagara Falls

For independent travelers, you have options, whether you want to take public transportation or drive yourself. 

Drive – You can rent a car and arrive in Niagara in about 1 and a half to 2 hours from Toronto. Public, paid parking is available near the Niagara Falls area.

Bus – Buses also take the same time to reach Niagara Falls, about 2 hours. FlixBus operates a number of daily departures from Toronto to Niagara Falls. You will have to get off at the bus station in Niagara Falls and then walk a bit to explore the main town as well as the falls. I only recommend this for those on a very tight budget and with ample mobility. 

Train – GO trains take about 2 and a half hours to reach Niagara Falls from Toronto one way. And just like buses, you will have to walk a bit to reach the sightseeing attractions. There is only one daily train leaving for Niagara from Toronto in the morning, and fares cost around $22+ CAD.

Things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario

Whichever method you use to arrive from Toronto to Niagara, here are some of the best things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Many of the tours will include a few of these things to do, so you can relax and see the highlights.

1. See Niagara Falls

First things first, you will have to see the mighty falls, since that’s why you are making the trip! The mist in the air and the gushing sound of the falls are noticeable from a distance.

There are many lookout areas to view the falls closely, admire, and take pictures. These views are priceless and also FREE to look at.

Since you are on the Canadian side, take time to see all three falls, observe their differences, and gaze in awe at their wonder. The best place to see the falls is from Queen Victoria Park. You should also take time to walk along the waterfront Fallsview Trail. 

Price: Free

2. Book a Guided Tour Once in Niagara

If you drove yourself as part of a bigger road trip across Ontario or for a day trip from Toronto, you can book plenty of tours that start in the Canadian town of Niagara Falls. 

These tours are great because they bundle some of the highlights of Niagara, from a cruise on the water to the behind-the-scenes tunnel experience behind the falls. They let you park and then allow the experts to show you the sights, while sharing valuable information so that you can learn about the falls as well. 

Leave the stress about worrying where to go and how to navigate tickets by letting these tour companies help you!

• This highly rated tour includes skip-the-line tickets for the famous Niagara Falls boat cruise and Journey Behind the Falls. A guided walk is included, along with discounts at other attractions. 
• For a slightly more affordable option, you still get the bucket-list cruise, a guided walking tour, and discounts. 
• The most affordable choice is just the walking tour and boat cruise.

3. Take a Helicopter Flight + Cruise

This ultimate Niagara Tour is for you to enjoy the Niagara Falls completely! You will have to arrive in Niagara via car or bus to participate in this tour. If you are staying in Niagara Falls, pick-up and drop-off are included.

Here is what you can expect from the tour:

• Access to Journey Behind the Falls
• Enjoy a helicopter ride above the Niagara Falls
• Take the Niagara City Cruise (Hornblower) boat to experience the Niagara Falls
• Go up the Skylon Tower for some stunning views of the Niagara Falls
• Tour of the area with guided commentary to see and learn about the Dufferin Islands and more

BOOK THIS ULTIMATE NIAGARA TOUR HERE

4. Take a Scenic Helicopter Ride

If you are looking for a short adventure and something romantic, opt for a scenic helicopter ride over the stunning Niagara Falls. This tour is for 12 minutes only and doesn’t include pickup or drop-off from Toronto.

Here is what to expect from the scenic helicopter ride tour:

• Small-group tour, with up to 7 passengers on one of the world’s quietest helicopters
• 12-minute scenic ride curving around the Horseshoe Falls
• You will fly over the Rainbow Bridge, American Falls, Skylon Tower, Sir Adam Beck Generating Plant, and Queen Victoria Park
• Be mesmerized by colorful rainbows all over on a BUCKET LIST experience
• The tour also includes audio guides in multiple languages

BOOK THIS SCENIC HELICOPTER RIDE OVER NIAGARA HERE

5. Enjoy Niagara Falls at Night Cruise and Dinner

Light shows are beautiful over the Niagara Falls. If you are staying in Niagara for the night or planning a weekend getaway, the light shows over Niagara Falls should be added to your itinerary. You can also experience this on a day trip before making your way back to Toronto.

This evening tour is perfect to end the day at Niagara Falls. Here is what is included in the Niagara Falls Night Light tour cruise and dinner:

• It’s a 4-hour evening tour. You will have to arrive at the activity area to start the tour
• The tour starts with a luxurious dinner meal at the Table Rock Restaurant
• After your meal, you will proceed to the Illuminations Tower to see the lights over Niagara and the stunning fireworks
• At the tower, you can actually pick and choose which colors/lights you want the mighty Niagara to wear (yes, by using a touch screen computer, you can choose colors to be projected on the falls)
• This tour also includes a boat ride to the base of the illuminated falls
• Also included is a visit to the Brink of the Falls for photos

BOOK THIS EVENING TOUR HERE

Short on time? Firework Cruise

If you want to skip dinner, you can just book the night cruise for a chance to see the fireworks show on a Niagara cruise with a cash bar.

6. Dinner with a View at Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower is an observation tower in Niagara Falls, Canada, offering panoramic views of the falls. The tower has a revolving restaurant and an arcade. From the Skylon Tower, you can see both the Canadian and the American side of Niagara Falls.

The Skylon Tower has 6 floors, and there is an entry ticket for it. They start at $20 CAD and above (regular price for adults) and are also offered as combo tickets to include night (illuminations) and day rides. Keep in mind that most tours will include this in the price. Their lunch buffet at the summit suite (NOT the revolving dining room, which is à la carte) starts at $45 CAD.

Skylon Tower sometimes has flash sales with the lowest prices, so this trip to the top is definitely worth it for the price and the views that you get. Click below for current sales on Skylon Tower access.

LOCK THE LOWEST PRICES FOR SKYLON TOWER ENTRANCE HERE

7. Niagara City Voyage To the Falls Cruises (Canada) Tour Niagara

Many people have heard of the Maid of the Mist, the most popular boat tour on the Canadian side. Niagara City Cruises (formerly Hornblower) is the Canadian counterpart to Maid of the Mist. 

In this tour, you will climb aboard a passenger ship at the Niagara City Cruise Great Gorge (hence the name). While cruising within the Niagara Great Gorge, you will get to experience the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the heart of the Horseshoe Falls – where you get all sprayed with water!

With the Voyage to the Falls boat tour, you can get as close as you want to Niagara Falls. Close enough to get wet and experience the force, whilst still being safe. A Niagara City Cruise is also offered with most day tours and tours around Niagara Falls. 

But for my independent travelers, you can also purchase a stand-alone tour to experience the falls at close range for 1-2 hours. 

The tour takes place in a boat, in a small group with an experienced guide. You will be provided with a poncho to protect yourself from getting too wet. This is a GREAT tour to experience Niagara Falls first-hand.

Coming from the United States? Maid of the Mist Boat Tour (USA)

The Maid of the Mist Tour is a boat tour of Niagara Falls, but it starts and ends on the American side. It does make a quick crossover to the dense Canadian side of the falls called the Horseshoe Falls. Most visitors to Niagara Falls look forward to this tour and rightly so, because it is amazing. But on the Canadian side, the tour is called the Niagara City Cruise tour.

Note: This tour is on the USA side. Check out the half-day tour here with Maid of the Mist.

Note: Whether you take the Niagara City Cruise or the Maid of the Mist tour, you do not need your passport. If you are on the Canadian side, you will take the Niagara tour and then return to Canada (you will not set foot in the USA or the US city of Niagara Falls). 

The same thing applies for the USA Maid of the Mist Tour, you will see the Horseshoe Falls, but not get off in Canada.

However, if you do plan on driving or crossing the land border, you will need your passport and proof of residency.

8. Journey Behind the Falls

‘Journey Behind the Falls’ is an all-year-round Niagara Falls attraction. You will take an elevator ride to descend 125 feet to arrive at the base of the Horseshoe Falls (Canada) and get access to an outdoor observation deck. 

From the observation deck, you can see and feel the force of the Niagara Falls. This activity is operated by the Niagara Parks Commission and has an entry fee of $33 CAD for adults. This tour is for 45 minutes to an hour, and you can reserve tickets online.

9. Walk the Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge connects two cities and countries – Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, and Niagara Falls in New York, USA. The bridge is officially called the Niagara Falls International Rainbow Bridge.

You can walk on the bridge without your passport, but to cross the bridge over to the other side fully, you will need your passport. Just walking out to see the views and get stunning photos is very fun, though, and you will often see rainbows from here, hence the name!

10. Visit the Entertainment District

One of the most fun ways to spend time in Niagara is to head to the Clifton Hill entertainment district after checking off the falls. There are tons of options for food, drinks, and live music in this district.

Hit a bowling alley, visit The Haunted House, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the go-kart speedway, SkyWheel, or even an indoor waterpark. We spent 3-5 hours here, wandering through the lanes, grabbing a bite to eat and drink, while enjoying great (free) music.  

In the evening, we played a few games, including bowling and dinosaur adventure golf, before making our way to see the lights in the evening. You can get some great package deals on tickets for savings here, too.

11. Niagara-on-the-Lake (Niagara Town)

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautiful town located at the mouth of the Niagara River. Pretty, with small-town vibes, Niagara-on-the-Lake is best known as a wine region. But what will melt your heart away are the charming flowers scattered all over the town. 

Niagara-on-the-Lake is located about 30 minutes from the Niagara Falls area. This is a great venue for romantic getaways. You can try to squeeze in a couple of hours in the afternoon/late evening at Niagara-on-the-Lake during your day trip.

This tour will take you to Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake, with a trip to some wineries and an optional lunch.

12. Niagara Gorge and Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

The Whirlpool is downriver from the thundering Niagara Falls, in the scenic Niagara Gorge. This is a turbulent hydro feature where the rushing water has a sudden direction change, combined with water leaving the gorge, creating a whirlpool. 

If you’ve already seen the falls, one of the best ways to see the gorge is with a wet and wild jet boat tour!

13. Whirlpool Aero Car

If you’d rather see the Whirlpool from a dryer vantage point, you can also take a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car, which is a suspended cable car that goes across the gorge directly over the Whirlpool.

Operating since 1916, this antique cable car was designed by Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo and travels between two points of the Canadian shoreline where the river is narrowest, providing epic views of the Whirlpool. The journey takes about ten minutes and will see you hovering 3,500 feet above the vibrant waters of the river’s rapids.

Note that it only operates between April and November, and is not wheelchair accessible.

14. Queen Victoria Park

Don’t miss a leisurely walk through the beautiful Queen Victoria Park, which has incredible photo opportunities of the falls. You can get some stunning shots from this location, with pretty flowerbeds, topiary, and pathways leading the eye to the falls on one side, and Skylon Tower on the other.

Within the park is a rock garden, rose garden, and hanging baskets, as well as picnic benches or patches of grass if you want to relax. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride for a very special experience!

FAQ: Visiting Niagara as a Day Trip From Toronto

Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting from Toronto?

Niagara Falls is truly a unique global phenomenon, unlike anywhere else in the world. It is absolutely worth visiting to see these powerful falls in action. 

The falls were created when the Wisconsin ice field retreated about 10,000 years ago, creating the Great Lakes. Due to unique geological characteristics and erosion from the Niagara River, the falls were carved into the impressive shapes that we know today. 

The falls are still eroding and changing the landscape, and they have moved significantly over the last 10,000 years. 

Today, people visit from all over the world. Niagara Falls makes for an ideal day trip from Toronto, combining the majestic falls, wineries, and lots of fun and entertainment. 

Fun Facts About Niagara

• The name Niagara comes from the Iroquois First Nations language and is an anglicised version of Onguiaahra, meaning “point of land cut in two.”
• 6 million cubic feet of water go over Horseshoe Falls every minute during summer.
• The water is so green because so many minerals erode into the water.
• The brown foam you see is natural and is from the power of the falls churning up clay. 
• A place of natural history and modern use, the falls have been harnessed to produce electricity, drinking water, and cooling for both Canada and the USA. 
• It is an important bird area for different species of gulls as it is a reliable water source that rarely freezes. 
• Due to modern hydroelectric controls, the water flow can be “turned down.” If you visit at night or during winter, the flow of the water will have been significantly reduced by these controls.

Is the Canadian or the US Side of Niagara Better?

The Canadian side is arguably the better side in terms of views. From the Canadian border, you can see all three falls, something that can not be done from the United States side. So, if you are coming to see all the falls, you will want to do this as a day trip from Toronto.

The Canadian side has a nice walkway along the water’s edge for viewing, and the Canadian town of Niagara Falls also has a reputation for being interesting… it is like a budget Atlantic City or Las Vegas with touristy rides, haunted houses, and a carnival feel. This might be a great choice for families, but Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a better experience for adults interested in wine tasting and a more relaxing experience. 

That being said, the falls experience in Canada is really the bucket-list experience to see the biggest falls and is worth it. 

The Niagara Falls State Park in the United States does offer a nice green and natural viewing area to see two of the smaller falls, and might be nice for return visitors, those unable to travel to Canada, or those who like the State Park experience.

Can you Visit Niagara Falls in Winter?

Yes, absolutely. Niagara Falls is open year-round. While winter in Toronto brings colder, shorter, and darker days, Niagara Falls keeps the magic alive year-round.

The shorter days are ideal for seeing the Niagara light show at night. If you are lucky, you might even see the falls frozen and frosty!

Comment and Share the Best Day Tour to Niagara Falls from Toronto

As you can see, there is so much to do in Niagara Falls besides just looking at the waterfalls, plus it’s a great destination to visit as a day trip from Toronto.

Whether you want an exciting thrill ride, a peaceful yet exhilarating cruise to the falls, or to have fun on dry land, there’s something for everyone here. It’s also easy to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto as a day trip, whether you want to drive yourself, use public transport, or join a tour.

I hope you have a great trip to the Niagara Falls from Toronto, and don’t forget to pin these to your Niagara Falls planning boards if you’ve got a trip coming up!