The Horseshoe Falls at Niagara

No. 20 25 Classic Day Trips from Great Cities 2026

Niagara Falls

Ontario, Canada · Day trip from Toronto

Thundering waterfalls on the border between Canada and the United States.

Photo: Maksimsokolov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls on the Niagara River: the Horseshoe Falls, mostly in Canada, and the American and Bridal Veil falls in New York State. Together they carry an enormous volume of water.

The Canadian side has the widest views, boat trips to the base of the falls and parkland along the river. Niagara-on-the-Lake and its wineries are nearby.

Best time to visit

Summer is warmest and busiest; boat tours run roughly from spring to autumn. Winter brings ice formations and fewer visitors.

Highlights

  • 1

    Horseshoe Falls

    The largest of the falls, seen from Table Rock.

  • 2

    Boat tours

    Boats carry visitors into the mist at the foot of the falls.

  • 3

    Journey Behind the Falls

    Tunnels with viewing portals behind the falling water.

  • 4

    Niagara Parkway

    A scenic road and trail along the river.

  • 5

    Niagara-on-the-Lake

    A historic town among vineyards.

Getting there

GO Transit trains and buses from Toronto Union Station take about 2 hours; express buses take about 1 hour 30 minutes. Local buses link the station with the falls.

Practical tips

Opening & tickets
Opening times, ticket rules and transport timetables change, so check official information before you go.
Time needed
A full day.

Official information: Niagara Parks (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

Nearby

  1. The CN Tower and the Toronto skyline

    Toronto

    Canada

    About 70 km away

    Full guide
  2. The Royal Ontario Museum and its Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, Toronto

    Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

    Toronto, Canada

    About 70 km away

    Full guide