Whether you’re big into waterfalls or not, you’re going to appreciate going to Niagara Falls. As one of the most majestic waterfalls in the world, they attract over a whopping 30 million visitors a year!
If you’re in Toronto, you have no excuse not to go see them as it’s a really easy driving destination as well. We’ll be honest, it’s definitely a big tourist attraction as well, but not one of the overrated ones.
We have all of the top tours of Niagara Falls from Toronto right here for you, making sure you pick ones that are actually worth your time and money.
Best Niagara Falls Tours
| Small Group Niagara Falls Tour w/ Pickup & Boat From Toronto | Luxury Small-Group Niagara Falls Day Trip From Toronto | Niagara Falls Evening Tour With Boat Cruise From Toronto | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Budget Tour | Best Small Group Tour | Best Evening Tour | |
 | |||
 |  |  | |
| Departure: | Pickup From most downtown Toronto hotels | Pickup from all Toronto hotels | Tim Hortons Toronto, 55 York Street or Terminal 3, Toronto Pearson Airport |
| Start: | 8:00 AM | 8:00 AM | 1 PM or 1:30 PM |
| Duration: | 9 hours | 9 hours | 9.5 hours |
| Includes: | Transportation in a minibus, Licensed tour guide, time to experience Niagara Falls, seasonal stops at iconic landmarks including the Niagara Whirlpool, floral clock and Queenston Heights Park | Full-day guided excursion with round-trip transportation from downtown Toronto, admission to the Niagara Hornblower Cruises boat tour | Hornblower cruise "Voyage to the Falls" (or journey behind Niagara Falls or visit to the Skylon Tower when the boat is not operational), hornblower "Firework Cruise" (if option selected) |
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Niagara Falls Tours From Toronto For 2023
- Best Budget Tour: Small Group Niagara Falls Tour with Pickup and Boat From Toronto
- Best Small Group Tour: Luxury Small-Group Niagara Falls Day Trip From Toronto
- Best Evening Tour: Niagara Falls Evening Tour With Boat Cruise From Toronto
- Best Full Day Tour: Niagara Falls Day Tour with Niagara-on-the-Lake From Toronto
- Best Private Tour: Niagara Falls, Canada Private Tour From Toronto
Niagara Falls Tour Reviews
1. Best Budget Tour: Small Group Niagara Falls Tour with Pickup and Boat From Toronto
- Duration: 9 hours
- Departure: Pickup From most downtown Toronto hotels
- Departure Time: 7:45 to 8:20 AM (depending on pick-up location)
- Includes: Transportation in a minibus, Niagara Parks licensed tour guide, time to experience Niagara Falls and buy tickets for optional activities like the Niagara City Cruises boat ride and more, seasonal stops at iconic landmarks including the Niagara Whirlpool, floral clock, and Queenston Heights Park
If you’re experiencing Niagara Falls for the first time, you need to do it right. You could fall into the tourist traps and not take full advantage of the beauty and fun you can have on the right tour. Not to worry though, because on the Toronto: Small Group Niagara Falls Tour with Pickup and Boat, you’re sure to have a blast!
This 9-hour tour will maximize your time with Skip-the-Line tickets so once you arrive you’ll head straight to the front without waiting. Your pickup time will be around 8 am, depending on which of the 11 pickup locations you select in downtown Toronto or Mississauga.
You’ll be picked up in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus. Depending on the size of the group and availability, it’ll be either a 13-seat or 24-seat configuration. The journey there is quite nice, and along the way, your driver/licensed tour guide will offer interesting commentary about the area.
Expand To See More
They’ll also tell you all about the falls’ history, various activities you can partake in around the area, and answer any questions you may have. We appreciate how obviously knowledgeable they are, while also placing guests’ safety first.
You’ll arrive in Niagara Falls around 10 am, making the ride there pretty short. You’ll get to choose between 1-2 activities such as the Niagara City Cruises boat ride (available in the summer), Bird Kingdom, Journey Behind the Falls (highly recommended!), Skylon Tower, or Niagara Helicopters.
Another fun activity is heading to Clifton Hill village and walk around. The village has a lot of stuff to do, like their Niagara SkyWheel, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, an arcade, and much more. You can have a picnic outdoors, or enjoy one of the many restaurants in the area.
Next, head to a beautiful narrated drive across the Niagara Parkway. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos at the Niagara Whirlpool Rapids, floral clock, and much more.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
2. Best Small Group Tour: Luxury Small-Group Niagara Falls Day Trip From Toronto
- Duration: 9 hours
- Departure: Pickup from all Toronto hotels
- Departure Time: 8:00 PM
- Includes: Full-day guided excursion with round-trip transportation from downtown Toronto, admission to the Niagara Hornblower Cruises boat tour
Next up, we have the Toronto: Luxury Small-Group Niagara Falls Day Trip tour. This is yet another 9-hour adventure, and is perfect if you want more personalized attention.
With small group sizes only, there’s a maximum of just 12 passengers allowed which means you’ll get to see more and ask your guide any questions you may have. Start out being picked up at your Toronto hotel, and hop on board your deluxe Mercedes-Benz Sprinter out to the falls.
This is one of the most comfortable options and is perfect for small group sizes. The vehicle is clean, air-conditioned, and comes with comfortable seats and a nice amount of leg room.
As you journey along, your guide/driver will tell you and your group all about the history of the falls and very interesting personal anecdotes as well! After a couple of hours, you’ll arrive at the falls, and be able to immediately skip the line and head directly to the boarding area.
Expand To See More
Hop on the iconic Hornblower Niagara boat tour called “Voyage to The Falls”. This tour is exhilarating and you’re sure to never have experienced anything like it before! You’ll get to see the falls up close and personal!
Afterward, you’ll want to relax a bit so have some free time to grab some lunch or take the optional Journey Behind the Falls tour if you’re really into getting the adrenaline going! After your leisure time, travel along the breathtaking Niagara Parkway and make various stops for taking photos and stretching the legs.
You’ll make stops that simply aren’t possible to do with larger buses, such as the stop at the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake. If you’d like to participate in an optional wine tour here, make sure to let them know in advance!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
3. Best Evening Tour: Niagara Falls Evening Tour With Boat Cruise From Toronto
- Duration: 9.5 hours
- Departure: Tim Hortons Toronto, 55 York Street or Terminal 3, Toronto Pearson Airport
- Departure Time: 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
- Includes: Hornblower cruise “Voyage to the Falls” (or journey behind Niagara Falls or visit to the Skylon Tower when the boat is not operational), hornblower “Firework Cruise” (if option selected)
If you’re looking to see a perspective of Niagara Falls not many get to see, you’re in the right place. The Toronto: Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat Cruise lasts 9.5 hours, taking you to a fantastic falls tour illuminated at night.
You’ll take some of the same tours that you would on the ones we’ve just covered, but will see them in the afternoon or dusk! Start your tour by being picked up at your hotel between 1 and 1:30 PM, which gives you more than enough time to sleep in our for other activities in the morning.
They cover not only downtown hotels in Toronto, but Toronto Pearson Airport hotels as well. The air-conditioned mini-coach is cozy but very comfortable. As you drive to Niagara, your guide will tell you all about the history of the area, and how important the natives were and still are today.
Expand To See More
Not only that, but they’ll explain how the geography of the Niagara Peninsula is so special, which will only make you appreciate it that much more when you see it!
You’ll first arrive at Niagara Whirlpool, where you’ll witness some of the most intense white water rapids in the entire continent. Next up, head onto the Hornblower to see the Niagara Falls up close on their legendary “Voyage to The Falls” boat tour! If you thought they were impressive from a distance, this will surely surprise you!
Once you get back on land, you’ll hop on board your coach again and head down the Niagara Parkway to see it from another perspective. The gorgeous Dufferin Islands along the way are also stunning, and you’ll want to take plenty of photos.
Then, have some leisure time at the falls for dinner or the charming village of Clifton Hill. When the sun sets, you’ll surely be mesmerized at the glorious rainbow of colors that appear around the falls!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. Best Full Day Tour: Niagara Falls Day Tour with Niagara-on-the-Lake From Toronto
- Duration: 9 hours
- Departure: 8:00 AM
- Departure Time: Around 8 am (varies a bit, depending on pickup location)
- Includes: Tour by air-conditioned bus, guide and live commentary, stopover in Niagara-on-the-Lake, up to 3 hours of free time at Niagara Falls, Hornblower Niagara cruise (if option selected), luggage storage
Next, we bring you another top-rated tour: the Toronto: Niagara Falls Day Tour with Niagara-on-the-Lake. Just seeing the falls alone is an experience that could surely encompass an entire day of wonder and adventure.
However, this tour takes it a step further by showing you the lovely Niagara-on-the-Lake where you’ll get to see many other interesting attractions.
Lasting 9 hours, you’ll have plenty of time to see everything you could ever want in this area. There are multiple pickup areas in central Toronto as well as Mississauga, and pickup times are all around 8 am so make sure you’re ready with some good walking shoes and comfortable clothing!
Your ride for the day is a luxe air-conditioned mini-bus with large windows perfect for viewing the beautiful scenery outside. As you drive along, your guide will offer a fascinating educational commentary on the area, the falls specifically, and their geography and culture.
Expand To See More
After a couple of hours of driving, you’ll arrive in Niagara-on-the-lake located along the scenic Niagara Parkway. Check out Queenston Heights, Brock’s Monument, and take a good look at the hydroelectric power station, violent Whirlpool Rapids, and the Floral Clock.
You’ll then get to the main attraction: the Niagara Falls. Here, you’ll have approximately 3 hours of free time where you can choose how you spend it. Participants typically like to take the Hornblower Niagara Cruise “Voyage to the Falls” where you’ll get to see the falls up close.
The Journey Behind the Falls takes things a step further, and the Skylon Tower is available during the winter months when the others are not.
With so much excitement going on, this is a great time to take a moment for a delicious lunch at one of the array of restaurants available in the area. You have everything from fast food to fine dining sit-down restaurants.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Best Private Tour: Private Tour of Niagara Falls From Toronto
- Duration: 8 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: Varies depending on option selected
- Includes: Driver/guide, private customized VIP tour by Lincoln Town Car, Hornblower Boat Cruise (substituted for Skylon Tower or Journey Behind the Falls when boat is not operating), Canadian Horseshoe & American Falls, helicopter tour (optional); discounted tickets available, complimentary snacks, bottled water
No guide to Niagara Falls would be complete without the From Toronto: Niagara Falls, Canada Private Tour! This one is just a bit shorter than the others, clocking in at 8 hours long.
Ideal for smaller groups, you’ll have personalized attention from your knowledgeable driver who will answer any questions you may have while on your tour.
You will be picked up at your hotel in style. No tour buses or mini-buses this time! Nope, you’ll be personally guided to your sightseeing tour with a Lincoln Town Car!
This offers a bit more of a personal touch, while keeping it comfortable and convenient. There are many places you are able to see in a town car that wouldn’t be possible in a larger vehicle.
Expand To See More
Once you arrive to Niagara Falls, you’ll stop wherever you feel like to take photos. If planned ahead of time, your guide will even help you make a customized itinerary based off of what you and your group want to see!
You can also opt to have your guide choose where to stop based on their recommendations, stopping at all the major sights. They do offer a full educational commentary, along with interesting personal stories!
You’ll choose from various optional activities and tours throughout the day, such as: the Hornblower Boat Cruise, Canadian Horseshoe Falls & American Falls, seeing the Whirlpool Rapids and Niagara Cable Car, town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and even a free wine tasting!
Oh, and for those fearless adventure-seekers, you can even choose to try the Helicopter Tour over the Falls!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Toronto Tour Guide
Getting There
Air – Flying to Toronto is a breeze from any major city in the United States, and even many smaller cities. As the Toronto Pearson International Airport is the busiest in all of the country, they have huge terminals and almost every flight to the city arrives here.
Canada only has one national airline, Air Canada, which is likely the airline you’ll be flying on. However, Porter Airlines is starting to take off and services Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre Airport from New York, Boston, Chicago, and a few other select US cities.
Car – If you are close to the Canadian border, you may prefer simply driving across it. If you’re coming from Michigan, you’ll enter at Detroit-Windsor or Port Huron-Sarnia. New York is an incredibly common entry point, and you can come from either Buffalo-Erie, Niagara Falls, New York-Niagara Falls, Ontario or Niagara Falls, New York – Lewiston.
You must have your driver’s license and car registration if you plan on driving your car into the country.
Train – We always recommend Amtrak, who has their Maple Leaf service that goes from NYC to Toronto via Niagara Falls, Syracuse, and Albany. With daily trips from Penn Station, plan on it taking anywhere from 12 to 13 hours due to various Customs and Immigration stops along the way. VIA Rail Canada is another option, with trains arriving at Toronto’s Union Station.
Getting Around
Getting around Toronto is frankly a breeze, thanks to their very well-kept streets, sidewalks, and public transportation. While some may complain, it’s better than most cities we’ve been to. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) offers subway, streetcar, and bus systems. However, there are many more options aside from these.
Streetcar – These run pretty much 24 hours a day, every day. This is surprising as we don’t see many streetcars with these kind of hours! However, during rush hour they’re super slow and you’d likely get to your destination faster using any other mode of transport. The main lines run along St. Clair Ave and College, Dundas, Queen, and King Streets. Going north and south, you have routes along Bathurst and Spadina.
Taxis – These are all over the place downtown, making it pretty easy to hail one. Located outside the airport and major hotels, you’ll see a line of them as well. If you’re located in an area outside of downtown, you will likely have to call to order one.
Car – Due to quite a bit of ongoing construction, traffic is pretty intense in Toronto right now – especially downtown. Not only that, but you need to be able to stop for streetcars, for pedestrians, and for cyclists (there are quite a bit in the city). If you aren’t used to this, it’s not recommended that you drive in Toronto. Moreover, parking can get pretty expensive if you can find parking!
Bus – If you need to get outside of the downtown area, you’re best off taking the bus. From 6am (8am on Sunday) to 1am daily, it’s perfect for most situations. They run every 10 minutes, and between 9pm and 5am you can actually request to be dropped off between designated stops!
Ferries/Water Taxis – These are the only way to get to the Toronto Islands, and the ferry services operate from the terminal located at Bay Street to Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Ward’s Island. However, they do only run hourly (more or less) from October to March. Traveling to any of the islands takes only 15 minutes long. In the summertime, expect pretty long lines on the weekends and holidays so we recommend booking online or showing up with time to spare.
Various water taxis also service the island with the ferry terminal, with Tiki Taxi running out of a pier right next to Spadina Ave.
Bike – Cycling is a fantastic way to check out the gorgeous waterfront and Toronto Islands, and there are plenty of bike rental places around here. Prices typically run around $15 and $35 per hour and day, respectively. If you’re looking to rent for short bike rides, then there’s Bike Share Toronto, which you’ll see many locals taking advantage of. This citywide bike-share program lets you rent one in 30-minute sections of time and you can select a single-use or unlimited use for anywhere from 1 to 3 day passes.
Where to Stay
Toronto is essentially a big city made up of neighborhoods, and many are excellent options in terms of beauty, safety, and other factors. However, for tourists, there are some that always top the list.
Entertainment District – If this is your first time in Toronto, we highly recommend staying in the entertainment district due to its close proximity to many big attractions as well as tons of dining and entertainment options. If you want to be right in the middle of all the hustle-and-bustle, then this is the place for you.
However, there are great hotels for every budget here. If you’re on a tight one, the Strathcona Hotel is super close to Union Station which will take you anywhere in the city. The Thompson Hotel is a great middle option, and for luxe, the Ritz Carlton will never disappoint.
Queen West and Chinatown – This neighborhood isn’t too far from the Entertainment District, and is trendy and cool. Everyone who is “someone” is here, shopping and sipping on coffee from the hottest cafes. If you’re into fashion and/or art, you’ll surely love it here. Not only that, but it’s very multicultural, with Chinatown and Kensington Market both taking up residency here. The Drake Hotel is a favorite and is iconic among locals. We recommend the Super 8 Wyndham if you’re on a budget but want something close to Chinatown.
Bloor and Yorkville – Do you love luxury and opulence? High-end everything? Then check out Bloor and Yorkville, located right in the heart of Toronto. All the top brands are here, and plenty of celebrities weave in and out of the stores. Michelin-star restaurants are abundant, and the streets are wide and perfect for strolling around. The Four Seasons is our top choice here, but the Intercontinental is a great choice, too.
Harbourfront – Toronto’s waterfront, as we previously mentioned, is simply one of the most beautiful places in the city. The vibe is always phenomenal, especially in the summertime! Everyone is out riding their bikes, walking around, and just enjoying life. If you’re a beer lover, we also recommend this neighborhood thanks to the abundance of microbreweries around. Try the Le Germain for high-end hotel arrangements, or the Westin Harbour Castle.
Restaurants and Eating Out
If you didn’t already know, Toronto is easily one of the most culturally-diverse cities in the world. That means there is a lot to try, and a lot of very authentic cuisines from around the world in just one place!
Mother Tongue – Located in the back of the Templar Hotel, this cool spot serves up dishes that blend Filipino, Chinese, and Japanese influences. The trout ceviche is quite interesting, and it’s worth trying a cocktail or two, as well!
The Annex Food Hall – If you’re on the hunt for a spot ideal for large groups or simply delicious American food, The Annex is the food hall to be at. It features some of the tastiest fried chicken sandwiches this side of the border, along with huge salads, and much more. If you’re looking for a place to work and eat, it’s a nice choice, too.
Parallel – If you’re into Middle Eastern food (or even if you aren’t), we highly recommend Parallel. Their falafel is hard to beat, set delicately on top of beet tahini, truffle hummus, and labneh. Not to mention, they have some of the best beer in town, and an interesting selection of European wines.
Grand Electric – If the décor doesn’t catch your attention right away, their tacos and tequila certainly will. It’s small and considering they don’t take reservations, you can expect a wait most times. However, you can choose to sit at the bar and wait! The potted caramel is phenomenal and one of the best desserts in Toronto.
Planta – Toronto is a great place for vegetarians, and this is one of the top veg spots. Hot dogs, watermelon poke, cheese-less cheeseburger, pancakes, benedicts, and more are all served here. Your non-veg friends and family may not even notice it’s vegan!
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen – We can’t forget brunch, as it is essential to any time spent in Toronto! This bright, airy space is a great way to get over that hangover from the night before. Their mimosas and egg dishes are absolutely delicious, though you should expect a long wait during weekends!
Buca – The dark wood and open kitchen offers a modern, romantic atmosphere with delicious pastas and pizzas. If you’re looking for a perfect date night spot, this is a nice option that mixes laidback with upscale.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Toronto has a fantastic nightlife and you’re sure to find just about anything you’re looking for.
Bambi’s – We absolutely love this place, and it’s perfect for dancing the night away to excellent DJs in an ultra-dark atmosphere. This is a more “underground” location, but everyone is friendly and the cocktails are great. Head upstairs to Mr. Flamingo for excellent craft cocktails.
The Piston – If you’re craving something from back in the day, The Piston is perfect. With disco parties, 90s video dance nights and 60s mod vinyl DJs, the vibe here is always phenomenal. The style and music will make you stay until close, and the staff and guests always seem to be approachable and eager to chat.
Get Well – If you’re a brew lover, you’ll love Get Well. There are a ton of delicious selections on tap, with some more “sophisticated” bottled options that are hard to find elsewhere. Oh, and did we mention there are vintage arcade games and pizza?
CODA – If you’re into techno and house, this is the place to be. This top-rated electronic music spot is underground yet packed every weekend. The DJs here are talented locals mixed with international headliners.
Track & Field – Oh man, this place is so much fun! If you want to have a fun time with your significant other, friends, or even make new friends, this place doesn’t disappoint. Shuffleboard, bocce lanes, crokinole, and other games are available and combined with cocktails and a wide selection of beers on tap, you’ll stay for hours. If that sounds like your cup of tea, also check out “Lob”.
Comedy Bar – The name pretty much sums it up! It’s a place where people who want to laugh, and hipsters congregate to see local talent and touring comedians throw out the jokes.
The Drake Hotel – We’ve mentioned The Drake before, and it’s perfect for having conversations, enjoying delicious drinks, or even a slam poetry night or international DJ. This versatile spot has just about everything, including a separate lounge and rooftop bar.
Weather
Toronto is definitely a city that experiences all 4 seasons throughout the year (sometimes in 1 month!). The summers are perfect, with mid-70s to mid-80s, but never too hot. However, winters are blistery, windy, and icy due to the close proximity to the water. April to June isn’t bad either, and if you want to beat the busiest tourist season this is when we’d recommend going.
Attractions
CN Tower – This one simply can’t be missed! The iconic CN Tower measures a whopping 553 meters tall, and can be seen from pretty much any point in the city. While traveling to one of the observation areas (or restaurants) is the best part in our opinion, you can still enjoy the architecture from the ground. As the tallest freestanding structure in the world at one point, it has quite the history behind it.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – Speaking of great architecture, check out the ROM! This one is known worldwide for its impressive collection of natural history, art, and cultural artifacts from all over the world.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada – This one is very close to the CN Tower, so if you’re going to be over there anyway, may as well make a day of it and head to the aquarium! The best part is the massive underwater tunnel with a moving sidewalk where you’ll see sharks and interesting fish swim by.
Show in the Entertainment District – Check out Roy Thomson Hall if you’re into orchestras, or the Royal Alexandra Theatre if you’re into musicals and plays. There are always different shows going on, and something for everyone.
Casa Loma – More like Castle Loma! These stunning grounds feature a home made to look like a medieval castle. Constructed in 1914 for Sir Henry Pellatt (Canadian millionaire), it holds almost 100 rooms, dozens of bathrooms, and is now a museum.
Tips
- Our first tip is also in regards to tips – in restaurants and bars, that is! It’s essentially the same as in the US, where 15 to 20% is acceptable if you received good service.
- You may want to practice a language other than English. While English is the most widely-spoken language in Toronto, you’ll often hear French (due to the proximity to Quebec), Spanish, Italian, and other languages.
- Know that an entire section of Toronto is underground. This is pretty cool to check out if you can!
- To get acquainted with the city quickly, take a free walking tour! These will show you some of the main attractions so you can choose what to visit more in-depth later on.
- For cheap and quick coffee, Tim Hortons is our answer to Starbucks. In the morning, you can expect long lines but the baristas push people through quickly.
Sites Seen
Tour Guides
Value
The Small Group Niagara Falls Tour with Pickup and Boat Tour is our Editors Choice for the best Niagara Falls tour from Toronto
