The Perfect One Day in Niagara Falls Itinerary- The Planet D
We have spent many a day in Niagara Falls, Canada. Living just one hour from the natural wonder, we pop over for weekends, overnight getaways, and even day trips. If you’re planning just a one day trip to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. This one-day in Niagara Falls itinerary will guide you through the best attractions and activities, ensuring you make the most of your time.
1 Day in Niagara Falls, Canada
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. The Canadian side is an exciting side of the Niagara Falls Area to explore with the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Gorge, an d plenty of activities along the Niagara river to enjoy.
Getting around Niagara Falls is very easy. Once you get to the city, you will want to pick up your Adventure Pass, which includes unlimited rides on WeGo Transportation.
Morning – Experience The Falls
Many people wonder if it is possible to visit Niagara Falls in one day. We are here to tell you that with a little planning and by following our one-day itinerary, you can see the best of Niagara in a short 24 hours. So, are you ready to have your mind blown? Let’s check out the best of Niagara in one day.
1. Journey Behind the Falls
Begin your day by picking up your Adventure Pass Classic at Journey Behind the Falls. This attraction can get very backed up with long lines; especially during the summer months, so we suggest heading here first to maximize your time and minimal standing in line.
This incredible experience 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 is very cool to walk under this marvel of engineering. You’ll walk through history seeing who has visited the falls and learning about how these tunnels were made.
Once you have walked behind the roaring waterfalls, you will see a spectacular outdoor observation deck directly beside Horseshow Falls, where you can truly feel its power.
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
2. Table Rock Viewpoint
While you are at the Table Rock Center 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
3. WeGo Bus to The Hornblower
Next, hop on the WeGo Bus located just outside the entrance of the Table Rock Center. The WeGo Bus is included in your Adventure Pass and will take you to your next stop, Hornblower Niagara Cruises. You’ll be using this bus a lot, and it is truly convenient. With your WeGo Pass, you have two days of unlimited access, and it takes you everywhere on a regular time schedule.
You can actually ride it all the way out to the Floral Clock and Butterfly Museum while exploring Niagara Parks by the WeGo Bus. However, you only have one day, so choose how long you want to stay on the bus wisely.
4. The Hornblower
No trip to Niagara would be complete without hopping on a boat to the center of the falls. Don’t miss booking your Hornblower tour. You must book your timed ticket for the Hornblower in advance, so make your time for 11:30 a.m. If you arrive early, no worries; there are plenty of views of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls to keep you occupied.
The Hornblower Cruise is a must-do activity, that is a thrilling ride taking youas close as you can get to the magnificent falls. This Legendary boat tour takes you directly into the mist of the Horseshoe Falls. Ponchos are provided because you will certainly get wet, or you can stay inside if you want to stay dry. We never tire of the thrill of going directly into the thundering falls.
Practical Information:
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Duration: 20 minutes
Location: 5920 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
5. Lunch at Hard Rock Cafe or Rainforest Cafe
Okay, it is time to eat! So hop on the WeGo Bus and make your way to Clifton Hill or you can easily walk up to Clifton Hill from the Hornblower. This is a great spot for lunch and to set up the next part of your day. There are plenty of places to eat here, from the Rainforest Cafe to Kelseys, and even fast food and places to grab a slice of pizza. We personally love the Hard Rock Cafe located at Casino Niagara and you can pop into the casino to see what’s going on. Read our suggestions for where to stay if you have more than one day.
Afternoon – Fun and excitement
6. Clifton Hill
After lunch, explore Clifton Hill, known as the “Street of Fun”. If you want to spend the entire afternoon here, you can grab a Clifton Hill Pass to enjoy many of its top attractions, from glow-in-the-dark mini putt to 4D amusement park rides. This area is amazing for families with arcade games, a mirror maze, mini put and wax museums.
We love Clifton Hill, and with the pass, you have another year to use the ticket, so if you don’t go to all of the attractions, you can come back to the Canadian side and enjoy it all again! Read our full article: The Clifton Hill Pass, Is it Worth It?
Opening Hours: All Day add Night
Duration: 1 – 2 hours depending on attractions
7. Niagara Skywheel
If there is one thing to do on Clifton Hill, it is to ride the Sky Wheel. At this time of day, though, it will be very busy, so if you don’t think you’ll have time, you can ride it until 2 a.m., so you may want to come back. It is highly worth doing, though, as the wheel goes around three times, giving you ample views of Niagara Falls on both the US and Canadian sides.
It is included in a Clifton Hill Pass, and you can use it for an entire year. So, if you only get to ride the Sky Wheel, you can come back to have some fun at Zombie Attack, Wizard Golf, and much more! Check out our guide to Clifton Hill
Practical Information:
SkyWheel Hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Duration: 8-12 minutes
8. White Water Walk
After you have enjoyed the Kitchsyness of Clifton Hill, hop on the WeGo Bus to the White Water Walk. This attraction offers a unique opportunity to walk along a boardwalk at the river’s edge of Class 6 white-water rapids. These are the largest series of standing waves in North America and they are awe-inspiring.
Visitors take an elevator down 70 meters (229 feet) to the Niagara Gorge and can walk the 400 meters – about a quarter mile boardwalk. The sheer force and beauty of the rapids are awe-inspiring.
Practical Information:
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Location: 4330 River Road, Niagara Falls, ON
Late Afternoon: Return to the Falls
Your one day in Niagara Falls is going to pack in as many views of the Falls as you can. It is the star attraction, after all. The WeGo Bus will take you all along the parkway back to Table Rock, but we suggest getting off at the Hornblower Stop to enjoy the waterfront walk.
It is a pleasant stroll back to Table Rock and it only takes about 20 minutes. There are different viewpoints of The American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. You’ll pass the zip line (more on that in our full things to do in Niagara Falls post) and pass
9. Table Rock and Niagara’s Fury
Head back down to the falls towards Table Rock. If time permits, you may want to visit Niagara’s Fury, a 4D experience that tells the story of the falls’ creation. We put Niagara’s Fury later in the day because it is a very long wait. This attraction is included in your Niagara Adventure Pass, but it is a 30-minute 4D multimedia experience, so you may be standing in line for up to 90 minutes.
Crowds thin out later in the day as the day tour people leave, so we suggest going for the final showing. It’s not imperative that you see this movie, but it is included in a pass that you paid for, and if you don’t have to wait in line for long, it’s a fun experience.
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
10. Ride the Funicular to Fallsview
Ending at Niagara’s Fury, you are in the perfect spot to grab the Falls Incline Railway (funicular) to the Fallsview area. This is a fun attraction that 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
Evening: Relax and Enjoy the View
Fallsview is our favorite area on Niagara Falls. It is where we choose to stay when visiting Niagara Falls. We book a hotel room with a fallsview room that gives us an incredible view of the Candian Site and the American Side. Fallsview has the best nightlife in the entire city. It also has some pretty incredible views from many restaurants, viewpoints, and hotel rooms facing the falls.
11. Dinner at Fallsview
It is at Fallsview that you will want to have dinner with a view. We suggest having dinner at The Keg Steakhouse. This is by far the best restaurant for Niagara Falls Views. The Keg is located at the Marriott Fallsview Hotel, which is also our favorite hotel to stay at in Niagara Falls. Check out Where to Stay in Niagara Falls – Best Hotels in 2024
You can also eat at the Skylon Tower if you want to add another attraction to your list. Be sure to make a reservation, though; this is a popular attraction and dining option.
12. Nightly Entertainment
There are so many things to do in Niagara Falls at night. The Fallsview Casino is the place to hang out and test your luck at the slots, while the Fallsview Theater offers world-class entertainment. In the summer, there are nightly fireworks displays and Niagara Falls illumination, and there is live music and bars galore in the Fallsview area.
The nightly illumination of the falls is a spectacular sight and a perfect way to end your day.
Practical Information:
Falls Illumination Hours: Dusk to Midnight
Location: Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls, ON
How to Get to Niagara Falls
If you have your own car, Niagra Falls is just a 90 minute drive from Toronto. If driving, don’t be fooled by the guys holding $5 signs in front of the parking lot. They promote $5 but it really ends up being $15 for the day which is still more reasonable than the hotel prices. Read our full guide to How to Get to Niagara From Toronto
With this itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Niagara Falls, Canada, in just one day. Niagara is a year round destination that we have visited at every time of the year. From the thrilling attractions to the breathtaking views, every moment will be filled with wonder and excitement. Don’t forget to bring your camera, comfortable shoes, a refillable water bottle and a sense of adventure!