The Perfect Niagara Falls Itinerary for Your First Visit

Having grown up in Toronto, I’ve visited Niagara Falls many times over the years. And despite numerous visits, I’m still so wowed by the falls and get why so many people plan a visit to them.

This summer, I was particularly excited to put together a Niagara Falls itinerary for my mother-in-law, husband and daughter. It was my mother-in-law’s first visit (and my daughter’s too, but she was only six months old) and I wanted to make sure we saw the highlights!

Below, I’m sharing my perfect first timer’s itinerary for Niagara Falls. This itinerary will give you natural wonder, small town charm, good food, great wine, adrenaline, history and Canada’s version of the Vegas strip.

Ideally you’ll have two days to visit Niagara Falls – and its charming cousin, Niagara on the Lake – but if you have less time, you can still get a taste for Niagara on a day trip.

And to clarify: this itinerary is for the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. I haven’t been to the US side but I’ve heard our side is better from people who have been to both, so I’ll believe it!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Morning of Day 1: Walk along the falls and then get up close by boat

The whole reason we’re visiting Niagara Falls is to see the falls, so I’m not going to make you wait. Go see them!

As soon as you arrive in Niagara Falls, make a beeline for the falls themselves. The Trans Canada Trail is essentially a sidewalk full of viewing opportunities that runs right along the falls.

All prices below are current as of 2025

Cheap parking at Niagara Falls

If you’re arriving by car, you’ll need to find a place to park before your walk along the falls. This is where I have a great tip for you!

Parking in Niagara Falls is notoriously expensive. Many of the hotels charge upwards of $50 CAD ($36 USD) per night for parking. Plus you’ll have to pay for additional parking all over town if you want to see the sights.

As we were driving down the main road by the falls, Niagara River Parkway, we saw signs advertising $35 CAD ($25 USD) all-day parking. We decided to turn up a street and try our luck elsewhere.

And I’m so glad we did because we found $10 CAD ($7 USD) all-day parking in Niagara Falls! This was such a steal of a deal that I almost wanted to run back to the $35 lot and tell people they were being scammed.

Here is where you’ll find the $10 parking lot. You’re welcome!

A couple things to note: All-day parking in Niagara Falls is only for the day – you can’t stay overnight. So unfortunately you may still need to pay the exorbitant overnight hotel parking fees.

Also, this particular parking lot is up a hill from the falls. If you don’t want to do the steep-ish stairs through a wooded area, there are flat paths to get down to the falls (they’ll just take you longer).

We opted for the stairs down (with Colin somehow manoeuvring Baby C’s stroller all the way!) and then took the longer, but much flatter, path from Clifton Hill back to the parking lot.

The best way to see Niagara Falls? Aboard a Niagara City Cruise!

All right so you’ve parked your car in the cheap lot, you’ve walked along the Trans Canada Trail and you’ve taken about a billion photos of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls (the three main waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls).

Now what? It’s time to get up close and personal with the falls.

The absolute best way to see Niagara Falls is aboard a Niagara City Cruise. You’ll be out on the water and able to literally feel the power of the falls!

Note: There is only one boat company that goes out to Niagara Falls from the Canadian side. So there’s no point in shopping around; Niagara City Cruises is your only option.

Grab your ticket aboard Niagara City Cruises here, plus entry to Journey Behind the Falls for another close-up look at Niagara Falls!

Back when I was a kid, the boat company that went down to the falls was the Maid of the Mist. But in 2012, the Niagara Parks Commission ended their contract with Maid of the Mist, signing a new (and much more lucrative) contract with Hornblower.

Maid of the Mist does still run on the US side, as I believe their contract doesn’t expire until 2040-something!

Hornblower has since rebranded (seemingly amidst a bankruptcy) to City Cruises and City Experiences, with operations not only in Niagara but across Canada, the US and Europe.

PS: We actually took a City Cruises sightseeing harbour cruise with CityPASS during our sightseeing days in Toronto this summer, and it was a blast!

All to say, you may hear people still refer to the boat on the Canadian side as the Maid of the Mist or the Hornblower, even though it’s Niagara City Cruises now. But it’s all the same boat!

All right, now that you’re all caught up on the names and history, let’s get back to the actual boat ride.

My experience with Niagara City Cruises

Since this is the quintessential Niagara Falls experience, we absolutely had to do it while visiting Niagara with my mother-in-law, husband and daughter.

From the ticket booth you’ll descend down a ramp, down an elevator and finally to an outdoor area called the Lower Landing where you’ll find food stalls, souvenirs, tables and bathrooms. There was even live music when we got back from our sailing!

If you don’t need to eat or use the facilities (which you can also do when you get back from your cruise, as they disembark at the same spot), you’ll carry on towards the line up for the boats.

While your ticket is for a specific time slot, you’re not actually buying a ticket for a specific sailing. You’ll arrive during your designated time slot and then join the line for the next sailing.

Niagara City Cruises leave often (there’s two boats constantly running and it’s only a 20 min trip) so you shouldn’t have to wait long. But there can be longer line-ups during peak periods. We sailed in the afternoon on a weekday in late August and were able to board the next boat without any additional wait.

On your way to the boat, you’ll receive a complimentary “souvenir” poncho. I say “souvenir” because almost everyone recycles their soaking wet poncho when they get back, but you are technically allowed to take them home.

They even have tiny ponchos for babies. We put one on Baby C and it was downright adorable!

A note about babies on Niagara City Cruises: You are allowed to bring infants onboard Niagara City Cruises. You can also bring your stroller on board, but have to stay on the lower level.

If you don’t want to bring your stroller, there is a designated (but unsupervised) stroller parking area right before you board the boat.

We opted to leave our stroller behind so we could have the full upper deck experience. I think that’s the right call, especially if this is your first visit to Niagara Falls.

They have their operation down to a science with the disembarking and boarding processes. I noticed that our Canadian side boats were much busier than the ones on the American side.

Still, despite the large number of people, we were able to get a great spot. For the best view and full mist experience, head straight to the front of the upper level of the boat. If you can’t get to the front, anywhere along the railing will give you good photo opps.

During your 20 minute sailing, you’ll hear audio commentary about the falls and glide past the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Journey Behind the Falls and the Power Station.

But the main attraction is definitely getting up close and personal with Horseshoe Falls (aka the Canadian Falls). And by up close and personal, I mean you’re going to get WET.

I’m sure this varies depending on the season and time of day, but our August afternoon sailing left us completely soaked. They call it a “full mist” but it was more like a shower!

I’m talking wring-out-my-hair, feet-floating-in-a-river, water-pouring-down-my-back kind of soaked. The poncho didn’t stand a chance!

While I wasn’t expecting to get quite so soaked, we had a lot of fun with it. Even Baby C, who had no idea what was happening, was such a trooper about getting wet.

If you’re not so keen on getting wet, stick to the inside or back of the boat. Or better yet, stay down on the lower level. The part of my body that was covered by the poncho stayed fairly dry, but because I didn’t tighten the drawstring at my neck, water poured down my back and front.

Decide how wet you want to get before the boat starts to move. Once you’re in the middle of the Horseshoe Falls shower, it would be quite difficult – and maybe even unsafe – to try and get down the stairs to dryer ground.

Besides the full-on soaking (which is hysterically fun, I promise), the Niagara City Cruises boat also offers some really gorgeous views of the falls and Niagara River.

Once back at the Lower Landing we recycled our ponchos (who wants to carry around a soaking wet plastic bag?), changed Baby C into a dry outfit, and exited through the gift shop.

Lucky for those of us without a change of clothes, it was a warm day so we dried off quickly.

Book your Niagara City Cruise, plus Journey Behind the Falls, tickets here!

Afternoon of Day 1: Explore Niagara’s great outdoors

To help you dry off from your Niagara boat experience, I’m suggesting some more time outdoors in the great Niagara region.

Luckily, there are lots of options, both free and paid, that you can choose from.

Option 1: White Water Walk

For this experience, you’ll take an elevator down to water level and walk on a boardwalk along the Niagara River. There are viewing platforms along the way, allowing you to get great views of the whirlpools and rapids.

(Want an even better way to experience the rapids? Try this jet boat ride!)

I think the White Water Walk is a great option if you’re looking for an easy, stroller-friendly walkway that allows you to get close to the water (note: you can’t see the falls from here, just the roaring river).

However, I also think the $20 CAD ($14 USD) admission is pretty steep for what is essentially a wooden sidewalk.

Option 2: Free hiking at Niagara Glen

If you’re looking to do some walking around the Niagara area that you don’t have to pay for, check out the Niagara Glen. Here you’ll find 4 km (2.5 miles) of hiking paths to explore.

There’s also a free self-guided audio tour available and the option to go bouldering!

For more hiking in the area, including the famous Bruce Trail, check out Queenston Heights Park.

Option 3: Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory

Technically the Butterfly Conservatory is indoors, but I’m including it on this list of outdoor activities because you’re basically walking through an indoor forest. Plus, it’s a great option if the weather is bad.

The Butterfly Conservatory was one of my favourite parts about visiting Niagara as a kid. Here you’ll follow a meandering pathway to meet some of the 2,000 butterflies that call this indoor tropical garden home.

The space itself is quite cool – the conservatory actually won an award of excellence from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in 2020 – but of course, you’re there for the butterflies.

As of 2025, adult admission is $20 CAD ($14 USD).

Option 4: Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse

Calling all flower enthusiasts! The Floral Showhouse in Niagara Falls is comprised of three houses that display floral exhibits and tropical plants.

Different floral shows are put on throughout the year to celebrate the different seasons, as well as holidays. Entrance is $8 CAD ($6 USD) per adult.

Option 5: Niagara Falls Botanical Gardens (free entry!)

Or if you want to see flowers – and other plants – free of charge, check out Niagara Falls’ Botanical Gardens instead.

This 99 acres (40 hectares) area offers walkways, meadows, an arboretum, herb and vegetable gardens, a rose garden, and the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture.

I haven’t made it to these botanical gardens yet but usually love a botanical garden, so they’re definitely on my list for my next Niagara Falls visit. Best of all, entry is free!

Another free option just north of Niagara Falls is the famous Floral Clock. There’s not a ton to see here – it’s one big clock made out of flowers – but it is pretty!

PS: If you’re planning to see and do a lot in Niagara Falls, check out the Niagara Falls Pass for discounted admission. This pass gives you entrance to five attractions, plus public transit and audio guides.

Evening of Day 1: Clifton Hill, lights & fireworks

Finally, to wrap up the first day of your Niagara Falls itinerary, we have to tick a few more must-do things off the Niagara bucket list.

Clifton Hill

Clifton Hill is Canada’s version of the Las Vegas strip or Atlantic City. It’s a carnival on steroids. It’s tacky and loud and everything is overpriced…but you still have to go to Clifton Hill on your first visit to Niagara Falls.

As a kid, I thought Clifton Hill was amazing! I loved playing all of the arcade games at the Great Canadian Midway or posing with celebrity wax figures at the Wax Museum.

These days the offerings have expanded with a ferris wheel, go-kart racing and a pretty epic looking dinosaur-themed mini golf course.

While I would not recommend spending a lot of time (or money) on Clifton Hill, it is worth seeing and experiencing in person. Fair warning that if you visit with kids, they’re going to want to do everything in sight.

But don’t dine here. Most of the restaurants on Clifton Hill are horribly overpriced with terrible food. Get out of the touristy zone and dine elsewhere.

PS: Looking for a more adult version of the arcades and kids’ games you see on Clifton Hill? Fallsview Casino is the go-to spot with over 3,300 slot machines and 130 gaming tables.

I’m not a casino person myself but my stepmom and her mom are big fans. They used to drive the 90 minutes from our house in Toronto to Niagara Falls just to hit the Fallsview Casino!

My mother-in-law also visited Fallsview Casino on our 2025 Niagara trip and enjoyed playing a few games. She won $200!

Niagara Falls Nightly Illumination

Since 1925, Niagara Falls has been lit up with colourful lights at night. Every night around dusk, both the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls are lit up with the lights changing colours all night long.

The exact time the lights turn on varies throughout the year (see the 2025 schedule below). When we visited in August 2025, the lights were supposed to come on at 7:30 PM but we didn’t see them until closer to 8:30 PM.

I definitely think it’s worth seeing the lights on the falls, but I wouldn’t hold your breath for anything miraculous. It can be hard to see the lights if you’re too low or there’s too much mist.

And while the lights do change colours, it’s nothing like the light shows I’ve seen at parks around the world, like the Marina Bay Sands one in Singapore. Of course, doing a light show with fountains is a lot easier than with waterfalls!

Fun fact: The lights also change colour in support of charitable causes or to mark special events. You can check out this calendar to see what is lighting up and when.

Niagara Falls Fireworks

You thought fireworks were just for New Year’s Eve? Think again! Because in Niagara Falls, every night is a celebration!

That’s right: there are fireworks every night in Niagara Falls from mid-May to mid-October. The 2025 dates were May 16 to Oct 13 at 10:00 PM each night; click here for an updated schedule for 2026 and beyond.

So as long as you’re visiting between those dates, you can enjoy a free nightly fireworks show over the falls. The show only lasts about five minutes, but it’s still pretty cool to see.

We were lucky enough to be staying in a falls view room (more on that later) and so we had a pretty awesome view of the nightly fireworks show.

But I’ve also just stood along the sidewalk overlooking the falls when I’ve visited before and enjoyed the free show from there too!

Morning of Day 2: Breakfast and another view of the falls

As you’re driving around Niagara Falls, you may notice a few different breakfast options. IHOP (International House of Pancakes) is a prevalent one.

You’ll also notice that almost all of the IHOPs and other breakfast spots have horrible ratings. People complain about bad service, small portions and high prices.

Not wanting to be disappointed, we instead drove five minutes from our hotel to Stacked, a chain of breakfast restaurants across Canada. And it was the right call!

Stacked had huge portions, friendly and fast service, and really reasonable prices – especially compared to what you would pay along the tourist streets of Niagara Falls.

I won’t spend too much longer raving about a chain restaurant but suffice to say I recommend driving the five minutes for a much tastier and more affordable breakfast experience.

After breakfast, it’s time for another look at the falls. We’ve done the walk along the Trans Canada Trail and the City Cruise, but there are lots more options to choose from:

For some history & science: Niagara Parks Power Station

For those who like a little education with their nature, the Power Station, one of Niagara Parks’ newer attractions, is a great choice.

Here you’ll explore one of the first major power plants on the Canadian side of the Niagara River and see how scientists, including Nikola Tesla, have harnessed the energy of the falls for the last 100+ years.

After exploring the exhibits, you’ll take an elevator 180 feet down and walk through a 2,200-foot long tunnel to get to an observation deck facing Horseshoe Falls. You can also do this observation experience at night!

Regular adult admission is currently $32 CAD ($23 USD).

For an up-close look: Niagara Falls tour Journey Behind the Falls

In case your City Cruises ride didn’t get you wet enough, you can visit Niagara Falls Journey Behind the Falls for another up close look.

For this experience, you’ll descend 125 feet into the ground and through tunnels that are over 130 years old, until you pop out at an observation deck. Prepare to get soaked as you come face to face with the power of the falls!

Adult admission to Journey Behind the Falls is $29 CAD ($21 USD). Book your Journey Behind the Falls tickets, plus City Cruises boat ride, here.

Trying to decide between the Niagara Power Station and Journey Behind the Falls?

Both attractions include long tunnels that lead to observation decks by the falls for similar costs, so which one should you choose?

The Niagara Power Station has more of an emphasis on learning about the power plant, the science of hydroelectricity, etc. The tunnel to get to the falls is longer and larger. Importantly, the viewing platform is not as close to Horseshoe Falls.

Journey Behind the Falls is just about getting up close to the water. There’s a small exhibit to learn about the history of the experience, but not an entire power plant to discover. The tunnels are historic (so smaller and shorter) and the viewing platform is right next to the falls (hence why you get wet!).

So which should you choose, Niagara Power Station or Journey Behind the Falls?

• If you just care about getting as close to the falls as possible, choose Journey Behind the Falls.
• If you don’t need a super close view and would rather learn about the science of the falls, choose the Power Station.

Or if you can’t decide, check out the Niagara Falls Pass which includes entrance to both Journey Behind the Falls and the Power Station, plus three other attractions, public transit & audio guides!

For a view from above: Whirlpool Aero Car, Niagara Falls Zipline or a Niagara Falls helicopter ride

For a completely different view of Niagara Falls, you can take to the skies via:

• Whirlpool Aero Car: Ride on this antique cable car above the Niagara Gorge and rapids of the Niagara River. (This is also included in the Niagara Falls Pass!)
• Niagara Falls Zipline: Zip 670 metres (2,200 feet) down into the Niagara Gorge, passing the American Falls, and arriving at the base of Horseshoe Falls. My cousins, who are much braver than me, did this one!
• Helicopter tour over Niagara Falls: Soar above the falls on this 10-minute helicopter flight with the most epic views. This is absolutely on my bucket list!

For free: Fallsview Square and walking path

For a different look at the falls, take a walk around Fallsview Square and its walking path. While not right up close to the falls, this area of Niagara is a lot quieter. And the view is free!

On our first day in Niagara this summer, we went for a stroll around this area. It was cool to see the waterfalls through the trees and have tons of green space and benches along our walk.

They also hold festivals and markets in Fallsview Square, so check to see if something is on during your visit.

If the weather is bad: Niagara Takes Flight

This is Niagara Parks’ newest attraction – it hadn’t opened yet during our August visit – and is the perfect option if you’re visiting the falls in bad weather.

Head indoors to grab your seat on this flying theatre ride – it’ll feel like you’re actually soaring over the falls with your feet dangling, wind in your hair and mist in your face.

Before the ride, you’ll walk through immersive media rooms to learn about the falls and their history, including the Indigenous roots of the region. These rooms look really cool!

Adult admission is currently $29 CAD ($21 USD) or you can visit at a discount as part of the Niagara Falls Pass.

Travel from Niagara Falls to Niagara on the Lake

After your morning adventure under or over the falls, you’ll travel from Niagara Falls to Niagara on the Lake, a cute little town that’s known for its charming shops, waterfront views and wineries.

You can take a WeGo bus (the public transport system in Niagara) or drive your own car to NOTL (apx 30 min drive). If you’re planning to stop at a winery on the way (which I recommend!), it’s easier to take your own car or join a wine tour.

Tip: Parking on the main drag in Niagara on the Lake will cost you $5.25/hour. We found free parking just a couple of blocks away in front of Veterans Memorial Park.

It was also nice to walk over to the main street, Queen Street, from the park as we got to pass lots of cute houses!

Lunch on Day 2: Lunch at a Niagara winery (+ tour and tasting)

The Niagara region of Ontario is known for its wineries and vineyards, and in particular, its ice wine. I’ve been on a couple of wine tastings in the area and even volunteered at a charity booth for a few summers at one of the bigger wineries.

Most of the wineries are located between Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake, so it makes perfect sense to stop on your way for lunch and/or a wine tasting tour.

Wine tasting tours in Niagara on the Lake

If you’re a wine connoisseur, you can choose to spend a half day or full day touring different wineries and tasting their offerings. My aunt was telling me about a great tour she did recently that was by bike and included multiple tastings and small bites!

Here are some top-rated Niagara wine tours:

• Small group, half-day wine tasting tour with stops at 3 wineries
• Lunch, cheese plate and wine tasting tour with stops at 4 wineries
• Cycle & wine tasting tour with optional lunch

Winery lunch at Pillitteri Estates

If you’re just looking to make one stop for lunch, I highly recommend BarrelHead at Pillitteri Estates Winery. This is where we stopped and it was delicious!

The outdoor restaurant (they move indoors in the winter) has a very cool look and feel with picnic tables under the trees, string lights, a big outdoor bar and a stage for live music.

They’re mostly known for their pizza but have a few sandwiches and salads as well. They also, as expected, have a great wine list and specialty cocktails made with their draft ice wine.

And BarrelHead has daily specials and lunch specials! As most meals in Niagara cost a lot, this is a great way to save some money.

As of Oct 2025, you can get a pizza and salad at lunch for only $15 CAD ($11 USD) or 50% off all pizzas during their happy hour. We liked our pizza so much we almost considered coming back for happy hour to buy another one!

After lunch, we walked around the patio and Pillitteri Estates wine shop (note that you can’t explore the estate unless you pay for a tour). My mother-in-law also purchased a bottle of wine.

Afternoon of Day 2: Wander around Niagara on the Lake

After lunch or your wine tasting tour, continue onto Niagara on the Lake and get ready for all of the charming, small town vibes. Think Gilmore Girls, but on a Canadian Lake.

As you walk around, you’ll notice lots of Colonial style homes with picket fences and wrap-around porches. My husband, Colin, was reading that the original town was founded by English loyalists who left the US in the 18th Century. It was also the first capital of Upper Canada (which later became the province of Ontario).

Continue to the historic downtown area, which mostly runs along Queen Street. Here you’ll find lots of little shops and restaurants. There are tons of great artisans here and specialty stores, as well as good souvenir buying opportunities.

And even if shopping isn’t for you, this is a very pretty street to walk down to check out the historic architecture and flowers in bloom.

Don’t miss the Niagara Apothecary, which was a working pharmacy from 1820-1964; the Royal George Theatre, home of the Shaw Festival which dates back to WWI, but which is sadly being rebuilt after the 2025 season; and The Prince of Wales Hotel, an iconic property that was built in 1864.

There’s also the Old Court House and Cenotaph of Niagara-on-the-Lake (or Memorial Clock Tower) along Queen Street. And just outside of NOTL you’ll find even more historic places to visit like Fort George and Fort Mississauga.

During our time in Niagara on the Lake we bought a few souvenirs and a delicious butter tart from Niagara Home Bakery. For other dessert options try the apple fritters from Fritters on the Lake and croissants or gelato from Nina Gelateria or Il Gelato di Carlotta.

After shopping, head down to Queen’s Royal Park to enjoy some time by the water. There’s a small beach, nice grassy area and a gazebo. You could even bring some of your food purchases down for a little picnic!

Evening of Day 2: Shop at the outlets on your way back from Niagara Falls

Sadly, your time in Niagara Falls is nearing an end. In case you didn’t get enough retail therapy in Niagara on the Lake, we’re going to make one more stop on your drive back from Niagara to Toronto.

Pull into the Outlet Collection at Niagara Falls, a series of outlet stores in a large, outdoor shopping centre. They close at 9pm most days (6pm on Sundays), so you can still spend most of your day in Niagara and hit the outlets in the evening.

Outlet shopping was a quintessential part of my Niagara experience as a child. The outlet malls weren’t as fancy back then, but there was always a stop to check out the sales before we headed home to Toronto.

On our most recent visit, Colin and I scored some new running shoes (for 50% off!). We also grabbed a meal at the food court, which has a good number of options, plus there are food trucks parked out front.

And so, with camera rolls full of the falls and arms heavy with bags of discount shopping, you’ll close out your Niagara Falls itinerary and head back to Toronto or wherever your onward travels take you!

Where to stay: Niagara Falls hotels by the falls

There are lots of Niagara Falls hotels to choose from, but be warned that they can get very expensive given how popular this area is. Most will charge extra for parking and some even charge an additional resort fee.

Most of the hotels are located between Clifton Hill to the north and Fallsview Casino to the south. The ones by the casino offer a view of the falls.

We opted for a hotel by the falls with the full falls view, choosing Marriott on the Falls. My mother-in-law really liked the idea of getting a room with a falls view, which I think is a fun idea for your first trip to Niagara Falls. But of course, it comes at a price!

The falls view room was really nice for us, especially as we were travelling with Baby C, who was seven months old at the time. Because she was going to bed early, we were able to put her down and still enjoy the lights on the falls and the fireworks from our room.

Check out my full review of our Marriott on the Falls experience, as there were pros and cons. But I do think splurging on a falls view room is worth it if you really want that epic view and plan to sit by your window and make the most of it.

Book your room at Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls here

Other Niagara hotels by the falls with falls views include:
The Marriott Fallsview & Embassy Suites are said to have the best views!

• Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview
• Niagara Fallsview Hotel & Suites

Other Niagara Falls hotel options

If you’d rather save some money and don’t plan to spend that much time in your room anyway, skip the falls view and fancy hotel. Days Inn by Wyndham Fallsview and Howard Johnson Plaza by Wyndham by the Falls are both well-rated and more affordable.

Cannery Lofts is another affordable option we were considering – it’s off the main drag but has apartment-style suites that are great if you need more space or want to cook.

If you’re travelling with kids, some Niagara Falls hotels have water parks attached, like Skyline Hotel & Waterpark, Americana Waterpark Resort and Spa, and Great Wolf Lodge. I was a big fan of Great Wolf Lodge as a kid!

Or if you’d prefer something a bit quieter and more charming, consider staying in Niagara on the Lake instead. There’s the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel, luxurious 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa, and budget-friendly Best Western Colonel Butler Inn.

FAQ: Planning a trip to Niagara Falls, Canada

How do you get to Niagara Falls?

Most people visit Niagara Falls from Toronto. If that’s you, check out my full guide on travelling from Toronto to Niagara Falls (coming soon!).

You can drive to Niagara Falls, take a GO Transit train and/or bus, or join a day tour which will include your transportation from Toronto, plus activities around the Niagara region.

My mom also let me know about this shuttle bus that goes from Toronto to the Fallsview Casino in Niagara. You even get credit to spend at the casino with your bus fare!

Can you see Niagara Falls in a day?

Yes, you technically can see Niagara Falls in a day. From downtown Toronto, it’s about a 90 minute drive to Niagara Falls, so it’s a very do-able day trip.

However, only a day in Niagara Falls won’t give you much time for all of the experiences in my itinerary above. You probably won’t have time to visit a winery or Niagara on the Lake, and may only be able to do one or two things at Niagara Falls.

You’ll also miss out on the nightly illumination of the falls and the fireworks, unless you plan to stay really late.

If you can, I’d try to stay at least one night in Niagara Falls. That way, you can get the full experience of the falls at night without having to drive back late, plus time to squeeze in a visit to NOTL or a Niagara winery.

By staying overnight, you also get to enjoy Niagara Falls in the morning and evening without day trippers, when the crowds are much smaller.

When is the best time to visit Niagara Falls?

I’d recommend planning a trip to Niagara Falls Canada in late spring or early fall.

Summer is the most popular time to visit Niagara Falls, but you can expect it to be crowded, hot and overpriced. And in the winter, a lot of the falls activities shut down.

So instead, aim for shoulder season when you can still get good weather but with smaller crowds and lower prices. If you can plan your visit for during the school year (Sep to Jun in Ontario), that will help with crowds too.

If you have to visit in the summer (we most recently visited in August 2025), try to visit on a weekday. Staying overnight and visiting attractions at off-peak times will also help you avoid the summer crowds.

For example, we headed to Niagara on the Lake in the morning and were able to secure a free parking spot no problem. When we were leaving just before lunch, the streets were filling up with people and our parking lot was totally full!

Wrapping up your Niagara Falls itinerary

If you’re heading to Niagara Falls for the first time, you are in for a treat. Even though some areas of Niagara are super touristy, I think there really is so much to appreciate for first timers.

And witnessing the power of the falls up close is unbelievable no matter how many times you’ve visited! I’ve probably been a dozen times and it still blows me away each time.

I love that there’s always more to discover too. Niagara Parks is constantly working on new attractions or improving old ones. And I could never tire of wandering the charming streets of Niagara on the Lake or sitting back at a winery with a drink and some lunch.

So you really can make your Niagara Falls itinerary your own. Add in zip lining and helicopter rides if you’re an adrenaline junkie. Visit the Power Station and nearby forts if you love history.

Go on a wine tasting tour, visit the casino, hike along the river, go shopping in NOTL, or simply sit back and enjoy the free fireworks and mist rising off one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world.

Once you’ve ticked Niagara Falls off your bucket list, check out my epic cross Canada road trip itinerary for even more incredible Canadian sites to visit!