Want to see some really big waterfalls? Let’s plan a trip to Niagara Falls! I’ve made a 3 day trip to Niagara Falls itinerary that’s full of fun things to do. You’ll get to ride boats, see pretty gardens, and look at the waterfalls from high up. Three days gives us plenty of time to see everything without rushing around.
Now, this isn’t just another article trying to sell you stuff or make money off your clicks. Nope, this is the real deal – a travel guide made by someone who’s been to Niagara Falls and wants you to have the best time ever. I’m gonna tell you all the coolest things to do, the best places to eat, and even some fun facts that’ll make you sound super smart.
Why Niagara Falls is a Must-Visit Destination for Your Next Vacation
Niagara Falls is like nature’s own giant water park, but way more awesome! Imagine every second, more than 3,160 tons of water crashes over the falls. That’s enough to fill up about 64 million bathtubs!
The Niagara Waterfalls are actually made up of three different waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls (the biggest one), American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Together, they create a roaring spectacle that attracts millions of visitors every year.
Visitors, especially those looking for a place to visit in Canada for first time, have been coming to see Niagara Falls for over 200 years. The first tourist to visit was a guy named John Stedman way back in 1678.
Since then, it’s become one of the most popular places to visit in North America. In fact, about 12 to 13 million people come to see Niagara Falls every year! That’s more people than live in the whole country of Australia!
Did you know that Niagara Falls is slowly moving backward? The water erodes the rock, making the falls move upstream about 1 foot every year. Scientists think that in about 50,000 years, the falls might erode all the way back to Lake Erie!
A 3 day trip to Niagara Falls itinerary is perfect because you’ll have enough time to see all the cool stuff without feeling rushed. You can check out the falls from every angle, try out fun activities, and even explore the pretty towns nearby.

How to Get to Niagara Falls
Getting to Niagara Falls is easy, and you’ve got lots of ways to do it. But where is it located exactly?
Niagara Falls straddles the border between New York State, USA, and Ontario, Canada. This natural wonder sits at 43°04’48.0″N latitude and 79°04’29.9″W longitude. It’s about 17 miles north-northwest of Buffalo, New York, and roughly 75 miles south-southeast of Toronto, Ontario.
Let’s look at all the different ways you can get there, whether you’re coming from far away or just nearby.
By Plane: Flying to Niagara Falls
If you’re traveling from afar, flying is often the most convenient option. The closest major airport is Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), located about 30 miles away from the falls.
It’s serviced by several major airlines including American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United. From the airport, you can reach Niagara Falls in about 45 minutes by car.
For international travelers, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is another option. Though it’s farther at 80 miles away, it offers a wider range of international flights. The drive from Toronto to Niagara Falls takes about 1.5 hours.
In fact, after seeing the falls, many families visit nearby Toronto. The city has lots of things to do in Toronto with kids that add more fun to your trip.
There’s also the smaller Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG), just 4 miles from the falls. Unfortunately, it has limited flights, mainly from Allegiant and seasonal flights from Spirit Airlines.
By Car: Driving to Niagara Falls
Driving to Niagara Falls can be fun, especially if you like road trips. Here are some driving times from nearby cities:
City | Distance | Driving Time |
---|---|---|
Buffalo, NY | 23 miles | 30 minutes |
Toronto, ON | 80 miles | 1.5 hours |
New York City, NY | 410 miles | 7 hours |
Chicago, IL | 530 miles | 8.5 hours |
Boston, MA | 470 miles | 7.5 hours |
Remember, these times might change depending on traffic and how many stops you make.
By Bus: Taking the Bus to Niagara Falls
Taking the bus is a cheaper way to get to Niagara Falls. Greyhound and Megabus both offer services to Niagara Falls from various cities.
The main bus terminal in Niagara Falls is located at 240 First Street, equipped with basic amenities like a waiting area, restrooms, and vending machines. Here are some bus trip times:
- From Buffalo: About 1 hour
- From Toronto: About 2 hours
- From New York City: About 9 hours
By Train: Riding the Rails to Niagara Falls
Amtrak has a train that goes right to Niagara Falls. It’s called the Empire Service, and it runs from New York City to Niagara Falls. The trip takes about 9 hours. The train station in Niagara Falls is at 825 Depot Avenue West, Niagara Falls, NY 14305.
Getting Around Niagara Falls
Once you’re in Niagara Falls, you’ve got a few ways to get around. Here’s a quick comparison of these options:
Option | Cost | Flexibility | Good for |
---|---|---|---|
Walking | Free | High | Short distances |
WEGO Bus | $9.38 for adults $6.50 for children (24-hour pass) $12.27 for adults $9.38 for children (48-hour pass) | Medium | Hitting main attractions |
Taxi/Rideshare | $10-$30 per trip depending on distance | High | Quick trips |
Rental Car | $50-$100 per day depending on the vehicle | Very High | Exploring beyond the falls |
Take note that all these prices are as of August 2024 and might change at any time. But no matter how you get there, the important thing is that you’re going to see one of the coolest places on Earth. Niagara Falls is waiting for you!
Want even more tips to make your trip awesome? Check out the official website of destination.com for more travel guides, itineraries, and insider tips. We’ve got tons of info to help you plan your vacation perfectly.
Day 1: Get Ready to See (and Feel!) the Big Falls of Canada
Your first day at Niagara Falls is all about getting up close and personal with the star of the show – the waterfalls themselves! We’ll explore the oldest state park in America, take a boat ride right up to the falls, walk behind a waterfall, and end the day with a light show you’ll never forget.

Explore Niagara Falls State Park: The Oldest Park in America
Let’s kick off our Niagara Falls adventure at Niagara Falls State Park. This park is super special because it’s the oldest state park in the whole United States!
The Niagara Falls State Park was created in 1885, which was even before cars were invented. The park covers a huge area – about 400 acres. That’s like 300 football fields put together!
When you get to the park, you’ll see lots of green grass, pretty trees, and walking paths. But the main attraction is, of course, the Niagara Falls! You can walk right up to the edge and feel the mist on your face.
Here are some of the best things to check out in Niagara Falls State Park:
- Prospect Point: This spot gives you an amazing view of the American Falls. It’s only about 70 feet away from the edge of the falls!
- Goat Island: This little island sits right between the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls. It got its name because a local farmer used to keep his goats there in the 1770s.
- Three Sisters Islands: These small islands give you a cool view of the rapids before they turn into the big falls. They’re named after the three daughters of General Parkhurst Whitney, an important person in Niagara Falls history.
- Observation Tower: Want to see the falls from up high? This tower is 282 feet tall and gives you a bird’s eye view of all three waterfalls.
- Niagara Gorge Trail: If you like hiking, this trail takes you down into the gorge where you can see the powerful Niagara River up close.
Don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera because you’ll want to take lots of pictures! The park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and the best part? It’s totally free to enter!
Ride the Maid of the Mist: Get Wet and Wild on a Boat
Now it’s time for the most famous ride in Niagara Falls – the Maid of the Mist! This boat ride has been taking people close to the falls since 1846. That’s more than 178 years of splashy fun!
When you get on the boat, they’ll give you a blue raincoat. Make sure to put it on because you’re gonna get wet!
The Maid of the Mist boat starts off nice and slow, but as you get closer to the falls, it gets super exciting. You’ll feel the mist on your face and hear the roar of the water.
Here’s what you need to know about the Maid of the Mist:
When it’s open | April 1 to November 30 |
How long it takes | About 20 minutes |
How much it costs | $25.25 for grown-ups, $14.75 for kids (6-12 years old) |
What to wear | Comfy shoes that can get wet |
What to bring | A waterproof case for your phone or camera |
How close it gets to the falls | About 300 feet from Horseshoe Falls |
Pro tip: If you want to stay a little drier, try to stand in the middle of the boat. But if you want to get super wet (which is super fun!), head to the front or the sides. The boat gets so close to the falls that you’ll be surrounded by mist and rainbows!
Walk Through Cave of the Winds: Feel the Niagara Falls Power
After your boat ride, it’s time to get even closer to the falls at the Cave of the Winds. Don’t worry, there’s not really a cave anymore (it fell down in 1954), but there are some wooden walkways that take you right up to the Bridal Veil Falls.
When you get there, they’ll give you a yellow raincoat and special sandals. You’ll need them because you’re going to get soaked!
The wooden walkways take you to different platforms where you can stand right next to the falls. The coolest part is the “Hurricane Deck” where the water is so strong it feels like you’re in a hurricane!
The deck is only 20 feet from the Bridal Veil Falls, and the water rushes past at 68 mph. That’s faster than cars are allowed to go on most highways!
Here’s what you should know about Cave of the Winds:
- It’s open from May 1 to October 31.
- The tour takes about 1 hour.
- It costs $19 for grown-ups and $16 for kids.
- The stairs can be slippery, so be careful!
- Your feet will definitely get wet, so plan to change your socks after.
Take note that the Cave of the Winds walkways are rebuilt every spring because the ice and wind knock them down in the winter. The walkways use about 2,800 individual planks of wood each year!
See the Falls Light Up and Eat Yummy Food
As the sun goes down, Niagara Falls turns into a colorful light show! Every night in Niagara Falls, bright lights shine on the falls, making them glow in different colors. This tradition started way back in 1860 when 200 lights were placed at the falls to celebrate a visit from the Prince of Wales.
Today, Niagara Falls is lit up by LED lights that can create any color of the rainbow. The lights are so powerful that on a clear night, you can see the illuminated falls from 100 miles away! The show starts at dusk every night and goes until 10 pm, 11 pm, or midnight, depending on the time of year.
The best place to watch the light show is from Prospect Point in the state park. But to make your evening even more special, why not have dinner with a view?
There are lots of restaurants near Niagara Falls where you can eat and watch the waterfalls at the same time.
One of the best is called Top of the Falls Restaurant. It’s right in the state park and has big windows so you can see the falls while you eat. They have food like burgers, salads, and even chicken fingers for picky eaters!
Another great choice is the Skylon Tower Revolving Dining Room. This restaurant is at the top of a tall tower (775 feet high!), and it slowly spins around, so you get to see everything while you eat. A full rotation takes an hour, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your meal and the view.
Day 2: More Than Just Falls – Tasty Drinks and Big Adventures
On your second day of our 3 day trip to Niagara Falls itinerary, we’re going to explore beyond the falls themselves. You’ll see the beautiful countryside, get some drinks, and have heart-pounding adventures.

Try Grape Juice for Grown-Ups on the Niagara Wine Trail
Today, we’re heading out to explore the area around Niagara Falls. Did you know that this area is famous for growing grapes? They use these grapes to make a special drink called Icewine (Eiswein). It’s like fancy grape juice that only grown-ups can drink.
The Niagara Wine Trail is a road that goes past lots of farms where they grow grapes and make wine. This area has been growing grapes for over 200 years! The climate here is perfect for grapes because Lake Ontario keeps the air cool in summer and warm in winter.
Even if you’re not old enough to taste the wine, these farms (called wineries) are still super fun to visit. Many of them have beautiful gardens, cool old buildings, and sometimes even farm animals!
Here are some of the best wineries to visit:
- Inniskillin: This place is famous for Ice wine. It’s made from grapes that are picked when they’re frozen on the vine! The winery was started in 1975 and is now one of the most famous in Canada.
- Peller Estates: They have a cool ice lounge where everything is made of ice. It’s kept at -10°C (14°F) all year round! You can try ice wine while sitting on an ice chair at an ice bar.
- Konzelmann Estate Winery: This one looks like a fancy castle. It was started by a German winemaker in 1984 and is the only lakefront winery in the area.
While the grown-ups taste wine, kids can often enjoy grape juice tastings, go on tractor rides, or play in the vineyards. Some wineries even have big grass areas perfect for playing frisbee or having a picnic.
Get Your Heart Racing: Fast Boats and High Rides
After lunch, it’s time for some serious adventure! First up is the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. These super fast boats zoom through the Niagara River, splashing through big waves and spinning around in circles.
The jet boats travel through the Niagara Gorge, created by the falls over thousands of years. The gorge is about 7 miles long, and the cliffs are up to 550 feet high! The boats go through Class 5 whitewater rapids, which are some of the biggest in North America.
Here’s what you need to know about the jet boat tours:
When it’s open | May to October |
How long it takes | About 45 minutes |
How much it costs | $67 for grown-ups, $57 for kids (6-12 years old) |
What to wear | Clothes that can get wet |
Age limit | You have to be at least 6 years old |
How fast the boats go | Up to 55 mph (88 km/h) |
If you want to stay dry, they have covered jet boats too. But getting wet is half the fun!
After the jet boat, how about flying through the air? The WildPlay Niagara Zipline lets you zoom across the sky with an awesome view of the falls. You’re attached to a safe harness and slide down a long cable.
The WildPlay Niagara Zipline is:
- Open from April to November
- Takes about 1.5 hours
- Costs $49.99 for everyone
- Has a weight limit (you need to be between 65-300 lbs)
- The longest zipline is 2,200 feet long
- You can reach speeds of up to 40 mph
Remember, both of these activities are weather-dependent, so it’s a good idea to book in advance but be flexible just in case.
Visit a Cute Town: Niagara-on-the-Lake
To finish off our day 2, let’s visit a super cute town called Niagara-on-the-Lake. This town looks like it’s straight out of a storybook!
The Niagara-on-the-Lake has pretty old buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and lots of flowers everywhere. The town was founded in 1781 and was the first capital of Upper Canada.
Here are some fun things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake:
- Take a horse and carriage ride through the town. These tours last about 30 minutes and cost around $25 for adults.
- Visit the old Fort George and learn about Canada’s history. This fort was built in the late 1790s and played a big role in the War of 1812.
- Get some yummy ice cream at Cows Ice Cream (they have funny flavors like “Moo York Cheesecake” and “Wowie Cowie”).
- Walk along the shore of Lake Ontario and skip stones. The lake is so big (193 miles long and 53 miles wide) that it looks like an ocean!
- Visit the Shaw Festival Theatre. This famous theater puts on plays from April to December every year.
Before heading back to your hotel, have dinner at one of the cute restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Irish Harp Pub is super fun and has live music most nights. They serve traditional Irish food like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips.
Day 3: Fun for Everyone and Last Looks at the Falls
It’s your third and last day in this 3 day trip to Niagara Falls itinerary, but don’t worry – we’ve saved some of the best fun for last!
Today we’re going to visit the exciting Clifton Hill area, take a ride on a giant Ferris wheel, see beautiful butterflies, and take one last amazing look at the falls.

Clifton Hill: The Most Fun Street Ever
Since it’s our last day, we’re going to start it with a bang at Clifton Hill. This street is like a mini amusement park with tons of fun things to do. It’s been a popular spot for tourists since the 1920s!
Here are some of the coolest attractions on Clifton Hill:
- Niagara Speedway: This is a go-kart track that goes up and down like a roller coaster. It’s the largest elevated go-kart track in North America!
- Dinosaur Adventure Golf: Play mini-golf with over 50 life-sized dinosaurs all around you. The course has two 18-hole sections.
- Movieland Wax Museum: See wax statues of over 80 famous movie stars and take silly pictures with them.
- Great Canadian Midway: This is a huge arcade with over 300 games to play, including classic games and the latest video games.
- Zombie Attack: A spooky ride where you shoot zombies with laser guns. It’s 6D, which means you get special effects like wind and motion along with 3D visuals.
You could spend hours here trying everything out. Just remember to save some energy for the rest of your day!
If you’re a fan of exciting attractions like those on Clifton Hill, you might also enjoy summer adventures in other beautiful parts of Canada. Check out our guide on things to do in Banff in summer 2024.
Ride the Big Wheel: See the Niagara Falls from Up High
Right in the middle of Clifton Hill is the Niagara SkyWheel. This is a huge Ferris wheel that takes you way up in the sky. From the top, you can see the whole area, including the falls! The SkyWheel is 175 feet tall, which is about as high as a 20-story building.
Here’s what you need to know about the SkyWheel:
When it’s open | All year round, 9am to 1am |
How long it takes | About 8-12 minutes |
How much it costs | $14.99 for grown-ups, $9.99 for kids |
Best time to ride | At sunset for amazing views |
How high it goes | 175 feet (53 meters) |
Number of gondolas | 42 climate-controlled gondolas |
The cars on the SkyWheel are enclosed and air-conditioned, so you can ride comfortably in any weather. Each gondola can hold up to 8 people, so your whole family can ride together. Don’t forget your camera!
See Pretty Flowers and Butterflies
After lunch, let’s head to the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. This is a huge garden with lots of pretty flowers and plants. It covers 99 acres and has been around since 1936!
The garden is home to the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. This is a huge garden in Niagara Falls with lots of pretty flowers and plants.
It covers 99 acres and has been around since 1936! The garden is home to the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, where people learn how to grow plants and design gardens.
As you walk through the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, you’ll see:
- A huge rose garden with over 2,400 roses
- Pretty ponds with water lilies
- A vegetable garden where they grow local produce and foods
- Lots of trees, including some that are over 100 years old!
Inside the Botanical Gardens is the Butterfly Conservatory. This is a special building where you can walk among thousands of colorful butterflies! Here’s what you should know about the Butterfly Conservatory:
- It’s open all year round, from 10am to 5pm.
- There are over 2,000 butterflies inside, with 45 different types!
- It costs $16 for grown-ups and $10.50 for kids.
- It’s warm and humid inside (about 80°F or 27°C), so dress in layers.
- The butterflies are most active on sunny days.
The Butterfly Conservatory building is 11,000 square feet big, which is about the size of two basketball courts. As you walk through, you’ll see butterflies flying all around you.
One Last Look at the Big Niagara Falls of Canada
For our last stop, we’re heading to the Table Rock Welcome Centre. This building is right at the edge of Horseshoe Falls and has the best views of the water. It’s so close that you can feel the mist from the falls on your face!
Inside Table Rock, there’s a cool attraction called Journey Behind the Falls. You take an elevator down 125 feet and walk through 130-year-old tunnels to see the falls from behind!
Here, you’ll stand in observation decks cut straight through the rock, where you can see and hear the thundering water up close. It’s a bit loud and wet but super exciting.
Here’s what you need to know about Journey Behind the Falls:
When it’s open | All year round |
How long it takes | About 30-45 minutes |
How much it costs | $23.50 for grown-ups, $15.50 for kids |
What to wear | They give you a poncho, but wear shoes that can get wet |
How close you get | You’re right next to the falls! |
After your journey, take some time to just stand and watch the falls from the observation deck. Listen to the roar of the water and feel the mist on your face.
Did you know that about 600,000 gallons of water go over Niagara Falls every minute? That’s enough to fill up an Olympic-sized swimming pool in just a few seconds!
Before you leave, stop by the Table Rock Shop to buy some souvenirs. They have all sorts of cool stuff like t-shirts, stuffed animals, and even jellybeans that taste like fruit and maple syrup! You can also get special Niagara Falls coins or a piece of rock from the falls to take home with you.

Helpful Tips for Your Niagara Falls Trip
Now that you know all about the fun stuff to do, here are some helpful tips to make your trip even better:
- When to visit: Summer (June to August) is the most popular time, but it can be crowded. The Niagara Falls are beautiful in winter too, with lots of ice and snow, but some attractions might be closed. Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are nice too, with fewer people and pretty colors.
- Where to stay: There are lots of hotels near the falls. Some even have rooms where you can see the falls from your window! The Marriott Fallsview Hotel, for example, is just 100 yards from Horseshoe Falls.
- Crossing the border: Remember, Niagara Falls is right on the border of the US and Canada. If you want to see both sides, you’ll need a passport. The Rainbow Bridge connects the two countries and is open 24 hours a day.
- What to pack: Bring comfortable shoes (you’ll do lots of walking!), a light jacket (it can be cool near the falls), and a waterproof case for your phone. Don’t forget sunscreen in summer and warm clothes in winter.
- Save money: Look for package deals that include several attractions. The Niagara Falls Adventure Pass, for example, includes admission to several popular attractions at a discounted price.
Time to Say Bye to the Falls (For Now!)
Wow, what a trip! We’ve seen the falls from boats, walkways, tunnels, and high up in the sky. We’ve gotten soaked, gone on thrilling rides, seen beautiful butterflies, and eaten yummy food. Niagara Falls is so much more than just a big waterfall – it’s a place full of fun and excitement for the whole family.
Remember, the best souvenirs are the memories you’ve made. But a funny T-shirt or a snow globe with tiny falls inside is pretty cool too! Safe travels, and don’t forget to tell all your friends that you’ve just completed your 3 day trip to Niagara Falls itinerary with so much fun and hassle free!