What to Do with 1 Day at Niagara Falls

Have a chance to see Niagara Falls, but can only make it for one day? Perfect. You can easily see the best of Niagara Falls in 1 day. Technically made up of 3 waterfalls, Niagara Falls is a sight that’s drawn people from around the world since the 1800s. Despite the tourism and commercialism that surrounds Niagara Falls today, the falls themselves haven’t lost their glory.

Ready to make your bucket list trip to Niagara Falls? Here’s the ultimate guide to spending one incredible day in Niagara.

Have a little more time? You can still use this guide to ensure you hit all the high points for your bucket list trip to Niagara Falls.

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Where to stay

U.S. or Canadian Side of Niagara Falls

Without question, the best Niagara Falls view is on the Canadian side (at least in our book). While the U.S. side surely has it’s merits, all three waterfalls are directed toward the Canadian side, so it provides the best vantage point to really take in the power of all three falls.

Hotels in Niagara Falls

Hotels are in no short supply in Niagara Falls. You’ll find plenty of options at a variety of price points. However, if you’re hoping for a great Niagara Falls view (and of course you are) expect a premium price to go with it. Rooms on higher floors have the best views, so you’ll find price to go up with the floor number.

The hotels with the best Niagara Falls views on the Canadian side are:

What to do with 1 day in Niagara Falls

There are endless things to do in Niagara Falls, but to be brutally honest – most of them are total tourist traps. With only one day in Niagara Falls, you’ll only have time for the best experiences. The good news is that that you can easily see and do the best of Niagara in one day.

Niagara Parkway

Niagara Parkway is the best place to view the falls. The best news? It’s totally free to access. It includes a long sidewalk area where you can view the three waterfalls of Niagara Falls.

Fair warning: as an area heavy with tourism, there will be crowds of people basically everywhere you go. However, the path along Niagara Parkway is wide and quite long so even on crowded weekends you can often find a spot to yourself along the way to take in the view and a few pictures.

Every weekend evening at 10 pm you can catch the firework show over Niagara Falls. It truly is a beautiful sight over the massive waterfalls. The best place to watch the fireworks is right there on Niagara Parkway as well.

If you want a good view, I recommend arriving early. During the day the crowds will be on the move but at night people come early and claim their spot. I learned this the hard way. To make sure you get a great view, you’ll want to arrive at least an hour early.

Hornblower Niagara Cruises

You may be more familiar with the Maid of the Mist, but the Hornblower is its (only) counterpart on the Canadian side. Same, same though. This boat take you right up to the falls, honestly way closer than you’d think. The price runs at about $29 per person, and includes a ride on the Funicular (incline railway down to the Riverside Patio), Voyage to the Falls boat tour, and poncho.

Journey Behind the Falls

A lesser-known perspective on Niagara Falls, Journey Behind the Falls offers a unique perspective from under Horseshoe Falls. You’ll navigate through cave-like tunnels to numerous portals where you can see the powerful falls breaking right in front of you. You’ll end at an observation deck with the best view in all of Niagara Falls. Entrance to Journey Behind the Falls is $14 and includes a poncho to help stay dry.

Casino

After the fireworks, head to the casino to end your day at Niagara Falls. You can grab a few drinks (and hopefully a few winnings to take home with you).

Where to Eat in Niagara Falls

Breakfast

Tim Hortons – [budget] because you’re in Canada and they have donuts!
- 4950 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls
Paris Crepes Cafe – [moderate] They offer a nice brunch menu complete with mimosas and, of course, crepes!
- 4613 Queen St, Niagara Falls

Lunch with a View of Niagara Falls

Queen Victoria Place Restaurant – 6345 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON

A great spot for a nice falls-view lunch, Queen Victoria Place Restaurant is also conveniently located at the heart of Niagara Parkway. The food is excellent, they have great beer or wine flight options, and the patio offered great views of Niagara Falls.

Dinner – Skylon Tower

5200 Robinson St, Niagara Falls, ON

The revolving dining room in Skylon Tower is perfect for a fancy evening dinner. It’s definitely on the pricey side, but you’re only here for a day and it’s a friggin revolving dining room with a Niagara Falls view. Treat yo’ self! Just remember to make a reservation for dinner at Skylon Tower here.

Skylon Tower at Niagara Falls — Skylon Tower (left) offers unforgettable views of Niagara Falls

When to Visit Niagara Falls

If you only have a day to budget for Niagara Falls, you’re likely including it as part of another trip. As such, you may not have much control over the time of year you’ll visit. However, if you can choose, I highly recommend planning your visit for a hot summer day. There’s a few reasons for this. First, as a very outdoor-focused destination, nice weather means you’ll be comfortable walking around and have blue skies for pictures.

Second, Niagara Falls has some serious power. As such, there’s a cold mist in the air anywhere remotely near the falls. You’ll be FREEZING if it’s already a cold day. I visited on a very hot, sunny day but was even a little chilly in Journey Behind the falls. You will get wet on either the Hornblower cruise or in the Journey Behind the Falls. With that, if you can plan for a hot summer day, you won’t be miserable and will dry much more quickly.

What to Pack

What you’ll pack for your day in Niagara Falls depends on the time of year you visit to some extent. That said, there are a few items that will be standard for any trip.

Camera – Do it for the ‘gram… or at least a photo album at home. It’s one of the most famous sites in the world, so you’ll want to record the moment.
Clothing that you don’t mind getting wet – These are enormous waterfalls after all. You will get wet at Niagara Falls (particularly if you do the Journey Behind the Falls or Hornblower cruise). Both attractions will provide you with ponchos, but even ponchos are no match for Niagara Falls. Make sure to bring clothing and footwear that won’t be ruined by water. Light, breezy fabrics are ideal because they’ll dry more quickly
Waterproof bags for your electronics – If you haven’t gotten the message yet, these waterfalls are powerful. Although the ponchos provided on Hornblower or Journey Behind the Falls are helpful to keep from getting completely soaked, you will still be exposed to water. You’ll want to bring something to keep your phone and any other water-sensitive items dry.

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With this guide, you’re set up for a successful day at Niagara Falls. I’d love to hear about your adventures! Tag @wherever.someday in your Niagara Falls photos on Instagram for a chance to be featured!

Happy travels!

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