3 DAYS IN NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO
Niagara Falls is a majestic wonder! You can have the best 3 days in Niagara Falls by either having a full-on itinerary with guided tours or a flexible one where you can explore to fulfil your wanderlust. In either case, you would want to have the maximum experience possible.
We opted for a flexible itinerary where we could explore as we wanted to. One advantage to prior planning our visit to Niagara Falls was that we realised all the attractions were within close proximity. We could walk to the Falls itself and the town centre or we could drive to the nearby attractions.
If you do not have a car when visiting Niagara Falls, you could use the City’s public transportation – the bus system is renowned for its service to connect tourist accommodations to attractions throughout the City.
Click the official Niagara Falls Tourism link to find out more on Ontario public transportation
Niagara Falls, Ontario
The majestic Niagara Falls was a magical experience and I am sure it is on everyone’s bucket list! If it is not, get it in – because you will be blown with total wonder and amazement at the six million cubic feet of water which goes over the crest of the falls every minute, at a vertical drop of 50m (165 ft)! You simply have to see it at least once!
Niagara Falls is situated on the New York /Canadian border along the Niagara River which flows between two of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Niagara Falls really refers to three waterfalls – the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. The Horseshoe Falls sits on the border of the US and Canada, the American Falls sits entirely on the US side, separated by Goat Island. Also, on the American side is the smaller Bridal Veil falls, separated from the American Falls by Luna Island. The Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America.
Go here to learn more about Canada and fun facts to know before visiting Canada.
Journey to the Falls, Ontario
We began our journey to Niagara Falls from Cincinnati. It was a good and pleasant 7.5 hours’ drive, stopped twice for breaks. Our journey was via I-71N and I-90E, passing Cleveland into Buffalo (see the below map) making our way to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. You will need your passports! 😊
The immigration checks took about half-an-hour or so which gave us the opportunity to stretch our feet. There were no issues. We vacated our car, left all our belongings in. The immigration officials ran through a quick check of our identities and checked the car.
Three Days at Niagara Falls
3 days at Niagara Falls could be considered a short one, yet we felt we did everything we wanted to do on this occasion. We saved a few activities for our next visit. Although, we had an itinerary of sights we wanted to visit, this was a very loose one. We explored the surroundings as we had our car which made it convenient to do so.
From our hotel room, we also had a clear view of the Rainbow Bridge, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls.
So, here is an itinerary for a two-night, three-day visit to Niagara Falls. Hope you will enjoy this journey with us and do let us know what you think in comments below.
3-Day Itinerary
1 | Day 1 at Niagara Falls
We arrived late afternoon. After a quick check-in, bags dropped, refreshed and we were ready to explore.
1.1 | Table Rock Welcome Centre
Table Rock Welcome Centre was our first visit. It was right next to the Falls, the heart of Niagara Parks. This is the place that connects you to the Falls and other major attractions such as the Journey behind the Falls and the Hornblower Cruises. The Centre can be accessed in two ways.
Driving:
If you are driving, you can access it via Niagara Parkway. You can drive along Niagara Parkway as there are a number of designated parking available.
If you are not driving:
If you are staying at one of the hotels in the vicinity, you access it via the Falls Incline Railways from the Fallsview Boulevard/tourists area. The Falls Incline Railway is a convenient link to use and gives you a good view of the Horseshoe Falls as it rises and descends along the track.
The Falls Incline Railway is wheelchair accessible.
Once you exit the Falls Incline Railways, walk through the Welcome Centre
There are food-courts, gift shops and information centre here. Also access to Niagara’s Fury and Journey Behind the Falls. There is a candy shop called Pop & Lolly. Elements of the Falls offer a great dining experience with spectacular views of the Falls.
At the end of the Welcome Centre, and out of the doors – you will see the Falls.
1.2 | Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls
What you will see as you walk out of the Welcome Centre is the most beautiful, powerful and amazingly extraordinary waterfall on this beautiful planet!
There it was, right before us. I was so close to it that I felt I could almost touch it. Watching so much water gushing over the brink of the fall was an awe moment. We felt the mist on us and it was both refreshing and sticky.
While taking-in the majestic views of the Falls, we took a stroll along the wall and captured some breathtaking moments of the sunset and views of the American Falls, the Rainbow Bridge and the Bridal Veil. No two photos were the same.
I can assure you, you will be totally amazed. When you are here, capture the rainbow! I have so many photos with the rainbow and it is totally amazing to see the little shade of colours.
Further down the Falls along the wall, there is the view of the Skylon Tower, we got the feel of the town and stopped over for coffee and some souvenirs at Queen Victoria Place.
When you visit Niagara Falls, be sure to capture the view when the water is illuminated by bright lights on the backdrop of the night sky.
Most of the evening of our arrival, we spent it at the Horseshoe Falls and just strolling around, taking in its beauty and the atmosphere, reluctantly withdrawing from here because of dinner!
The next day was our first full day and we opted to do 3 activities, dinner at Remingtons and explore a little of the nightlife.
2 | Day 2 at Niagara Falls
On the morning of Day 2 at Niagara Falls, we made our way to the Falls Incline Railway. We walked through the Table Rock Welcome Centre, the double-doors and came face-to-face with the majestic view of the Horseshoe Falls.
There was something about the morning mist and the morning sun reflecting off the thundering water rushing over the brink of the fall that just captures your admiration no matter how many times you look at it. To get up-close and personal to this majestic wonder of the world, we strolled along the stone-wall, making our way to our activities.
The following were on our itinerary for Day 2:
Off e went to our first activity on our itinerary – the Hornblower Niagara Cruises.
2.1 | Hornblower Niagara Cruises
The Hornblower Cruise takes you on an intimate 20-minute wet and wild boat ride to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls. Yes, you do get wet!
You will be given a red poncho before you board. I would highly recommend that you slip it on. Once you board, get a good spot up-front near the railings for the best experience. You do get close to the American Falls and the Bridal Veil falls, which is a great photo opportunity.
However, the “real” experience is when the boat reaches the very heart of the Horseshoe Falls, at the foot – and its pouring rain – the breath-taking power of the water and the mist makes this experience a magnificent one. The boat stayed in that position for a couple of minutes before making its way back.
We highly recommend this experience.
Travel tips and practical information on Hornblower Cruise in Niagara Falls:
Mist Gear – is a retail shop located in the Lower Landing prior to boarding. Sells souvenirs and other items which you may need for your trip.
Standard Admission Prices:
Adult (13+) – $25.95
Child (6-12) – $15.95
2.2 | Journey behind the Falls at Niagara Falls
Journey Behind the Falls is a once in a lifetime experience which should not be missed! We had a unique view of the Horseshoe Falls from below and behind, offering an unforgettable experience of seeing one-fifth of the world’s fresh water crashing down to the foot of the Fall.
To experience this amazing spectacle, you will descend 45.5m (150ft) by elevators, cutting through bedrock to a short tunnel of about 45.5m (150ft), giving you access to two outdoor observation decks and two portals. The observation decks, Upper and Lower decks takes you to the very foot of the Falls.
At the Lower Deck, you will witness up to 2,800 cubic metres of water gushing over the brink of the Fall every second, at 65km per hour. This is where you need to put on your yellow poncho which is given to you when you exit the elevator.
The Journey behind the Falls also involves experiencing the two portals, Cataract Portal and the Great Falls Portal. Both of these portals are located directly behind the Falls, at one-third of the way behind the massive sheet of water. These viewing portals are cut straight through the rock, giving you a view of the gushing water down to the basin below.
You will feel the thunderous vibration of the Horseshoe Falls as you walk through the 130- year old tunnels cut through the bedrock. There are posters with lots of information regarding the history and evolution of the tunnels as you walk through them.
Travel tips and Practical information on Journey behind the Falls
Standard Admission Prices:
2.3 | The Whirlpool Aero Car
The Whirlpool Aero Car is another natural wonder which should not be missed on your visit to the Niagara Falls. This experience offer a spectacular view of Niagara Whirlpool, just 4.5 km (3 miles) north of the Falls. We drove to this destination.
The best way to see it is aboard an antique cable car called The Whirlpool Aero Car. This antique cable car was designed by a Spanish engineer, Leonardo Torres Quevedo and has been in operation since 1916. The Whirlpool Aero Car is suspended from six sturdy cables, and you will be transported through air, safely between two different points of the Canadian shore of the Niagara River, a little over 1 km.
You will get a spectacular view of the Rapids, the Whirlpool and the Gorge. The Whirlpool is formed at the end of the rapids, where the gorge turns abruptly counter-clockwise, to the northeast and the river escapes through the narrowest channel in the gorge.
As you are transported from one end to the other, you will witness, far below, the torrent of water abruptly changing direction and creating a natural phenomenon – the Niagara Whirlpool. It is danger free excitement and a mesmerising experience.
Travel tips and Practical information on Whirlpool Aero Car Experience at Niagara Falls
Standard Admission Prices:
Adult (13+) – $15.00
Child (6-12) – $ 9.75
2.4 | Whirlpool State Park
From the Whirlpool Aero car experience, we drove a little further to the State Park to explore the hiking and nature trail. The Whirlpool State Park is a 109 acre state park located in Niagara County, north of Niagara Falls. The park overlooks the Niagara Whirlpool on the Niagara River and the lower Niagara Gorge.
There are ample parking available here.
Find out more on Whirlpool State Park
2.5 | Dinner at Remingtons
Remingtons is a steak and seafood restaurant and we opted for steak on this occasion. We were pleasantly surprised at the western style décor, upscale yet a casual atmosphere, with singing waitresses/waiter. The food was really good – the steak was made just as we like it and the portioning was just right.
Remingtons
5657 Victoria Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3L5, Canada
There are a few casinos and clubs you could go to here after dinner and the nightlife continues till early hours of the morning.
3 | Day 3 at Niagara Falls
Day 3 at Niagara Falls meant that it was the day we were returning home. We made a late start, took in the last few moments of the breathtaking views of the Falls before heading on our journey. We planned our return journey through Ontario, via Detroit to Cincinnati. 8 hours! This route took us through the Wine Route in Niagara.
For more information on the Wine Route of Niagara Lake click wineriesonniagaralake
3.1 | Winery Hopping
Niagara Ontario Canada especially along the shores of Lake Ontario is gaining international popularity as a wine region. The region is home to over 50 wineries. About 25 vineyards are dotted within a landscape of 15 to 20 minutes outside of Niagara Falls. So, following the Wine Route of Ontario through the countryside became a ‘must see’ destination on the morning of our journey home.
Driving through the beautiful, quiet and charming countryside was uplifting. There were way-finding signs placed in strategic locations providing easy navigation to vineyards. These vineyards were quite close together which made our journey easy.
One of the two wineries we visited was Peninsula Ridge. It offered a great selection of both red and white wines with a good wine tasting options – selection of 5 for $10! I thought that was a bargain!
We were particularly impressed with the variations to Mead, Honey Wine. We tried the varieties and I found the “Apple Pie” was super sweet. I preferred the good old traditional Mead made of honey!
History of Mead
Honey Wine, or “Mead”, was the first fermented beverage, and is considered the ancestor of all alcoholic drinks. Its origins date back to 7,000 BC when first discovered in clay pots in Northern China. Mead was noted throughout history as an important ceremonial drink, often drank by Saxon Warriors in traditional “Mead-Halls”. Mead was also reserved for the Royals or Nobility of society.
Mead had an important role in the ceremony in Celtic traditions, where a newly married couple would be given enough Mead for their first month of marriage. The Mead was said to bring success, happiness and fertility. Today, we know this ancient tradition as the “Honeymoon”. Even today, traditional Irish weddings bestow Mead upon newlyweds. In the tradition, honey is also gifted for a “sweet” marriage.
However, the highlight for me was walking through rows and rows of grapes in the vineyards and encountering the different fragrances in an absolutely stunning scenery.
Sharing some photos here, so they speak for themselves.
Conclusion
The 3 days in Niagara Falls was one of the best short getaways we have had. We enjoyed our trip to the Falls, the Whirlpool and the Wineries. We explored a little of the nightlife here but saved on the casinos for our next visit. Though our trip was a brief one, we had a great time. We would highly recommend this destination and look forward to returning.
Is this post valuable to you in planning your visits to Niagara Falls, Ontario? If so, please let me know in comments below or via Contact Form, I would love to hear from you.
Have a splendid time in Niagara Falls!
Georgina
February 2020, Update
Thank you so much 🙂 Glad you found the article informative. Indeed, there are so many things to do at Niagara Falls that it beckons another visit. The Skylon Tower would be lovely for a sunset view of the Falls and the city.
Such an informative read! There are so many amazing things to do at Niagara Falls. I particularly liked the Skylon Tower. It offers an amazing bird’s eye view of the Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Falls, and the city.
The walk behind the falls is absolutely amazing – so close and you can touch the waters – almost!!
My son is looking to spend 8 months in Canada next year and I think we will have to try and visit him. I have always wanted to visit Niagara Falls and would love to take the walk behind the falls. Thank you for sharing.
I was thinking of a return visit and to do so in winter, for the experience. I think the misty eerie feel will be awesome.
The whole 3-day experience at Niagara Falls was truly wonderful. Like you say, the Horseshoe Falls and the American Fall are awesome! The Niagara Whirlpool area is beautiful, We almost started a hike down but didn’t all the way – it’s something I look forward to completing in the future.
I regret that I went to Niagara Falls at the wrong time of year. I thought I was being smart by going in January, when the crowds would be smaller and it was cheaper to get there. But I hadn’t realized that the falls would be less dramatic because of the decrease of water coming over the falls. But it was very surreal to be one of only an handful of visitors, and the misty eerie feel because it was so cold, made for some great photos.
What a lovely 3-day experience at the Niagara Falls! We did a day-trip to Niagara many years ago and viewed the awesome Horseshoe falls and the American falls. The colors of the Niagara whirlpool in your pictures look truly beautiful! I would love to do a trip to this place once again. 🙂
Thank you so much for finding the post detailed and informative. Super glad you feel inspired to visit. Look forward to seeing your experiences.
Your photos are absolutely stunning! Thank you for the detailed, informative post! I am left feeling inspired. Saving your post for when I go! Thank you!
I wouldn’t say anxious because I have been behind falls etc. However, this particular experience at Niagara Falls was different – you sense the power in the sound of the gushing water, yet you can reach out to touch it, you know what I mean…
I get you! Sometimes, it is nice to explore on your own. I am sure you will love it! I look forward to returning one day.
The darn virus has interrupted everyone’s life! Glad that you are safe and motivated still to visit this natural wonder, Niagara Falls. Thank you for finding the itinerary useful and you may use it for your trip. Look forward to hearing back when you have visited. Would love to know what you got up to.
My family went to Niagra Falls a lot growing up, so this brought back a lot of memories. We also went a lot in college because the drinking age was lower in Canada than in the States. I never knew about the tunnels beneath the falls. That looks incredible, were you anxious from the power of the water?
I have been to Niagara Falls many times but always with relatives 😭😭😭 so have been never able to enjoy it fully. So, I really hope to visit it one day without them…
Niagara has been on my list for a long time. Unfortunately, the virus interrupted our journey after eight months of traveling, and I did not manage to see this miracle of nature. But I hope I’ll be back there. I will gladly use your itinerary because you have given many exciting tips. I’d like to take pictures of these waterfalls and hear the roar of water.
Haha true! but I think the Canadian side has a lot more to offer. Definitely a powerful sight. Thank you so much for your compliments re my photos. I appreciate it.
We did Niagara in three days as well and I felt it was the perfect amount of time as long as you have an idea of what you want to see! I agree it’s a powerful sight. Love your photos! We also did the Hornblower – most people only know of Maid of the Mist on the American side 🙂 haha Great post.
Thank you so much! So glad you liked the post and found the photos and recommendations useful to a future visit.
I would love to go take a trip to Niagara Falls after this pandemic is over. The last time I was there was when I was 6 years old. Wow, you and incredible views from your hotel room! Your photos are so lovely as well. These are great recommendations I will keep in mind whenever i get the chance to visit.
So glad you found the itinerary on How to have the best 3 days in Niagara Falls, Ontario wonderful. I am sure you will visiting here to be a memorable experience.
I had Niagara Falls tour but from US side and was enchanted with its beauty. But many people say it is worth more beautiful from Canadian side. You have listed wonderful itinerary for Niagaral Falls from Ontario and that too for 3 days.
I am glad you found the article on How to have the best 3 days in Niagara Falls inspiring and you would like to return to explore both sides of the Falls – an absolutely brilliant idea. I would like to explore the US side one day.
This is such a great rundown of things to do and experience in Niagara. I haven’t gone in a long time but these images makes me want to go back and explore both the US and Canadian side!
You will be completely blown away by the sight of the majestic waterfall! So close to touching this wonder, it was an amazing experience. So look forward to hearing back of your experiences when you visit.
I am blessed to have traveled to many places but sad that Niagra has not yet been one of them. Your image of the Horseshoe Falls from your hotel room is spectacular and the view of American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls from the Canadian side cemented this place on my destination list. The Hornblower cruise sounds like an awesome way to visit Horseshoe Falls; I said ‘Wow’ out loud through every image. And that Aero Car OMG! Looking forward to returning home and taking a long weekend here, armed with your great advice. The wineries are the icing on the cake.
Thank you so much Joycee. Super happy you enjoyed reading this and you found the ideas helpful. Oh yes, the Hornblower – can’t forget that either. Awesome and exciting! Appreciate your thoughtful comments always.
Wow, I wish I’d read this fabulous post before we visited Niagara Falls two years ago – you’ve certainly taken all the hard work out of what to see and do in three days! I’ll always remember the excitement of the Hornblower ride and the thunderous sound of the Falls themselves – a bit like Iguazzu Falls as you get close before seeing them. We did spend a short time in the little Niagara-on-the-lake town outside of the Falls, which was really enjoyable – lots of old world charm. Thank you for sharing this information Georgina. 🙂
Yes, it was loud. It is an experience that should not be missed. Hope you will visit Niagara Falls one day. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Much appreciated.
I have always wondered what it would be like to walk behind the falls, spectacular from the front but must be very loud from behind! Great pictures.
Niagara Falls will not disappoint, for sure. That majestic waterfall is a wonder to behold and the walk behind the falls is a Must do! Glad it’s on your bucket list 🙂
This is so a trip thats on my bucketlist, maybe not in the near future, but I am going! 😀
Hi Barry! Thank you for finding me! I am happy to know that your experiences in Niagara were amazing and that we did similar activities. I am pleased that you think my site is great – really appreciate this feedback. I hope you will find Chicago equally interesting. Please do let me know your thoughts. I look forward to it.
Just found your website and was so interested In your Niagara experience. I went there a while ago n found it amazing and wanted to see what someone of a similar age to me thought and we are thinking (and actually did) similar things. Greta site. Am gonna read Chicago next as went there after Niagara.!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments, I am happy that you found the article useful and have saved it for later. I look forward to hearing of your trip to Niagara.
Great read and well thought through recommendations. I am saving this for later as I’ve never been to Niagra Falls. It is on my bucket list.
Thank you so much, Marilyn. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the post. Niagara Falls really is a true wonder, well worth a visit. Appreciate your lovely comments.
That’s an amazing amount of water 💦 tumbling over the cliff. What an incredible experience to see, and how inspiring to be able to see, walk from beside, behind. 💕 🙂