There aren’t many waterfalls in the world as breathtaking as Niagara Falls. A never-ending flow of water cascades over an arched cliff into a riverbed – culminating in sights and sounds that leave visitors speechless. If you are traveling to North America and love spectacles of nature like this, seeing Niagara Falls on the best tour from Toronto is an absolute no-brainer.
Toronto is located 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Niagara Falls and it’s a cosmopolitan city full of attractions. Known for its multicultural vibe, art galleries and museums, diverse food and buzzing nightlife – Toronto is a place not to be missed on your Canadian travel adventure. Two or three nights would be a bare minimum for your stay in Ontario’s capital.
When making plans for your vacation in Toronto, one day should be set aside for a trip to Niagara Falls with Queen Tour Niagara Falls Tours. This highly rated company picks you up from your hotel in Toronto and takes you to the falls in a comfy minibus or van. The day tour lasts for nine hours with hotel drop-off included in the price (starting from $89 per adult).
Queen Tour also offers add-ons to the experience like boat tours, helicopter rides, observation deck access, a journey behind the falls and a visit to the world’s largest indoor aviary. These activities showcase the raw power of the falls from an entirely different perspective. The maximum group size is 24 people, so you can enjoy the day in an intimate small group setting.
What to Expect on the Best Niagara Falls Tour
On this excursion with Queen Tour travelers can expect a narrated drive along the way before arriving at the main village. Upon arrival, there will be three or four hours of free time to experience Niagara Falls any which way you please. Most people head to the various lookout points to take photos, visit the Clifton Hill neighborhood and enjoy a boat tour add-on.
The most common extra is the boat ride which can be booked online before the tour starts. It’s called the “Voyage to the Falls” and it cruises to several points of interest including Niagara Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls (the largest waterfall that makes up Niagara Falls). Here guests will immerse in the epic power of mother nature.
Other activities like the helicopter ride can be booked at Niagara Falls itself. Normally there is enough time for up to two added extras on this day tour. Another thing to consider is what you will be having for lunch. If you book a couple of add-ons, it might be a good idea to pack your own lunch to save time. Otherwise, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area.
After spending quality time at the falls, the tour proceeds with a drive to the Niagara Parkway. This scenic drive runs alongside the Niagara River for 34 miles and boasts incredible landmarks such as the Niagara Whirlpool and Queenston Heights Park. Then it’s a clear run back to Toronto where the minibus or van will drop you back to your hotel at around 5pm.
Why Niagara Falls are so Impressive
You can’t help but smile when you first lay eyes on Niagara Falls. Watching 3,000 tons of water flow over the edge every second is a sight to behold. Only a few other places can compete with the sheer beauty of Niagara – perhaps Iguazu Falls being one of them. Even those who think waterfalls aren’t that impressive will find an aspect of Niagara Falls that they will love.
The icy mist that rises into the sky, the deep colors of green and blue that collide on the riverbed, the immense sound of water flowing continuously and the bright rainbows formed in the waterfall spray – everything combines together to create a true wonder of the natural world. And the facts about this legendary cascade are just as fascinating as the visuals.
Nearly all of the Great Lakes of North America drain into the Niagara River before emptying into Lake Ontario. These lakes provide close to a fifth of the world’s freshwater supply. With a history dating back over 12,000 years, the falls have been continuously flowing since records began apart from a period in 1848 where for 30 hours the falls stopped due to ice fields.
Another cool fact is that the word “Niagara” originates from the Iroquoian word “Onguiaahra”. Iroquoian languages stem from indigenous groups like the Mohawk and Cherokee. Onguiaahra translates to “The Strait”, yet some experts dispute that translation and believe it means “Thundering Waters”. Either way, it’s pretty easy to see where Niagara gets its name from.
Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls
Each season shows a different side to Niagara Falls but the best time to visit is undoubtedly summer. Between June and August, the temperatures heat up into the low 80s (Fahrenheit) with the breeze from the falls cooling down the temperature a little bit. However, peak summer time is also when the crowds of tourists arrive at Niagara – so just keep that in mind.
The spring and fall seasons attract smaller crowds, and if you don’t like the idea of having tourists in your photos then these seasons might be better. You might be able to score some cheap accommodation in Toronto during the spring and fall too – ideal for budget travelers looking for a bargain. Winters are freezing at Niagara and many of the tours stop running.
Nevertheless, you shouldn’t let the weather put you off coming in winter. Queen Tour operates every day of the year even during winter. The optional boat ride, “Voyage to the Falls”, will be the only activity unavailable during this time. Everything else you can experience to the fullest just like in summer. Make sure you wrap up warm though because it gets very chilly.
Final Thoughts on Queen Tour
Booking the best Niagara Falls tour with Queen Tour is a great way for first-timers to see the falls with everything organized in a stress-free manner. You don’t have to worry about transport and the tour guide will provide some neat facts and recommendations along the way. After this trip you will agree that Queen Tour runs the best Niagara Falls tour in Canada!
