Niagara Falls, is undoubtedly, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada…and even in North America! As one of the best Niagara Falls tour operators ToNiagara gets asked a lot of questions about Niagara Falls! And one of the most popular question that we are asked is how much time do we need to see Niagara Falls?
Wherever you are planning this trip from, and whether you are planning a day trip to Niagara Falls or an evening/night trip to Niagara Falls; it is essential that you have somewhat of a plan and also a fair bit of idea of how much time you will need on hand to make the most of this trip. And while we can’t speak for other destinations- we can provide you ample information with even and itinerary and a plan- when it comes to Niagara Falls! After all, we are at Niagara Falls every single day!
By the way- if you are looking for more information on certain things in Niagara Falls, we have written a few relevant articles that give you just the information you need before your trip planning. Check them out:
Top 10 Things to do in Niagara Falls
Top 10 Places to Stay in Niagara Falls
Best places to Eat in Niagara Falls
Back to answering the original question of how much time do you need to see Niagara Falls …
So, in terms of answering the question of how much time you would need at Niagara Falls, we are fairly assuming something here. We hope, that by asking this you don’t just mean how much time would you need to see Niagara Falls, as in, just the Falls! That is, assumingyou would want to make a trip out of a substantial chunk of time, and cover, if not all, but as many of the key attractions at Niagara Falls as you possibly can, on your trip. After all, there is just so much to do and so much to see, at Niagara Falls, besides the Falls themselves!
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED TO SEE NIAGARA FALLS
Keeping in mind what we said above about the question, and what we believe is being asked by trip planners to Niagara Falls – the plan we have laid out for you, with our suggestions, would take you anywhere between 8 to 10 hours! That is if you cover all the attractions we mention here in. Of course, you can customize it as you like- add to it or take something out or substitute it with something that catches your interest!
But, here’s some of the things that we do recommend you do at Niagara Falls to have a fun filled day! Our recommendations are for every kind of traveller- a solo adventurist, a couple wanting a day away together, or a family looking for a good getaway with kids! Here is your answer to the ” How much time do you need to see Niagara Falls ” question- according to ToNiagara’s expert suggestions!
Arriving from Toronto
If you are planning your trip from Toronto, the drive to Niagara Falls will take you around 90 mins. We know this because we do pick ups all over the GTA area, and due to our daily trips, are very familiar with the drive on any given day and time of the day. You can easily run a Google search to find out the time for any other destination you might be considering. But from Toronto to Niagara Falls by road – it is approximately 90 mins.
Niagara Falls and the famous HornBlower Cruise
(Approx. time for both – 2hours)
We have included those two things in this ‘plan’ that we have laid out for you, simply because those are the very first thing that most of the tourists to Niagara Falls like to do, and in fact would want to do! Visiting and seeing the Falls themselves! The powerful gushing water and the frothy blue-white enormity of each of the 3 falls, is a sight! The American, Bridal Veil and the Horseshoe Falls! If you haven’t seen it yet, in person- we highly recommend you do. None of the pictures online do it any justice!
The HornBlower cruise is another one of those things that is so popular! If you go to see the Falls, we say that you don’t leave without experiencing this boat ride! The boat takes you on a cruise on the waters by Niagara Falls, so you get to see them upclose! And you wear legit parkas on the boat because the mist from the Falls will sure get you a little wet! There are two options with this boat ride- the day boat ride and the evening one. If your plan allows you, we recommend that you take the HornBlower night cruise! Especially the last one there is! There is live music, food and alcohol on this boat cruise! Talk about doing it all in style!
Exploring Clifton Hills
(Approx. time- 2 hours)
Clifton Hills is THE place to be and a must visit if you go to Niagara Falls! There are so many attractions on this street that is hard to list them all here! From gaming zones, to Museums, to haunted houses- this place has a lot to offer everyone! Especially if you are travelling with kids- this place is must go! Schedule some time within your itinerary to walk and explore this place!
Food time
(Approx. time- 1 hour)
All the Falls watching, picture taking, boat cruising and walking is bound to make you hungry! And we believe the next step logically in your day would be your food break! On Clifton Hill- you will find countless options to eat! Whether you are on a budget or want to eat in style- it has something for everyone! Want some specific recommendations? We have that for you too! We have compiled a list of The Top 10 Best Places to Eat at Niagara Falls. We have chosen truly unique culinary experiences for the foodie in you! Get served in style and feed those taste buds!
The Whirlpool Rapids
(Approx. time- 1 hours)
The Whirlpool Rapids is another one of those natural phenomena at Niagara Falls, that you should not miss! It is stated by most as one the memorable experiences at Niagara Falls and something that is pretty awe-inspiring! This one is on the very powerful Niagara River; you will witness the frothy white waters travelling at great speeds. And the Whirlpool is formed where the water from Niagara River converges with the water of Niagara Gorge. Don’t miss out this one on your trip!
And on a side note- the drive from Niagara Falls to the location where you see the Whirlpool Rapids is absolutely gorgeous! It was very famously called as the “The Prettiest Sunday Afternoon Drive” by Winston Churchill!
Niagara Falls Floral Clock
(Approx. time – 30 to 45 mins)
This is one of most beautiful man-made beauties, and another popular destination that you must include in your plan! The Floral Clock is exactly what it sounds! A clock made of flowers! And a huge one might we add that! At 40 ft diameters it is a sight to see! And a great photo op might we add? This is literally the second most photographed location at Niagara Falls- coming second after the Falls themselves! Definitely check this one out!
Seeing the Smallest Chapel in the World
(Approx time: 20 mins)
The Smallest Chapel in the World is another one of those things in Niagara Falls that you must not miss. It attracts tourists from all over the World and we think its worthy of at least one visit. Here too, the pictures online, don’t do it justice at all! You must just be there in person!
Check out the wineries
(Approx. time 1.5 hour)
You do know that Niagara Falls region is famous for its wineries, right? We totally recommend checking out those wineries when you are on a visit to Niagara Falls! There are so many them and all them offer great tours! You not only get to see the wine making process, but you also get to taste the wine; as wine tasting is almost always a part of the tour!
Well, there you go. We hope we have satisfactorily answered your question of how much time do you need to see Niagara Falls! Now you have a plan, or at least you have beginning of a great one!
Based on this plan of the day, you should be spending anywhere between 8 to 10 hours at Niagara Falls and surrounding area. And you will have covered all the key areas around the Falls, that we believe are worth a visit!
Did you like these suggestions? Do you have some of your own about what should be included or perhaps replaced in this mock itinerary? Do let us know in the comments section below!
Execute this plan with ease; with us!
If you want to make this trip to Niagara Falls even more comfortable and even more customized to your liking, then take a look at our tour options! With us you get to cover everything we mentioned in here- plus there is no hassle of driving and worrying about traffic and arriving on time and then trying to find parking! You get to focus on just the pure and simple, Niagara Falls fun!
Our Tour Details
Toronto to Niagara Falls Day Tour
Toronto to Niagara Falls Evening tour
Want to read more about Niagara Falls? Click the links below:
Top 10 Things to do in Niagara Falls
Top 10 Places to Stay in Niagara Falls
Best places to Eat in Niagara Falls
Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Toronto To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Toronto To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Oakville To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Oakville To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
