Niagara Falls is an iconic destination with tourists and although there is plenty to do for an entire week. This article will give you the best things to do for a one day itinerary for Niagara Falls Ontario Canada (just incase you are passing through).

The Rainbow Bridge links Niagara Falls, New York, USA, to Niagara Falls, Canada (Ontario), with the spectacular Niagara falls backdrop. Niagara Falls are made up of 3 waterfalls, the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. The Niagara Falls Canadian overlooking Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the three.

Niagara Falls Ontario

Which side of Niagara Falls should I stay on?

It wasn’t a question I considered before looking into it more closely. There are pros and cons to staying on the American and Canadian sides; however, I decided to go with consensus and head over to the Canadian side. I am glad I did, as this side felt more lively, with newer facilities and a “Vegas-like” feel to the area.

Weather at Niagara Falls

With Winter going as low as 0 degrees Celcius and summer reaching around 27 degrees Celcius, I would highly recommend choosing a warmer month to explore. 

Getting to Niagara Falls Canada

Car hire – Driving from either Canada or the US is comfortable and renting a car from either side is also easy. Of course, you may pay a little extra if you pick it up in the US and drop it off in Canada, but it is worth it if you make a long road trip from New York City (as I did).

Flying – You can fly into three airports (choose wisely as some are closer than others): Niagara Falls International Airport, Niagara District Airport and Buffalo Niagara International Airport. However, if you are flying from Singapore, it’s a long flight with approximately two stops along the way. 

Private Transfer – The easiest way to get to Niagara Falls from the airport would be by hiring a private transfer.

Bus-If you are not planning to stay the day, why not purchase a bus ticket and spend the day at Niagara Falls from Toronto? If you plan to stay in Niagara Falls then this a shuttle service from downtown Toronto.

Uber/Lyft – Ensure you uploaded the app before arriving and set up your account so that once you visit, it is as easy as adding in your pick-up location and destination. 

Visa

If you are unsure whether you need a visa or not, you should check ivisa as it takes the stress out of searching the embassy information. It is a one-stop shop for all visa enquiries.

Travel Insurance

SafetyWing is the world’s first International Travel Medical Insurance developed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and remote workers travelling or living abroad worldwide.

I can not recommend travel medical insurance enough! For those who are going to be away for long periods, live and work abroad or on a short vacation.

Accommodation

The Marriott Falls Hotel Falls View – There are a few to choose from, but I highly recommend The Marriott Falls hotel Falls view as I was not let down by both the spectacular view my room had and the location and facilities this hotel had to offer. Situated within walking distance of the Journey Behind the Falls, and falls incline railway.

Embassy Suites By Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview – Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview is a fantastic choice for those looking to experience the breathtaking natural beauty and excitement of Niagara Falls.The hotel’s prime location offers stunning views of both the American and Horseshoe Falls, allowing you to appreciate the iconic cascades from the comfort of your room.

Transport

Everything is within walking distance of major attractions. However, there is a bus called WEGO that you can catch, and as a Marriott guest, it is offered for free if you wish to use it.

I did purchase a falls incline railway ticket, as I wasn’t sure if I could get down to the tunnels any other way. Well, although it is quicker to get there, there is no need to catch it as the distance is not that far.

Where to start – Niagara Falls Canada

Falls Incline Railway

Even though I had free tickets for the WEGO bus, I highly recommend the Falls Incline Railway. You can purchase a return ticket (probably worth buying one way if you want to experience it) and head down to my number one ticket item, the tunnels, for a little bit of history.

Journey behind the Falls Niagara Falls Canada

You must head down to Journey behind the falls; this is an informative and fun way to learn more about the history of Niagra Falls.

Beware, you do get wet, so they issue you with a raincoat for the spray you will experience in one of the many balcony viewing areas of the fall. It is a must, though, it is incredible how close you come, and the result will have you amazed at the force of this gorgeous fall.

Queen Victoria Park 

If for nothing else, this lovely promenade is a great walk and is excellent for people-watching. There is plenty of things to do and see here.

So whether you decide to be more adventurous, hop on the zip line, or sit back and enjoy Horseshoe falls in all its glory. The landscape was pretty, the crowd was plentiful, and the weather was perfect for me.

Hornblower Niagara cruise 

I was warned previously that The Maid of the Mist boat tour is no longer approachable from the Canadian side, so I wasn’t disappointed when I purchased my ticket for the Hornblower.

Okay, so I wasn’t able to wear the infamous blue poncho. However, the red one was just as good, and I got just as wet either way. This cruise is probably the one thing you can not miss; yes, it is touristy, yes, it is busy, and yes, it is a little cheesy.

But that is big but worth it; you cannot appreciate this magnificent place’s force unless you are on the rooftop of the Hornblower cruise being sprayed at full strength by this beauty. I am glad I did it; I came, conquered, and ticked it off my bucket list.

At night 

The streets are busy, full of people walking around, lots of noise and entertainment. It has a mini Vegas feel, with hotels sprawled along the road with a casino (with a colourful fountain) smack bang in the middle. There are many restaurants to choose from in this area.

Still, we went with something we were familiar with and headed over to Margaritaville, where karaoke was the main attraction (no, we didn’t sing, and yes, we sat as far away from the stage as possible).

Niagara Falls, Canada, nightly illuminations

Niagara Falls’s nightly illuminations transform the water into a colourful cascade. It can be viewed from this beautiful area, but nothing is more impressive than looking out your hotel window.

Fireworks in Niagara Falls Canada

During summer, you have the bonus of fireworks over this spectacular area. So head over for the 10 pm start of this must-see event.

Falls View Casino Resort

If you are not ready for bedding and want a little more, then the Falls View Casino is your best option. Whether you are there to bet, see a show or settle down with a drink, this is an excellent place for all three options.

There are loads of attractions in and around Niagara; I only scratched the surface, but this did not bother me. I came to see the main attraction, and she did not disappoint. I am glad I stopped by. I am happy with what I experienced and enjoyed every minute I spent there.

Would you like to read more about similar destinations?

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

Other things you need to know

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.

Check out my Instagram page or join the Truly Expat Facebook group.

Pin it for later!

Visa – If you looking for an easy way to get a visa, or if you aren’t sure if you really need one in the first place.  Ivisa makes the process easy, with a click of a button and few simple steps you will be able to sort out your visa requirements in a flash!

Insurance -We all know how important travel insurance is when you are abroad, but we also know how expensive it can be as well, right? Well, I am here to help solve both those problems. Safetywings is both affordable and reliable and better still easy to purchase. There are no hidden agendas, just choose the dates you will be away and check the coverage you need. It is that simple.

Car Hire– If you are planning to hire a car on your next trip, DiscoverCars is the perfect solution, why? Because you will find it in most countries around the world and all mandatory fees are included in the price, so there are no hidden surprises.

E-sim– If you want to know the most affordable way to be connected when travelling, it is with an e-sim. I have to admit I have come late to the party on this one, and I wish I had known earlier as it would have saved me hundreds of dollars in the past. I have been using Airalo for the past few months now and it has been so easy to set up and use while I am away. 

Airline Tickets– CheapOair is a leading provider of airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars and vacation packages with top travel brands to choose from globally. The CheapOair brand provides diversified travel services, however I highly recommend checking out their airline ticket options for best prices.