A charming café and wine bar in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, adorned with vibrant summer flowers and red patio umbrellas, offering a relaxing stop for visitors exploring Niagara Falls Canada and the surrounding wine region.

Getting From Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake: How to Plan the Perfect Trip

ByJulie Millan Updated on

Visiting Niagara Falls is already a bucket-list-worthy experience – but adding a trip to nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) takes your trip to a whole new level. These two iconic destinations are just 25 kilometres apart, making it surprisingly easy to visit both in a single day.

As someone who’s explored the Niagara region countless times, I can tell you: getting from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake isn’t just about logistics – it’s about the journey. From scenic drives and peaceful bike trails to relaxing tours, you’ve got plenty of options depending on your travel style.

Let’s break down exactly how to get from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake (including the shuttle), what to expect along the way, and how to plan a day you’ll never forget.

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Driving from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake

If you have access to a car, this is hands-down the easiest-and most flexible-way to travel between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

A vibrant summer floral display surrounds a café patio in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, showcasing the town’s charm and beauty for those who visit Niagara Falls and the surrounding wine region.
A vibrant street in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake, with people strolling under the shade of leafy trees and bright yellow flowers lining the sidewalk. A charming scene for a weekend getaway.

You’ve got two main routes to choose from:

  1. The QEW Highway – Fast but not scenic.
  2. The Niagara River Parkway – A beautiful drive that runs parallel to the Niagara River and offers picture-perfect views the whole way.

We always take the Parkway. It’s not just about the views – it’s the stops along the way that make it special. Picture pulling over at roadside fruit stands, browsing local goodies at Walker’s Country Market, or strolling through Queenston Heights Park where history from the War of 1812 comes to life.

A scenic pathway beside the Niagara Falls Parkway adorned with vibrant pink cherry blossoms, lush green grass, and a picnic table, creating a picturesque springtime setting.
Niagara River Parkway in Spring
Living wayside chapel is the smallest church in the world and it is located on the side of the Niagara Parkway on the way to Niagara on the Lake. This tiny white chapel is a hidden gem and worth visiting when you are in the Niagara region.
Living Water Wayside Chapel

One of my favourite things to do is to grab some homemade sandwiches from Walker’s and picnic under a shady tree with a view of the gorge. Beautiful, delicious, and inexpensive. 

Other hidden gems along the way include the Floral Clock, Brock’s Monument, Laura Secord’s Homestead, and the Living Water Wayside Chapel.

Driving gives you the freedom to explore these hidden gems, hike the Niagara Glen, or add a visit to a few Ontario wineries on your own schedule.

Taking the Niagara-on-the-Lake Shuttle (WEGO)

WEGO bus at the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls, with passengers boarding and lush greenery in the background.
Catch the WEGO Bus to get around Niagara Falls

If you don’t have a car, the Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake shuttle is your best bet. It’s part of the WEGO bus system and runs from the Floral Clock in Niagara Falls to Fort George in NOTL.

⭐️ Important: This shuttle only operates seasonally-from April 19 to October 26.

A full-day pass is $25 CAD for adults and $15 for kids, and there’s a shuttle every hour. It runs between 9:30 am and 7:30 pm in the summer. But be sure to confirm times and dates online before you travel.

The stop at Fort George is a short 15 minute walk from Niagara-on-the-Lake’s charming Heritage District, where you’ll find boutiques, cafes, and historic architecture. It’s an easy, pedestrian-friendly area perfect for exploring at your own pace.

Although the shuttle is convenient, you will need to keep an eye on the time. I’ve missed the shuttle before and had to wait an entire hour for the next one, so plan accordingly!

⭐️ Pro Tip: While the shuttle is a great budget-friendly option, just know that it requires a separate ticket from the other WEGO buses. At the Table Rock Welcome Centre, helpful WEGO staff can help you purchase tickets and advise you on your travel plans.

Taxi or Ride Share (Uber or Lyft)

Need something more flexible than the shuttle but don’t want to rent a car? Taxis, Uber and Lyft all operate in the area.

While pricing fluctuates, expect to pay around $35–$45 CAD one-way. If you’re traveling with a group, this can actually be a cost-effective alternative. Plus, it gets you there quickly and without the hassle of driving or navigating.

We’ve used ride shares a few times when we wanted to indulge in a wine tasting or dinner at a winery without worrying about driving back. Very convenient and totally worth the cost for peace of mind and flexibility.

Biking from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake

A row of pastel-colored bicycles with baskets is parked in front of a charming stone winery building with a red roof and arched windows. The setting is peaceful and sunny, with the blue sky providing a perfect backdrop.
Bikes are common at the wineries
A path in the Niagara Falls Botanical Gardens lined with blooming pink cherry blossoms, with two cyclists riding in the distance.
Biking along the Niagara River Parkway

For active travellers (or anyone looking for a memorable way to see the region), biking the Niagara River Recreation Trail is an incredible option.

This 56 km trail runs all the way from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake. It will take you past historic sites, wineries, fruit stands, and some of the most breathtaking river views in Ontario.

We’ve often parked at a local winery, hopped on our bikes, and spent the day cycling throughout the area. Bike rentals are available in town and at select wineries. If you’re coming from Toronto on the GO Train, you can even bring your bike with you on the train.

Cycling is especially popular in spring and fall when the weather’s just right-not too hot, and the scenery is stunning.

A vibrant outdoor patio with tables shaded by red umbrellas at Two Sisters Winery, nestled among lush greenery, offering a serene setting at one of the best Niagara on the Lake wineries.
Three Sisters Wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Guided Tours from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake

Best Day Tour from Toronto

You can also book a Niagara Falls Day Tour that picks you up from Toronto. This one includes the boat cruise, time to explore the falls, a winery visit, and a stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It’s the perfect tour to see everything in a single day.

Want someone else to handle all the planning? A guided tour is the way to go.

These tours often combine Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and local wineries into one trip. This option gives you a full experience without any of the logistics stress. They all include hotel pickup in Niagara Falls.

My 3 Favourite Wine Tours in NOTL

✓ Full Day Wine Tour: Visit 3 wineries and historic Niagara-on-the-Lake
✓ Small Group Tour: Peller Estates, Trius Winery, and Wayne Gretzky Winery
✓ Boutique Experience: Pilliterri, Kozelmann, and Niagara Oast House Brewers

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Way from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake?

The historic Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake, showcasing its Victorian architecture, ornate wooden trim, and beautifully landscaped garden with colorful flowers and greenery.
Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara on the Lake

If you’re planning to visit both Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake the key is picking the right mode of transportation for your style.

✓ Want flexibility? Drive and enjoy stops along the scenic Niagara Parkway.
✓ No car during tourist season? Use the WEGO shuttle and plan around its schedule.
✓ Love adventure? Bike the Niagara River Trail and see the sights up close.
✓ Want to relax? Book a guided wine tour that includes transportation and insider access.

There’s no wrong way to experience the incredible Niagara region! With a bit of planning, you’ll turn a simple day trip into a highlight of your entire vacation.

The Hornblower boat approaches the base of the Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls, with a beautiful rainbow arching through the mist created by the powerful waterfall. The boat is filled with passengers wearing red ponchos, and the scene is framed by a partly cloudy sky.
The magnificent Niagara Falls
Two people cycling along a tree-lined path with vineyards in the background, enjoying an active exploration of wineries in NOTL.
Cycling through Niagara-on-the-Lake

Ready to Plan Your Niagara Getaway?

Check out these helpful guides:

Wherever you stay – or whichever route you choose between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake – you’re in for a scenic, memorable Ontario adventure.

Julie is a travel blogger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She loves to travel and has learned so much from other travel bloggers that she now wants to share her travel knowledge with others.

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