Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting? Your Ultimate Guide From Toronto

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Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?

This age-old question has puzzled travelers for years. Well, let me assure you, the answer is an emphatic YES! Niagara Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder that simply cannot be missed.

Located just a short distance from Toronto, it offers an experience that is truly worth every moment.

So read more below and prepare to be captivated by the sheer power and beauty of the falls as you witness the majestic rush of water cascading down with an incredible force.

image 5 | Enjoy Travel Life — Is Niagara falls worth visiting? Find out, below.

CONTENTS – In this article, you’ll honestly find out the answer to the question, “Is Niagara falls worth visiting?” and how to plan a Niagara falls visit from Toronto, including:

Niagara Falls: Visiting from Toronto
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get To Niagra Falls
When You Are At Niagra Falls
Going Back to Toronto
Final Thoughts on “Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?”
Next Steps

Niagara Falls: Visiting From Toronto

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Canada. It’s easily accessible from Toronto, too!

If it’s on your bucket list to visit this wonderful natural wonder, you’re about to find out the best way to do so.

Things to Know Before You Go

Niagara Falls is located about 80 miles (128 km) from Toronto, about an hour-and-a-half drive. You can reach it by car, bus, train–or even helicopter!

You can also plan a road trip to Niagara Falls from the Capital city of Ottawa, which is just less than a six hour drive away.

In addition wondering, “Is Niagara falls worth visiting?”, you’ll want plan the best time to go to Niagara Falls.

Note that the best time to visit Niagara Falls is during the summer months. June to August is when the weather is pleasant and you’ll discover a lot of activities to do.

Of course, this is also the peak season, so it can get crowded.

Another option is the fall season.

September through November offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

You’ll find the winter months, December-February, are the least busy. You may freeze if you are not a cold lover, but you can still enjoy the Falls in its winter wonderland form, wearing the right coat.

So, decide which scenario will be best for your visit to Niagara Falls and make your plans!

Before we begin, I invite you to download my FREE Bucket List Planner Worksheet. It’s a fillable, printable resource you can keep handy whenever you hear about great destinations. It will help you prioritize your dream vacations, and you’ll be more organized when your top destinations are in plain sight. That way, you’ll always have a trip to look forward to!

Now, more on Niagara Falls.

How to Get to Niagara Falls

Is niagara falls worth visiting — You’ll find many options for getting to Niagara Falls.

You have several options when it comes to getting to Niagara Falls from Toronto and elswhere.

If you’re driving, take the QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way) highway south of Toronto towards Niagara Falls. It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach your destination, depending on traffic.

The good news is, this route is toll-free.

You can also check the traffic conditions and see if using Highway 403, an alternative toll-free highway, looks better. It should take around the same time.

The toll road is called the 407 ETR (Express Toll Route). It’s only a few dollars, but if you don’t want to pay, you can avoid that one.

You can also take a bus from Toronto to Niagara Falls. Greyhound and Megabus are two popular bus operators.

If you prefer to travel by train, Via Rail operates regular trains from Toronto’s Union Station to Niagara Falls.

It is also possible to travel from Toronto to Niagara Falls by helicopter.

You’ll find several companies that offer helicopter charter services that can transport you directly from Toronto to Niagara Falls. It can take between 30 and 60 minutes and can cost several thousand dollars.

But the view is amazing!

A cheaper option is taking a helicopter tour from Niagara Helicopters Limited, which is located in Niagara Falls.

The tour can be from 10 to 30 minutes and a few hundred dollars per person.

With this option, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Niagara River, the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. This will give you a sense of the immense power and beauty of the waterfalls.

Related: This top waterfront hotel near 1000 Islands, New York is about 2 hours from the US side of Niagara Falls and makes a great homebase for exploring upstate NY.

When You Are at Niagara Falls

Although there is no general admission fee to see the natural wonder that is Niagara Falls, you may want to consider many activities that are worth doing for the price.

Popular attractions include:

The Maid of the Mist boat tour
Niagara SkyWheel
Journey Behind the Falls
Niagara Falls State Park

Various events and festivals take place throughout the year in Niagara Falls, too.

Among them are the:

Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
Niagara Icewine Festival
Niagara Falls International Marathon

Check out their official website for up-to-date information.

Going Back to Toronto

Now, whatever time you have left, it is wise to spend in Toronto. This is a world-class dining and entertaining city!

You can easily spend a whole day at the Distillery District. It’s the most historic and popular neighborhood in Toronto, known for its charming Victorian architecture, independent shops, and restaurants.

It’s a great place to explore, shop for unique souvenirs, and enjoy some delicious food and drinks.

Your visit wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of Canada’s premier museums: the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum).

This fantastic museum is home to an impressive collection of natural history, art, and cultural artifacts from around the world. It’s a great place to learn not just about Canadian history but about the world.

Other great ideas for your Toronto itinerary include:

Going up the CN Tower
Checking out the city’s plentiful options of markets
Exploring The Art Gallery of Ontario, especially if you are into art
You can even go to the beach if the weather allows it

These are just a few suggestions. The options are unlimited, so explore and see Toronto for yourself!

Final Thoughts on “Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?”

In conclusion, if you’ve ever questioned whether Niagara Falls is worth visiting, let this be your definitive answer: it absolutely is!

This natural wonder is a testament to the power and beauty of nature, leaving visitors spellbound with its majestic presence.

From the moment you witness the cascading waters to the exhilarating experiences that await, Niagara Falls offers an adventure unlike any other.

So pack your bags, and plan a visit to Niagara Falls – and be sure to take some time to explore nearby Toronto on your itinerary to expand your adventure.

About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF

I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years.

With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality.

Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! 

Follow my social channels for more inspiration.

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