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Beautiful Niagara Falls ON Canada

I first visited Niagara Falls as a kid from the US side of the falls. I remembered it being a mighty impressive site with a cool mist boat tour. Since having moved away from New York State, the falls became a distant memory. However, I was recently afforded the opportunity to make a last-minute trip to Toronto and decided a day trip to Niagara Falls Ontario was top on my list of things to do.

I wondered how different the Canadian side of Niagara Falls vs. the American side would be. As it turns out the Canadian side has some slightly better views, though both sides will claim as a point of national pride that they offer a unique and thrilling falls experience. The truth of the matter is, that I recommend both sides, and if you take a boat tour of the falls you will, in fact, see the same up-close views of the falls no matter which side you board on.

Fortunately, the boat tours on both sides of the falls are wheelchair accessible. There are also plenty of wheelchair-accessible attractions in the surrounding Niagara Falls area. Read on to learn how to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto, what to expect from boat tours, facts about Niagara Falls, and the answers to some other frequently asked questions.

Getting From Toronto To Niagara Falls

Visiting Niagara Falls is one of the most popular day trips from Toronto. There are a number of tours you can take to see Niagra Falls from the Canadian side. I opted for the travel package just to make the trip easier. Of course, you can also opt to drive yourself or visit Niagara Falls by train from Toronto. The Toronto to Niagara Falls bus is another popular way to visit the falls.

You can also choose to make your stay even longer by checking into one of the area’s many hotels, but I found a few hours to be more than enough time to experience the parks, take a boat tour, grab some lunch, and take a stroll down the area’s popular tourist street.

How to Get From Toronto to Niagara Falls by Group Tour

I recommend the following wheelchair-accessible day tour from downtown Toronto. Click to check rates and availability. This is the tour I took from Toronto. They offer several easy pickup locations around the city. The tour included a maple syrup tasting and tickets to the Hornblower Cruise in Niagara Falls. Our guide was knowledgeable and helpful when it came to assisting me on and off the bus.

To me, this group road trip is the easiest option if you’re wondering how to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto. But there are cheaper options if you want to make the trip without a guide.

How To Get From Toronto To Niagara Falls By Train

Several train services, such as VIA Rail Canada and the Toronto to Niagara Falls GO Train, provide regular connections from Toronto to Niagara Falls train station. The ride takes approximately 2 hours and offers glimpses of Lake Ontario and the charming countryside. Taking VIA Rail Canada or the GO train to Niagara Falls not only offers convenience but also allows you to see some of the beautiful Canadian landscape.

Click here to see the Go Train schedules and get more info about the train from Toronto to Niagara Falls.

Click here to check out VIA Rail Canada Toronto to Niagara Falls train schedule and info.

The train stops at 4267 Bridge Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 2R6

Accessibility: GO Trains feature train coaches with many accessible features including priority seating, automated announcements, grab bars and handholds, yellow emergency strips, colour-contrasted stair edging, door opening and closing chimes, accessible washrooms, eight spots on the lower level with adjustable straps to secure wheeled mobility aids (wheelchairs and electric scooters), and ramped mini-platforms at stations. VIA Rail Canada is also fully wheelchair accessible, offering lifts, curbside assistance, service animal relief areas, and onboard grab bars.

How To Get To Niagara Falls From Toronto By Bus

Another public transit option is the GO Bus Niagara Falls route. Begin your trip at Union Station in Toronto. The Wego Bus service runs to Niagara Falls year-round with stops throughout the Niagara Region, including stops in Niagara Falls on Stanley Avenue and downtown at 4555 Erie Ave Niagara Falls, Toronto, Canada. You can purchase round trip tickets for an easy trip.

Click here for GoTransit Schedule. The bus drive takes about 90 minutes.

The Toronto bus transportation system is very safe and offers a quicker round-trip travel option than the train.

Accessibility: The GO Niagara Falls bus system has the following accessibility features: the ability to kneel, wheelchair lifts and ramps, handrails, priority seating in the first few rows near the bus driver on single-level buses, and near the stairs on double-decker buses. Bus station and bus terminal stops are accessible as well.

How To Go From Toronto To Niagara Falls By Car

If you're looking to make a scenic journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls, heading there by car is a convenient option. Start by taking the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) westbound from Toronto, which leads directly to Niagara Falls. Along the way, prepare yourself for a picturesque drive as you pass through charming towns and glimpses of Lake Ontario. As you approach St. Catharines, keep an eye out for the signs indicating the Niagara Falls exit. Exiting onto the Niagara Falls/Hamilton sign, you'll soon find yourself on the Niagara Parkway. Follow this scenic route that runs along the Niagara River, offering stunning views of lush greenery, historic landmarks, and, eventually, the majestic Niagara Falls itself. The drive from Toronto to Niagara Falls takes approximately 90 minutes.

Best Time To Visit Niagara Falls

The best time to travel to Niagara Falls is during the months of May to September. This period offers the perfect combination of pleasant weather and a vibrant atmosphere. In the summer months, you can expect warm temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for exploring the falls and enjoying various outdoor activities. The lush greenery surrounding the falls is at its peak during this time, creating a picturesque backdrop for your trip.

Additionally, the months of May and September offer less crowded conditions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the falls without the crowded, busy time of summer’s peak season.

Worst Time To Visit Niagara Falls

The winter months, from December to February, present an entirely different perspective of the falls. While there are fewer crowds, the bone-chilling cold, frigid winds, and heavy snowfall turn this wonderland into an arctic landscape, making it a less-than-ideal time of year to visit. Not only do the plummeting temperatures make it incredibly uncomfortable to explore, but the icy weather conditions also result in restricted access to many observation points and an overall diminished experience.

Moreover, the stunning waterfalls lose some of their grandeur as they partially freeze, obscuring their full splendor. The winter season may cast a frosty pallor over the majestic Niagara Falls, making it the least desirable time to embark on a journey to this natural wonder.

Facts About Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is located on the border of Ontario, Canada, and New York, United States. It’s one of the world's most renowned natural wonders. Comprised of three waterfalls - the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls - it boasts a staggering average water flow rate of 2,400 cubic meters of water per second.

With a vertical drop of about 51 meters, these majestic falls captivate visitors with their awe-inspiring beauty and thunderous roar.

Niagara Falls attracts more than 8 million visitors each year, offering a plethora of activities like boat tours, hiking, and breathtaking viewpoints to experience the falls up close and personal. The falls, illuminated with colorful lights after dark, create a magical ambiance that leaves visitors mesmerized.

One pedestrian bridge exists between Canada and the US, crossing over the falls, The bridge is named The Rainbow Bridge, which for an animal lover, seems like an awful name for a real-life bridge. But I digress… Pedestrians can walk across this bridge, but you need a passport to do so.

The water falls at 32 feet per second over the Falls, hitting the base of the Falls with 280 tons of force at the American and Bridal Veil Falls and 2,509 tons of force at the Horseshoe Falls.

Four of the five Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Lake Erie) drain into the Niagara River before emptying into Lake Ontario. These five Great Lakes make up almost one-fifth of the world's freshwater supply.

Niagara Falls the largest waterfall in North America by volume and by width.

Back in 1885, Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse created the world’s first hydroelectric power plant in Niagara Falls. These days, the Falls are capable of generating 4 million kilowatts of electricity, which is enough to supply more than a quarter of all the power used in New York State and in Ontario, Canada!

The first person to go over the Niagara Falls in a barrel was 63-year-old schoolteacher Annie Edson Taylor. Shockingly, she suffered only a concussion and a minor cut on her head. This case inspired several other people to try to make the news over the years by going over the falls in various vessels. At least a dozen people have survived the plunge; numerous others have lost their lives. Today, stunting at Niagara Falls is illegal and includes hefty fines and possible jail time. So leave the barrel at home.

The Falls were originally located seven miles downriver near what is now Lewiston; the brink has slowly eroded to its current location. Niagara Falls’ current erosion rate is approximately 1 foot per year and could possibly be reduced to 1 foot per 10 years due to flow control and diversion for hydropower generation. It’s estimated that tens of thousands of years from now the Falls will disappear into Lake Erie.

Niagara Falls Canada Versus Niagara Falls From The New York State Side

The US side offers Niagara Falls State Park, the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino, the Aquarium of Niagara, several wineries and vineyards, and more. But the Canadia side has its own list of attractions, and quite honestly, better views of the falls.

From the Canadian side you’re looking straight into Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. From the NY Side you’re on a platform looking at them from the side. It’s a slightly different vantage point that makes a world of difference if you aren’t going on a boat tour of the falls.

Niagara Falls From The Canadian Side

The view from the Canadian side of the falls is gorgeous, even if you don’t take the boat to get up close and personal with the falls. While I enjoyed my Hornblower Cruise, it was a little tough to hang on in the choppy waters. The photo and video below are what you can see of the falls from one of the overlooks. The two videos below are what you can see from the exterior of the boat interior of the boat respectively. This should give you a better idea of if you think taking the boat to the falls is something you’d enjoy doing and or be physically able to do.

Niagara Falls From Inside A Horn Blower Niagara Cruise

Inside the Hornblower boats, there are several benches. On my trip, there was one other cane user and one wheelchair user who stuck with me on the interior for much of the boat ride. It was pretty choppy on the day I went (as you can see from the video below.)

I should add that there was no storm on the day we visited, it was warm and mildly overcast. This is just how choppy the water is around the falls on a good day.

Niagara Falls From Outside A Horn Blower Niagara Cruise

As you will see from the clip below standing outside on the deck of the boat will leave you soaked. Even the complimentary ponchos they had handed out offered little protection. My advice if you want to stand outside is to avoid jeans and any fabric that takes a while to dry. When visiting the falls it’s best to wear quick-drying fabrics and shoes that do well in water.

If you’re not wearing these items and don’t want to walk around soaked for the rest of the afternoon, I recommend staying inside the center of the boat.

Niagara Falls History

Niagara Falls has an awe-inspiring history that dates back thousands of years. The falls were formed during the last ice age when enormous glaciers carved out the Great Lakes region, leaving a spectacular spectacle in their wake. Indigenous peoples, such as the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, have revered the falls for centuries, considering them a sacred place with deep spiritual significance. In the 17th century, European explorers first encountered Niagara Falls, and it soon became a popular destination for intrepid travelers.

As the Industrial Revolution took hold in the 19th century, the falls became a symbol of progress and attracted tourists from all over the world. Today, Niagara Falls continues to captivate visitors with its thundering cascades and its rich historical tapestry that weaves together the stories of both nature and human exploration.

What Else To Do At The Canadian Niagara Falls

There are a few things to keep you busy and entertained in Niagara Falls Ontario, Canada apart from the falls themselves. There is a plethora of Niagara Falls tourism activity just outside the falls. There are a couple of casinos, The Tabel Rock visitors center, a massive array of arcades and games, an observation wheel, an observation tower, and The Niagara Parks Power Station Museum, just to name a few. I wasn’t able to check out all but the Power Station Museum during my trip. Our guide kept pushing it for some reason, but it didn’t exactly sound as thrilling as riding the massive observation wheel and popping in a casino.

Skylon Tower

Standing at a height of 520 feet, this iconic landmark offers visitors an unrivaled panoramic view of the breathtaking beauty of the Niagara Falls region. Once you reach the observation deck, you are rewarded with a spectacle that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The view from Skylon Tower provides an unmatched vantage point to witness the cascading waters, the majestic falls, and the rugged landscape that surrounds them. Whether you visit during the day and bask in the sunlight casting rainbows over the roaring waterfalls, or experience the illuminated falls under the starry night sky, Skylon Tower promises an unforgettable experience.

Click here for tickets to the Skylon Tower Observation Deck.

Accessibility: Skylon Tower and Skylon Tower Revolving Dining Room are wheelchair accessible. There are steps to reach the dining area, however, they also provide a ramp to access the dining room.

Address: 5200 Robinson St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 2A2, Canada

Sky Wheel

The Sky Wheel Niagara Falls offers visitors a bird's-eye view of one of the world's most famous natural wonders. This towering Ferris wheel boasts spacious and enclosed gondolas, providing a comfortable and thrilling experience for riders of all ages. As you ascend to the top, the mesmerizing Niagara Falls unfolds before your eyes, with its powerful cascades.

The breathtaking panoramic views are simply awe-inspiring. Whether riding the wheel during the day when sunlight dances upon the turquoise waters or at night when illuminated with vibrant lights, a ride on the Sky Wheel Niagara Falls is a must for anyone seeking a unique and enchanting perspective of this iconic destination.

Accessibility: Two gondolas are wheelchair accessible and there is a portable ramp to enable the wheelchair to enter the gondolas. Each gondola is rated for over 1,300 lbs and the seats fold up and out of the way to allow for a wheelchair.

Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4, Canada

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Ripley's Believe It Or Not offers visitors an unconventional experience. As you step into this peculiar world, you are greeted with a cornucopia of bizarre wonders and peculiar curiosities. From shrunken heads to intricate artwork made of matchsticks, Ripley's Believe It Or Not showcases an incredible collection of oddities from around the world. The museum is a treasure trove of fascinating artifacts and mind-bending exhibits that will leave you questioning the very fabric of reality. Whether you're captivated by the oddities of nature or the extraordinary achievements of human beings, Ripley's Believe It Or Not Niagara Falls will take you on a unique journey that challenges your perceptions and makes you marvel at the extraordinary.

Accessibility: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not is fully wheelchair accessible.

Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4, Canada

Casinos

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is a vibrant and exciting destination known for its stunning natural wonder: the mighty Niagara Falls. However, it is not just the breathtaking beauty of cascading water that draws visitors to this region; it is also home to a thriving casino scene. The Niagara Falls Ontario casinos offer a blend of entertainment, gaming, and luxury. From the elegant Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, which boasts an impressive gaming floor, a wide array of restaurants, and a panoramic view of the falls, to the Casino Niagara, which offers thrilling slots, exciting table games, and live entertainment, there is something for every casino enthusiast.

Accessibility: Both casinos are fully wheelchair accessible.

Address: Niagara Fallsview Casino 6380 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7X5, Canada

Casino Niagara 5705 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T3, Canada

Clifton Hill

Located in the heart of Niagara Falls, Clifton Hill is a whimsical and vibrant street. Known as the "Street of Fun," Clifton Hill offers an array of thrilling activities and entertainment for all ages. As you stroll along the brightly lit street, you can't help but be drawn in by the flashing lights, enticing sounds, and delightful aromas emanating from the countless attractions, restaurants, and souvenir shops that line the street.

From larger-than-life arcades and thrilling amusement rides to haunted houses and captivating museums, Clifton Hill promises an unforgettable experience, where magic and excitement intertwine. Indulge your taste buds with delicious treats from candy stores and ice cream parlors, or challenge your family and friends to a friendly game of mini-golf amidst the surrounding tropical landscape. Whether you're visiting for a romantic getaway or a family adventure, Clifton Hill is a vibrant haven brimming with joy and laughter, where memories come to life and dreams unfold.

Click here for a great value on a Clifton Hill 6 attraction fun pass.

If there’s a downside to Clifton Hill it’s that aside from the smaller candy shops and ice cream parlors most everything was a big chain restaurant. I was a little let down looking for a place to eat amongst the Burger Kings and Ruby Tuesdays.

Enjoy Your Visit To Niagara Falls!

As you can see, getting to Niagara Falls from Toronto is fairly quick and easy. Whether you take a group tour, the Toronto Niagara Falls bus, the GO train, or drive yourself, you’re never more than two hours away from this stunning natural paradise.

I’m glad I got to experience visiting Niagara Falls from the Canadian side and hope you’ll enjoy it as well.