Top 10 Day Trips from Niagara Falls (All Within 2 Hours)

Have you already visited Niagara Falls and been amazed by the grandeur of the waterfalls and the fascinating facts surrounding this natural wonder? Do you think your journey has ended and that you’ve gotten the most out of this experience? You might be wrong. Within just a 2-hour radius of Niagara Falls, you can discover each of the 10 attractions we will list below.

Make the most of your time and discover even more natural beauties, each with a unique story.

The first recommended destination on our list is Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada.

Situated just a 25-minute ride from Niagara Falls, this village captures visitors’ attention with its old-fashioned charm as if you have stepped back in time. It’s wonderful to visit between March and October when you can be intoxicated by the scent of colourful flowers and enjoy theatrical performances brought to life during the Shaw Festival. Moreover, this small village is surrounded by vineyards and wineries, inviting you to savour the region’s authentic local products.

The second destination we propose is Hamilton Waterfalls, Ontario.

Scenic picture of a waterfall in Hamilton, Ontario, part of the Niagara Escarpment.

In less than 1 hour’s drive, you will be surrounded by more than 100 waterfalls. You can explore as many waterfalls as you want while hiking or biking. Each one has its unique style and grandeur. The forested landscape accompanying you from one waterfall to the next heightens your curiosity and desire to continue exploring. The waters of some waterfalls plunge almost vertically with force from great heights, while others appear more gentle, winding their way down across multi-layered rocks.

In an almost 20-minute ride, you arrive at St. Catharines, Ontario.

St Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

You can find almost everything you’re looking for in St. Catharines—from vast, blooming gardens to vineyards that produce some of Ontario’s finest wines. A good glass of wine awakens your appetite and invites you to indulge in a local cuisine rich in fresh, regional products. The locals even dedicate an annual Grape and Wine Festival to celebrate their cherished harvest and the wines it produces.

Art also holds a special place in St. Catharines, with contemporary exhibitions at Rodman Hall Art Centre and a lively lineup of concerts and film screenings at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

You can go to Buffalo, New York, for only a 45-minute ride.

Downtown Buffalo, New York.

Buffalo impresses in many dimensions. For culture and history, visit the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site.

The Darwin D. Martin House, built around 120 years ago in the Prairie style as part of a family complex, is a masterpiece of architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

The city is rich in museums and art centers that promote artists and performances for every age group. We can mention the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Burchfield Penney Art Center, and the Buffalo Museum of Science.

Buffalo’s charm is further enhanced by its breathtaking natural scenerylush gardens, and vibrant waterfront activities, making it a lively and inspiring destination.

The fifth recommendation is Toronto.

Downtown Toronto, Canada.

It is a 1.5-hour drive from Niagara Falls, but it’s worth it!
To observe the city from a dizzying height of 553.3 meters and to truly grasp its grandeur, you absolutely must go up the CN Tower. By walking on the Glass Floor, you’ll experience maximum adrenaline and conquer your fears. You can also enjoy a meal at the revolving restaurant that offers changing views while performing a full rotation for 72 minutes.

You can also visit the largest museum in Canada, housing more than 13 million artworks. A visit to the Royal Ontario Museum opens up new horizons of culture and history.
You will live in a fairytale while visiting Casa Loma, a huge castle all to be explored. You will live in a fairytale while visiting Casa Loma, a massive castle with almost 100 rooms and immense gardens all to be explored.
To leave your mark and prove that you’ve visited this city, don’t forget to take a photo at the most photographed spot in Toronto—the ‘TORONTO’ sign near Nathan Phillips Square.

Fort Erie is only a 20-minute drive from Niagara Falls.

Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada

By visiting this place, you will learn more about the War of 1812 between the United States and British North America (Canada). You will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the carefully preserved sites and buildings that authentically showcase the history. Besides exploring the history, in Fort Erie, you can enjoy a pleasant rest on the sandy beaches and eagerly watch the sunset over the lake. You can also rent a boat at the town’s marina and cruise on the waters. A coffee at one of the small local cafés will convey the warmth and hospitality of the locals.

Cambridge, Ontario – 1 hour and 45 minutes drive from Niagara Falls.

Downtown Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.

If you are passionate about architecture, nature, and true relaxation, you must visit Cambridge, Ontario. In this town, time moves slowly, and every moment is meant to be savoured. The town’s distinctive stone buildings date back more than two centuries. The Grand River flows gently through the city, offering picturesque views and a true oasis of calm. While relaxing by the riverbank, you’ll be accompanied by the songs of birds, which are abundant in this area. You’ll also find over 2,000 free-flying butterflies, various birds, insects, turtles, and more at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory.

 

Visit Stratford, just 2 hours from Niagara Falls, to enjoy classic Shakespearean theatre.

Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The city of Stratford is best known as the place where the works of Shakespeare come to life. During the Stratford Festival, from April to October, classical music and theatrical performances delight art-loving audiences. Then, after enjoying a Shakespearean play, the romance continues along the city’s cobblestone streets and tall Victorian-style buildings.

In Stratford’s charming little shops, you can taste handmade artisan chocolate or visit Market Square and take home a souvenir from the city. The centuries-old churches captivate visitors with their architecture and frescoes. A boat ride along the Avon River will add a romantic touch to your journey. After a day filled with art and activity, enjoy the area’s rich local cuisine, served fresh from farm to table.

 

Long Point Provincial Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers.

Provincial Park Beach on the shore of Lake Erie, Ontario.

For those who love nature, animals, and birds and find relaxation on sandy beaches, a visit to Long Point Provincial Park is a must. Located 2 hours from Niagara Falls, it is recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. Bird enthusiasts often visit the park during migration seasons to catch a glimpse of rare species. The sandy beaches are shallow and have warm waters, making them ideal for the whole family. If you walk through the forested areas, you’ll encounter different wildlife depending on the season, such as deer, foxes, and more. You can also explore aquatic life if you choose to take a canoe trip.

Our last suggestion is the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.

“Hamilton, Ontario, Canada – during the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museums Flyfest 2009”

For a unique experience that will not only introduce you to the history of Canadian military aviation but also allow you to see aircraft from different historical periods up close, take a 1-hour and 15-minute drive from Niagara Falls and visit the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. The museum, situated in Mount Hope near Hamilton, will leave you speechless with its impressive collection of aircraft. This visit is both entertaining and educational for you and your little ones. You can climb aboard these planes and explore them up close. If you’re genuinely passionate about warplanes, you can even book in advance and enjoy a flight in one of them.