Niagara Falls in a Day: The Ultimate One Day Travel Itinerary

Planning to spend 1 day in Niagara Falls, Canada, but unsure where to start? As someone who’s visited frequently from Toronto, I know exactly how to make the most of a single day.

From incredible boat tours to the base of the Falls to family-friendly attractions, this guide will help you plan your visit with this ultimate one day itinerary.

Keep reading to learn more about the best attractions, dining spots, and what you should skip if you only have one day in Niagara Falls.

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Why Should I Spend One Day in Niagara Falls?

Located less than two hours from Toronto, Niagara Falls is an ideal destination for a memorable day trip. 

With views of three impressive waterfalls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, the Canadian side of the Falls is particularly breathtaking.

Is One Day in Niagara Falls, Canada Enough?

Absolutely! Visiting Niagara Falls from Toronto in a day is entirely feasible. Our family frequently takes day trips to Niagara Falls, making the most of its proximity to Toronto.

A typical day for us includes parking near the Welcome Centre and walking along the Falls View pathway to take in the stunning views of the waterfalls. 

In addition to the waterfalls, there are several fun attractions worth adding to your itinerary, especially if it’s your first visit or you’re coming from farther away.

If you have the time and the budget, however, spending two-days in Niagara Falls is an ideal length of time, in my option. You can see all the attractions, visit some of the best Niagara-on-the-Lake-Wineries, and stay overnight to see the Falls at night.

Things to do in Niagara Falls in 1 Day

Having been to Niagara Falls dozens of times, here’s how I would spend my time if I had just one day in Niagara Falls:

✔️Start at the Table Rock Welcome Centre
✔️View the Horseshoe Falls
✔️Visit the Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel
✔️Go on the Journey Behind the Falls
✔️Walk along the Falls View Trail to see all three waterfalls
✔️Take a Niagara Boat Cruise (Hornblower)
✔️Walk through Clifton Hill
✔️Go up the Skylon Tower
✔️Dinner overlooking the Falls
✔️See the illuminated Falls at night

If you are ambitious or are staying quite late, add the White Water Walk and Aerial Car to your day. You will need to drive or take the WEGO Bus to add these additional attractions. 

If you are planning a visit to Niagara Falls in the winter between January and April, you will want to adjust your itinerary. Here’s my recommended one day Niagara Falls itinerary for winter.

Niagara Falls in a Day

Make the most of your day trip to Niagara Falls with this carefully planned 1 day Niagara Falls itinerary. Designed to ensure you experience all the key attractions, it allows you to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the falls, all within walking distance.

Stop 1: Table Rock Welcome Centre

＄Cost: Free ⏰ Time: about 15 minutes ✓Open all year

The Table Rock Welcome Centre is the main visitor hub at Niagara Falls. On the second floor, you’ll find some of the best indoor views of the falls through large windows. 

At the Welcome Centre, there are washrooms, a fantastic gift shop, and the WEGO Bus Main Terminal. 

It also features several dining options, including coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, pizza, sushi, and wraps. Additionally, this is where you can access the popular attractions Journey Behind the Falls and the Incline Railway.

A large parking lot is located just past the welcome centre for those who drive. This is also where you will be dropped off if you are on a tour bus or other transportation options such as a FlixBus.

Stop 1: The Canadian Horseshoe Falls

$ Free ⏰ Time: about 30 minutes ✓Open all year

The highlight of any trip to Niagara Falls is, of course, seeing the falls themselves. The Horseshoe Falls, also known as the Canadian Falls, is a breathtaking sight with its crescent shape and 54-metre (177-foot) height. 

These falls carry nine times more water than the American side, with a vertical plunge of 57 metres (188 feet) into the Niagara River below. While it’s not the tallest waterfall in the world, an astonishing 6 million cubic feet of water go over the falls every minute. 

Right outside the welcome centre, you will find yourself at the brink of the falls. Every time I visit I can’t believe that you can stand just a few feet away from the falls. 

The unobstructed views are truly spectacular. With only a small barrier between you and the waterfall, you can’t help but feel the true power of the waterfall in this spot.

Stop 2: Tunnel at the Niagara Parks Power Station

$ Tickets Required ⏰ Time: about 1 hour ✓Open all year

Within walking distance of the Welcome Centre, you’ll find the Tunnel at the Niagara Parks Power Station. This outdoor observation deck, museum, gift shop, and underground tunnel opened recently in 2021. 

This decommissioned hydroelectric power plant features interactive exhibits and a glimpse into its fascinating historical significance. 

The tour includes a self-guided audio option or the opportunity to join an in-person guided tour at certain times of the day. Personally, I really enjoyed the audio tour and learned some really interesting facts about the history of Niagara and the power station.

The main highlight, however, is the 2,200-foot-long tunnel located 180 feet beneath the power station that takes you to a new outdoor observation deck at the river’s edge. 

Take an elevator ride 180 feet down to the tunnel below. From there, you can walk along the path beneath the Niagara River. At the end of the tunnel, you will reach a new observation deck at the river’s edge, providing stunning views of the horseshoe falls. 

Ponchos are available at the entrance of the observation deck as you can get wet here. I would also suggest bringing a light sweater or jacket as the tunnel is quite cool, even in the middle of summer.

There is also the option to visit the power station at night and see the illuminated falls. You can also see the evening fireworks show from this location if you are still at the falls at 10 p.m!

Stop 3: Journey Behind the Falls

$ Tickets Required ⏰ Time: about 1 hour ✓Open all year

Journey Behind the Falls offers a unique walking tour that takes you directly behind the powerful Horseshoe Falls. After taking an elevator down 125 feet to the base of the falls, there are two small observation decks that provide you with up-close views of the Horseshoe Falls. 

You can spend as long as you like behind the falls, making it a great place to take photos as you stand unbelievably close for some incredible views. I must admit, I think I took several hundred photos here!

You can also walk down one of the pathways that lead you right behind the falls. From here, you can see and hear the thunderous waterfall up close. 

Be prepared to get wet, but don’t worry—they provide ponchos to help keep you dry. You will want to make sure you have a waterproof camera!

I think Journey Behind the Falls is worth including in your itinerary and it is my favourite paid attraction in Niagara. Standing so close to the falls was truly breathtaking, and you can take as much time as you like to enjoy the views.

Stop 4: Walk Along the Niagara River Parkway

＄Cost: Free ⏰ Time: about 1 hour ✓Open all year

Walk along the scenic pathway that runs parallel to the Niagara River. Walking from the brink of the falls to Clifton Hill you will have close-up views of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. 

Walking from the Welcome Centre, along the trail, and over to Clifton Hill is about 2 kilometres one way and takes about 30 minutes to walk the whole distance. If you’re brave enough, you can also Zip Line to the base of the Horseshoe Falls.

Of course, stopping to admire the view along the way will certainly impact your timing! Don’t forget to take plenty of photos.

Stop 5: Take a Niagara City Cruise (Ride the Hornblower)

$ Tickets Required ⏰ Time: about 1 hour ✓ Operational: April to November

A ride with Niagara City Cruises on the Hornblower offers a once-in-a-lifetime boat ride along the Niagara River. You will pass by all the waterfalls and get up close to the majestic Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The boat ride itself lasts about 20 minutes.

There are two levels to the boat. For the maximum experience, go to the front of the boat and beside a railing. Be prepared to get soaking wet on the boat, even with the provided poncho. You may also want to wear sunglasses (or maybe even goggles) as the glare on the water can be very bright and it’s hard to see through the spray of the water.

In the peak season, the boat can be quite crowded, so if you can get on the first boat ride of the day or visit off-season you may avoid some of the crowds.

Mid-June to the end of August, it is best to make a reservation in advance for this very popular attraction. 

Stop 6: Walk By Clifton Hill

$ Free to see; Entrance fees for attractions ⏰ Time: about 30 minutes ✓Open all year

Clifton Hill is the bustling, touristy area of Niagara Falls, filled with attractions and amusements. However, if this type of experience doesn’t appeal to you, feel free to skip it.

As you walk up Clifton Hill, you’ll pass by eye-catching and sometimes tacky attractions such as the Hollywood Wax Museum, Niagara SkyWheel, Mini-Golf, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Midway Games, and many other family-friendly museums and amusements. 

Not everyone really enjoys or appreciates Clifton Hill, but it can be an interesting place to see. I did find that our kids loved it here. We have spent time playing arcade games and have been on the Ferris Wheel. My recommendation is to walk through this area just to see it at least once.

Clifton Hill is especially lively at night, making it a fun option if you’re staying overnight and want to enjoy the lights and vibrant atmosphere.

On Clifton Hill and Stanley Street you will find a number of restaurants and places to eat. There are lots of fast food options here or you can find a reservation at one of the finer restaurants. 

Stop 7: Go up the Skylon Tower

$ Tickets Required ⏰ Time: about 1 hour ✓Open all year

If you want to see Niagara Falls from above, but are not staying overnight in a Fallsview hotel room, you will want to go up the Skylon Tower. It’s a short walk from the parkway to the tower.

The true value of this attraction are the views from 775 feet above the Falls. The indoor and outdoor observation deck at the top of the Skylon Tower provides 360 degree views of the city. You will be able to see Clifton Hill, the Niagara Gorge, views of all three waterfalls, and even the Toronto skyline.

There is also an option to eat at the Revolving Dining Room. The dining room rotates the full 360 degrees in one hour. Reservations are a must for the restaurant. Dining at the restaurant includes access to the observation deck.

Some feel the Skylon is a bit of a tourist trap, but if your goal is to see a view of Niagara Falls from above, you will want to consider adding this attraction to your Niagara itinerary. 

Additional Niagara Falls Attractions

To visit these additional attractions, you will need to make a short drive or take the WEGO Bus.

While it is possible to include them in your 1 day itinerary, I would not recommend doing so if you are on a guided tour from Toronto, as it will make for a very full day. 

Only consider these if you have extra time and energy.

Stop 8: White Water Walk

$ Tickets Required ⏰ Time: about 45 minutes ✓Open April – November

The White Water Walk is an incredible experience, offering a close-up view of the Niagara River and its class six rapids. 

This quarter-mile boardwalk allows you to walk alongside the powerful river at your own pace, with several viewing platforms providing stunning perspectives. 

It’s amazing to get so close to the river and the rapids, and feel their raw power. You need less than an hour to visit this attraction, making it a short yet memorable addition to your Niagara Falls itinerary.

Stop 9: Whirlpool Aero Cable Car

$ Tickets Required ⏰ Time: about 30 minutes ✓Open April – November

The Whirlpool Aero Car offers a unique experience, taking you 3,500 feet across the Niagara Gorge in an antique cable car that has been soaring since 1916 and was refurbished in 2023.

The 10-minute ride provides stunning views of the Niagara Gorge and you get a true sense of the whirlpool rapids below you. But be careful with your phone! Many phones have been lost in the rapids below.

Even if you choose not to ride the cable car, there are some excellent views of the Niagara Whirlpool on the viewing platforms.

You will need to take the WEGO Bus or drive to this location, as it’s about 6 km from the Welcome Centre. Parking is free here at this location.

What to Skip on Your 1 Day Niagara Falls Itinerary

With just one day at the falls, there are a few attractions that I would suggest leaving for another visit.

The Floral Clock

While the clock is popular and pretty, it is honestly just a garden with a clock in the middle. It is a 20 minute drive from the Welcome Centre to the clock. There is nothing else in the area. A visit to the Floral Clock will really impact the timing of your Niagara Itinerary.

The Butterfly Conservatory

The Butterfly Conservatory is lovely, but again, it’s about a 20 minute drive from the main falls. This is something I would add to a longer Niagara itinerary. It’s also great on a rainy day and with kids.

Fort George

Fort George is even further, and closer to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Honestly, this historical attraction is most appealing for history buffs.

If you are going that distance, I’d recommend a visit to the gorgeous town of Niagara-on-the-Lake instead.

Incline Railway

The Falls Incline Railway offers a convenient way to get from the Welcome Centre to the Fallsview Tourist area. It’s great if you are staying at one of the Fallsview hotels or want to visit the Niagara Casino, but it’s not necessary for a one day trip to Niagara.

Fireworks Display

The Summer Fireworks display takes place each evening at 10 p.m. and lasts about 5 minutes. The fireworks are weather dependent in the summer and during the Winter Festival of Lights.

If you are still at the falls that late, consider watching. But I wouldn’t recommend staying longer just to see the fireworks. 

Places to Eat in Niagara Falls

There are many dining options in Niagara Falls, especially near Clifton Hill and the Welcome Centre.

At the Welcome Centre, you’ll find fast take-out restaurants offering salads, sandwiches, coffee, pastries, and more. Along Clifton Hill and Stanley Avenue, you can choose from familiar spots like McDonald’s, Applebee’s, TGI Fridays, Kelsey’s, and others.

Here are my favourite restaurants for a nicer meal and a fantastic view of the Falls:

Table Rock House Restaurant

Address: 6650 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON

Table Rock House Restaurant offers the closest dining experience to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. It’s open for lunch and dinner, serving delicious food with excellent service. 

Due to its popularity, especially during the high season, I recommend making reservations online.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries

If you have time, and especially if you have a vehicle, consider having a meal at one of Niagara’s incredible wineries. The food at most of the wineries are a much better value than the restaurants beside the Falls.

My favourites include Pillitteri Estates Winery where they make the best wood-fired pizza, Wayne Gretzky’s Whiskey Bar Patio, and Peller Estates Winery. Remember, you don’t have to be a wine drinker to enjoy an excellent meal at any of these fine Ontario wineries.

Getting Around Niagara Falls

The core of Niagara Falls on the Canadian side is easily walkable. The challenge is that the city of Niagara Falls is not flat. The Fallsview Tourist Area is at the top of a hill and is only accessible by a couple of streets and the Incline Railway. 

Clifton Hill and Murray Street run between the Niagara River Parkway and Stanley Street.

This can make travel between hotels and the falls further than you might anticipate if you are walking. That is where the WEGO Bus can be helpful.

Taking the WEGO Bus

The WEGO Bus is a hop-on hop-off bus designed specifically to help visitors to Niagara Falls get to all the main tourist attractions. 

The WEGO Bus is a convenient and easy option for getting around Niagara Falls, especially if you don’t want to drive. You can buy a 24-hour or 48-hour pass. 

There are several bus lines taking you to all the major hotels, GoTrain and Via Train Stations, Clifton Hill, casinos, and major attractions. There’s even a seasonal Niagara-on-the-Lake shuttle. All lines stop at the Table Rock Welcome Centre.

While this is a great option for those staying in Niagara Falls, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend purchasing a pass if you are only visiting Niagara Falls for a day. I don’t think you will get enough value out of the pass. 

Should I Stay Overnight in Niagara Falls?

Finding economy hotels in Niagara Falls, especially those with a view of the Falls, can be quite challenging.

This is why a day tour from Toronto is worth considering for those looking to experience the Falls without the added expense of an overnight stay.

I do recommend staying overnight at the Falls and splurging on a hotel room with a view of the Falls at least once in your life. If you choose to stay overnight, you will be able to see and experience even more of the Falls, including the firework show and the illumination of the Falls at night. 

The added time will allow for a more relaxed visit, and you won’t feel as rushed. If you have the time, I think one night in Niagara Falls is truly worth considering. 

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls, Canada

If you do choose to stay, here are some popular hotels with views of the Falls that I personally recommend.

Marriott on the Falls

⭐️ RATING: 8.2 | ✓ Book Today | Address: 6755 Fallsview Blvd.

Marriott on the Falls is the hotel closest to the Falls and my favourite hotel. This hotel offers stunning unobstructed views of the Falls and comfortable accommodations. I recently stayed here and the views of the Horseshoe Falls were unbelievable. 

The hotel is not as up-scale as the Marriott Fallsview, but that also makes parking fees and accommodation fees here on the more reasonable side.

Marriott Fallsview Hotel and Spa

⭐️ RATING: 8.4 | ✓ Book Today | Address: 6740 Fallsview Blvd.

Known for its luxurious rooms and breathtaking views, Marriott Fallsview is perfect for those looking to indulge during their visit. 

The Sheraton Fallsview

⭐️ RATING: 8.2 | ✓ Book Today | Address: 5875 Falls Ave.

The Sheraton Fallsview is located at the foot of Clifton Hill and is in a prime location. It has a pool, excellent service, and fantastic views of the Falls. 

Embassy Suites Fallsview

⭐️ RATING: 8.0 | ✓ Book Today | Address: 6700 Fallsview Blvd.

Embassy Suites Fallsview offers spacious suites with incredible views of the Falls, ideal for families or those who prefer a bit more room.

Staying even one night in Niagara Falls can add additional cost to your trip. Overnight parking is expensive at most hotels, ranging from $40-$50 per night. Some hotels also charge a tourist or destination fee. 

Getting to the Falls from Toronto in One Day

There are several ways to travel to Niagara Falls from Toronto:

Driving 

This option provides the most flexibility, allowing you to travel directly and at your own pace. However, you will need to find and pay for parking, which costs about $35 for the day.

Day Tour from Toronto

Purchasing a guided day tour from Toronto is the best way to see Niagara Falls in a day if you don’t have a car. 

Day trips from Toronto offer a convenient and comfortable option that often includes tickets to attractions and provides plenty of free time to explore. Many tours also include drive-by spots and photo opportunities, giving you a comprehensive experience.

GO Train 

The GO Train offers a return trip from Toronto and can be bundled with WEGO Bus tickets for local transport. However, it has limited departure times, making a day trip to Niagara a little more challenging, with this opinion. The GO Train is ideal if you are planning to stay overnight. 

FlixBus

A return trip from Union Station costs about $50. FlixBus offers a variety of departure times, making it easy to go early and stay late. The FlixBus pick-up and drop-off are at the Table Rock Welcome Centre.

Parking in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a busy place, especially in the summer. If you are driving, you will want to consider where you want to park and how far you want to walk. 

Daily Parking in Niagara Falls

There are many daily parking lots available throughout Niagara Falls. Some are in the Fallsview Tourist Area, making it more of a walk to get to and from the falls. 

The lot we always use when visiting Niagara Falls for a day is the large lot near the Power Station and Welcome Centre. This lot is known as Falls Parking (Lot A) and it is run by Niagara Parks.

We like this lot because it’s so close to the brink of the falls and the convenience of the welcome centre. No walking up and down hills!

The cost is approximately $35 for the day. It’s close to everything and convenient. 

Address: 7021 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2G

Overnight Parking in Niagara Falls

Overnight parking in Niagara Falls is more limited. If you are staying in a hotel, most have parking options available. However, this is one of the major complaints with the hotels – the high cost of parking. 

These costs can run from about $40-$50 per night.

One Day in Niagara Falls Conclusion

If your main purpose for visiting Niagara Falls is to spend time viewing the actual waterfalls, it is very possible to spend just a few hours here. 

The main highlights include seeing all three waterfalls and standing at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls. As a family we do this frequently and in every season. It’s an easy one day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto.

For an even more memorable experience, consider adding the Journey Behind the Falls and the Hornblower boat ride as paid attractions to your one-day itinerary. 

Skip Clifton Hill unless you have kids or teens who would enjoy the touristy museums and attractions, which offer a vibe similar to Times Square. By focusing on these key attractions, you can make the most of your one day trip to Niagara Falls.

While it’s certainly possible to do even more while in town, such as the White Water Walk and the Whirlpool Aero Car, you’ll want to purchase a WEGO Bus pass to conveniently get around. If you have many items on your “must-do” Niagara list, you may want to consider extending your stay even longer.

Before You Go: More Toronto Posts

Now that you have enjoyed Niagara Falls in a day, you may be interested in these additional posts about visiting Niagara Falls.

Check out my list of what to do in Niagara Falls in winter, my top tips for first time visitors to Niagara, and the differences between visiting the Canadian and US sides of Niagara Falls.

You may also appreciate some of my reviews of Niagara’s top attractions including Journey Behind the Falls, Cave of the Winds, and a comparison of the Hornblower vs Maid of the Mist boat cruises.

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