Experience the Best Niagara Falls With a Day Tour from Toronto
If you’re visiting Toronto, taking a trip to the falls is a must, it’s an easy drive, too. While it’s certainly a popular tourist spot, it’s one that genuinely lives up to the hype.
To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve gathered a list of the top tours and attractions from Toronto to Niagara Falls, so you can choose the ones that are truly worth your time and investment.
How to Get to Niagara Falls from Toronto
Train
There are several ways to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls, such as by car, bus, or joining a tour group. However, one of the most convenient and comfortable options is taking the train. The Via Rail train between Toronto and Niagara Falls is a direct route, and it continues on to New York City. The trip takes about two hours, with one train scheduled in each direction daily.
Train tickets can be booked online in advance through the Via Rail website. They usually don’t sell out, but pricing does vary based on availability, ranging from $50 to over $150 for a roundtrip ticket. During peak summer months, ticket prices may increase if you wait until the last minute.
Bus Tour
Taking a bus to Niagara Falls is also a great and affordable option. With Queen Tour, Toronto’s most trusted bus tour, you can get picked up at a convenient pick-up location across Downtown Toronto and Mississauga. The tour departs daily from around 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and prices start at just $99 per person.
Car
You can also get to Niagara Falls by car, whether you’re using your own vehicle or renting one. While the drive offers flexibility, you may find it challenging to navigate the area without GPS, especially since certain routes can be confusing or take you on lengthy detours. Plus, if you’re the one behind the wheel, you’ll need to focus on the road, which means you’ll miss out on the breathtaking scenery along the way. The area surrounding the Falls is filled with lush forests, sparkling rivers, and panoramic views that are best enjoyed when someone else is driving or when you make planned stops to take it all in.
Enjoy the Niagara Falls View
Niagara Falls is home to two main waterfalls, each offering its own distinct beauty. The American Falls, though smaller, would be an impressive sight in any other setting. However, the main attraction is the Horseshoe Falls, a massive, u-shaped waterfall that draws most visitors to the area. This waterfall spans 2,590 feet and pours over 700,000 gallons of water every second, creating a powerful display of nature’s force.
For the best views of both falls, take a stroll along the Fallsview Trail, a scenic pedestrian pathway on the Canadian side of the Niagara River. This trail runs from the top of the falls, near the visitor center, all the way past Rainbow Bridge, which connects the U.S. and Canada. Different points along the trail provide unique perspectives, so take your time to explore a variety of angles. Crowds can fluctuate, but with a little patience, you can often find a front-row spot for an unobstructed view.
As you approach Horseshoe Falls, be prepared for the famous mist that sometimes blankets the area, shooting high into the air and occasionally obscuring the falls. The intensity of the mist changes with the weather and wind, so the view can vary drastically throughout the day and across seasons. If you’re following an itinerary, stay close to Horseshoe Falls.
Adventure Behind the Falls
After taking in the stunning views of Niagara Falls from the promenade, improve your experience by heading down to the observation decks located directly behind the falls. Here, you’ll get an up-close perspective, feeling the powerful rush of water plummeting at 65 kilometers per hour, it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime thrill! Make sure to bring a waterproof camera to capture this incredible moment, as you’ll be surrounded by mist and splashing water. A biodegradable rain poncho is provided on-site to keep you as dry as possible.
The best time to visit the observation decks is during the spring and summer months, as they close during the winter due to icy conditions. Spring and summer also offer the most vibrant views, with lush greenery framing the falls and longer days to fully enjoy the experience.
Explore the Falls With a Boat Tour
After admiring Niagara Falls from a distance and behind the cascades, it’s time to get up close and personal. The iconic Hornblower Niagara Cruises serves visitors on the Canadian side. This boat tour offers a thrilling experience as the tour journeys along the Niagara River, taking you right up to the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, and the impressive Great Gorge.
his boat tour is as close as you can get to the falls, giving you a front-row seat to their immense power and beauty. The ride lasts about an hour, providing plenty of time to take in the roar of the water and the mist rising around you. If you’re planning just one day in Niagara, this unforgettable experience is a must. Just be prepared to get wet!
Take a Helicopter Ride
For an unforgettable aerial view of Niagara Falls and the surrounding region, the Niagara Grand Tour offers a 20-minute helicopter ride that showcases the area’s most stunning sights. This exhilarating tour flies over Niagara Falls, then continues to Niagara-on-the-Lake, famed for its wineries, as well as the thrilling whirlpool rapids and other picturesque locations. To ensure that every passenger gets maximum viewing opportunities, the helicopter makes a second pass over the falls, providing spectacular photo-ops from both sides of the cabin.
In addition to the Grand Tour, National Helicopters offers a variety of special flights, including winery tours, sunset flights, and even wedding packages, for those looking to create lasting memories in one of Canada’s most iconic destinations.