The volume of water held by 1 million bathtubs goes over Niagara Falls every second! A natural wonder with one of the most enchanting sceneries on this planet was formed during the last ice age. The melted ice caused large downpours of water draining into the Niagara River. Native Americans were the first people to witness the tremendous power of Niagara Falls, but over the years, many prominent people passed through the region. Nikola Tesla developed the alternating current system right here! Horseshoe, American, and the Bridal Veil fall form the fascinating Niagara Falls. While the United States side is breathtaking, the falls’ full beauty should also be experienced from the Canadian side.
Best time to visit Niagara Falls
The best time to visit Niagara Falls is from May to October. Summer is the Niagara Falls peak season. You will face crowds and higher prices; however, you can explore all that the Falls offer, such as the Maid of The Mist Boat Tour. Spring and Fall have fewer crowds and lower prices, but the weather is unpredictable.
September and October are great to visit if you’re a wine lover as its harvest season at the local wineries. Winter in Niagara Falls is good if you’re looking for affordable hotel rates, but the harsh Canadian winter causes all attractions’ shutdown.
A few facts about Niagara Falls:
- Niagara Falls will eventually disappear into Lake Erie. The falls wear back a foot every ten years. In about 10,000 years, they will no longer exist.
- Two-thirds of North American freshwater comes from Niagara Falls.
- Sir Adam Beck Power Plant malfunctioned in 1965, causing a major blackout affecting 30 million people. 9 months later, the birth rate increased dramatically.
- Charles Blondin finished his first tightrope walk over Niagara Falls in 1859, becoming the first man to walk across the Falls.
One day in Niagara Falls Itinerary
Unravel the fascinating story behind Niagara Falls and see all the attractions following our one day Niagara Falls itinerary. Here are the top things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario:
Start Your Day at The Promenade on The Falls
The most popular way to start your one day in Niagara Falls is the promenade. It’s the sidewalk along the cliff that overlooks the falls. If you decide to walk the entire way, it shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes, and you can take amazing photos and see the falls from different points of view. The best view is right at the crest! If you’re looking for a hotel right on the promenade, Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa is the best option.
Journey Behind The Falls
Once you’ve seen the beauty of Niagara Falls from the promenade, step down and experience the falls from below. Descend to the outdoor observation decks located directly behind Niagara Falls. Witnessing the mass of water falling at 65 kilometers per hour is a once in a lifetime experience! Make sure to bring a waterproof camera and you’ll receive the biodegradable rain poncho on the spot. The best time to go is in the spring and summer months as the decks are closed in the wintertime.
Experience the Falls With A Boat
Now that you’ve seen the falls from far and behind, it’s time to get personal with them. Maid of the Mist operates from the New York side while its Canadian partner is Hornblower Niagara Cruises.
The boat will take you along the Niagara River all the way along the American Falls, Canadian Horseshoe Falls, and The Great George. This is the closest you can get to the falls, and if you’re spending one day in Niagara, do not miss a chance to do so. The journey takes about an hour.
Have Lunch at Niagara Skylon Tower
The Niagara Skylon tower is 775 feet or about 235 meters tall. It’s very similar to the CN Tower in Toronto, with the backdrop of the whole Niagara falls. Just like it’s Toronto partner, it offers 2 levels of dining, a buffet, and a revolving dining room.
The observation deck is included in the price of your lunch or dinner, so if you’re going to go up there, it makes sense to make a lunch date out of it and try some continental cuisine.
Explore Clifton Hill
Now that you’ve tried Niagara wine from the Skylon Tower dining room, the light buzz is perfect for the busy Clifton Hill. It’s the main attraction street in Niagara Falls, and you’ll find everything here. From wax museums to indoor water parks. There is a house of horrors too, and drinks just about everywhere you go. You can’t miss the street; it’s the loudest, busiest hill with a massive Skywheel. Have a few drinks, see a few attractions, and finish your afternoon on that Skywheel. It’s the best sunset experience in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Have Dinner at Brasa Steakhouse
Clifton Hill has a choice of restaurants, but we recommend the Brasa Steakhouse. It’s an all you can eat steakhouse with staff constantly bringing freshly grilled meat to your table. Seriously, they won’t stop bringing it until you let them know it’s enough, but they will give you a two side disc where green means more and red means stop. They have the largest selection of wines in Niagara, so if you’re looking to fix up your buzz from lunch, they’re the way to go. If you happen to be in Niagara Falls on the weekend, they have live music to entertain you while you dine as well.
Gamble in The Casino
Finally, you’ve seen the best Niagara Falls has to offer in 24 hours, now it’s time for a good gamble. The party is in the casino of course. There are two major casinos in Niagara. Casino Niagara is a two floor casino for people that love to gamble. Niagara Fallsview Casino is great for gamblers and non-gamblers. A luxury resort has shops, spa’s and the famous hotel. If you want the true Niagara experience, you should stay in this hotel.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls, Ontario
Spending 24 hours in Niagara Falls is best if you’re in the center of all the action. Here are a few options for accommodation where you’ll definitely get to experience the Niagara Falls glamour:
Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa
6740 Fallsview Boulevard, L2G 3W6 Niagara Falls
Just a minute walk from the promenade and the Casino, this is a great choice for those wishing to enjoy their Niagara stay with all the luxury and comfort a hotel like The Marriott offers. Hot tub, spa, views, shopping – you can get it all here. Spend your one night in Niagara Falls here and you’re guaranteed to experience the best of Niagara Falls.
Hilton Niagara Falls/ Fallsview Hotel and Suites
6361 Fallsview Boulevard, L2G 3V9 Niagara Falls
The famous Casino hotel is a classic choice for anyone looking to spend their one day in Niagara Falls doing what most people do in Niagara, gamble. This hotel is connected to the casino, but it’s also close to the promenade, Clifton Hill, and Niagara Falls.
Cavalier Motel
5100 Centre Street, L2G 3P2 Niagara Falls,
If you’re not staying in one of the hotels, Niagara Falls has a choice of motels. However, motels can be a hit or miss. Cavalier Motel is one of the motels in Niagara Falls that has an excellent location, but it’s also a clean spot with friendly staff. So if you’re on a budget during your visit to Niagara Falls, Cavalier is one of the nicest motels in the area.
Best Day Trips From Niagara Falls, Ontario
Toronto
Canada’s largest city (but not the capital!) is only a short drive away from Niagara Falls. Take the QEW highway and visit the popular CN Tower, explore the Kensington Market, Distillery District, or dine at one of the thousands of restaurants Toronto has to offer. You can check our detailed one day in Toronto itinerary for more great ideas on this fabulous city.
Niagara-On-The-Lake
Originally Canada’s capital until the 1812 civil war, at which point the capital was moved to Ottawa. This postcard little town located a few minutes from Niagara Falls is a top thing to do in Niagara Falls. You have to visit Niagara on the Lake. You can walk the whole downtown in two hours and then go see one of the many vineyards around. Niagara on the Lake is an ideal spot to try ice wine, a type of dessert wine from frozen grapes. Try the Reif Estate winery!
USA
The United States of America is just one bridge border away from Niagara Falls, Ontario. See the falls from the other side, go bargain shopping in Buffalo, or if you have the time, drive to Cleveland, Pittsburgh, or even New York City. Since you’re so close to the border, it would be a shame not to at least checkout Niagara Falls from both sides and compare which one you like better.
Extra tips for visiting Niagara Falls:
Stay in a hotel with a view – the Niagara Falls experience is just not the same without the backdrop of the beautiful falls. So if you can, choose a hotel with a view.
See the falls from a helicopter – this is such an unforgettable experience, so if you have the time, do yourself a favor and book it! Just make sure to book ahead.
Visit the butterfly conservatory – since you’re spending 24 hours in Niagara Falls, only put this in your Niagara falls itinerary if you see that you’re making excellent time.
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Romi R.
Romi is a llama coach from Split, Croatia. This sounds made up but it’s true. She lived in Toronto, Canada for about ten years, give or take, but she wasn’t working with llamas. She was working in PR, restaurants, daycares, one yoga clothing store. She doesn't know how she got that job as she has never done yoga at that point. She taught English in Colombia and Vietnam. Traveled the world for two years. Then she got into writing. Actually, she was always writing, but then someone paid her to write. Then more people paid because they saw she was making them money. Then it became a thing she does for a living. And here we are now. Specializing in travel, real estate, and digital nomad guides, familiar with SEO, and always ready to learn something new so she can branch out and take over the world.
A very useful and informative article. I will now start planning my Canada holiday in 2022 to also include Halifax and New Foundling as well as Niagara Falls