Niagara Falls, ON is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world.  This stunning destination offers a wealth of experiences that go beyond the iconic waterfalls. From exploring the scenic hiking trails to indulging in delicious local cuisine and wine, there is something for everyone in Niagara. This travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip to this stunning region, with tips on where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat and drink.

Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada

3 Day Itinerary in Niagara Falls, ON

You can spend as little or as much time in Niagara Falls. We had 3 full days not including our travel days. This is only a fraction of things that one could do in Niagara Falls.

We booked a Niagara Parks Pass in order to get a package deal. There are 3 options. We picked the mid-tier $79 option. This includes: 

Niagara Falls Adventure Pass | Deals, Packages, Transportation & More

Descend 125 feet down through 130 year old tunnels, feeling the vibration from the Horseshoe Falls as you go to the observation deck at the bottom. Along the way, you can view the Falls from a unique point of view through windows cut straight through the bedrock. They will provide a poncho as you will get wet on this journey. The line does build up, so we recommend doing this one as early in the morning as you can stand to get up. This is also where we redeemed our Niagara Pass to receive the lanyard and card for the rest of the attractions since this was our first stop on our first day.

Journey Behind The Falls Tickets

Included with regular emission to Parks Power Station, descend 180 feet down in a glass elevator to explore 2200 feet of tunnels beneath the power plant to learn even more about the structural marvel. When you get to the end, you are rewarded with a different view of the Falls. 

Niagara Parks Power Station - Tours, Tickets & Packages

Return to the Power Station anytime after dark (times vary throughout the year, so check the website for hours) to experience the power of the plant in an entirely unique way. Watch as they transform the space with color, lights and music to create a one of a kind show showcasing how they turn water into power. This was one easily one of our favorite activities and one of the coolest light shows we have ever seen as it interacts with you as you move around the space.

*Note that this is not included with the Niagara Pass above and must be added separately.*

Currents: Niagara's Power Transformed | Immersive night show

Take the cruise to the bottom of the Falls that everyone takes when they come here! Enjoy views of the Niagara Gorge, Bridal Veil, American Falls and face to face with the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. They provide a poncho, but expect to get drenched!

Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour Niagara Falls | City Experiences

Take a cable car 3,500 feet zig zagging across the river with clear views of the Niagara Whirlpool and rapids. This Aero Car has been in operation since 1916, but no worries, it has been refurbished recently. 

Whirlpool Aero Car – Cable Car Ride over the Niagara Gorge

Take a leisurely stroll down a quarter mile boardwalk alongside the Class 6 whitewater rapids. Enjoy stops along the way to view the power of the river at the many platforms.

White Water Walk – Explore the self-guided walk and white water rapids

Travel back in time 10,000 years in Niagara's History in this 4D theater. Experience the multi-sensory simulation of the Ice Age in Niagara and feel the trembling floor of Mother Nature. This is upstairs in the same building from the Table Rock Restaurant, making it a convenient next stop.

Niagara's Fury

Head back to Niagara Falls for Niagara Fall's 'Street of Fun' which includes restaurants, hotels, entertainment, and attractions such as, the Niagara Skywheel and the Niagara Speedway. There is something for everyone.

Niagara Falls Fun

Niagara-on-the-Lake is only 30 minutes away from Niagara Falls. This town that is situated on Lake Ontario is famous for its "ice" wine. Ice wine is a sweet, dessert wine. With over 20 wineries and vineyards to choose from, there is no shortage of wine in the region. If wine is not your thing, this town has tons of shopping, bakery and cafes to walk through and enjoy the scenery. 

We booked two tours at Konzelmann Estate Winery, which sits on the shores of Lake Ontario. We booked the standard tour of the vineyard (60 minutes approx) with a sampling at the end and their seasonal experience 'Spring Sips' (45 minutes approx), which includes a wine and herb pairing board at a private table on their patio. They have many other tours, tastings and private experiences available.                   

Konzelmann Estate Winery Reservations

Stop here for a quick bite to eat and try a sweet or savory handmade Hungarian Chimney Cake. They are made fresh each day and baked fresh throughout the day. They have two locations. One in Niagara-on-the Lake and one in St. Catherines nearby. 

Budapest Bakeshop

Take a stroll through the charming streets of Old Town filled with boutiques, shops, B&B's, ice cream shops, cafes, bakeries and more. Take a quick stop at the Queen's Royal Park Gazebo with a view of Lake Ontario.

We booked a room at the Howard Johnson due to the numerous package deals they offered. We booked the "romance package" with a jacuzzi spa inside the room. The package includes: 2 tickets to the Niagara Skywheel in Clifton Hills (right across the street), a few restaurant vouchers to the Denny's inside the hotel and a gift basket with wine, chocolates, mints, keepsake wine glasses, and a souvenir wine key. The service from the front desk checking in was top notch. We had a wonderful stay. They instructed us to call the desk for our gift basket to be delivered once we were settled in our room and they arrived within minutes.

With hundreds of restaurants in Niagara Falls and the surrounding area ranging from fast food to fine dining, featuring a diverse range of cuisines, there is something for everyone! Here are just a few alternative options:

The Niagara Distillery and BBQ is a unique local restaurant featuring a selection of handcrafted whiskey, vodka, gin and other spirits distilled on-site and barbecue favorites to pair with them. The menu includes slow smoked meats like ribs, pulled pork, brisket paired with a variety of homemade barbecue sauces. We wanted to try poutine for the first time and Smoke's Poutinerie was closed on all of the days we were there. Niagara Distillery and BBQ was recommended to us for their poutine (which we got topped with brisket) and other barbecue items. It did not disappoint.

This restaurant is located next to Journey Behind the Falls and downstairs from Niagara's Fury in the same building, making it the perfect convenient location when you're hungry after completing those activities. Located on the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls, Canada, this contemporary restaurant offers breathtaking views of the falls while serving up locally-inspired cuisine made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar at Embassy Suites in Niagara Falls offers a sophisticated dining experience with stunning views of the Falls. It features a diverse menu of mouth-watering steakhouse classics, fresh seafood, and other delicious dishes.

Kelsey's Original Roadhouse is a lively casual dining spot that features great music, rustic decor and friendly atmosphere. They have a wide range of dishes from juicy burgers and steaks to other pub-style dishes. The 4 cheese spinach dip was a delicious appetizer and they had a great selection of bar drinks. What attracted us to this restaurant was its close proximity to our hotel and they were open later than some of the other restaurants in the area. 

Best Time of Year: May - November, as some of these attractions may be closed. 

You can grab breakfast at the restaurant provided in your hotel or at any of the restaurants open nearby. We stayed at Howard Johnson and Denny's was the restaurant inside our hotel. Alternatively, Tim Horton's is a great option if you want an affordable and quick option. They have coffee, donuts and breakfast sandwiches ready to go.

To redeem your passes if purchased online ahead of time, present your order confirmation on your phone to any available Niagara Parks attraction. You can also provide a printed copy of the order confirmation. They will then give you a Niagara Parks map and scan card loaded with the attractions you purchased as part of the package you chose.

3 Day Itinerary in Niagara Falls, ON

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