There are so many things to do and see in just a short weekend in Niagara Falls. Niagara actually consists of three separate waterfalls. The two smaller falls are entirely within the United States and are called Bridal Veil Falls (the smallest) and American Falls. The largest and most popular of the three is Horseshoe Falls (or Canadian Falls), which lies across the border of Canada and the United States. Horseshoe Falls is considered the most powerful waterfall in all of North America.
Millions of people travel to Niagara Falls every year, with the most popular travel time being summer. If you ask me, the falls are kind of like the Grand Canyon. You have to see it for yourself to really appreciate how breathtaking it is. The moment you catch your first glimpse of the falls, your jaw is guaranteed to drop. Personally, I think the view from the Canadian side is a million times better than the American side. If it’s your first trip to Niagara, I would highly recommend starting on the Canadian side.
Though you could spend weeks here and never get bored, this is a guide I’ve put together on how to spend a weekend in Niagara Falls. What to do, where to eat, and an itinerary!
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What to Do in Niagara Falls
Table Rock Centre
You will get the absolute best (close up) view of Horseshoe Falls at Table Rock Centre. You can walk the pathway for miles with a different view of the falls everywhere you go. The landscaping in this area is enough to make me want to visit, but the falls are definitely a great bonus. 😉
Table Rock Centre is where you’ll go to schedule ‘Journey Behind the Falls’ and pick up your Adventure Pass cards if you decide to get them. It’s also where ‘Niagara’s Fury’ is located as well as many restaurants and gift shops.
Niagara’s Fury
We almost didn’t do Niagara’s Fury, just because we had so many other things we wanted to do, but as soon as we walked into the Table Rock Welcome Centre and realized it was right upstairs, we figured we might as well.
I would definitely recommend doing this if you’re traveling with kids. It’s basically just a short cartoon video explaining a bit of history about the falls, and once the video is done, you’re escorted into the next room which is like a simulator showing the power of the falls (you will get wet, but they provide a poncho)!
Falls Incline Railway
The Incline is right across the street from the Table Rock Centre, and you not only get great views on the way up but it’s also a really easy way to get up the hill where you’ll find plenty of shopping, hotels, restaurants, and the casino.
Whirlpool Aero Car
This honestly might have been my favorite part of our trip. The views from here were just unbeatable. You get into the little cable car standing on either side (no one stands in the middle so everyone has a great view) and you head across the class 6 white water rapids! You travel all the way from the Canada side to the American side and back. The car operator will likely make a joke about hoping you have your passport, cause you’re “off to America now”, but you don’t actually get off on the other side.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises
This is Canada’s version of the Maid of the Mist Cruise which sails from the New York side of the falls. Be prepared to get soaked, even with the poncho. Once you make it over to the Horseshoe Falls, the mist from the Falls is insane. Definitely bring a waterproof case for your phone or a GoPro! If you’re lucky, you might even see a rainbow like we did! If you have only a weekend in Niagara Falls, this one has to be on your list!
Journey Behind the Falls
Did you know that there is a system of caves that run behind the falls, and that you can actually walk them?! This is one activity that needs to be scheduled ahead of time, so I would recommend doing so on the first day of your trip (you can schedule at the Table Rock Welcome Centre).
It was so neat to walk the tunnels and watch the water flowing from behind the falls. There’s even a walkway that brings you out right beside the waterfall. But even from behind the falls you will get soaked! Don’t worry, they provide a poncho for this one too. 😉
Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill kind of reminds me of a boardwalk part of a beach town. You could spend days here and not run out of things to do. There are countless museums, arcades, restaurants, and attractions. We ended up getting the Fun Pass which gave us access to mini-golf, the arcade, Wax Museum, 6D zombie, ghost and cowboy games, and two rides on the SkyWheel which we used during the daytime and at night!
White Water Walk
This is about a quarter-mile trail where you’ll be able to see class 6 white water rapids, some of the strongest in the world, right up close.
Falls Illumination and Fireworks
Every night during the summer, the falls are completely lit up by floodlights, and it is absolutely amazing to see. There also is a daily fireworks show during the summer (fireworks and illumination schedule varies throughout the year). We saw the illumination and watched the fireworks from the observation deck at Skylon Tower.
Skylon Tower
The observation deck at Skylon Tower provides a 360° view of the entire city, including one of the best views of all three falls. You can book your tickets online and you have the option of just riding to the top, riding during the day and at night, or a day/night pass plus access to a 3D/4D movie (about the falls, of course).
The 775’ tall Skylon Tower also has a revolving dining room if you’re looking for dinner with a view, or a lunch buffet which I wish we would have done! Any lunch or dinner reservations always include free access to the observation deck which definitely makes it worth it if you ask me.
Where to Eat in Niagara Falls
The Secret Garden Restaurant
The Secret Garden is a short walk from the Hornblower Cruises if you’re looking for lunch after your cruise! I highly recommend the smoked turkey breast croissant and the Aloha Berry frozen cocktail; I literally could have drank 10 of them they were so good. And, lunch was delicious! You can choose to eat outside on the patio if you’d like and dine with a great view of the falls!
Bonus: there is a huge gift shop right next door!
Flying Saucer Restaurant
Not gonna lie, the food was subpar, but I have a huge fascination with all things alien-related, so obviously I wasn’t going to turn down the chance to eat inside a UFO. Plus, every table has crayons and the “placemats” are blank pages of paper for you to draw whatever you want on! Obviously, I drew an alien with a pet cat.
BeaverTails
I’m not even lying when I say this was one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. I had the strawberry cheesecake beavertail.. and then went back for seconds, and thirds.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
We stayed at the Old Stone Inn during our visit, and it was a great hotel in a great location, but if I’m being honest the only reason we stayed in a hotel at all is because we booked everything very last minute and the Airbnb we wanted wasn’t available for our dates. Boo.
There are so many accommodations on the Canadian side with amazing views of the falls but here are some that I would recommend.
Old Stone Inn
We ended up loving this hotel because it was such a short walk from everything and we love to avoid driving and having to worry about parking whenever we can. The rooms were nice, clean, and there was an indoor pool!
Tower Hotel at Fallsview
When I was searching for a hotel for our stay, this one was at the top of the list. The only reason we didn’t stay here is that only King rooms were available, and there were going to be four of us.
Airbnb: Cabin Fever
This was the one I really wanted for our trip, but like I said, we booked everything super last minute and it was no longer available for our dates. The reviews even had recommendations for food and activities nearby, which we ended up doing.
Airbnb: Time Warp
Owned by the same person as Cabin Fever, and number two on my list of Niagara Airbnb’s. Such a unique looking space. I could definitely hang here!
Click here to get a discount on your first stay by signing up for Airbnb through my link!
Things We Missed
Niagara Casino
Unfortunately, we ended up going back to our hotel and falling asleep instead of heading out for a night at the casino (I know, we can’t hang). The hubby and I love playing slots though, so we’ll definitely visit next time we’re in town!
Cave of the Winds
This one is on the American side of the falls, and honestly, the only reason we didn’t go is because I didn’t feel like getting soaking wet again after doing the cruise that morning, haha. Super lame, I know.
Whirlpool State Park
Again, this one is on the American side. From what I’ve seen and heard, this place has amazing views of the Whirlpool. I just felt like the Whirlpool Aero Car was enough for me.
Niagara on the Lake
Transportation to Niagara on the Lake was included on our pass, but again, we honestly just didn’t make time to go check it out. There are tons of wineries here and it’s a really cute, quaint little Canadian town to explore. Whenever we make it back, I’d love to come here and have high tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel.
Paris Crepes Cafe
All the reviews I’ve seen of this place were amazing and if you have a look at the menu, I guarantee you’ll want to stop here for brunch.
Skylon Tower Lunch Buffet
Honestly, we opted against lunch here because the prices seemed a bit high, but we quickly realized that any restaurant you choose near the falls will not be cheap. We ended up going to an IHOP instead because we wanted a ‘cheaper’ meal and probably ended up spending more than we would have on the buffet. This one is a serious regret from our trip! Plus, when you make a reservation for the buffet, you get free access to the observation deck, which has one of the best views of the falls.
Two-Day Niagara Falls Itinerary
Day 1:
- Table Rock Welcome Centre
- Niagara’s Fury
- Falls Incline
- Lunch at Secret Garden Restaurant
- Whirlpool Aero Car
- Clifton Hill
- BeaverTails
Day 2:
- Hornblower Niagara Cruise
- Journey Behind the Falls
- Buffet Lunch at Skylon Tower
- White Water Walk
- Cave of the Winds
- Skylon Tower (at night)
- Falls Illumination and Fireworks
This is pretty much the exact itinerary that we followed for our weekend in Niagara Falls trip. Feel free to tweak it to fit your plans!
Niagara Parks Adventure Pass
We decided to get the Adventure Pass for our trip and it was SO worth it! You will save so much money by getting the pass instead of paying for everything individually. We went with the ‘Adventure Pass Plus’ because it included the Whirlpool Aero Car and the Incline Railway. Basically everything that we did was included in our pass, even public transportation for the weekend.
For more information on the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass click here.
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I had a great time at Niagara Falls. You’ve listed some of the things that I recall fondly following my trip. The Journey Behind the Falls was amazing and providing some spectacular views of Horseshoe Falls.
Dude, this is such a good post, very informative for someone who is planning a first time trip. I’ve been to the US twice, but never Canada. I really like the look of the Aero car trip (albeit scary) but I bet the views are breathtaking. I also liked the look of the wax musuem 🙂 Will be bookmarking this post for the future x
Author
Thank you! 😁 I really want to check out the US side next time I’m there! The aero car isn’t nearly as scary as it may look 😉
OMG, I am in love with your photos!! They look so romantic and magical…
I’m glad you had a lovely time despite being a short trip!
Author
I’m so glad!! Thank you so much! ♥️
Absolutely stunning-loved this post! xx
Author
Thank you so much, I’m so glad you loved it!
xo, Jen