Niagara Falls Canada :The Ultimate Guide to 48 Hours
It’s no secret that Niagara Falls is our favorite weekend getaway in Ontario. The largest waterfall by flow rate in the world is practically in our backyard! From quick one-day trips to long weekends, we have been going to Niagara Falls together since 1996. It can be overwhelming to visit.
Between the crowds, casinos, and epic attractions, how do you see the best Niagara Falls in two days? We’ve put together this two-day Niagara Falls itinerary to help you plan the perfect getaway.
48 Hours in Niagara Falls
Before visiting the waterfalls, purchase the Adventure Pass Classic, which you can purchase online through Niagara Parks and pick up at any Niagara attraction. You will also need to book the Hornblower separately ahead of time.
Getting around Niagara Falls is very easy. Once you get to the city, you will want to pick up your Adventure Pass at your first attraction, which includes unlimited rides on WeGo Transportation, which will get you around Niagara Falls for two days.
Niagara Falls Itinerary – Day 1
This two-day Niagara Falls itinerary focuses on the Canadian side, which is the best when it comes to views and attractions. Stay tuned for our American Niagara Falls guide coming in the next two weeks!
Morning Niagara Falls
Before your day begins, check into your hotel and leave your bags with the front desk. We suggest staying at The Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa You won’t be able to get into your room until 3pm but you can at least have your bags ready for when you want to freshen up before dinner or to enjoy some time at the Burning Springs Spa to relax in its thermal pools.
After you have checked in. It is time to make your way to your first stop on your two day Niagara Falls itinerary. Check out Where to Stay in Niagara Falls – Best Hotels in 2024
Journey Behind the Falls
Journey Behind the Falls is an incredible experience that takes you 125 feet under the falls to explore 130-year-old tunnels that lead to observation decks directly behind the thundering Horseshoe Falls. It also takes you directly beside Horseshoe Falls for an up close and personal view of the mighty waterfalls.
Once you take the elevator to the bottom, we suggest walking directly to the far end of the tunnels and working your way back. Crowds stand in line to look out at the first tunnel, but the line thins out as you walk further. As you work your way back, you can stop at the other lookouts with less time in line.
Remember to turn right on your way back and step outside to see the spectacular outdoor observation deck directly beside Horseshow Falls, where you can truly feel its power.
This attraction gets very busy throughout the day, so we suggest going directly to it first. Arrive at about 8:30 so you can be at the front of the line.
Practical Information:
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Location: Table Rock Centre, 6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
Niagara Falls Power Station
The newest attraction in Niagara Falls is the Niagara Falls Power Station. Take a glass elevator down 54 meters (180 feet) to explore the first major Canadian power plant on the Niagara River. You’ll walk the 670-meter (2,200-feet) long tunnel that leads to an observation deck at the Niagara River.
The tunnel is an amazing walk through history and a feat of engineering and it comes out at a fantastic observation deck with views of Canada’s Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls.
The interactive museum showcases how pioneers harnessed the power from Horseshoe Falls. At night there is a sound and light show that features an interactive light display to music.
Practical Information:
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Duration: 1 hour
Location: 7005 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L0S 1A0
Table Rock Viewpoint
While you are at the Table Rock Centre don’t miss making your way out to the top of the waterfalls for the best viewpoint directly above the falling cascade on the Niagara River. You get to see the Canadian Horseshoe Falls from above, standing right at the river’s edge, witnessing the highest flow rate from above to the Niagara Power Station.
This is a beautiful view of Niagara Falls, which allows you to really see just how much water flows over this natural wonder. If you have longer, you will want to visit the Niagara Parks Power Station, but we suggest touring this historic building when you have more time in the city. This is an incredible walk through history to learn how they harnessed the power of the waterfalls. But it does require at least 90 minutes, so it take time.
Opening Hours: All hours
Duration: 30 minutes
Location: Table Rock Centre, 6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
Afternoon
Lunch TableRock Restaurant
You are now at the perfect place for lunch with the closest dining to Horseshoe Falls. Table Rock House Restaurant has floor to ceiling windows and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you can eat any time of the day. Overlooking the brink of Horseshow falls, this dining experience is something you’ll never forget. Enjoy farm to table prepared meals accompanied by Ontario VQA wines.
Niagara’s Fury
Before you leave Table Rock Centre, use your Niagara Falls Pass to enter Niagara’s Fury. This 4D cinema experience isn’t high on our list of things to do in Niagara Falls, but it is included in your Adventure Pass and you are already at its location, so if there is a short line pop in to enjoy a fun little epxierence. It is a a 30-minute 4D multimedia experience, so you may be standing in line for up to 90 minutes. You will have to decide if you want to include it or not before heading on to your next destination.
Practical Information:
Niagara’s Fury Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Duration: 30 minutes
Location: Table Rock Centre, 6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
Funicular
Ending at Niagara’s Fury or Table Rock Center, you are in the perfect spot to grab the Falls Incline Railway (funicular) to the Fallsview area where you’ll will be spending the rest of your day one in Niagara Falls. The Inclune Railway takes you quickly from the Niagra Falls area to the Fallsview Entertainment area. This is where you are going to spend the evening to enjoy some of the best views of Niagara Falls.
Practical Information:
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: 7001 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, ON
Skylon Tower
The Skylon Tower is a Niagara Falls institution and it is just a short walk from the Niagara Fallsview Casino. This is one of the best views in Niagara Falls offering a panoramic view of the Falls, the Niagara Gorge, and the surrounding area including Buffalo New York across the river.
At its base, there is a midway and arcade center where you can play some games before catching the elevator up. The 52-second ride takes you to the observation deck, where you can walk around at your leisure for views of Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls.
Practical Information:
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Location: 200 Robinson St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 2A2
Evening
Fallsview Relax or Enjoy its Attractions
The Fallsview Area is an amazing place to spend the rest of the evening with plenty of attractions from indoor skydiving to a 4D theater. You can pop into the Niagara Fallsview Casino or check into your hotel to refresh before dinner. That is our suggestion because you have had an exhausting day
The Marriott Fallsview Hotel is our go-to of the Fallsview hotels in Niagara for a romantic getaway. It is one of the best hotels for couples in Niagara Falls, as it has a spa that is to die for. Burning Springs Spa has day passes that allow you to enjoy their thermal Pools and a hydrotherapy journey of hot and cold pools and saunas.
Dinner The Keg Steakhouse
For dinner, we love going to the Keg Steakhouse in Embassy Suites right next door to the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa for the best views of Niagara Falls. From here you can watch the Illumination of the Falls and Fireworks over the Falls without having to deal with the crowds outside.
Illumination of the Falls
If you didn’t book a reservation at one of the Fallsview Hotels, you will want to go down to the falls to see the illumination of the falls. The American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls are illuminated 365 days a year and during the summer months, there are nightly fireworks. Check out 12 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls at Night
Fallsiew Casino Resort OLG Stage
If you are exhausted, you can call it a night and head up to your Fallsview room at the Marriott for a relaxing evening, or you can go out and enjoy the nightlife of the Fallsview area. We normally bring a bottle of wine with us and simply take in the million-dollar view of Niagara Falls from our Fallsview room as we sip a glass of wine.
The Fallsview Casino is a popular nighttime activity in Niagara Falls, but the OLG Fallsview Stage has world-class entertainment, hosting comedians like Pete Davidson and music acts like Roger Daltry and Billy Joel. Just make sure to book in advance, as events sell out fast. If you don’t want to go to the OLG stage, there is live music at some of the bars in the Fallsview Area.
Niagara Falls Itinerary – Day 2
For day two of your Niagara Falls itinerary, we are taking you to a completely different area of Niagara Falls. You spent the entire day one at the south end of Niagara Falls Canada, and today you are going to be in the heart of traditional Niagara Falls from Clifton Hill to the Maid of the Mist. Read more: The Clifton Hill Fun Pass in Niagara Falls: Is it Worth it?
Morning Day 2
Hornblower
Start day two of your 48 Hours in Niagara Falls itinerary at Niagara’s most famous attraction, The Hornblower. Formerly the Maid of the Mist, The Hornblower is an oldie but a goody. The Hornblower has been operating since 1846,S shuttling people across to the United States. In 1885, they started taking passengers to an up-close and personal view of the Horseshoe Falls.
It is a thrilling experience to be so close to the falling water. The boat goes right inside the Horseshoe falls as thundering water surrounds you. You will get very wet as you go directly into the mist of Horseshoe Falls, but rain ponchos are provided, and this is an experience you must not miss. Book the Hornblower in Advance – Skip the ticket booth and take the funicular straight to the dock with easy cancellation within 24 hours of activity.
WildPlay Zipline
Immediately after the Hornblower cruise, walk up the stairs to take a thrilling zip line towards Horseshoe Falls. The WildPlay Zipline to the Falls offers bird’s eye view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, The American, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Ride the elevator to 67 meters (220 feet) above the falls and then soar along the Niagara River Gorge for 670 meters (2,200 feet) where you’ll reach speeds of 70+ kph (40+ mph). This is one Niagara attraction you’ll never forget.
Whitewater Walk
Hopping on the WeGo People mover (included in your Adventure Pass), you are now going to visit The White Water Walk, which is also included in your adventure pass. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close to the class 6 rapids of the Niagara River. There are different observation decks along the way offering views of the Niagara Gorge.
The wooden platform takes you 70 meters (229 feet) down to the Niagara Gorge, where you can experience the power of the largest series of standing waves in North America.
Lunch Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill is the street of Fun and hopping on the WeGo you will make your way back to the heart of Niagara Falls for an afternoon of fun. We love grabbing lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe next door to the Niagara Casino. There is also the Rainforest Cafe and if you want to save money, there are fast food restaurants as well. Watch our video: How to Save Money in Niagara Falls.
Afternoon
Clifton Hill Attractions
After lunch it’s time to pick up your Clifton Hill Fun Pass to enjoy everything to do on the Street of Fun at the Falls. No trip to Niagara Falls Canada would be complete without experiencing a wax museum or haunted house. The Clifton Hill Fun Pass lets you enjoy 6 attractions including the Niagara Skywheel, Zombie Attack, Cosmic Coaster, Movieland Wax Museum, and your choice of indoor glow-in-the-dark Wizard Golf or outdoor Wizard Golf for one bundled price. It is totally worth it.
Insider Tip: When it comes to planning your time on Clifton Hill, save the SkyWheel for last. Lines are long during the day and it is open until 2 am at night.
Wizard Golf
If you want some fun Instagram photos, Wizard Golf is a glow in the dark mini putt straight out of Harry Potter. It’s a great place to cool off on a hot summer’s day and most people choose the Dinosaur Golf, so you will find that Wizard Golf isn’t as busy.
Cosmic Coaster – Ride The Movie
The Cosmic Coaster is an immersive 4D theater that takes you on a thrilling Virtual Reality ride through a roller coaster of movie fun. It was a good long ride that felt totally worth the price. The roller coaster graphics moved fast and we felt like we were moving through space right along with it.
The Cosmic Coaster is only $6.99 when you purchase it individually. Purchase The Clifton Hill Pass Here
Movieland Wax Museum
After the Cosmic Coaster the Movieland Wax Museum is right next door. It is included in your fun pass, so even though it isn’t fabulous, it is a fun stroll to see some of your favourite movies from past and present.
Clifton Hill Attractions
Take a stroll up Clifton Hill to see more of its attractions. There’s the Great Canadian Midway which has 300 games spread across 70,000 square feet, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Dracula’s Museum, the Niagara Speedway and the Big Top Maze and Fun.
Try a Beaver Tail or grab some ice cream as you enjoy the cheesiness of this street. We love it! Pick up some souvenirs or pop into Hershey’s for some chocolate.
Evening
Hope on the WeGo to the Fallsview area to freshen up or enjoy a dip in the pool before you evening begins. If you prefer to stay near Clifton Hill, the Sheridan Fallsview is another excellent hotel. Sheraton Fallsview Hotel. The Sheraton gets top nods by most as the best luxury hotel, but we’ve stayed at them all and prefer the Marriott Fallsview Hotel and Spa or Embassy Suites.
Massimo’s Fallsview Dinner
For dinner, make your way back to Clifton Hill to eat at Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant located in the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel. This offers spectacular views of the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
Fireworks
If you didn’t make a reservation for one of the fallsview restaurants, you will definitely want to make your way to the falls for the nightly fireworks. Check out: 12 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls at Night
Zombie Attack
It’s time to dust off your Clifton Hill Pass for an evening of fun. You still haven’t used your pass to enter the Zombie Attack theater. This is a state of the art 6D multi-sensory experience where you’re battling zombies. Going into the theater, you are handed 3D glasses and strapped in while armed with a laser gun.
The adrenaline rush, the camaraderie with fellow players, and the lifelike graphics make this attraction unforgettable. If you’re into immersive games, this is a must-try!
The cost of Zombie Attack is $9.99 plus tax individually. Purchase The Clifton Hill Pass Here
Nightmares
Now, for the ultimate haunted house in Niagara Falls, make your way to Nightmares. Set in a former coffin factory Nightmares Fear Factory is known for peopel chickening out half way through! See if you can last or join the more than 100,000 people who have pulled the scare switch. It is the longest running and scarriest haunted house in North America.
SkyWheel
The Skywheel is open until 2 am and this is the perfect place to end your second night in Niagara Falls. The lines are much less at night and you get to see all of the falls lit up.
This 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel offers fabulous views of the falls and the surrounding area. Each enclosed gondola can hold up to six passengers and they are climate controlled. There is a running commentary during the revolutions and you have plenty of time to get your photos and enjoy the scenery. During our ride, we had three full revolutions.
And that is the perfect 48 Hours in Niagara Falls itinerary. There is so much to do in Niagara Falls that you can really spend an entire week here. From Niagara on the Lake to waterparks, mini golf and adreanline adventures and we haven’t even mentioned going across the US border to enjoy all of the United State attractions, you and the entire family can have the perfect vacation in Niagara Falls. So start planning your Niagara Falls adventure today.