Niagara Falls, the world’s most famous waterfalls, is a must-see when visiting Canada. Located on the border between Canada and the United States, they attract millions of visitors every year and offer an impressive spectacle. If you’re in Toronto, a day trip to Niagara Falls is an absolute must. In this article, I’ll show you the different things to do at Niagara Falls, as well as how to go to Niagara Falls from Toronto.

How to go to Niagara Falls from Toronto?

By car

The most convenient and flexible way to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto is by car. Just take the QEW highway towards Niagara Falls and in an hour and a half, depending on traffic, you’ll be there.

The only drawback is that you’ll need to park on-site. As Niagara Falls is a tourist destination, parking rates are rather excessive. I recommend this parking lot, which offers a daily rate. The rate depends on the day and even the hour. Nevertheless, its location is unbeatable. Rate: between C$10 and C$20, payable in cash only. An ATM is available directly at the parking lot (yes, they’ve got it all covered).

If you’d like to find out more about renting a car, read this article How to rent a car in Canada.

By bus

If you don’t want to or can’t drive, you can also get to Niagara Falls by bus. When booking, be sure to indicate Niagara Falls, Ontario and not Niagara Falls, New York (unless you want to see Niagara Falls from the American side, but honestly, from you to me, the Canadian view is much prettier). Several bus companies offer daily trips from Toronto to Niagara Falls:

• Megabus or Flixbus: buses leave from Union Station and are equipped with electrical outlets. The trip takes 1h50 and fares start at C$20 round-trip. You can book your line directly online.
• Bus de Casino: I may be teaching you something when I say that next to Niagara Falls you have a mini Las Vegas (really mini and very kitsch) where you’ll find casinos, among other things. Buses leave Toronto for these casinos. I’ve never tried this option, but it seems to me that the ticket includes entry to the casinos. If you’re interested, please contact them directly.

By train

Another option is to take the train from Toronto to Niagara Falls. Via Rail offers daily train rides equipped with power outlets and free Wi-Fi. It takes 2 hours to reach Niagara Falls from Toronto, and fares start at C$50 round-trip.

If you’re not sure whether to take the bus or the train, I’d strongly advise you to take the bus, as it’s cheaper and quicker.

What to do in Niagara Falls?

Once you’ve arrived at Niagara Falls, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities. Here are just a few of the most popular.

The Hornblower cruise

This legendary 20-minute cruise will take you as close as possible to the falls, so you can take full advantage of their power – and cool off in the process! Luckily for you, the company provides a poncho, but that won’t stop you from getting soaked! I advise you to wear flip-flops and bring a towel to dry off 🙂

Price: from C$33.5 (excluding taxes)

Journey Behind the Falls walking trail

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Falls on the Journey Behind the Falls walking tour. After descending through tunnels carved into the rock, you’ll be able to see, hear and feel the power of the falls from a unique vantage point.

Price: from C$28 (excluding taxes)

Whirlpool Aero Car aerial tramway

If you want to soar high above the vibrant waters of the Niagara River, hop aboard the Whirlpool Aero Car aerial tramway. You’ll have a spectacular view of the Niagara River’s whirlpool and Class 6 rapids.

Price: from C$19 (excluding taxes)

Helicopter flight over Niagara Falls

For an unforgettable experience and an irreplaceable souvenir, fly over Niagara Falls in a helicopter. This 9-minute tour follows the Niagara River up Whirlpool Rapids, seeing Rainbow Point before finally reaching and flying over Niagara Falls.

Please note that flights are subject to weather conditions and you cannot book slots. It’s on a first-come, first-served basis. That’s why I advise you to show up as soon as it opens. For the anecdote, we had planned to do this but unfortunately didn’t get the chance to take off due to bad weather conditions.

Price: C$180 (excluding taxes)

Visit Niagara-on-the-lake

Located a 30-minute drive from Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-lake is a charming village bordering Lake Ontario. Here you can stroll, eat and discover all the charm this town has to offer. On the road between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-lake, you’ll spot some vineyards. Don’t hesitate to stop off for a wine tasting!

For parking, I’d advise you to avoid the city center, which is obviously not free. Free parking is available on the outskirts of town. You’ll have to walk 5-10 minutes to get downtown, but it’s worth it, isn’t it?

In conclusion, a visit to Niagara Falls is a must, especially if you’re in Toronto. Nevertheless, I recommend that you devote just one day to it, which will give you enough time to get to Niagara Falls, see Niagara Falls, possibly do one of the activities mentioned above, go to Niagara-on-the-lake for lunch, stroll around the city, before returning to Toronto.

If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment. I’ll be happy to answer them! 🙂

La Bise,