Niagara Falls Holidays – The Ultimate Travel Guide
Few places in the world create the same sense of wonder as Niagara Falls. Every second, millions of litres of water thunder over three magnificent waterfalls, creating one of North America's most spectacular natural attractions.
Whether you're planning your first visit to Canada or looking for an unforgettable multi-centre adventure, Niagara Falls holidays offer far more than simply admiring the falls. Combine vibrant Toronto, charming Niagara-on-the-Lake, exciting New York City, Iceland's dramatic landscapes or even an Alaskan cruise into one incredible journey.
At THG Holidays, we've carefully created a range of Niagara Falls tour packages, rail holidays and multi-centre itineraries designed to showcase the very best of Eastern Canada and beyond.
What Makes Niagara Falls So Special?
The simple answer is its sheer power.
Made up of three waterfalls - Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls - Niagara Falls is one of the world's largest waterfalls by flow rate.
Yet it's not just the waterfalls themselves that make it unforgettable.
Visitors can:
* Feel the mist aboard the famous Niagara City Cruises
* Stand behind the cascading water at Journey Behind the Falls
* Enjoy spectacular helicopter flights
* Watch the nightly illumination and seasonal fireworks
* Explore award-winning wineries
* Discover charming historic towns
* Experience one of Canada's most beautiful scenic drives
It is this combination of natural beauty, attractions and accessibility that makes Niagara Falls one of Canada's most visited destinations.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Niagara Falls?
One of the questions we're asked most is:
"When should I visit Niagara Falls?"
The good news is there's no wrong time.
Spring (April-May)
A wonderful time to visit before the summer crowds arrive. Flowers bloom across the parks and temperatures become pleasantly mild.
Perfect for:
* Sightseeing
* Photography
* Wine tasting
* Scenic walks
Summer (June-August)
The busiest - and arguably the most exciting - time.
Everything is open, including:
* Niagara City Cruises
* Fireworks
* Festivals
* Outdoor patios
* Helicopter tours
Expect warm weather averaging 24°C-30°C.
Autumn (September-October)
Many seasoned travellers believe this is the best time to visit.
You'll enjoy:
* Beautiful autumn colours
* Harvest season in wine country
* Smaller crowds
* Comfortable temperatures
It's particularly popular for Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tours.
Winter (November-March)
A magical experience.
Frozen mist transforms the falls into an icy wonderland, while the Winter Festival of Lights creates a festive atmosphere.
Although boat cruises pause during winter, Journey Behind the Falls becomes even more spectacular.
What Are the Top Things to Do in Niagara Falls?
There is far more to Niagara Falls than simply admiring the waterfalls.
Niagara City Cruises
Get closer to the Horseshoe Falls than you ever imagined. Prepare to get wet!
Journey Behind the Falls
Take tunnels through the bedrock to observation platforms directly behind the cascading water.
Niagara Parks Parkway
Frequently described as one of Canada's prettiest drives, this scenic route connects Niagara Falls with Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Table Rock Welcome Centre
Stand just metres from the edge of the Horseshoe Falls for unforgettable views.
Whirlpool Aero Car
Glide high above the Niagara Whirlpool for a completely different perspective.
Skylon Tower
Enjoy panoramic views across both Canada and the USA while dining above the Falls.
Clifton Hill
Perfect for families, featuring:
* Restaurants
* Mini golf
* Arcades
* SkyWheel
* Entertainment attractions
Is Niagara-on-the-Lake Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
Many visitors say it becomes the unexpected highlight of their holiday.
Located just 25 minutes from Niagara Falls, this picturesque town is famous for:
* Boutique shopping
* Historic architecture
* Beautiful gardens
* Outstanding restaurants
* Award-winning wineries
* Shaw Festival Theatre
It's regularly voted one of Canada's prettiest towns.
Our Recommended Excursion
Wine Country Tour from Niagara
One of our most popular optional excursions explores the beautiful Niagara Peninsula and visits several award-winning wineries including:
* Trius Winery
* Pillitteri Estate Winery
* Lakeview Winery
Sample locally produced wines while enjoying regional cheeses and delicacies before spending free time exploring charming Niagara-on-the-Lake.
This tour is perfect for couples, food lovers and anyone looking to experience another side of Ontario beyond the famous waterfalls.
What Airport Do You Fly Into for Niagara Falls?
The nearest international airport is:
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Located around 90 minutes from Niagara Falls by road.
Direct flights are available from London Heathrow with Air Canada and British Airways, while other airlines offer convenient one-stop connections from across the UK.
Many of our package holidays to Toronto and Niagara Falls include airport transfers or car hire, making your journey simple and stress-free.
Getting to Niagara Falls by Rail
One of the great advantages of visiting Niagara Falls is that it's easily accessible by train, making it an excellent choice for travellers who prefer not to drive.
From Toronto, GO Transit and VIA Rail offer convenient services to Niagara Falls, with the journey taking around two hours through the scenic countryside of Southern Ontario. Many visitors choose to spend a few days exploring Toronto before continuing to the Falls by rail.
If you're travelling as part of a multi-centre holiday from the USA, Amtrak's famous Maple Leaf service connects New York City with Niagara Falls and Toronto, offering one of North America's most scenic rail journeys. Following the shores of the Hudson River before crossing into Canada, it's a relaxing and memorable alternative to flying.
Several of our holidays make the most of these excellent rail connections, including our Train Tour of Eastern Canada's Cities, New York, Niagara Falls & Toronto, and Iceland, Niagara & New York packages, allowing you to experience multiple destinations without the hassle of driving.
How Many Days Do You Need in Niagara Falls?
We recommend:
2 Nights
Ideal if combining with Toronto or New York.
Enough time to experience:
* Niagara City Cruises
* Journey Behind the Falls
* Clifton Hill
* Evening illuminations
3 Nights
Perfect for adding:
* Niagara-on-the-Lake
* Wine Country
* Helicopter Flight
* Whirlpool Aero Car
4+ Nights
Ideal for those wishing to explore the wider Niagara Peninsula at a relaxed pace.
Can I Combine Niagara Falls with Toronto?
Definitely - and it's our most popular itinerary.
Toronto and Niagara Falls complement each other perfectly.
Spend time exploring:
* CN Tower
* Distillery District
* Toronto Islands
* St Lawrence Market
before travelling through Ontario's beautiful countryside to Niagara Falls.
Recommended Holiday
Toronto & Niagara Falls Experience
Enjoy Toronto's vibrant city life before witnessing one of the world's greatest natural wonders. This flexible holiday combines sightseeing, comfortable accommodation and unforgettable scenery in one easy-to-book package.
Can I Visit Niagara Falls from Toronto?
Yes.
Many visitors take a Niagara Falls tour from Toronto, which takes around 90 minutes each way.
Our guided day tours typically include:
* Horseshoe Falls
* Table Rock
* Niagara City Cruises (seasonal)
* Buffet lunch overlooking the Falls
* Floral Clock
* Botanical Gardens
* Queenston Heights
* Niagara Gorge
* Niagara-on-the-Lake
During winter, Journey Behind the Falls replaces the cruise, ensuring an equally memorable experience.
Can I Combine Niagara Falls with New York?
Absolutely.
This is one of North America's classic holidays.
Our New York, Niagara Falls & Toronto itinerary lets you experience:
* Times Square
* Central Park
* SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
* Toronto
* Niagara Falls
It combines three iconic destinations into one unforgettable holiday.
Can I Combine Iceland, Niagara Falls and New York?
Yes - and it's one of our most unique multi-centre holidays.
Imagine beginning your adventure amongst Iceland's volcanoes, geysers and waterfalls before travelling onwards to Canada's most famous natural attraction and finishing amongst New York City's world-famous skyline.
Our Iceland, Niagara & New York holiday has become increasingly popular with travellers wanting something truly different.
Can I Combine Niagara Falls with Alaska?
Yes.
If you're looking for the ultimate Canadian adventure, our Niagara Falls to Glacier Bay holiday combines:
* Toronto
* Niagara Falls
* Vancouver
* Alaska Cruise
It's one of the finest ways to experience Canada's incredible diversity - from powerful waterfalls to magnificent glaciers.
Is a Rail Holiday to Niagara Falls Worth It?
Without question.
Canada is home to some of the world's most scenic rail journeys.
Our Train Tour of Eastern Canada's Cities combines flights, rail travel, iconic cities and Niagara Falls into one effortless holiday.
Instead of worrying about driving, simply sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel between destinations.
It's ideal for first-time visitors wanting to experience Eastern Canada in comfort.
Why Book Your Niagara Falls Holiday with THG Holidays?
Whether you're looking for a short city break or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, we offer carefully designed holidays to suit every traveller.
Our range includes:
* Toronto & Niagara Falls holidays
* Eastern Canada rail holidays
* Multi-centre Canada & USA holidays
* Iceland, Niagara Falls & New York combinations
* Alaska cruise extensions
* Flexible sightseeing excursions
* ATOL-protected holidays
* Expert advice from our Canada specialists
Our carefully designed holidays include quality accommodation, flights from the UK, rail journeys, sightseeing and optional excursions, giving you the flexibility to create the holiday that's right for you. With expert advice, excellent value and ATOL protection, you can book with confidence knowing every detail has been taken care of.
Ready to start planning? Browse our range of Niagara Falls holidays, Eastern Canada holidays, rail tours and multi-centre adventures, or speak to one of our travel specialists who will be happy to help you create your perfect North American escape.
Our Recommended Niagara Falls Holiday Packages
Train Tour of Eastern Canada's Cities
If you're looking for a relaxed way to experience the highlights of Eastern Canada, our Train Tour of Eastern Canada's Cities is one of our most popular holidays. This unforgettable rail adventure combines Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Montréal and Québec City, allowing you to enjoy Canada's stunning scenery without the need to drive. Comfortable rail journeys, centrally located hotels and carefully selected sightseeing excursions make this an ideal choice for first-time visitors or anyone who enjoys travelling by train. With the spectacular Niagara Falls included as one of the highlights, it's one of the best Eastern Canada holidays for discovering Canada's vibrant cities and breathtaking natural beauty.
Toronto & Niagara Falls Experience
Perfect for a shorter getaway, our Toronto & Niagara Falls Experience combines Canada's largest city with one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Begin by discovering Toronto's iconic attractions, including the CN Tower, St. Lawrence Market and the vibrant Distillery District, before travelling through the beautiful Niagara Peninsula to experience the unforgettable Horseshoe Falls. This holiday includes plenty of time to enjoy optional excursions such as the Niagara City Cruises, Journey Behind the Falls and a visit to picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake. It's the ideal choice for anyone searching for package holidays to Toronto and Niagara Falls.
New York, Niagara Falls & Toronto
Why choose one iconic destination when you can experience three? Our New York, Niagara Falls & Toronto holiday combines the excitement of Manhattan, the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Toronto in one incredible itinerary. Explore world-famous attractions including Times Square, Central Park and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt before heading to Canada to witness the power of Niagara Falls and discover Toronto's diverse neighbourhoods. Travelling between these destinations is easy, making this one of our most popular New York, Niagara Falls & Toronto packages for travellers wanting to experience the very best of both the USA and Canada in a single holiday.
Iceland, Niagara & New York
Looking for something a little different? Our Iceland, Niagara & New York holiday offers three extraordinary destinations in one unforgettable adventure. Begin in Reykjavík, where you'll discover Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscapes, spectacular waterfalls and the famous Golden Circle. Continue to Canada to experience the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls before travelling by rail to New York City for three nights in one of the world's most exciting destinations. Combining natural wonders with vibrant city life, this unique itinerary has quickly become one of our most popular Iceland, Niagara Falls & New York packages, offering incredible value and unforgettable experiences.
Niagara Falls to Glacier Bay
For travellers wanting to experience the very best of Canada and Alaska, our Niagara Falls to Glacier Bay holiday is hard to beat. Begin your adventure in Toronto before visiting the magnificent Niagara Falls, then fly west to beautiful Vancouver, consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities. Your journey concludes with an unforgettable Alaska cruise through Glacier Bay National Park aboard Princess Cruises, where towering glaciers, snow-capped mountains and incredible wildlife await. Combining vibrant cities, spectacular scenery and one of the world's greatest cruise destinations, this is the ultimate holiday for those seeking an unforgettable Canadian and Alaskan adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Niagara Falls better on the Canadian or American side?
Most visitors agree the Canadian side offers the best panoramic views of all three waterfalls and the widest choice of attractions.
Can you walk around Niagara Falls?
Yes. The Niagara Parkway features excellent walking paths with stunning viewpoints along the river and falls.
Is Niagara Falls suitable for families?
Absolutely. Attractions such as Clifton Hill, the SkyWheel, Niagara City Cruises and interactive museums make it ideal for all ages.
Do I need a car?
Not necessarily. Many visitors choose rail holidays, guided tours or packages with transfers. If you're planning to explore Ontario's countryside and Niagara-on-the-Lake, a self-drive holiday offers greater flexibility.
How far is Toronto from Niagara Falls?
Approximately 80 miles (130 km), taking around 90 minutes by car or coach, depending on traffic.
Are Niagara Falls boat tours available all year?
No. Niagara City Cruises normally operate from spring until late autumn. During winter, Journey Behind the Falls provides an equally memorable experience.
Is Niagara Falls worth visiting?
Without question. Whether it's your first visit to Canada or part of a wider North American adventure, Niagara Falls is one of the world's most iconic natural wonders and a destination that deserves a place on every traveller's bucket list.