Niagara Falls: Premium Tour, Boat & Journey Behind the Falls
About This Experience
The most-reviewed tour in Niagara on GetYourGuide, with over four thousand ratings, and the closest thing to a definitive first-visit itinerary of the Canadian side.
Four hours, small group, hotel pickup included. It bundles the three headline attractions — the Niagara City Cruises boat ride to the base of the falls, the Journey Behind the Falls tunnels 125 feet below ground, and the Skylon Tower observation deck 520 feet above — and strings them together with narrated stops along the Niagara Parkway: the Floral Clock, the hydro stations, the Whirlpool Rapids observation deck and the Brink of the Falls.
The Whirlpool Rapids stop is the one that matters if you have come to Niagara for the river rather than the waterfall — it looks down on the same gorge the jet boats run, from the rim.
Seasonal caveat: the boat ride operates roughly May through December. Outside that window it is replaced by the Niagara Takes Flight ride, which is a different experience entirely. If the boat is the reason you are booking, confirm it is running on your date.
Highlights
- Board a 20-min Niagara City Cruises boat ride (May - December)
- Descend 125 feet underground to see the tunnels below the Horseshoe Falls
- Ascend 520 ft to the peak of Skylon Tower for a breathtaking view of the Falls
- Go behind the Horseshoe Falls for a unique look behind the curtain of water
- Experience the Niagara Takes Flight Ride (January - May)
What's Included
- ✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off
- ✓ Guide
- ✓ Live commentary
- ✓ Niagara City Cruises (Hornblower) boat ride (May-December)
- ✓ Seasonal Boat Replacement: Niagara Takes Flight Ride (January - April)
- ✓ Admission to Journey Behind the Falls
- ✓ Admission to Skylon Tower
Not Included
- Tips
Good to Know & Caveats
- Complimentary pick-up is available in Niagara Falls, Canada. This activity stays in Canada and does not go into the USA
- If you happen to be staying on the American side there are a couple of options. Contact the local tour operator after booking to discuss
- Please note the Niagara City Cruises (Hornblower) boat operates from May to December. Please phone ahead to confirm availability. It is weather dependent, so this activity may be replaced with admission to Niagara Takes Flight during the winter months (January - April)
Meeting Point
Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off within Niagara Falls, Ontario — the operator confirms your pickup point after booking. The tour stays on the Canadian side throughout and does not cross into the United States; if you are staying on the American side, contact the operator after booking to discuss options.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.8/5 by 4344 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
We really enjoyed the Niagara tour. As we only had one day, we could not have covered all that we saw in such a short period of time. Our guide was really informative and was very clear about where to meet and at what time. The tour covers all of the major attractions at Niagara and we thought was excellent value for money.
— Margaret, August
Our tour guide, Carl, was excellent. He took care of everything and was always telling us things to make the sightseeing tour more enjoyable. I highly recommend him.
— Adrian, August
Mani was great! Very knowledgeable, very punctual. We loved his accent and the way he described everything. He was very detailed. 😊👍🏻
— M, August
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Niagara Falls premium tour?
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Niagara Falls, Ontario, a live guide, the 20-minute Niagara City Cruises boat ride, admission to Journey Behind the Falls, admission to the Skylon Tower observation deck, and narrated stops along the Niagara Parkway including the Whirlpool Rapids observation deck and the Brink of the Falls. Tips are not included.
Does the boat ride always run?
No. Niagara City Cruises operates roughly May through December and is weather-dependent. In the winter months, typically January through April, the boat is replaced with admission to the Niagara Takes Flight ride. If the boat is your reason for booking, confirm availability for your specific date with the operator.
Does this tour cross into the United States?
It does not. The tour stays entirely on the Canadian side of the river, so no border crossing and no passport are involved in the itinerary itself. Travellers staying on the American side should contact the operator after booking to arrange how to join.
Does it go on the jet boat?
No — the boat on this tour is the Niagara City Cruises catamaran that sails to the base of the falls, not a jet boat. It does stop at the Whirlpool Rapids observation deck, which overlooks the gorge the jet boats run through, but riding the rapids is a separate booking.
How much walking is involved?
A moderate amount, spread over four hours. Journey Behind the Falls involves tunnels and observation decks reached by elevator, the Skylon Tower is lift-served, and the roadside stops are short. Wear comfortable shoes and expect to be on your feet in bursts rather than continuously.
