Canadian Side Tours in Niagara Falls, New York

Ever since the day that the US and Canada drew the line that divided up Niagara Falls, there’s been a raging debate going on — sometimes as thundering and energetic as the falls it is about. The question at the heart of this disagreement is simple: which side of Niagara Falls is better?

The answer is: why not compare for yourself with the help of a Niagara Falls Canadian side tour? These unforgettable expeditions will grant you a different perspective of this famous landmark and one that will stay with you for years to come.

Here's all you need to know about the Canadian Side tours, one of the most captivating opportunities for sightseeing in Niagara Falls, New York.

What are the best Canadian side tours in Niagara Falls?

Total Niagara Falls Tour with both American and Canadian Sides

The old adage goes you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Luckily, rules concerning the enjoyment of confectionery seldom apply to geographical wonders, so this full-day tour will have you visit both sides of the falls.

Your first stop is the American side of the Niagara Falls, where you’ll visit the best viewing platforms before heading down for the boat tour. Once you’re decked out in one of the iconic blue raincoats you’ll board the Maid of the Mist boat tour for an up-close falls experience. This world-famous boat tour lasts for 1 hour and you’ll travel to all three of the waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls.

Once back on dry land, you’ll head to the Table Rock Welcome Center to learn more about Niagara Falls’ history from the Canadian perspective. Next, you’ll enjoy the “Journey Behind the Falls” experience, an activity only available on the Canadian side of the falls. Following a 40-meter elevator ride and a short journey through a tunnel, you’ll find yourself behind Niagara Falls — the perfect place to enjoy the cascading curtain of water.

You’ll end your day in style as you travel to the Skylon Tower, one of the most popular attractions on Niagara Falls’ Canadian side. This 150-meter-tall tower offers breathtaking views of Niagara Falls and on clear days you can see all the way to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

There’s also a fine dining restaurant at the top, serving meals worthy of the spectacular views. After taking it all in it’s time to wave to the magnificent tableau goodbye as you hop across the border and journey back to the States.

Niagara Falls Canadian Side Evening llumination Tour

If you thought that the splendor surrounding Niagara Falls couldn’t get any better, you’d be mistaken. Once a year, starting in the middle of June and lasting to the start of September, Niagara Falls is transformed into a kaleidoscope at night.

As soon as the sun sets, fireworks and light displays combine to bathe this natural world wonder in a startling cascade of hues — and this Niagara Falls illumination tour is perfect for admiring the spectacle.

Starting with an afternoon pickup from your hotel in the US, you’ll cross the border and arrive at the Table Rock Welcome Center. Here, your guide will tell you more about the history of the falls while sharing death-defying tales of thrillseekers and daredevils.

Then it’s off to the numerous viewing platforms where you’ll be able to view Niagara Falls while the sun slowly sets. You’ll have the option of upgrading the trip to include the “Behind the Falls” experience, the best way to get up close to the falls without purchasing a Niagara Falls boat tour.

As darkness falls, you’ll travel to the Skylon Tower for the main attraction of this tour, taking in the grandeur of Niagara Falls while fireworks light up the sky and a rainbow of colors dance across the cascading waters.

Canadian Niagara Falls Day Trip with Power Station Tour

There’s a side to Niagara Falls that few people ever encounter, hidden below the pristine parks, observation platforms and jostling tourists. The Niagara Power Station was once at the forefront of renewable energies, but today its labyrinthian tunnels stand vacant, the perfect playground for intrepid travelers.

This half-day tour starts with a pickup from your hotel in Niagara Falls, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow participants. The first point of interest is the Table Rock Welcome Center, the epicenter of Niagara Falls activities on the Canadian side of the Falls. After getting a good view of the falls from the many viewing platforms, you’ll head to the now-abandoned power station.

The interior of the building has been preserved, featuring the same equipment that once generated power. Listen to the fascinating tales about the station’s conception and the work that went into its construction and completion in 1905.

The highlight of the tour is one of the main service tunnels deep in the bowels of the earth stretching over 700 meters — and boasting some of the best views of Niagara Falls. As soon as you emerge from the depths of the Niagara Power Station you’ll journey to the Skylon Tower for a panoramic view of Niagara Falls and the surrounding regions.

Niagara Falls Small Group Tour

This tour also visits both sides of Niagara Falls, but it does so with a maximum group size of six people — making it perfect for a group of friends or a small family, as you’ll enjoy a much more personal experience.

To add even more convenience to your perfect Niagara Falls trip, you’ll enjoy a pickup service from your hotel. First travel to the US side of the falls before hopping the border to Canada. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the viewing platforms on both sides, but the Cave of the Winds observation deck is on the US side.

On the Canadian side, you’ll enjoy the “Journey Behind the Falls” experience and the Hornblower Boat tour, the Canadian version of the Maid of the Mist tour. No trip to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is complete without a visit to the Skylon Tower, before heading home.

What will I see and do there?

Niagara Falls

Located on the US-Canadian border, Niagara Falls is one of the most popular destinations in North America, attracting over 20 million visitors per year. The falls are shrouded in myth and legends, with a long history of daredevils attempting to tame them in their quest for immortality.

Niagara Falls consists of three waterfalls — the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls, spilling 11.4 million tons of water per hour and creating an unforgettable sight. Popular activities around the falls include walking tours to the many viewing platforms and boat tours that continue to thrill drenched visitors.

Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower has become an integral part of any visit to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, with this 150-meter-tall building delighting visitors with views stretching up to 120 kilometers into the US and Canada.

The journey to the tower’s observation deck is just as memorable, with an external elevator with large windows reaching the top in 54 seconds. Apart from breathtaking views, the tower is also home to a rotating restaurant offering a once-in-a-lifetime gastronomical experience.

Boat Tours

Boat tours in Niagara Falls have moved on from being a fun activity into a realm where words like tradition and pilgrimage get thrown around.

While there are many trips to Niagara Falls, there are only two companies operating boat tours — the Maid of the Mist boat rides on the US side and the Hornblower Boat Tour in Canada.

Both of these experiences are equally well run and executed, ensuring that you’ll have a brilliant boat tour, no matter which side of the border you find yourself on.

Niagara Power Station

Originally built in 1905, the Niagara Falls Power Station provided green renewable energy in Canada for over 100 years. Today, the power station acts as a museum, showcasing the technologies behind hydraulic power generation back when Nikola Tesla was still kicking around.

The power station also allows visitors to journey 60 meters underground whilst exploring the many service tunnels, one of which stretches for 700 meters before opening up on the river shore for a breathtaking view of Niagara Falls.

Journey Behind the Falls

The Journey Behind the Falls tour is an activity that’s only available on the Canadian side of the falls.

This unforgettable experience starts with descending a centuries-old tunnel that will take you 30 meters underground, straight into the heart of the falls. Not even boat tours will get you this close to the falls and you’ll experience the power of this natural wonder in all its glory.

What are the prices of Canadian side tours in Niagara Falls?

Canadian Niagara Falls day trips with a power station tour cost US$100 per person, making it one of the more affordable options. Groups on these excursions have a maximum number of 20 participants.

Niagara Falls illumination tours cost US$120 per person and last for half a day. These excursions are only available from the middle of June to 1 September, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Day-trips to both American and Canadian sides of the Niagara Falls cost US$190 each, with groups limited to 15 people. More private tours, with a maximum of nine people, are available for US$220 each.

Small group tours of the Canadian Niagara Falls cost US$190 per person and are ideal for small families or groups of friends.

What is included?

Tours to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls normally include access to the activities around the falls, like the viewing platforms and Journey Behind the Falls experience.

A visit to the Skylon Tower is also typically included, however boat tours don’t always form part of these excursions, but can usually be added for an extra fee.

Where do the tours start?

Almost every tour to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls includes a pickup and drop-off service, allowing travelers to start their day out from the comfort of their hotel lobby.

How long are they?

Generally, tours to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls will last between 6 and 8 hours, allowing travelers to enjoy the many activities on offer. The evening illumination tour lasts just over 4 hours, which is more than enough to enjoy the spectacular light and fireworks display.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Yes, all of the viewing platforms on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls can be accessed by people with reduced mobility, and the same is true for the Skylon Tower.

Most of the Journey Behind the Falls can be reached by wheelchair, with only the lowest viewing platform not accessible. However, accessibility features on the tour vehicles differ from trip to trip and you should confirm when making your reservation.

When is the best time to go on a Canadian side tour of the Niagara Falls?

The best time for a Canadian side tour of Niagara Falls is from June to August. During these months, the weather is warm, ensuring a comfortable experience. This period also offers longer daylight hours, maximizing sightseeing opportunities. Additionally, summer hosts various events and attractions, making it an ideal time for a comprehensive and enjoyable visit. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices due to the peak tourist season.

Travel tips

• Ensure your passport is up to date, as you'll need it to cross the border from the United States.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a waterproof jacket or poncho, as mist from the falls can get you wet.
• Make sure to bring a along water bottle to stay hydrate and use sunscreen to protect against the sun, especially in the summer months.
• Take the opportunity to try local dishes and Canadian specialties like poutine.
• The region is famous for its wineries, especially ice wine. Joining a wine tour in Niagara Falls can be a delightful way to spend a day.