Visit Niagara Falls in 24 hours

You only have one day planned on your itinerary to visit Niagara Falls during your road trip in Canada?

Not a problem ! Here is an itinerary that will allow you to visit the must-sees of the Niagara Falls area, in just 24 hours.

Morning in Niagara Falls: Niagara stroll

Despite the impressive photos of the falls, do not expect calm surroundings.

Niagara Falls remains a very popular place for tourists.

I therefore advise you to start your day with a very popular activity, to avoid the crowds: walking from Rainbow Bridge to Table Rock.
 

1. Rainbow Bridge to Table Rock walkway 

Although it is only 1.6 km long, you will be captivated every moment from start to finish.

The first point of interest you will come across is the Queen Victoria Park , about halfway through the walk. Stop there for a moment to see the falls on the American side. The Canada-US border is right in front of you, in the water.

Then continue your way to Table Rock. Your first stop there should be the Niagara Falls Viewpoint .

This view of the Canadian Falls is by far the most beautiful in the city!

Then, head to Table Rock center. It offers several activities, including Niagara's Fury , a multisensory experience presented in 4D in a 360-degree theater that traces the history of Niagara Falls.

The activity I recommend the most is however Journey Behind the Falls.
 

2. Journey Behind the Falls 

Armed with a souvenir poncho, you will be ready to go behind the scenes of the falls.

You will go down 125 feet by elevator, from where a tunnel will take you to two observation portals as well as two exterior observation decks.

There, you will behind the impressive Horseshoe Falls. You must not be afraid of getting wet!

Allow between 30 and 45 minutes to complete this activity.
 

Where to lunch in Niagara Falls?
 

After all these adventures, you must be hungry! The Table Rock House restaurant, located on the upper level of the Table Rock center, promises breathtaking views of the falls, all while offering a menu made with ingredients from local farms as well as wines from the Niagara-on-the-Lake-region. 

Table Rock House

• Budget : $-$$
• Hours : Friday through Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Adress : 6650 Niagara Parkway
• Phone number : (905) 354-3631
• Website : Click here

If you prefer something a little more typical, the Milestones on the Falls offers a very North American menu, with super-sized burgers and cocktails, while keeping a beautiful view of the falls.

Milestones on the Falls

• Budget : $$
• Hours : hours vary depending on the crowd
• Adress : 6755 Fallsview Blvd
• Phoe number : (905) 358-4720
• Website : Click here

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Afternoon in Niagara Falls: conquering the falls

Now that the behind-the-scences of the falls holds no more secrets for you, it's time to meet them in a slightly more conventional way.

After all, that's why you're here, right?
 

3. Niagara Falls cruise 

The Niagara Falls boat tour is without a doubt the flagship activity of the city. You will live there thirty minutes of beauty.

Aboard a Hornblowers Cruises boat, you will sail along the American coast and then venture to the heart of the falls on the American side.

You will understand all their strength at this time. Poncho and water-resistant camera are recommended!

The boat will then stop to give you a chance to admire the "horseshoe" formed by the falls on the Canadian side.
 

4. The falls from up above

Why not use the rest of the afternoon to see the falls from another angle: the air!

You have several options: the Skylon Tower, the Whirpool or an helicopter flight.

Skylon Tower 

An almost replica of the CN Tower in Toronto, the Skylon Tower stands 236 meters tall, allowing a panoramic view of the surrounding area up to 100 km. To get to the top, glass elevators provide an extraordinary experience.

The Whirlpool 

The Whirpool is a former funicular that offers an adventure just above the currents. You will have the most beautiful views of the gorge there!

Helicopter flight over the falls 

Although more expensive than previous options, an helicopter flight over the falls is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The views of the falls are unbeatable, and the adventure is quite thrilling.
 

Where to have dinner in Niagara Falls?

If you are travelling with the family, the Turtle Jack's grill restaurant is ideal for you. With a large choice of meals, a children's menu and their famous ribs - which have won many prizes!

Turtle Jack's

• Budget : $-$$
• Hours : open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Adress : 6377 Fallsview Blvd
• Phone number : (905) 356-7662
• Website : Click here

If you are a couple or travelling with friends, a visit to the Niagara Brewing company will surely please you. Try their locally brewed beers and their hearty pub menu. The location of the restaurant will also bring you closer to the activities planned for the evening.

Niagara Brewing Company

• Budget : $-$$
• Hours : open daily as of noon, closing time vary depending on the crowd
• Adress : 4915-A Clifton Hill
• Phone number : (905) 374-5247
• Website : Click here

Evening in Niagara Falls: Clifton Hill

In the evening, vibrate to the rhythm of Niagara Falls by venturing into the Clifton Hill area .

Here, you will feel like you are in an amusement park, with the falls as a background.

Expect to find a Ferris wheel, some roller coasters, arcades, unusual museums and several major attractions such as a go-kart track and themed golf courses.

This is ideal if you are on a family vacation in Canada.

End the day in style by going to see the falls one last time. They are quite different in the dark, illuminated in the colors of the rainbow . 

During the summer season, be sure to be there by 10 p.m. to enjoy the fireworks .  

This completes your day in Niagara Falls.

Head filled with memories of these forces of nature, it's time to return to your hotel for a good night's sleep before you hit the road again in the morning!

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.