As you may know by now, Niagara Falls is one of the most iconic places on Earth. In fact, many people from around the world flock to the iconic attraction, and many more are planning to visit at least once. However, did you know that Niagara Falls is actually located in two different countries? It does! It sits in Canada and the US simply because it is found at the border. Of course, if you want to go to the more popular side, you’ll head to the Canadian side of the falls. There, you will find the more magnificent side of things. However, if you truly want to make the most out of the experience, exploring both sides is a must!
That said, you might be wondering how long it’ll take to explore Niagara falls. Well, we typically recommend that you spend at least two to three days there. But of course, you can stay for much longer since there are plenty of things around this stunning waterfall.
Now, if you’re looking to create an itinerary for your trip to Niagara falls, you’re in luck! Today, we’re going to share with you a 2-day itinerary that you can follow for both the Canadian side and the US side of Niagara falls!
Typically, we would recommend that you stay an entire weekend simply because there’ll be plenty of things to do in Niagara Falls that’ll keep you busy. However, if you want to take things slowly, feel free to stretch this out to three or even four days total!
That being said, let’s talk about what you can do:
To begin, we recommend that you visit Goat Island. Here, you’ll find some of the waterfall’s best views. Also, it is a part of Niagara Falls State Park, meaning that you start your day already there in the right place! Now, on the island itself, you’ll find the Cave of the Winds, a cave where you can stand directly underneath the falls. It is also one of the most popular attractions, so you can’t miss it. And, you will definitely get wet here, so be sure to be ready for it!
Now, if you want to experience the falls from the water itself, look for what is called the Maid of the Mist boat tour! You can even check out the tours here. Here, you get to enjoy the roaring magnificence of the falls. Once again, you’ll get wet here, so be sure to be ready!
On the second day, take a 10-minute drive down to the town of Lewiston, a quaint town filled with shops and restaurants. If you want to pick a good restaurant to look at stunning views, look for Water Street Landing. It has a fun outdoor bar and also has live music, ensuring you make the most out of the experience. In there, you’ll also find The Whirlpool Jet Boat, a tour of the river!
If you’re the type of person who wants to learn the rich history of the era, look for Old Fort Niagara. Here, you can surround yourself with a little piece of history of the 18th century.
Now, going back to Niagara Falls, walk across something known as The Rainbow Bridge. This is an arch bridge that connects both the US side and Canadian side of Niagara falls over the Niagara River. Here, you’ll find stunning views of the falls, and even if you don’t decide to enter Canada, you’ll still enjoy this incredible experience.
Thrilling boat ride
Experience an adrenaline rush while taking on the Class 5 rapids of the magnificent Niagara River! Whether you want to stay dry or get splashed by the rapids and get wet, the Niagara Falls Jet Boat Tour is an exciting activity that will also let you witness breathtaking views of the stunning scenery. Secure your spot today and see the Niagara River from a unique point of view!
Much like the US side, we recommend that you stay here for as long as you can, around 3-4 days. But of course, you can essentially do everything within two days if you plan it right! For this itinerary, you should be based at Fallsview Casino Resort or the Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel & Spa.
On the first day, go ahead and purchase the Adventure Pass from the Ontario Parks Welcome Centre that you can find at Clifton Hill. The clerk there will ask you if you want to reserve tickets for three activities: White Water Walk, Journey Behind the Falls, and Niagara’s Fury. You should reserve two hours to your current time to go to Journey Behind the Falls and an hour after that for Niagara’s Fury. For White Water Walk, don’t do anything.
After all of that, go down towards the Hornblower Niagara Cruises. There, you can hop onto a boat and enjoy the falls, enjoying the beautiful vistas of the area. After that’s done, go to the Tabel Rock Welcome Centre, and there, you’ll find the entrance to Journey Behind the Falls. Here, you’ll get to explore the falls through a tunnel that’s dug right through a gorge! Once you emerge, you should be just on time for Niagara’s Fury. To do that, visit the second floor of the center.
By now, you should be hungry, so go ahead and enjoy a fine meal at a restaurant called Element on the Falls for casual fine dining, complete with a stunning view. If you still want to hang around the place after your meal, feel free to explore Queen Victoria Park! You’ll find many attractions here, such as the Floral Showhouse.
Once that’s all over, you can either go back to your hotel or enjoy exploring a little more. If you do want to explore, hop onto the green-line WEGO bus that’s headed north. You can get off at White Water Walk and spend an hour there. Once that’s done, you can go back to the hotel and enjoy what your home away from home has to offer!
For day 2, we highly recommend that you start early! Go on a trip on the Niagara Adventure Jets in Lewiston. After that, follow south along the gorge and settle at the Niagara Power Vista. Here, you can take a short drive to the bottom, where you can see anglers catch massive fish! After that, go south again to Whirlpool State Park. Here, you can enjoy a half-hour walk to enjoy the wonderful views of the river’s whirlpool.
Once that’s over, enter Niagara Falls State Park and go to Goat Island. Here, you can do the many things we’ve talked about on the US side of the itinerary. If you don’t remember, go to the Cave of Winds and make the most out of the experience. Once that’s done, go ahead and visit Luna Island, which brings you as close as possible to the falls. If you want the best spot in the park to view Horseshoe Falls, go to Terrapin Point.
Once that’s done, enjoy a quick lunch at the Misty Dog Grill. There are also a couple of other eating spots here, so feel free to try them out! Once you’ve had your fill, go back to the Rainbow Bridge and cross back to the Canadian side. There, you can rest and enjoy a wonderful dinner right after!
If you are wondering where to eat dinner, give St. Davids a go. Also, by now, you should be in time for sunset! Visit the Skylon Tower and watch the sunset from the observation deck. It is 52 stories above the falls, and here, we promise that you’ll find one of the best views you’ll ever have in your life!
Regardless of whether you go to the Canadian side or the US side of the falls, here are some vital tips you must follow:
Niagara Falls is a very popular destination, so it’s important to plan your trip in advance. This will help you avoid crowds and ensure that you get the most out of your visit.
Niagara Falls is located in a very scenic area, but the weather can be unpredictable. Be sure to dress for the weather and pack appropriate clothing.
Niagara Falls is a very photogenic destination. Be sure to bring your camera so you can capture the beauty of the falls.
There are many different ways to see Niagara Falls. Taking a tour is a great way to learn about the history of the falls and get a closer look at the natural wonder. You can check out the tours here!
Niagara Falls is a great place to visit for the whole family. There are many different activities to enjoy, so be sure to have fun and make the most of your trip.
With all of that said, we hope you enjoy the most out of Niagara falls. There are just so many things you can do here, and tours are there to help you make the most out of it. So, check them out, and feel free to enjoy the area by yourself if you feel like it. Remember, the most important thing about this is that you have fun, so go ahead and treat your senses to amazing experiences that you will never forget for the rest of your life!
Unique night experience
Experience Niagara Falls in a completely new way with our Niagara Falls Night Tour! Board our river cruise and see Niagara Falls up close, with magical lights dancing across the waterfalls. Then, look up into the starry skies for a mesmerizing, multicolor fireworks display.
Skyline adventure
Book this Niagara Falls Zipline Ticket and enjoy a thrilling adventure above the falls. Hear the thunderous roar as you glide down 2,200 feet with an amazing view of the American and the Horseshoe Falls. Enjoy the magnificent views, feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
We have the best value Niagara Falls tours & tickets for you!
Under the Falls
Experience the unique beauty of Niagara Falls from a unique perspective. View the Falls from 130-year-old tunnels and from the observation deck at their base. Feel the immense power of the cascading water and the mist that rises from it.
Skyline adventure
Book this Niagara Falls Zipline Ticket and enjoy a thrilling adventure above the falls. Hear the thunderous roar as you glide down 2,200 feet with an amazing view of the American and the Horseshoe Falls. Enjoy the magnificent views, feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Up-close view
See Niagara Falls up close from the Canadian side on a boat tour. View the Falls from the Skylon Tower and see the Horseshoe Falls from behind the curtain of water. Feel the water crashing above and cruise past the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls for a complete Niagara adventure.