The Best Tours to Niagara Falls From Toronto
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Planning a trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto? With so many tours to choose from, I know it can feel overwhelming to pick the right one. As a local expert and former Niagara Falls tour guide, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have a well-organized and enjoyable experience. That’s why I’m here to help.
Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s most iconic destinations, offering stunning views, thrilling activities, and unforgettable memories. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the journey from Toronto to the Falls is part of the adventure.
From coach tours and small-group excursions to private charters, there’s something for everyone. But with so many options, how do you choose the best one?
Having guided countless visitors through the ins and outs of Niagara Falls, I’ve learned what makes a great tour. Combining that insider knowledge with extensive research, I’ve created a guide to help you navigate the choices. Whether you’re looking for a stress-free day trip or a more intimate exploration, this post will highlight the best tours from Toronto that deliver top-notch experiences.
My Top 3 Picks:
Best Tour Overall
✅ All Niagara Falls highlights
✅ Medium-sized bus
✅ Great tour company
Best Small Group Tour
✅ All Niagara Falls highlights
✅ Group up to 7 people
✅ More intimate tour
Best Private Tour
✅ All highlights with flexibility
✅ Private group up to 6
✅ Customize your tour
Note on Tipping Guides
It is customary to tip the tour guide a minimum of 10-20% of the tour price.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to experience Niagara Falls from Toronto, this day tour with Queen Tour is the perfect choice. They’ve been a top operator since 1994, and their comfortable, mid-size buses hold up to 28 people, so you won’t feel like you’re part of a massive crowd.
With pickup and drop-off at 12 convenient spots across Toronto and Mississauga, it’s super easy to join in on the adventure.
Having been a professional tour guide in Niagara Falls (but not with this company) I can tell you that their itinerary is well-crafted, makes sense, and shouldn’t feel rushed while still getting a well-rounded Niagara Falls experience.
You’ll skip the line at one of the most bucket-worthy attraction in Niagara Falls: Journey Behind the Falls. Then, hop aboard the Niagara City Cruises boat ride, which takes you right into the mist of the Horseshoe Falls. Now, they say they will skip the line for this attraction too, but as a tour guide, I know that you’ll only be skipping the ticket line, not the boarding line. But this is the case for all tours to Niagara Falls from Toronto.
Other stops include the famous Floral Clock, the Niagara Whirlpool, and even a maple syrup tasting, which adds a sweet local touch to the day.
Lunch isn’t included, but there’s some time to grab a bite at one of the local restaurants, or you can bring your own lunch.
You’ll be back in Toronto by around 5:30-6 pm, so it’s a full day of fun without being a late night.
I like how the medium bus size allows you to have a more affordable tour, while also no being part of a massive coach bus group that clogs the lines at the attractions. With its well-rounded itinerary and decades of experience, this tour makes it easy to soak in the best of Niagara Falls without any of the stress of planning.
Pros
- Convenient pick-up and drop-off at 12 locations in Toronto and Mississauga.
- Stops at top attractions: Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara City Cruises, the Floral Clock, the Niagara Whirlpool, and a maple syrup tasting.
- Mid-size buses with a friendly group size (up to 28 people).
- Operated by an experienced tour company (since 1994).
- Free time for exploring or dining at local restaurants.
- The tour includes attraction tickets.
Cons
- Lunch is not included, so you need to pack or buy your own.
- Boat ride does not run in the winter, and so will be swapped for another attraction.
Check Out This 5 Star Review:
“We had Kaleb as our guide, and he was absolutely brilliant! His extensive knowledge and enthusiasm made the early morning journey enjoyable, getting everyone energised and ready for the day ahead. He guided us to the first excursion, providing clear instructions on how to navigate the others, and his friendly and helpful manner put us in a great mood for the trip.
The short stop at the maple tasting was a lovely touch and fantastic spot to buy gifts and sample maple syrup, ice wine, and local chocolate. Once at the falls, we had 3.5 hours to explore, which was plenty of time to enjoy attractions like the Journey Behind the Falls, the boat cruise, the Skylon Tower, and even grab a quick bite to eat on Clifton Hill.
Everything about the tour was well-organised and ran seamlessly, making it a stress-free experience. I couldn’t recommend this tour enough and wouldn’t hesitate to book again!”
– Harpreet from the United Kingdom (Read more reviews)
2. Best Small Group Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | 💰 $324 CAD | ✅ Book it!
If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, the Best of Niagara Falls Tour from Toronto is a fantastic option. This tour is operated by Tripshepherd, the company I used to work for, and I actually guided one of these tours to Niagara Falls from Toronto once, when I filled in for a colleague.
With a small group size limited to just seven people, it offers a more personal atmosphere compared to larger tours. The best thing about super small group tours is the opportunity to meet new people from all over the world. Some of the best tours I led ended with different guests becoming best friends!
Plus, pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation is included. Just meet your guide outside your front door (on time please!) and enjoy the day.
This tour’s itinerary is virtually the same as the Best Overall Tour, with stops at Journey Behind the Falls, the Niagara City Cruises boat ride, the Floral Clock, and the Niagara Whirlpool. However, this tour doesn’t include a maple syrup tasting. That said, there are still amazing opportunities to pick up local souvenirs, especially at the Table Rock Centre, where you’ll find unique keepsakes and treats.
Pros
- Small group size (max seven people) for a more personal experience.
- Similar itinerary to the Best Overall Tour, covering Niagara City Cruises, Journey Behind the Falls, the Floral Clock, and the Niagara Whirlpool.
- Free time for lunch and exploring.
- The tour includes attraction tickets.
Cons
- Doesn’t include a maple syrup tasting.
- Lunch is not provided, so you’ll need to plan for meals.
- Boat ride does not run in the winter, and so will be swapped for another attraction.
Check Out This 5 Star Review:
“This tour exceeded all my expectations. The tour guides, Anser and George, were exceptional. Anser was incredibly knowledgeable, while George was super charismatic. Despite the unpredictable weather, with sudden shifts from sunshine to rain, they did everything possible to ensure we had a fantastic experience. I had the best time exploring Niagara Falls from every angle: from the Skylon Tower, Behind the Falls, and on the boat. I also captured some amazing photos. I highly recommend this tour.”
– Maria from Panama (Read more reviews)
3. Best Private Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: ~8 hours | 💰 $450 CAD | ✅ Book it!
For those who want a more personalized and exclusive experience, the Private Niagara Falls Tour in an SUV is an excellent choice. This tour offers complete flexibility, with your own private guide and vehicle, making it ideal for couples, families, or small groups of up to six people. With hotel pick-up and drop-off in Toronto included, you’ll enjoy a smooth, hassle-free day tailored to your preferences.
The itinerary includes all the classic Niagara Falls highlights: Journey Behind the Falls, the Niagara City Cruises boat ride, the Floral Clock, and the Niagara Whirlpool. Like the Best Small Group Tour, this tour doesn’t include a maple syrup tasting.
But, what sets this tour apart is the personalized attention from your guide and the ability to adjust the schedule to suit your group’s pace and interests.
I’ve met one of the guides for this tour, and he absolutely loves the chance to create a truly personalized experience for his guests. He’s able to be spontaneous and creative, tailoring each trip to make it the dream tour for his group. Whether you want to linger at a specific spot or move at a faster pace, this private SUV tour offers a perfect mix of flexibility and comfort.
The tour wraps up with a relaxed drive back to Toronto, making it a memorable and stress-free way to explore Niagara Falls from Toronto.
Pros
- Completely private experience for up to six people.
- Flexible schedule tailored to your preferences.
- Visits key attractions: Niagara City Cruises, Journey Behind the Falls, the Floral Clock, and the Niagara Whirlpool.
- Free time in Niagara Falls to explore and get lunch.
Cons
- Lunch is not provided.
- The tour does not include attraction tickets.
- Higher cost compared to group tours due to the private service.
- Boat ride does not run in the winter, and so will be swapped for another attraction.
Check Out This 5 Star Review:
“Six of us, four Australians and two Canadians booked a private tour of Niagara Falls and surround. Our driver, Roy, was a lovely, courteous man. Highly knowledgeable about the history of the Niagara Falls area. Roy made our trip totally memorable, and we thank him for his kindness. We would totally recommend him (and we will) to anyone who needs a driver.
– Janet (Read more reviews)
4. Best Tour with a Wine Tasting & Niagara-on-the-Lake
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: ~10 hours | 💰 $200 CAD | ✅ Book it!
I always told my tour guests that they should go visit Niagara-on-the-Lake, the cutest little historical town just half an hour from Niagara Falls and try some of their famous Ice Wine. Normally, I’d recommend spending half a day to two days exploring the town and surrounding vineyards, but on this tour, you get a good hit of both Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
With more crammed into the schedule, you do get less overall time to spend by the Falls and you will only get to enjoy one: the boat cruise in the summer, or Journey Behind the Falls in the winter. But, you gain a gorgeous taste of the surrounding area, history, culture, and wine!
In addition to the Niagara Falls, this tour includes a stop at the Niagara College vineyard and a wine tasting. It’s a great opportunity to sample wines from one of Ontario’s renowned wine regions. There’s also a quick exploration of Niagara-on-the-Lake and its shops, a beautiful and historic small town, at the end of the day.
Pros
- Covers both Niagara Falls and the charming Niagara-on-the-Lake, giving you a taste of both iconic destinations in one day.
- Includes the top two Niagara Falls attractions: Journey Behind the Falls and the boat cruise.
- Features a wine tasting.
- The tour includes attraction tickets and lunch.
Cons
- Limited time at Niagara Falls compared to other tours.
- Boat ride does not run in the winter, and so will be swapped for another attraction.
Check Out This 5 Star Review:
“The tour was wonderful, the bus was very comfortable, our guide Wayne was excellent, the driver was excellent, the food at lunch was delicious and of course, the Falls were absolutely stunning . I’ve never seen the Falls from either the US or Canadian side before and I was blown away! overall is a great experience and well worth the money.”
– Lorraine (Read more reviews)
5. Best Tour in Niagara Falls if You Drive There Yourself
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4-5 hours | 💰 $209 CAD | ✅ Book it!
This is the tour I used to guide myself most of the time! We call it “The Best of Niagara” tour – and for good reason!
If you decide to drive to Niagara Falls yourself, a common pick-up point for this tour is in the Skylon Parking lot B (you will have to pay for parking if there’s an attendant). Just park or stand near the gate on Robinson Street and look for a Mercedes van with the Tripshepherd logo on the sides.
In a surprisingly short amount of time (4-5 hours), you will experience Niagara Falls from all angles. See it from behind at Journey Behind the Falls, from above at the Skylon Tower, and from below on the Niagara City Cruises’ boat ride. In between the attractions your driver-guide will tell you all about the Falls, some history, and a few interesting stories.
You’ll also get a driving tour out to the Niagara Whirlpool to get some awesome photos!
Now, I will give you the inside scoop on this tour. The tour includes a drive-by at the Floral Clock, but heavy summer traffic can cause delays, and the guide may sometimes skip the drive-by. It’s sad, but true.
If that’s not a deal breaker, then I seriously recommend this tour. We guides have so much fun showing you some of our favourite places and getting to know you too! Again, the small groups are awesome for getting around quickly, having a personalised experience, and for meeting new people.
Pros
- Tour starts and ends in Niagara Falls, giving you time to do your own exploring.
- Includes the top Niagara Falls attractions: Journey Behind the Falls, the boat cruise, and Skylon Tower.
- The tour includes attraction tickets.
Cons
- Have to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto yourself.
- Boat ride does not run in the winter, and so will be swapped for another attraction.
Check Out This 5 Star Review:
“We were so happy that we booked this small group tour. It was just what are family needed. Heidi our tour guide was so sweet with some amazing recommendations and tips. We wouldn’t have known where to start without this tour. So much to see and do and this took a lot of that worry away.”
– Carly (Read more reviews)
FAQs About Niagara Falls Tours
To make your life easier, here are my answers, as a former tour guide in Niagara Falls, to commonly asked questions about doing a day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto.
1. How much does it cost to go to Niagara Falls from Toronto?
Tour prices range from $100 to $400 per person, depending on the type of tour. Group tours are more affordable, while private tours and those with extras like meals or wine tastings cost more. Alternatively, you could rent a car in Toronto and drive to Niagara Falls yourself, which typically costs $30-$150 for a day, plus gas and parking fees.
2. How to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto?
You can drive, take a train or bus, or book a guided tour. Tours are the most convenient, offering hotel pick-ups and drop-offs along with stress-free access to key attractions.
3. What are the must-see attractions at Niagara Falls?
The top experiences include Journey Behind the Falls, the Niagara City Cruises boat ride, the Floral Clock, the Niagara Whirlpool, and the Skylon Tower.
4. Are meals included in Niagara Falls tours?
Some tours include meals, such as lunch at Table Rock House or Queen Victoria Place. Others provide free time for dining at local restaurants or suggest bringing your own.
5. What is the best time of year to visit Niagara Falls?
Summer and early fall are ideal for warm weather and a full flow of water. However, winter tours can offer magical light displays and fewer crowds.
6. Can I visit Niagara-on-the-Lake on a Niagara Falls tour?
Yes, this tour includes a stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake for wine tastings and a quick exploration of this historic town.
7. How long do tours to Niagara Falls from Toronto take?
Most tours last 8-10 hours, including travel time, and return to Toronto by early evening.
8. Do I need to book Niagara Falls tours in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, as tours can sell out quickly.
Want to rent a car? I recommend using DiscoverCars to find the cheapest options from reputable companies.
Final Thoughts
Niagara Falls is one of Ontario’s most iconic destinations, and the right tour can make all the difference.
For couples or solo travellers, a guided escape is the perfect way to skip the stress of parking, ticket lines, and planning every detail. Whether you want the ease and reliability of the Best Overall Tour with a proven 5-star company, the intimacy of a super small group, or the exclusivity of a private tour, there’s an option to match your travel style.
Add extra depth to your day with a stop in the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, where you can sip wine and soak up the local culture. No matter which experience you choose, these tours are designed to help you enjoy the best of Niagara Falls without the hassle.
Looking for more stunning places to explore in Ontario? Don’t miss my epic post: 33 Best Day Trips From Toronto. It’s full of inspiring ideas to help you plan your next unforgettable adventure!
