If you’re visiting Toronto, have you included a day trip to the Ontario side of Niagara Falls? After all, the falls are among the world’s most famous natural landmarks and just a few hours from Canada’s largest city. What’s more, there are many ways to get there, whether by public transportation, rental car or organized tour. At the same time, you’ll see one of nature’s most spectacular attractions while marking this destination off your bucket list. That’s to say, nothing on the Ontario side has far more attractions than its American counterpart across the border. Therefore, without further delay, learn how to take an unforgettable day trip from Toronto to Niagara Falls, Ontario.
How to Get to Niagara Falls, Ontario
By Car
There is no question that driving to Niagara Falls is the fastest way to get there from Toronto. You can get there in about 80 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, the key is to leave Toronto early enough to avoid the bulk of the morning commute. In the first place, you’ll be driving from one of the most congested cities in North America. That’s to say, nothing avoiding the afternoon commute on your day trip. If you are driving, avoid the afternoon commute, particularly from 3 p.m. to about 6 p.m.
By Bus
A handful of bus companies offer service between Toronto and Niagara Falls, Ontario. Of these companies, your best option is FlixBus, with several departures starting at CAD 9.99. FlixBus departs from the Toronto Union Station bus terminal and arrives at the Flixbus station in Niagara Falls. However, other bus companies in Niagara Falls, Ontario, should be considered, including Megabus, Greyhound, and Trailways. Please note there are different bus stations in Niagara Falls, Ontario. For instance, Greyhound, Megabus, and Trailways arrive at the Niagara Falls Transit Terminal. On the other hand, FlixBus has a transit stop about 2.5 miles south of the terminal.
Tour Bus
Taking a tour bus from Toronto is perhaps the simplest way to enjoy a day trip to Niagara Falls. For one, you’ll travel in a group led by a tour guide. For another, it takes a lot of guesswork out of your day trip planning. Moreover, these tour operators can pick you up at your downtown hotel or a nearby spot. Moreover, these guided bus tours also allow you free time to spend on your own Niagara Falls day trip, and some include a scenic boat tour. Among the leading tour businesses operating in Toronto are Airlink, Gray Line, Niagara Day Tour, and Queen Tour.
By Train
GO Transit offers the most frequent train service between Toronto and Niagara Falls, Ontario. However, most Union Station departures require you to transfer to a bus at the Burlington GO station. From Burlington, the GO bus route 12 will transport you to the Niagara Falls bus terminal across from the train station. However, when planning your trip online, you can select the “train only” option and choose your direct trip. VIA Rail Canada also offers train service between Union Station and Niagara Falls train station. However, there is only one-morning departure and only one-afternoon return trip.
Related: 10 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know About Toronto
How to Get Around Niagara Falls, Ontario
If you’re not traveling by car or with a tour group, there are many ways to get around. The most affordable option is with the local public bus operator, Niagara Region Transit. A single fare for those 13 years old and over is Can$ 3, and a day pass is Can$ 7.25. However, another option is WEGO, which has three color-coded routes that serve tourist areas. Although the price is higher at Can$ 12 for a day pass, WEGO buses run more frequently than public transit. On the other hand, you can’t purchase a WEGO day pass online unless you have an option for your GO Transit purchase. In addition, there are rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, as well as taxi services in Niagara Falls.
Packaged Ticket Offers
Many of the local attractions are managed by Niagara Parks, including Journey Behind the Falls and Niagara’s Fury 4-D film. However, these package deals are more practical on a two-day visit than a don ay trip. Nevertheless, any of these packaged offers are worth considering if you like their convenience. Any of these offers are coupled with a 2-day WEGO bus pass, making it even more appealing.
Suggested Things to Do in Niagara Falls, Ontario
Clifton Hill
4960 Clifton Hill
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4 Canada
(905) 358-4793
www.cliftonhill.com
Depending upon how much time you will spend on your day trip, Clifton Hill might be a fun place to see. This is especially true if you’re traveling with children. Located in Queen Victoria Park, Clifton Hill is an admission-amusement park with several attractions. For instance, there are arcade games, a miniature golf course and racetrack, a wax museum, and the Niagara Skywheel. You can purchase individual ride tickets or a combined pass for six rides or attractions. A paid parking lot and dining options like Kelsey’s Restaurant and Tim Hortons are onsite.
Fallsview Tourist Area
5305 Murray St.
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3W6, Canada
(514) 446-6789
While the three waterfalls are the primary draw, Fallsview Boulevard is the city’s entertainment center. Many attractions here include Fallsview Casino, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, and the 520-foot-tall Skylon Tower. Of the many things to do in the Fallsview area, Skylon Tower is your top choice for your day trip. You can get a 360-degree view of Niagara Falls from its observation deck and dine in its Revolving Dining Room. Moreover, if you decide to eat at Skylon Tower, admission to the observation deck is free. Of course, there are many more things to do in Fallsview, such as a fun zone, Avalon Theatre, and casual or upscale dining.
Niagara City Cruises
5920 Niagara River Parkway
Niagara, Falls, ON L2E 6X8, Canada
(855) 264-2427
www.cityexperiences.com
If a boat tour of Niagara Falls is part of your day trip, then stop by Niagara City Cruises by Hornblower. After all, a closeup look of the Falls is the top thing to do, whether you’re on the Ontario or New York side. Just a short walk from Clifton Hill, Niagara City Cruises has several daily boat departures year-round. Each of the 20-minute trips will provide you with breathtaking views of the American, Bridal Veil, and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. If that’s not enough, you’ll also see the Niagara Gorge and, depending upon your departure time, have a whole or light mist experience. You can book your reservation in advance. Tickets are CAD 32.75 for adults and CAD 22.75 for children ages 3-12.
Related: Top Attractions You Can See with a Toronto CityPASS
Table Rock Centre
6650 Niagara River Parkway
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2, Canada
(905) 358-3268
www.niagaraparks.com
Overlooking Goat Island on the American side, Table Rock is likely the most prominent of the local welcome centers in Niagara Falls. A popular local destination whose history dates back to 1827, it features an observation area, retail and dining, and a significant attraction. In detail, that attraction is Journey Behind the Falls, featuring spectacular waterfall views from a lower deck that’s near the brink of Horseshoe Falls. But there’s more to see while you’re at the Table Rock Welcome Centre. For example, retail shops, a restaurant, Niagara’s Fury 4-D movie, and the Falls Incline Railway funicular connect you to the Fallsview Tourist Area. Incidentally, Table Rock Centre is a short walk from the FlixBus stop.
Whirlpool Aero Car
3850 Niagara River Parkway
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8, Canada
(877) 642-7275
www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/whirlpool-aero-car
If you’re a thrill-seeker, you might want to try WildPlay’s Zipline to the Falls on your day trip. However, you shouldn’t overlook an alternative trip on the historic Whirlpool Aero Car that transports you across the Niagara River and its natural whirlpool. While most other attractions are in the heart of the city, Whirlpool Aero Car is north of the train station in the Silvertown neighborhood. Nevertheless, hovering 3,500 feet above the Niagara Gorge is worth your consideration. A ride on the Aero Car is CAD 17.50 for adults and CAD 11.50 for children ages 3-12. Of course, this attraction is an option in the Niagara Falls Pass for CAD 79.
Related: How to Get Around Downtown Toronto with Public Transportation
About the Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 stories still appear in syndication across over 20 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University in 2012. Randy has nearly 25 years of experience in the transportation industry.