When does the Niagara boat operate?

Niagara City Cruises typically runs spring through late fall (weather-permitting). When closed, tours substitute elevated viewpoints (e.g., Skylon Tower).

Nightly from May 16 to October 13, 2025, at 10 PM (weather permitting).

Where are the pick-ups?

Central pick-ups in Downtown Toronto and Mississauga; select your closest point at checkout. Evening tour also offers Niagara Falls pick-up.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup (for group tours).

Toronto → Niagara Falls Planner: Day vs Evening, Private & Niagara-on-the-Lake

Operated by: Queen Tour (since 1994) Free cancellation: 24h Small groups: Minibus Language: English (others on request for private)

Plan your Toronto → Niagara Falls day in minutes. This page summarizes timing, optional add-ons, and seasonal notes so you can choose the right experience fast.

Compare: Day vs Evening (Niagara Falls)

Feature	Day Tour	Evening Tour
Typical Duration	~9–10 hrs (about 08:00 → 17:30)	~9–10 hrs (about 13:00 → 23:00)
Pick-up	Downtown Toronto 07:30–08:05; Mississauga ~08:35	Toronto ~13:00–13:30 (summer); Mississauga ~14:00; Niagara Falls option
Best For	Families & early birds who want evenings free in Toronto	Sunset photos, Falls illumination, (seasonal) fireworks, (seasonal) Winter Festival of Lights
Core Highlights	Free time by the Falls; scenic stops (Whirlpool, power stations), optional Hornblower Boat Cruise & Journey Behind the Falls	Free time by the Falls; optional Hornblower Boat Cruise & Journey Behind the Falls; optional dinner with falls view and Illumination Tower add-on (control the waterfall illumination colours)
Seasonal Notes	Boat runs spring–late fall; in winter you’ll substitute with other popular attractions (e.g., Skylon Tower)	Boat seasonal; fireworks most nights May 16–Oct 13 at 10 PM; Winter Festival of Lights nightly Nov 15-Jan 4, 2025
Price (from)	CA$99	CA$109
Book	Book Day Tour	Book Evening Tour

Times and availability vary by date and season; check live availability at booking.

Niagara Falls Day Tour — at a glance

Duration

~9–10 hours (start ~08:00)

Pick-ups

Downtown Toronto + Mississauga (see FAQ for exact points)

Includes

Transport + guide; free time by the Falls; scenic stops

Popular add-ons

Niagara City Cruises (boat), Journey Behind the Falls

Price

From CA$99

Ideal if you want maximum daylight at the waterfalls and a free evening back in Toronto. Add the boat and/or Journey Behind the Falls for the “classic” experience.

Check availability

Niagara Falls Evening Tour — sunset, illumination & options

Duration

~9–10 hours (start ~13:00)

Pick-ups

Toronto & Mississauga; optional Niagara Falls pickup

Optional packages

Attractions: boat + Journey Behind the Falls. All-Inclusive: dinner with waterfall views + Illumination Tower (control the colours)

Seasonal

Fireworks most nights May 16–Oct 13, 2025 (10 PM); Winter Festival of Lights nightly Nov 15-Jan 4, 2025

Price

From CA$109

Check availability

Private & Corporate Tours — tailored itineraries

Door-to-door scheduling, custom stops (winery, helicopter, dinner), multilingual guides on request.

Pricing from: CA$1,595 (≤13 guests), CA$2,095 (≤24). Larger groups quoted fast.
Typical length: ~9 hours; design to your timing.

Request a private quote

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Wine & Chocolate (seasonal)

Perfect if you’ve seen the Falls or prefer a slower day: boutique shops in Canada’s prettiest town, a chocolate factory visit, and a guided winery tour with icewine tasting.

Season

May → fall (check dates)

Duration

~9–10 hours (start ~08:00)

Price

From CA$129–139

Check availability

Day vs Evening — which is right for you?

Pick the Day Tour if you...

Prefer early starts and being back in Toronto by early evening.
Want daylight photos at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls and viewpoints along the Niagara Parkway.
Are traveling with kids or early-to-bed travellers.

Pick the Evening Tour if you...

Want golden-hour & night photography plus the Falls illumination (and seasonal fireworks).
Like a later start and don’t mind a late return.
Want the exclusive Illumination Tower add-on and an optional dinner with waterfall views.

Sample day — timing at a glance

Day Tour:

07:30–08:05 — Downtown Toronto pick-ups (Mississauga ~08:35)
10:30 — Niagara Falls arrival & free time
11:00–13:30 — Optional attractions (boat in season; Journey Behind the Falls)
14:30 — Scenic stops (Whirlpool, Floral Clock) as available
17:30 — Arrive back in Toronto (traffic-permitting)

Evening Tour:

12:20–12:55 — Toronto pick-ups (Mississauga ~13:20; Niagara Falls option)
15:45 — Explore Niagara Falls & Clifton Hill
17:00–20:00 — Optional attractions / dinner
20:30–22:00 — Illumination Tower & seasonal fireworks (when scheduled)
~23:00 — Return to Toronto (season-dependent)

What’s included (and what isn’t)

Included on group tours

Round-trip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus
Licensed English-speaking guide
Free cancellation up to 24h before pick-up
Multiple central pick-ups in Downtown Toronto and Mississauga

Not included (unless specified)

Meals and personal expenses
Attraction tickets (boat / Journey Behind the Falls) unless you choose a package
Gratuities (optional)

Self-guided alternative (if you don’t want a tour)

You can also go independently by GO Transit (train or bus) or VIA Rail from Toronto. Expect ~3 hours each way to Niagara Falls (ON) plus local transit or walking to the waterfalls. Our tours remain the simplest option because logistics, timing and attraction tickets are handled for you.

Sample 1-day Toronto itinerary including Niagara Falls

07:00 — Breakfast in Toronto
07:30–08:05 — Pick-up for the Day Tour
10:30–14:30 — Niagara Falls highlights + optional boat / Journey Behind the Falls
15:00–16:30 — Whirlpool / Floral Clock photo stops as available
17:30 — Return to Toronto; dinner in the Entertainment District

Swap for the Evening Tour if you want sunset, illumination and seasonal fireworks.

Pick-ups at a glance

Choose the closest meeting point at checkout. Typical examples:

Toronto: Courtyard by Marriott (475 Yonge St), Chelsea Hotel (33 Gerrard St W), Dundas Square (279 Yonge St), Dineen Coffee Co. (140 Yonge St), Starbucks (300 Front St W)
Mississauga: Holiday Inn Toronto Southwest (2125 N Sheridan Way)
Niagara Falls (Evening tour): Maple Leaf Place (4199 River Rd), Sheraton Fallsview (5875 Falls Ave), Marriott Fallsview (6740 Fallsview Blvd)

Pick-up windows vary by season; always confirm during booking.

Why small-group over big-bus?

Less waiting: faster load/unload times and fewer delays.
More flexibility: easier to add scenic stops when timing allows.
Better guidance: easier to hear and interact with your guide.

Safety & accessibility

Daily vehicle inspections and semi-annual certifications.
Air-conditioned vehicles with charging ports.
Infants (0–2) may sit on a guardian’s lap (notify in advance).

How to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls (without a car)

Choose your mode: small-group tour (fastest planning), GO/VIA Rail + local transit, or intercity bus.
Time it: plan ~2 hours each way by coach/train; tours include direct drop-off near the Falls.
Reserve attractions: boat (spring–fall), Journey Behind the Falls (year-round).
Pack smart: comfortable shoes, a light jacket, and a phone/camera rain sleeve.

FAQ

When does the Niagara boat run?

Niagara City Cruises typically runs spring through late fall (2025 opening was May 8; weather permitting). When it’s closed, you’ll substitute viewpoints like the Skylon Tower.

Are there fireworks?

Yes—nightly from May 16 to October 13, 2025, at 10:00 PM (subject to weather).

Do you pick up in Downtown Toronto and Mississauga?

Yes—multiple central points; choose the closest during checkout. The Evening tour also offers Niagara Falls pick-up.

What’s your cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup (group tours).

Winter changes?

Itinerary adjusts to the best open attractions; the boat is replaced with top viewpoints/experiences.

Best photo spots at Niagara Falls

Table Rock Centre (Horseshoe Falls brink): Closest ground-level view; best at golden hour & after dark for illumination.
Skylon Tower Observation Deck: Full panorama of both falls; great when the boat is closed in winter.
Illumination Tower area: Evening vantage; pair with Illumination Tower experience on our Evening Tour.
Niagara Parkway Lookouts (incl. Queen Victoria Place): Classic wide shots without crowds; quick stops on tours as timing allows.
Whirlpool Overlook: Dramatic river bend and rapids; daylight stop for nature shots.
Rainbow Bridge Walkway (Canada side): Iconic skyline angle; bring ID if you plan to cross.

Tip: bring a light rain cover for your phone/camera near the brink. Tripods are restricted in some areas—follow posted signage.

Niagara terms (quick glossary)

Illumination Tower: Controls the night colours on the waterfalls; exclusive access add-on on our Evening Tour.
Journey Behind the Falls: Year-round tunnels and viewing portals behind Horseshoe Falls.
Niagara City Cruises: Seasonal boat ride to the base of the Falls (spring–late fall, weather-permitting).
Skylon Tower: Observation tower with indoor/outdoor decks; reliable winter viewpoint.
Clifton Hill: Entertainment street near the Falls (arcades, attractions, restaurants).
Niagara Whirlpool: Class V rapids where the river bends sharply; scenic overlook stop.
Floral Clock: Historic botanical landmark on the Niagara Parkway; quick photo stop.
Icewine: Niagara specialty dessert wine; featured on Niagara-on-the-Lake tours.

Why Queen Tour? Operating since 1994 with 7,500+ five-star reviews, small groups, and experienced guides. Simple planning, memorable day.

Book now

About Queen Tour

Written by Adam – Owner, Queen Tour Niagara. Operating tours since 1994; 7,500+ five-star reviews. Our small-group minibus format and experienced guides help travellers see more with less waiting.