Our tour departs from the area near Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, 288 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, at 8:00 AM, and we recommend arriving about 15 minutes early so everyone has time to board comfortably before we head out. Seating is first come, first served, so arriving a little earlier also gives you the best chance of sitting together with your group.
One important thing to know before boarding: there are no washrooms on the bus, so it’s always a good idea to use washrooms before coming to the bus. We also ask guests to avoid eating or drinking on board, with the exception of bottled water for hygiene and cleanup reasons. If you’re bringing along a morning coffee, just be sure to finish it before boarding.
The drive between Toronto and the Niagara Falls area usually takes between one and a half to two hours each way, depending on traffic conditions.
For families travelling with young children, strollers are welcome as long as they can be folded and stored during the drive. We should also mention that our vehicles do not have a way to tether car seats. Similar to airplane seating, children who are unable to sit safely in their own seat would need to be held by a parent or guardian during travel. If your child requires their own seat, a ticket would need to be purchased for them as well.
Every tour day is a little different depending on traffic, weather, and the group, but once we leave Toronto, this is generally how the day flows. The nice part is that you don’t have to worry about driving, parking, directions, or navigating busy tourist areas. You can simply relax and enjoy the scenery while we take care of the rest.
Once everyone is on board and we head out of the city, the sightseeing really begins. The tour is fully commentated throughout the drive and during the day’s stops, so even while travelling between locations, there is usually something interesting being pointed out along the way. The only time things tend to quiet down is on the ride home, when many guests are tired, relaxing, looking through photos from the day, or even taking nap after all the excitement.
One of the most scenic parts of the day is the drive along the Niagara River Parkway. Depending on the season and how the day is flowing, you will see points of interest like the Floral Clock, hydro-electric dams, and the Whirlpool Rapids. These are nice opportunities to take photos and enjoy some of the scenery beyond just the Falls themselves
We also stop at Maple Leaf Place for a maple syrup tasting experience. Besides the tasting itself, many guests appreciate this stop because it’s usually timed perfectly for a washroom break, a chance to sit down for brunch, or just grab a coffee and relax for a little while before heading into the main Falls area.
Once we arrive at Niagara Falls, this is where the day becomes a little more flexible depending on what attractions you choose to do. Guests can add optional experiences like the Skylon Tower observation deck or the seasonal Hornblower Niagara Cruises boat ride. There is also free time to explore the area, take photos, shop, get food, or simply enjoy the views of Niagara Falls along the river.
This part of the day does involve quite a bit more walking and standing than the drive itself, especially around the Falls and attraction areas, so comfortable shoes and dressing for the weather really do make a big difference. Even on warm days, the mist near the Falls can sometimes feel cooler than people expect.
At the end of the day, we begin the drive back to Toronto, usually arriving around 5:00 PM, depending on traffic, weather, and how the tour unfolded. After a full day of sightseeing, many guests enjoy simply sitting back and relaxing for the ride home before returning to the same drop-off location where the morning began.
The $77 tour includes round-trip transportation from Toronto in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, so once the day begins, you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience without worrying about traffic, directions, parking, or highway driving.
The tour also includes live commentary from a licensed tour guide throughout the day. From the moment we leave Toronto, there is usually something being pointed out along the way; whether it’s local history, landmarks, interesting stories, or little details many visitors would otherwise drive right past.
Throughout the day, there are scenic stops and photo opportunities along the Niagara River Parkway, although the exact stops can vary depending on the season, traffic conditions, timing, and how the day is flowing.
Guests also receive free time at Niagara Falls to explore, take photos, enjoy the scenery, shop, grab a meal, or add optional attractions if they choose.
The maple syrup tasting experience at Maple Leaf Place is also included as part of the day.
A Few Things Not Included:
Taxes are additional to the base tour price, and attractions like the Skylon Tower observation deck and seasonal Hornblower Niagara Cruises boat ride are optional extras for guests who would like to add them to their day.
Meals and personal purchases are also not included, although there are several opportunities throughout the day to grab food, snacks, coffee, or souvenirs.
Gratuities are never mandatory, but they are always appreciated if you feel your guide and driver helped make the experience more enjoyable.
You really don’t need to overpack for the day, but there are a few things that can make the experience a lot more comfortable, especially once you get closer to the Falls area.
Probably the biggest thing we recommend is comfortable footwear. There can be quite a bit of walking throughout the day, especially around Niagara Falls itself, and many of the viewing areas can become slippery or damp from the mist. Shoes that are comfortable for walking and standing for periods of time will make the day much more enjoyable than brand-new shoes or anything without much support.
Dressing in layers is also usually a good idea. Niagara weather can change quickly, and even on warm summer days, the mist near the Falls can feel cooler than people expect. A light jacket, sweater, or small backpack for extra layers often comes in handy.
You’ll definitely want a phone or camera for photos. If you plan on taking a lot of pictures or videos, a portable charger can be surprisingly useful by the end of the day. Many guests also bring sunglasses, sunscreen, bottled water, and a little spending money for food, souvenirs, or optional attractions.
If you’re planning on doing the seasonal Hornblower Niagara Cruises boat ride, you may also want to bring something waterproof or quick-drying. Ponchos are provided, but depending on the wind and conditions, people can still get a little misty near the Falls.
One thing many visitors are happy to hear: this tour stays entirely on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. If you’re travelling with us from Toronto, there are no border crossings during the tour, which means you do not need a passport for the day trip itself.
Best Niagara Falls tour in Canada for 20 years.
