Niagara Falls is the world's largest waterfall , making it an incomparable sight and an iconic tour not to be missed if you're planning to visit Canada. This is one of the best tours from Toronto, offering an unparalleled experience. Many options are available to suit your budget and needs. Prices may vary according to services offered, duration and type of transportation. We therefore recommend that you plan this tour in advance, as it is very popular. Don't forget that it's possible to do it all year round, but summer and winter attractions are not the same, so these are very different experiences. Here are the best excursions available from Toronto!
Niagara Falls holds the record for the greatest volume of water falling at around 3,000 tons per second. This natural spectacle is about an hour and a half from downtown Toronto, so it's a must to add to your itinerary. A day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto can include live commentary and a professional guide. The main advantage is that they usually haveprivate transportation, so you don't have to make your own way to the falls. Here are just a few of the sites you'll see:
- Skylon Tower: this is the best place to get a panoramic view of the falls. It has a revolving restaurant that takes you on a 360° tour in about an hour.
- Niagara Falls: this type of tour is well worth the detour, leaving you time to explore at your own pace.
- Niagara Whirlpool: this is a kind of natural Jacuzzi, with a whirlpool in the gorge of the waterfall. It's an impressive phenomenon located on the border between New York and Toronto.
- The Floral Clock: this is an attraction available in summer, so if you take the tour in that season, you must take a photo for the souvenir. It's very beautiful, as it's the largest floral clock in the world.
- Niagara Parkway: this is a scenic route, so you can't miss its impressive structures and scenery. The best views are from the bus, but you can take advantage of the stops to take photos and explore the area at your own pace.
- Queenston Heights Park: You'll probably pass this urban park, but you won't be able to get off. Enjoy a relaxing ride in an air-conditioned vehicle while admiring the scenery. From a distance, you can enjoy the picnic pavilions.
- Laura Secord Statue: Laura Secord is a heroine of Canada's War of 1812. She walked some 32 kilometers to warn the British army of American attacks. She is commemorated in Canada, so it's important to show her respect in front of this monument.
This visit is well worth sharing with the whole family, and is an ideal activity if you're looking for things to do with children in Toronto. The little ones will have a great time during the visit, playing around the falls. What's more, it's a visit full of lessons.
Practical information:
Prices start fromaround 66 euros per person and the tour lasts around 9 and a half hours.
As for the means of transport, the trip is generally made in an air-conditioned vehicle, either a coach or a minibus. The advantages of this option are that it can be carried out even in bad weather, but appropriate clothing must be worn. The main drawback is that the Floral Clock is an ideal attraction if you're looking for things to do in Toronto in summer, but it's not available in winter.
2. A queue-free trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto
While you're visiting Niagara Falls, you might want to take in some of the attractions in the surrounding area. There are guided tours that allow you to enjoy this experience, without having to endure miles of queuing. Tours are usually conducted in small groups, giving them a private, personalized feel. On this Niagara Falls tour with queue-free attractions departing from Toronto, you'll mainly see:
- The Royal Ontario Museum: this area usually takes passengers very early in the morning, but the museum doesn't open until after 10 am. You can take a photo of the unique façade.
- Niagara Falls: as these tours usually leave early, you'll have more time to explore the area. The Falls are much more than just a natural spectacle. In the area, you can taste local wine, take a helicopter tour and admire the falls from a different perspective, or simply stand on the shore and enjoy the scenery.
- Clifton Hill: this is a special little street close to the falls. You can stop here to rest and have lunch.
- Hornblower: if you're feeling adventurous, we recommend a boat trip to the gorge and misty waterfall (note that this activity is only available in summer).
- Journey Behind the Falls: if you love winter, there's something for you too. This adventure takes you through 130-year-old tunnels.
- Niagara's Fury: this activity is ideal if you're traveling with children, as it includes a 4D cinema, a multi-sensory Ice Age simulator and a learning zone on the history of the Falls.
- Niagara Parks Power Station: visit the area where the power of the Falls is converted into energy.
- Maple Leaf Place: here you can sample the famous maple syrup, characteristic of Toronto and New York. You can buy candies, maple beers, poutine or wines from the best local selection.
Most of these tours include admission to Maple Leaf Place and Niagara Falls, and you can add additional entertainment options such as helicopter rides, boat tours and more. Before you buy, it's important to check which attractions are included in the final price.
Practical information:
Prices start fromaround 75 euros per person and the tour lasts around 9 hours.
For transportation, the expedition can include round-trip transportation, only to designated points in Toronto and Mississauga. Contact your tour operator to confirm pick-up, which must be scheduled in advance.
The main advantage of this option is that most tours offer a cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the scheduled date (ideal in case of unforeseen circumstances). The main disadvantage is that gratuities are generally not included. Tipping is not mandatory in Canada, but many attractions, restaurants, hotels and cab drivers expect an extra 15% or more. Check with your guide to avoid an awkward moment.
3. Platinum Niagara Falls cruise and lunch from Toronto
For your trip to Canada, we recommend a Platinum Niagara Falls tour departing from Toronto. These tours usually include lunch and a fun boat ride. These are more expensive experiences, but don't forget that they usually include admission to most attractions. In addition to the waterfall experience, you can also visit:
- Niagara College Teaching Winery : this is a wine teaching winery, where you can learn about the local wine-making process.
- Table Rock House Restaurant: this restaurant offers a breathtaking, tranquil view of the Falls. In autumn and winter, you can eat here, usually with a full menu that will leave you full and happy - don't worry about the bill! This type of excursion usually offers a three-course lunch.
- Queen Victoria Place Restaurant: a restored 20th-century building with outdoor areas. Here you can enjoy seasonal dishes while watching the waterfalls crash.
Practical information:
Prices start fromaround 110 euros per person and the tour lasts around 9 hours.
As far as transport is concerned, the expedition generally takes place on board a bus with free stops and commentary on the places you'll see by a professional guide.
The main advantage of this option is that the tour usually includes a wine tasting. The main disadvantage is that tipping is generally not included. It is therefore advisable to bring extra money.
4. Day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto
A day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto is an excellent option. Their main advantage is that they generally guarantee queue-free access . During the trip, you'll usually benefit from emergency service, experienced drivers, a tour guide and free stops to explore or take photos. Activities vary according to the season: from May to November, you can take a boat trip, while from December to April, it's best to climb the Skylon Tower. Here are some of the main stops you can make:
- Niagara on the Lake Heritage District: sample Canadian desserts and learn about local history. Known as Niagara Falls' Old Town.
- Sir Ada Beck II Generating Station: from an observation deck, you can see how the region's power plants work.
- Niagara Gorgeview: discover the erosion of the region, which boasts over 13,000 years of interesting history.
Practical information:
Prices start fromaround 98 euros per person and the tour lasts around 8 hours.
As far as transport is concerned, the expedition is carried out in a comfortable car.
The main advantage of this option is that these tours generally offer child seats and strollers are allowed. This is a great option if you're planning things to do in Toronto with children . The main disadvantage is that it's a long trip, but lunch is generally not included. You have to pay for it yourself, which adds to the cost of the experience.
5. Niagara Falls small group tour from Toronto
Marvel at the sights and sounds of this paradise on a small-group tour of Niagara Falls from Toronto. This is an ideal program for families , but you can also do it with friends if you prefer. You'll have the opportunity to cruise the falls, passing the main waterfalls:
- The Great Niagara Gorge.
- American Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Horseshoe Falls.
You won't have to worry about a thing, as your tour operator will take care of all the arrangements. If you wish, you can have lunch in one of the local restaurants.
Practical information:
Prices start fromaround 189 euros per group, and the tour lasts around 9 hours.
As far as transport is concerned, the expedition is carried out in a comfortable car: remember to arrange the meeting or pick-up point with your guide in advance.
The main advantage of this option is that the tour generally includes admission to the falls and surrounding attractions. What's more, you can travel with your service animal. The main drawback is thatdue to its affordable group price, it's highly sought-after, but sells out in high season.
6. Luxury coach tour of Niagara Falls with Hornblower cruise from Toronto
For an exotic, low-cost experience, you can opt for a luxury motorcoach tour to Niagara Falls departing from Toronto. This experience usually includes a cruise through the misty area. You'll also pass through the 100-year-old Journey Behind the Falls tunnel. From here, you can enjoy one of the best helicopter flights in Toronto, as you'll have an incomparable view of Toronto, New York and the Falls. This type of service is not usually included in the total cost.
Practical information:
Prices start fromaround 63 euros per person and the tour lasts around 9 hours.
As far as transport is concerned, the expedition takes place in a luxury coach, equipped with air conditioning and other amenities.
The main advantage of this option is that the tour usually includes a tasting of local maple syrup, as well as admission to Maple Leaf Place. The main drawback is that lunch and gratuities are generally not included.
7. Day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto
If you've had enough of the hustle and bustle of the city, a day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto is the perfect excuse to get away from it all. It's usually the most popular option with tourists, because it's complete, private and personalized. It's also excellent value for money, offering many benefits without high fares or hidden costs. During the trip, you'll be able to make free stops at the Niagara River, the Floral Clock, the Wine Cellars and the Powerhouse.
Practical information:
Prices start fromaround 73 euros per person and the tour lasts around 9 hours.
As far as transport is concerned, the expedition generally includes pick-up in the hotel lobby in a new, air-conditioned vehicle.
The main advantage of this option is that the vehicle is equipped with a free WiFi connection, should you need to communicate during the trip. What's more, it often comes with exclusive coupons for transfers between the airport and Toronto, as well as for local attractions. The main drawback is that it doesn't usually include lunch, but there are plenty of restaurants in the area where you can have lunch.
8. Small-group Niagara Falls tour from Toronto, for early risers
If you're a natural early riser, you can enjoy a small-group tour of Niagara Falls from Toronto. It's an intimate experience that we recommend you share with your closest family or friends. You can take a boat ride, see the main waterfalls and climb the magnificent Skylon Tower. If you're going in winter, you can replace the boat with the Butterfly Conservatory: a conservation house that looks after local butterflies. This type of tour also includes the region's typical attractions, such as Niagara's Fury, the Floral Clock and the cruise ship departure area.
Practical information:
Prices arearound 225 euros per group. This is the best way to save money, as the maximum number of passengers is 7, so each passenger will pay around 30 euros - a considerable saving. The tour lasts around 9 hours. As far as transport is concerned, the expedition takes place in an air-conditioned minibus. The main advantage of this option is that it's a private experience, where you can visit the falls at your own pace. The main disadvantage is that tips are generally not included, as they are optional, but some places are accustomed to receiving them.
9. Private day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto
For ages 14 and up, enjoy this private day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto. It's a strategically fragmented excursion, allowing you to spend time at local wineries, wander the Falls attractions and tour the area by boat . The main attraction is run by people who were born and raised in Niagara's Fall. So they can show you the area from their experience and secrets little known to tourists.
Practical information:
Prices arearound 274 euros per group with a maximum of 11 tourists, which reduces costs considerably. The tour lasts approximately one day. Not recommended if you plan to visit Toronto in two days, as your itinerary will be exhausting and tight. Include it if you plan to stay several days in the city. As far as transportation is concerned, the expedition is carried out in an air-conditioned vehicle. The main advantage of this option is that it usually includes a guide, which makes the visit easier. The main disadvantage is that the tour is fairly long and generally does not include meals and drinks, which, as this is a tourist area, can be expensive. We therefore recommend that you budget extra.